Dahle 30414 Level 3 Cross Cut Multi Media Paper Shredder

Staff Review

Dahle 30414 Level 3 Cross Cut Multi Media Paper Shredder Review

In today’s world, confidential information comes in a wide variety of forms.  Why not invest in a shredder that destroys them all?  Enter the Dahle 30414 Multimedia Shredder.  This powerhouse quickly tears through unwanted documents as well as various media for a convenient all in one machine.  With a powerful engine and solid construction, you can rest assured your office information will stay secure in the small pieces created.  Here is a closer look at the details of the 30414.

Strengths:

• Operation is easily controlled with use of a user-friendly touch pad lit by LED.  The panel supplies power to the machine as well as offering control of forward, reverse, and continuous run functions.  These are also controlled automatically as needed.  Items shred on cue when fed into the machine.  If a jam starts to occur, the blades will stop and automatically reverse to send overfed paper back out to the user.   And as an additional safety feature, both an audible and visual signal as well as the blades halting alerts the user to a full shred bag or open cabinet door.
• A sturdy chain drive system provides slip-free power to the cutters.  The cylinders are encased in a solid steel frame and mounted in rubber shock mounts.  The rubber casing absorbs noise produced by the motor, resulting in a sound level output of only 52 decibels.  That equals the sound level of an average home, definitely quieter than the typical shredder.
• The wide 12 inch feed accepts up to 25 sheets of most standard sizes of paper as well as staples, paperclips, and credit cards.  But what makes this a multimedia device is the ability to destroy CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks.  Materials are shred at a rapid pace of 23 feet per minute.
• The cross cutting mechanism swiftly converts full size documents into small particles measuring 1/8″ by 1-9/16″ in size.  These tiny pieces offer a medium level three security, perfect for general office shredding as well as securing most confidential items as well.
• Paper confetti is collected in a large 35 gallon waste container.  A wooden cabinet houses the bin and aids in the noise reduction by absorbing some of the sound waves.
• Dahle guarantees this product with a two year warranty on parts and labor.  The solid steel blades are covered by a lifetime warranty.

Weaknesses:

• The cross cut particles only earn a level 3 security rating.  While this is fine for most office shredding needs, any highly classified or top secret material should go through a high security device.  If you specifically need a high security device, we recommend the 30406.  If your office simply needs to comply with FACTA regulations, then this model is more than adequate.
• You may or may not be aware that shredders need to be oiled regularly in order to stay in top condition.  While it’s unfortunate that this model doesn’t come with an automatic oil injection system, it is pre-wired to accept one, which Dahle of course sells.

The Dahle 30414 is a great option for a Multimedia Shredder.  It would be perfect in a large office, copy room, communications center, or recording studio.  Multiple media types are efficiently destroyed by the solid steel blades.  And the quiet operation provides an added bonus.  We would highly recommend the Dahle 30414 Cross Cut Multimedia Shredder for any office.