Fellowes Powershred 79Ci
A genuinely well-built machine that still runs forever, which is why it outranks the remaining traps, but it is coasting: superseded by the 99Ci in every current ranking, with no outlet naming it a top pick today. Buy the 99Ci.
Consolidated from 11 cited sources across 10 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 8 positive sources
- 3 mixed sources
5 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
It is the previous generation of the 99 series, outclassed by the 99Ci's newer jam-proof feed and support record, and no current expert guide names it best anything despite still appearing in Consumer Reports' roundup.
Flagged 10 September 2026
2 earlier flags predate the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so their grounds were never written down.
Pros & cons
- ✓ Genuinely well-built machine with a long service life
- ✓ Among the five best shredders Consumer Reports found in 2026 testing
- ✓ Proven dependable mid-range cross-cut
- ✓ On Consumer Reports' current five-best shredders list
- ✓ 16-sheet cross-cut capacity
- ✗ Previous generation of the 99 series, outclassed by the 99Ci's newer jam-proof feed
- ✗ No current expert guide names it a top pick
- ✗ Cross-cut security is outclassed by the micro-cut models ranked above it
- ✗ An earlier-generation design now outclassed on security and runtime by Fellowes' own LX220 and 99Ci
- ✗ Missing safety features
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link.
Evidence 10 video reviews and 1 community source
8 positive sources
Mono MachinesLLC Mono MachinesLLC · 838 subscribers · Mar 2012 This is a great choice for your home or your small office.Watch M
Melba Watson Melba Watson · 702 subscribers · May 2025 One of the standout features of the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is its high capacity bin. If you're someone who shreds a lot of documents regularly, you'll appreciate not having to empty it constantly. The spacious bin can hold a significant amount of shredded paper, which means fewer interruptions during your work. It's such a relief not having to worry about constant trips to the trash can.Watch G
GenuineCritics GenuineCritics · 580 subscribers · Aug 2026 I tested it by intentionally feeding it slightly over the limit, and the jam-proof technology actually works. It doesn't just stop and force you to dig through the blades with a letter opener. It senses the resistance, reverses the motor slightly to clear the path, and then powers through.Watch O
officejungle officejungle · 511 subscribers · May 2013 Experience sleek design, innovative technologies and hassle free shredding with the Powershred 79Ci. This 14-sheet cross cut shredder can shred continuously for up to 12 minutes and includes a convenient 6 gallon pull out waste bin. It also powers through CDs, DVDs, credit cards, paperclips, staples and junk mail.Watch B
Bright Tech Vision Bright Tech Vision · 324 subscribers · Nov 2025 This fellow's model promises to eliminate that headache entirely, automatically powering through tough jobs without a hitch. This means less downtime and more productive shredding sessions. Speaking of productivity, this shredder boasts a continuous 20inut run time.Watch K
Karen Todd Karen Todd · 261 subscribers · Jul 2025 This shredder is a beast when it comes to handling multiple sheets at once. Depending on which version you get, you can feed in quite a hefty stack of papers, and it'll tear through them like a hot knife through butter. One little pro tip, make sure the unit is turned on before you start feeding in paper.Watch T
Tech Evolution Spot Tech Evolution Spot · 178 subscribers · Nov 2025 Right off the bat, one of the most impressive features is its 100% jam-proof system. Anyone who's ever dealt with a clogged shredder knows the frustration and wasted time. Fellows has engineered this machine to completely eliminate those headaches, ensuring a smooth, continuous shredding process, even when pushing its 16 sheet capacity.Watch B
Bettye Cline Bettye Cline · 175 subscribers · May 2025 This shredder is a beast when it comes to handling multiple sheets at once. Depending on which version you get, you can feed in quite a hefty stack of papers, and it'll tear through them like a hot knife through butter. One little pro tip, make sure the unit is turned on before you start feeding in paper.Watch
3 mixed sources
Sheri Erwin Sheri Erwin · 233 subscribers · Jul 2025 However, if you're really stuffing a thick stack of various types of paper in there, it might jam up a bit. But the good news is is that it usually corrects itself or requires minimal intervention. Compared to other shredders I've used, this one's performance is far superior in minimizing jams, making it quite reliable for heavy use.Watch S
Sheri Erwin Sheri Erwin · 233 subscribers · Mar 2026 If you are someone who only shreds a page or two once a month, this is probably more machine than you need. If you are like me and you want something that can sit there quietly most days, then handle a real stack when you finally deal with the pile, this kind of shredder makes more sense. What makes this one different in day-to-day use is not a complicated feature set.Watch
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #13 of 18 on our paper shredders tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 11 cited sources across 10 outlets.
None of the 11 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Previous generation of the 99 series, outclassed by the 99Ci's newer jam-proof feed. No current expert guide names it a top pick. Cross-cut security is outclassed by the micro-cut models ranked above it. An earlier-generation design now outclassed on security and runtime by Fellowes' own LX220 and 99Ci. Missing safety features.
On our paper shredders board, Fellowes Powershred 99Ci ranks #1 (S tier) ahead of Fellowes Powershred 79Ci at #13 (D tier). Fellowes Powershred 99Ci: The most authoritative current overall pick (Forbes) sitting on Fellowes' best mid-range chassis, with the brand's oiling-supported longevity record behind it. The default answer for someone who never wants to think about this purchase again.
Ranked nearby in Paper Shredders
C tier #8 1 of 2 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Bonsaii C233-B
C tier #9 Fellowes Powershred LX70
C tier #10 1 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Aurora AU1060MA
C tier #11 Bonsaii C234-A
C tier #12 2 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
D tier #14 2 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Aurora AU1800XA 18-Sheet Anti-Jam Cross-Cut Shredder
D tier #15 Bonsaii C234-A 6-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder
F tier #16 3 of 9 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Royal 14MC
F tier #17 3 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Bonsaii C261-C 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
F tier #18 3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.