I chose this item because it was a Consumer's Reports best buy. It is supposed to shred 8 sheets at a time, but will jam with 2 or 3 sheets if they don't go through straight. It can't be run more than 5-7 minutes at a time. It will over heat and cut off if run longer. It requires expensive oil. In addition, it is very difficult to get the shredder head just right on the basket and it won't run unless it's in perfect position. It also is not to be used with self-adhesive labels such as those on charity solicitations. It does have a safety feature that will cut it off if a hand comes too close to the intake slot. Over all, while it does shred safely, I am disappointed in the limitations of this shredder.