Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder - Compact Home

In this review of the Aurora AU870MA, the bottom line is simple: this is a compact, high-security shredder aimed at home users and small offices who need to reliably destroy sensitive paper and credit cards. The AU870MA stands out for its micro-cut shredding that turns up to eight sheets or a credit card into tiny 5/32 by 15/32 in pieces, which is the single biggest reason to buy it if your priority is identity protection rather than heavy-duty daily use.

Key Features

• 8-sheet capacity: Allows you to feed up to eight sheets at once so small batches of mail and statements are handled quickly.
• Micro-cut security: Shreds paper and credit cards into tiny 5/32 by 15/32 in pieces to reduce the risk of reconstruction.
• Credit card destruction: The AU870MA accepts and destroys credit cards so account data and embossed numbers are rendered unusable.
• 5 minute continuous run: The throat supports continuous shredding for up to five minutes, suitable for typical home sessions without frequent cool-downs.
• Thermal protection and indicators: Built-in auto shut-off and overheat LED protect the motor from overheating and signal when it needs to cool.
• Compact bin: A 3.9 gallon wastebasket keeps the unit footprint small for home desks or small office corners.

Who It's For

The Aurora AU870MA is best for homeowners, remote workers, and small offices that need a reasonably quiet, space-efficient shredder for routine identity protection tasks. It suits people who shred personal mail, bank statements and a few credit cards occasionally rather than high-volume departments.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who expect continuous heavy-duty shredding for large teams or whole-office use; the five minute continuous run and modest bin size limit extended high-volume workflows. Also consider a larger commercial unit if you need longer duty cycles or larger sheet capacities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers high-security micro-cut results that make reconstruction difficult.
• Handles credit cards in addition to paper, protecting financial data.
• Compact size and 3.9 gallon basket make it easy to place in small spaces.
• Thermal protection and an overheat LED add reliability and safety.

Cons

• Not designed for heavy office use; mixed customer feedback suggests durability can vary over time.
• Five minute continuous runtime limits long shredding sessions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Aurora AU870MA is a practical, value-oriented micro-cut shredder for home and small office users who need secure destruction of documents and credit cards. Its compact footprint, credit card shredding ability and thermal protection make it a sensible pick for low-to-moderate shredding needs, though those requiring heavy daily use should consider a higher duty-cycle model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it shred credit cards?
Yes - the AU870MA is built to shred credit cards as well as paper, destroying account data.

How large are the shredded pieces?
The unit cuts material into 5/32 by 15/32 in micro-cut pieces, meeting P-4 security expectations.

How long can it run continuously?
The shredder supports up to five minutes of continuous operation before a cool-down is recommended.