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

In this review the Aurora AU860MB is evaluated as a practical home and small office shredder where security and quiet operation matter most. The bottom line: this unit is for anyone who needs a compact, reliable shredder that destroys paper, credit cards and CDs into tiny micro-cut pieces for solid identity protection. Its strongest selling point is the high-security micro-cut performance combined with an accessible pullout wastebasket that makes regular use simple and low-fuss.

Key Features

• 8-sheet capacity: Allows users to feed up to eight sheets at once for moderate daily shredding without constant reloading.
• Micro-cut security: Shreds paper, credit cards and CDs into 5/32 by 15/32 in pieces for a P-4 security level that reduces the chance of data reconstruction.
• Multi-media shredding: Accepts credit cards and CDs/DVDs so you can destroy multiple media types in one device.
• 6-minute continuous run: Provides a useful continuous run time for typical home-office sessions before needing a cool-down.
• Pullout wastebasket: The 4.0-gallon pullout bin is easy to empty, keeping maintenance clean and straightforward.

Who It's For

The Aurora AU860MB suits home office users, small business owners and anyone handling sensitive personal or financial documents who needs a compact, quiet shredder with micro-cut security. It is particularly useful where space is limited but identity protection remains a priority.

Those who need industrial throughput or heavy continuous commercial shredding should look elsewhere, as the 6-minute continuous run time and 4.0-gallon capacity are optimized for light-to-moderate daily use rather than nonstop high-volume shredding.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent shred quality with a micro-cut pattern that provides strong protection against data recovery.
• Quiet operation that customers praise, making it suitable for shared or home environments.
• Easy to use with auto start, manual reverse for jam clearing and a convenient pullout wastebasket for emptying.

Cons

• Continuous run limited to about six minutes, so heavy users will encounter cool-down waits.
• Bin capacity is modest at 4.0 gallons, requiring more frequent emptying in higher-use settings.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The AU860MB is a well-built, high-security micro-cut shredder that delivers strong protection for home and small office use. It balances quiet operation, multi-media shredding and easy maintenance, offering good value for anyone needing reliable identity-protection without commercial-scale throughput.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this shredder destroy credit cards and CDs?
Yes. The AU860MB is designed to shred credit cards and CDs/DVDs as well as paper into small micro-cut pieces.

How large is the wastebasket and how is it emptied?
The unit has a 4.0-gallon pullout wastebasket that slides out for straightforward emptying and cleanup.

Is it noisy during operation?
Customers report quiet operation compared with many models, making it suitable for home office environments.