Fellowes is an esteemed brand when it comes to paper shredders. They produce some of the best paper shredders money can buy, even when they produce a lower-end machine. The Powershred DS-1 is one of the least expensive shredders Fellowes makes, but cheaper doesn't mean lower quality when it comes to this machine. This review will fill you in on the strengths of the Fellowes Powershred DS-1 so you can find out if this little machine would be right for your office.

The DS-1 is a small, easy-to-use paper shredder that has a lot of special features and offers a high level of security, especially for the price. (It retails for just over $200.00.) This is a cross-cut paper shredder than can shred up to 11 sheets in one pass. (The shreds it produces measure 5/32 x 1 3/8".) This machine can also shred credit cards and it has no problems dealing with staples and paper clips if you forget to remove them from your document before shredding. The DS-1 has a 9-inch throat so you can easily shred both letter-sized and legal-sized documents, and there's a generously 4.75-gallon wastebasket that allows you to shred for a long time without having to empty the chamber. The wastebasket is mesh, which makes it easy to see when it's full, and you can empty the basket easily because all you need to do is step down to release it. A magnetic safety interlock kicks in and shuts down the shredder when the basket is removed.

One of the best things about the DS-1 is that it's equipped with Fellowes' patented SafeSense technology. SafeSense is a premier safety feature that can sense when hands (or other body parts) are near the shredder's opening. When it detects body heat, SafeSense automatically shuts the machine off to prevent an injury from occurring. This makes the shredder perfect for environments in which children and/or pets are present. Some of the DS-1's other features include a reverse function to help you resolve paper jams and super quiet operation, which is always a nice feature to have in a shredder. Finally, the DS-1's blades are covered by Fellowes' five-year warranty and the machine has a contemporary, stylish look that's a nice change of pace from all the industrial-looking shredders available.

The DS-1 was designed for moderate use in the home or office. That said, this isn't a good machine to get if you need to continuously shred a lot of paper. The DS-1 can only shred approximately 220 sheets of paper per day and lacks a continuous-duty motor. (It's recommended that you use it no more than 20 times per day.) There are also no casters on this machine so it can be a little difficult (and awkward) to transport it. But those are the machine's only drawbacks. This is a solid unit with a lot to offer anyone who uses it.

The Fellowes Powershred DS-1 is an excellent choice for people who need a high-quality, affordable shredder that's safe to use and also looks great. If you need a good, basic paper shredder, you can't do much better than the DS-1. Buy one for your home or office today and start shredding!