‎Powershred 99Ci Paper Shredder

Fellowes

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is an industrial-grade crosscut shredder built for decades of reliable service. Its robust steel cutters handle up to 18 sheets simultaneously, including staples, credit cards, and CDs. With SafeSense protection, 30-minute continuous run time, and jam-prevention technology, this workhorse delivers exceptional performance in busy office environments. The 9-gallon capacity and P-4 security rating make it ideal for sensitive document disposal.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:17.31 x 11.44 x 25.19 inches
Lifespan:10+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:China
Manufacturing:Fellowes paper shredders, including the Powershred 99Ci, are manufactured in China under the brand's quality standards.

Research Summary

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is genuinely BIFL with units lasting 10-20+ years in demanding environments. Its steel cutters and powerful motor deliver exceptional durability backed by a lifetime warranty on the critical cutting mechanism. The few weak points (bin sensor, plastic tabs) are minor compared to its tank-like construction. Perfect for home offices or small businesses needing daily shredding for years on end. While not cheap, its decades-long lifespan makes it exponentially more valuable than replacing cheaper units every few years.

  • Exceptional longevity with documented cases of 7-22 years of continuous operation in busy offices
  • Simple maintenance (regular oil) extends life indefinitely, though plastic bin components remain vulnerable failure points
  • Lifetime warranty on cutting blades with reliable customer service and hassle-free warranty fulfillment
  • Higher upfront cost justified by 10+ year lifespan compared to replacing budget shredders every 2-3 years
  • Consistently praised for jam-free operation with one critical warning: metal credit cards will destroy the cutting mechanism

Repairability Notes

7.0

The Fellowes 99Ci shows good repairability with some key limitations to consider.

  • Long-term durability: Multiple users report 10+ years of operation with basic maintenance, suggesting robust core components.
  • Maintenance access: Users frequently mention successfully performing blade oiling using standard vegetable oil, indicating good maintenance access.
  • Repair limitations: While some users have fixed issues like cleaning power button contacts, the bin's plastic safety interlock tab is a potential failure point that could render the machine unusable.
  • Parts availability: Limited evidence of replacement parts being readily available, though the lifetime warranty on cutting blades suggests some manufacturer support.

Bottom line: A solidly repairable shredder requiring basic maintenance, but with some plastic components that could fail long-term and limited documentation on complete teardown procedures.

Durability Notes

8.5

The 99Ci earns its reputation as a true workhorse, with owner after owner reporting 10+ years of heavy use. Multiple reviewers from law offices confirm it handles years of daily abuse while still exceeding original specs.

  • Built like a tank: Users report 7, 10, even 22 years of consistent performance. One calls it the best purchase of any electronic equipment ever made. The motor and steel cutters are virtually indestructible with basic oiling.
  • Weak links exist: The plastic bin tab safety interlock and overly sensitive bin-full sensor are the Achilles' heels. Several users warn about sharp plastic edges that tear bags and the need to constantly tamp down paper.
  • Fatal flaw warning: Metal credit cards will permanently destroy the cutting mechanism - multiple users learned this expensive lesson. Also, the power switch may fail after many years of heavy use.

Bottom line: Finally, something built right. With regular oiling and avoiding metal cards, this beast will outlast cheaper shredders by decades. The annoying bin design is a small price for true BIFL performance.

Warranty Notes

8.5

Fellowes provides a solid warranty package for their Powershred 99Ci that combines a 2-year limited warranty on the machine with a lifetime warranty on the cutters, which is the most critical component.

  • Duration: 2 years on machine, lifetime on cutter blades - verified on Fellowes' official documentation
  • Customer experience: Long-term users consistently report that Fellowes honors warranty claims without excessive hassle
  • Reliability: Multiple user reports confirm machines lasting 10-20+ years, indicating the quality backs up the warranty promise

Bottom line: The lifetime warranty on cutters combined with Fellowes' proven track record of honoring claims earns high marks, though the main unit's 2-year coverage prevents a perfect score.

Social Analysis

9.0

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci has exceptional BIFL credentials with widespread evidence of units lasting 10+ years even in demanding office environments.

  • Durability: Countless users report machines functioning perfectly after 7-22 years of regular use, with the lifetime warranty on cutting blades backing up real-world performance.
  • Performance: Consistently praised as a powerful "beast" that handles multiple sheets, staples, and cards without jamming thanks to effective auto-reverse technology.
  • Maintainability: Long-term owners attribute longevity to simple maintenance with regular oiling, and some have even successfully repaired minor issues.

Bottom line: Despite minor complaints about the bin design and overly-sensitive fullness sensor, Redditors consistently recommend the 99Ci as the gold standard for reliability in paper shredders - a true BIFL purchase.

BIFL Total Score:
8.5Excellent
‎Powershred 99Ci Paper Shredder
Crowd Favorite
Amazon
$279.99

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
8.5
Durability Score
8.5
Repairability Score
7.0
Social Score
9.0
Warranty Score
8.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Machines consistently last 10-20+ years

Lifetime warranty on cutting blades

Handles multiple sheets without jamming

Simple maintenance with regular oiling

Areas for Improvement

Metal credit cards destroy cutting mechanism

Plastic bin tab frequently breaks

Overly sensitive bin-full sensor

Power switch may fail eventually

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

‎Powershred 99Ci Paper Shredder - Main view

Main product view

1 of 8

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: Each time the waste bin is emptiedFor optimal performance and to prevent jamming or diminished sheet capacity, oil the shredder whenever the waste bin is emptied. Regular sensor cleaning is recommended as needed when sensor issues arise.

Step 1

Clean

Turn off and unplug the shredder. Clean the auto-start infrared paper sensors near the paper entry using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove paper dust and debris that can cause false detection or constant running.

Recommended Products

  • 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol$5-10
  • Cotton Swabs$3-5
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Apply non-aerosol vegetable shredder oil, such as Fellowes 35250, across the paper entry slot. Then press and hold the forward button for 2-3 seconds twice to distribute the oil. Avoid petroleum-based or aerosol lubricants as they can damage the machine and pose fire risks.

Recommended Products

  • Fellowes Paper Shredder Oil 35250$10-15
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the shredder in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent overheating. Always turn off and unplug when not in use, and avoid continuous operation beyond recommended run times to preserve motor life.

Compare with Similar Products

Loading comparison...

Similar Products

Loading similar products...

Grab our Buy-It-For-Life Newsletter

Sign up for the BIFL Bi-Monthly

✓ New product picks
✓ Long-term gear reports
✓ Repair tips & sustainability news

Help Us Improve

This site is for you. Help us make it better. We're constantly refining the way we score and present BIFL products. If something's missing, broken, or off — we want to hear from you.