Staples MAILMATE Junk Mail Shredder

Not surprisingly, most reviews we found for the Mailmate were on Staples.com, although we also found some on Amazon.com even though the Mailmate isn't sold there. Professional reviewers didn't test this machine, as they focus mostly on more powerful, pricier shredders.

The Staples Mailmate is basically a single-purpose shredder. Its feed slot is only six inches wide, so it's built for envelopes, not copy paper or bank statements. It's unique in that respect: We couldn't find any other shredder specifically designed for junk mail. Users say this machine makes short work of unwanted "preapproved" envelopes. They find it handy and attractive; it is small enough to fit on a desktop. Owners like that you can insert unopened mail. This machine can also handle credit cards, CDs and DVDs, although -- like other moderately priced shredders -- it isn't powerful enough to consume a steady digital diet. The Mailmate is a crosscut shredder that comes with a 1.5-gallon basket and nonskid rubber feet. Budget shoppers who don't need to shred CDs and DVDs and want a wider paper opening should look into the Fellowes Powershred P-57Cs (*est. $55) instead.