Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder vs Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder C218-DUS
Do you need the 99Ci's cross-cut format and longer listed run window, or the C218-DUS's micro-cut format and its manual-specified cooldown trigger?
Products compared
ASIN B000YGO7HW
Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
Your policy permits cross-cut P-4 and you value the 99Ci's listed 30-minute run window and 9-gallon bin.
Last observed offer
$299.99
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: 125Ci Shredder
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
ASIN B08NYC9YFX
Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder C218-DUS
Your written requirements specify micro-cut format while P-4 is acceptable.
Last observed offer
$93.31
List Price: $98.16
- Confirm offer eligibility on Amazon
Size: 12 Sheet
Price checked
Observed condition: new. Coupon and subscription requirements unverified.
Prices are per listed package. Pickoryx may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the paid Amazon links on this page, at no added cost to you.
Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-22 · Source checked 2026-10-22 15:14 UTC
The main trade-off
The cut format differs while both listed grades are P-4; Fellowes publishes a run/rest interval, while the C218-D manual specifies when continuous operation triggers a cooldown. Bin volumes also differ.
Quick verdict
The Fellowes 99Ci and Amazon Basics C218-DUS are both listed at P-4, but they use different cut formats. Pick the 99Ci for its longer listed run/rest interval and larger bin; pick the C218-DUS when micro-cut format suits your policy or your usual batches stay within its 20-minute continuous-operation threshold. Its manual says continuous operation beyond that point triggers a 20-minute cooldown. The specifications do not establish an overall security or throughput winner.
Choose Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder if
- Your policy permits cross-cut P-4 and you value the 99Ci's listed 30-minute run window and 9-gallon bin.
- You need a pull-out bin with more stated volume between emptyings, while accepting the published 40-minute off interval.
Choose Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder C218-DUS if
- Your written requirements specify micro-cut format while P-4 is acceptable.
- Your usual batches stay within the C218-D manual's 20-minute continuous-operation threshold; operation beyond it triggers a 20-minute cooldown.
When the recommendation changes
- A written document-handling policy specifies micro-cut rather than cross-cut.
- Your typical batch, required downtime, or available waste-bin capacity makes one published cycle a poor fit.
The differences that matter
| Decision point | Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder | Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder C218-DUS |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Format And Document Requirements | Cross-cut; P-4; published cut size 5/32 × 1½ inches.[1] | Micro-cut; P-4; approximately 0.2 × 0.5 inches (5.1 × 12.7 mm) per piece.[2] |
What this changes: Choose by the cut format your document policy calls for. Both specifications say P-4, so this comparison does not establish a higher security grade for either model.[1, 2] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
| Batch Capacity And Cooling Emptying Workflow | Fellowes lists 18 sheets per pass, a 30-minute on / 40-minute off cycle, and a 9-gallon pull-out bin; its sheet-count rating does not state paper weight on this sheet.[1] | The C218-D manual specifies up to 12 sheets of 75 g/m² paper per pass; continuous operation beyond 20 minutes triggers a 20-minute cool-down; its bin is 6.1 gallons.[2] |
What this changes: The 99Ci's listed 30-minute on / 40-minute off interval and 9-gallon bin may fit a buyer planning longer batches with more waste capacity. For the C218-D, operation beyond 20 continuous minutes triggers a 20-minute cool-down; the manual does not describe this as a fixed repeating 20/20 cycle. These published figures do not measure pages per minute or predict emptying frequency for a particular workload.[1, 2] The better fit depends on your priorities | ||
Best for your routine
A buyer whose policy calls specifically for a micro-cut format and accepts P-4.
Best fit: Amazon Basics 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder C218-DUS
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
The C218-DUS manual identifies its cut type as micro-cut and its level as P-4; the 99Ci sheet identifies cross-cut and P-4. Confirm that the buying policy's wording is about cut format rather than a higher grade.
A buyer who prefers a longer scheduled run before a pause and a larger waste-bin volume.
Best fit: Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
Based on listed features, not comparative testing.
Fellowes lists 30 minutes on / 40 minutes off and a 9-gallon bin. The C218-D manual says continuous operation beyond 20 minutes triggers a 20-minute cooldown, and lists a 6.1-gallon bin. This is a specification fit, not a measured pages-per-minute or emptying-frequency result.
Value and trade-offs
One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.
If the 99Ci costs more at checkout, its longer listed run interval and larger bin matter only when they fit your workload; the C218-DUS offers a different cut format and cycle. Recheck the exact model and offer conditions at checkout.
Price history is insufficient for a Buy Now or Wait recommendation.
Limitations
- Both published specifications identify P-4; no higher security grade is established for either. Follow your organization’s written shredding policy.
- Published sheet-per-pass figures are manufacturer ratings, not a same-condition throughput test. Fellowes does not state paper weight alongside its 18-sheet rating; the C218-D manual specifies 75 g/m².
- The run/rest intervals and bin volumes do not predict pages per minute, actual emptying frequency, noise, or results with every paper stock.
- Current prices are dynamic; no price history was supplied for timing advice.
Questions shoppers ask
Does micro-cut mean the C218-DUS has a higher listed security grade?
No. The C218-D manual lists P-4, and Fellowes also lists the 99Ci at P-4. Their cut formats and particle dimensions differ, but these specifications do not show one has a higher grade. Check the standard your organization requires.
Which model's published cycle is better for a long document batch?
The 99Ci is listed for 30 minutes on followed by 40 minutes off. The C218-D manual says continuous operation beyond 20 minutes triggers a 20-minute cooldown; it does not describe a fixed 20-minute-run/20-minute-rest cycle. If a batch may run beyond 20 continuous minutes, factor in that cooldown for the C218-D. This does not prove the 99Ci processes pages faster overall.
Methodology and sources
Compared the manufacturers' stated cut format and grade, then the Fellowes run/rest interval and bin volume with the C218-D manual's conditional cooldown trigger and bin volume. These ratings guide fit to a buyer's document policy and batching routine, not a measured speed or security ranking.
Automated research organized manufacturer-published specifications; Pickoryx did not conduct hands-on testing.
View 2 sources
- 1.Powershred 99Ci Small Office / Home Office ShredderFellowes · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-22 15:14 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- One-page specification sheet: Model 99Ci / Item 3229901; Specifications lists 18 sheets/pass, Cross-Cut, P-4, 5/32 × 1½ in cut size, 30 min on / 40 min off, and 9-gallon pull-out bin.: The exact-model Fellowes sheet identifies 99Ci item 3229901 and publishes its cut format/grade, piece size, rated sheet count, run/rest cycle and bin volume. It does not state paper weight for the sheet-count rating.
- 2.12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, Credit Card and CD Shredder User Manual (C218-D)Amazon Basics; manual linked from the exact US ASIN B08NYC9YFX · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-22 14:55 UTC
Evidence used on this page
- English section 7.3, PDF p.4: max 12 sheets of 75 g/m² and continuous operation beyond 20 min triggers 20-min cool-down; English section 12, PDF p.6: model C218-D, 120V AC 60Hz, particle size approx. 0.2 × 0.5 in (5.1 × 12.7 mm), 6.1 gal (23.1 L), P-4. Cover and FCC declaration identify ASIN B08NYC9YFX.: The exact-ASIN-linked US manual states the C218-D configuration, P-4 grade, micro-cut particle dimensions, sheet limit/stock weight, run/cool-down behavior and bin volume. The Amazon listing calls the selected retail model C218-DUS; the manual cover/FCC identifier contains the exact ASIN, and the manual's model field is C218-D.