Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Shredder Review – Fast, Secure Micro-Cut for Professional Use
Thomas If you’re serious about protecting sensitive information, you need more than a basic shredder. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder. You need speed, high capacity, and security—and you want it all in a design that doesn’t look like an industrial eyesore.
That’s exactly what the Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Shredder delivers. With P-4 micro-cut security, a 20-sheet capacity, long runtime, and Fellowes’ legendary build quality, it’s built for professionals who need reliable shredding day after day.
In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you should know about the LX220 before you buy—from setup and first impressions to real-world performance, pros and cons, and who it’s best for. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
- Patented responsive technology provides next generation responsiveness for superior shredding performance
- 100% Jam Proof System automatically detects and powers through tough jobs for frustration-free shredding
- Efficiency Meter indicates the potential for increased sheet capacity in real-time to maximize productivity
🏢 Design & Build – Clean, Modern, and Surprisingly Stylish
The first thing you notice about the LX220 is that it doesn’t look like a clunky shredder. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
✅ Color: The crisp white finish is modern and clean, making it perfect for contemporary offices or minimalist home workspaces.
✅ Dimensions: Approximately 11.75 x 16.56 x 23.13 inches—big enough for heavy use but not so large it feels intrusive.
✅ Casters: Smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to move from under your desk to the printer station.
✅ Bin Size: A generous 8-gallon pull-out bin holds hundreds of shredded sheets, so you don’t have to empty it constantly.
✅ Viewing Window: A transparent panel shows fill level at a glance.
Overall Impression:
It feels solid, well-engineered, and more refined than most shredders in its category. Fellowes clearly designed it to blend into modern professional environments. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
✂️ Performance – Micro-Cut Security Meets Serious Speed
The LX220’s performance is where it earns its premium price. Let’s break down why:
✅ Sheet Capacity: Shreds up to 20 sheets in one pass, including staples and small clips.
✅ Cut Type: Micro-cut for superior protection.
✅ Shred Size: Approx. 5/32” x 1/2” pieces.
✅ Security Level: P-4, ideal for sensitive and confidential documents.
✅ Runtime: Up to 30 minutes of continuous shredding before cooling down.
✅ Shreds:
- Paper
- Credit cards
- CDs/DVDs (through the dedicated slot)
✅ Jam-Proof System: Automatically detects overfeeding and clears jams before they start.
Real-World Use:
If you’re purging old tax files or shredding daily business paperwork, you’ll appreciate how quickly it processes big stacks.
🔐 Security – Why P-4 Micro-Cut is Essential
Security is one of the main reasons people invest in a shredder like this:
✅ Strip-cut shredders create long strips that are easy to reconstruct.
✅ Cross-cut shredders produce smaller bits, but still large enough to piece back together with time.
✅ Micro-cut shredders like the LX220 turn documents into confetti—thousands of tiny particles per sheet.
With P-4 security, this shredder exceeds most regulatory requirements for:
- Financial documents
- Medical records
- Client contracts
- HR paperwork
- Personal ID and billing information
If you’re in healthcare, legal, or financial services, this level of security is considered best practice.
🔇 Noise Level – Quiet Enough for Shared Workspaces
Despite its power, the LX220 is relatively quiet.
✅ Noise Output: ~65–70 dB (about the volume of a normal conversation).
✅ SilentShred™ Technology: Helps minimize disruption in open offices.
✅ Auto Start/Stop: Sensors detect paper and start shredding automatically.
Tip: Place it on a hard floor rather than carpet to further reduce vibration noise.
🕒 Runtime & Duty Cycle – Built for Longer Shredding Sessions
One of the most frustrating parts of cheaper shredders is stopping every 5 minutes to cool down.
The LX220 solves that:
✅ Continuous Runtime: Up to 30 minutes—enough for hundreds of sheets in one go.
✅ Cool-Down Time: About 40 minutes after max runtime.
If you have big shredding jobs, this runtime makes a massive difference in productivity. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
🛡️ Safety Features – Protecting You and the Machine
Fellowes builds in a robust safety suite:
✅ SafeSense® Technology: Stops shredding instantly if hands touch the paper opening.
✅ Jam-Proof System: Senses overload and reverses automatically to clear jams.
✅ Overheat Protection: Pauses shredding to protect the motor.
✅ Energy Savings System: Powers down when not in use.
Why It Matters:
You get peace of mind that you won’t burn out the motor or injure your fingers if you’re distracted. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
📊 Comparison – How It Stacks Up to Other Shredders
| Feature | Fellowes LX220 | Aurora AU1275MA | Amazon Basics 15-Sheet Micro-Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Capacity | 20 sheets | 12 sheets | 15 sheets |
| Security Level | P-4 Micro-Cut | P-4 Micro-Cut | P-4 Micro-Cut |
| Bin Capacity | 8 gallons | 5 gallons | 6 gallons |
| Runtime | 30 minutes | 60 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Jam Handling | Jam-Proof + Auto-Reverse | Auto-Reverse | Manual Reverse |
| Noise Level | ~65 dB | ~70 dB | ~72 dB |
| Approx. Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Bottom Line:
The LX220’s standout advantages are higher capacity per pass and the largest bin in its class.
🧠 Who Should Buy It?
The Fellowes Powershred LX220 is a fantastic fit for:
✅ Medium and large offices with daily shredding needs.
✅ Small businesses with compliance requirements.
✅ Home offices that value speed and capacity.
✅ Shared workspaces where noise matters.
If you only shred a few sheets occasionally, this is overkill. For high-volume, high-security shredding, it’s worth every penny. Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder.
🔄 Tips for Best Performance
✅ Feed up to 20 sheets—don’t exceed capacity.
✅ Empty the bin when it’s 80% full.
✅ Use lubricant sheets monthly to keep blades clean.
✅ Let the motor cool fully if you run it for 30 minutes.
✅ Keep it away from direct heat sources.
🎯 Real-World Use Cases
Scenario 1:
Your accounting firm shreds hundreds of sensitive tax documents daily. The LX220 handles it without overheating or constant emptying.
Scenario 2:
You work in HR and regularly dispose of employee files. Micro-cut security keeps you compliant.
Scenario 3:
You run a small business and need a shredder that can tackle credit card statements, contracts, and CDs without jams.
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
✅ Pros
- Micro-cut security for peace of mind.
- High 20-sheet capacity.
- Long 30-minute runtime.
- Large 8-gallon bin.
- Jam-proof and SafeSense safety.
- Modern, stylish design.
❌ Cons
- Premium price point.
- Larger footprint than compact models.
- Cool-down time could be shorter.
❓ FAQ For Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
Does it shred CDs and credit cards?
✅ Yes, dedicated slots for both.
Can it handle staples?
✅ Yes, small staples and paper clips are fine.
Does it require bags in the bin?
✅ No, but using them helps with clean-up.
How loud is it?
✅ About 65–70 dB—quiet for a shredder this size.
Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro
🏁 Final Verdict – Professional Shredding, Made Easy
The Fellowes Powershred LX220 Micro-Cut Shredder offers everything a professional environment needs:
✅ High-capacity shredding.
✅ P-4 security that meets compliance.
✅ Long runtime.
✅ Modern aesthetics that blend into your workspace.
If you’re serious about protecting data and want to stop fighting with cheap, unreliable shredders, the LX220 is a smart investment.
