- Best Fireproof Safes & Fire Resistant Safes – Deals & Discounts!
- What to look for in a fireproof/fire resistant Safe – Buying Guide
- Top 10 Best Fire Safes 2021
- 1. SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe
- 2. Paragon 7800 Fireproof Electronic Digital Heavy-Duty Home Safe
- 3. SentrySafe SFW205GQC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
- 4. AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box Safe with Keypad
- 5. SentrySafe SFW123EU Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
- 6. Steelwater AMSWEL-500 2-Hour Fireproof Home and Document Safe
- 7. SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire and Water Safe, 2.05 Cubic Feet Large Combination Safe
- 8. SentrySafe SF123CS Fire Safe, Large Combination Safe, 1.23 Cubic Feet
- 9. Hollon Safe FB-450E Oyster Series 2 Hour Fireproof Safe
- 10. SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
- Fireproof Safe Tips & Fire Resistant Safe FAQ
- Some Basics Before You Purchase A Fireproof Safe
Best Fireproof Safes & Fire Resistant Safes – Deals & Discounts!
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What to look for in a fireproof/fire resistant Safe – Buying Guide
When it comes to house fires a person’s first reaction would be to think of the damage caused to the house itself. Then comes the revelation that within your house you also had important things like your passports, house deeds, irreplaceable family photos, documents and many other priceless valuables inside.
You cannot control a blazing house fire once it gets going and cannot really protect your house itself, BUT you can do something about protecting the items inside. Simply put, if you are going to keep important items/valuables in your home then you will need to protect them not just from thieves but also from fire and water damage.
Below you will see a list of the top 10 best selling fireproof safes available on the market as of today. You can scroll through those, but before you do so read on a little further so you get a good grasp as to what type of fireproof and waterproof safe would suit you.
Many fireproof safes these days also offer waterproofing or at least some form of water protection. Some are designed and tested to withstand a period of time submerged in water while others are only able to handle water sprinklers or extinguishing from a fireman’s hose. Obviously, if you live in an areas that is prone to floods then you want to make sure your waterproof safe can handle more than just a light sprinkle of water.
What to look out for when researching safes is the actual fire rating of the safe. Some fire safes are designed to withstand a full hour of temperatures up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit where as other, less fireproof safes, can only withstand 30 minutes in a much lower heat.
This is definitely something you need to take into consideration. Of course, cost comes into play here and the longer a safe can withstand high heat the more expensive it will be. Don’t be put off if you don’t have much to spend because you can still find very good safes that are not as expensive. They may not be as tough but if you can get one that offers at least 30 minutes protection from fire then it’s a good start.
Maybe the best thing to do would be to decide how much you intend to spend on a fire safe and then just focus on researching safes within that range. Doing that will keep you on track and not overwhelm you because there are a lot of options out there….maybe too many options!
Once you decide on the fireproofing aspect of the safe you need to next think about its protection against burglars. You want a safe that can also deter potential break-ins, however there are so many varieties of security safes out there that it can be difficult to choose one.
Actually, it’s not that difficult. First think about the style you want. There are safes with digital keypads, biometric fingerprint recognition, dial combination locks or just plain manual key locks. Some have a combination of many of the options mentioned.
Each of these options have their own benefits. Modern digital style safes do tend to be easier to operate as they either require just a pass code or even just a scan of your fingerprint. Bear in mind anything electronic will require batteries or another source to power the mechanism and warning lights, etc.
Old style dial combination locks may not be as easy to operate for some people but they do tend to be more robust due to the fact that they have few electronics to operate them. If you can get past learning how to use a dial combination correctly then these safes can be quite a good investment for the long run.
With either of these styles you do get a set of override manual keys that you can use to get into the safe if something goes wrong. This is especially important for the digital safes. Manual override keys will come in very handy if you are ever locked out due to the batteries failing or some other electrical faulty.
Top 10 Best Fire Safes 2021
Take a look at the bestselling fireproof/fire resistant safes
1. SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe
BASIC OVERVIEW
When it comes to buying a fireproof safe there are always going to be a lot of options to choose from. For many, the main purpose of a safe like this is to protect valuables from a fire and even water damage. The second thing would be protection from theft.
These are pretty much the priorities of the SentrySafe EF4738E safe; it puts fire protection first. This is actually the case for many fire safes in this price range and category.
This does not mean that its anti-theft protection is not up to scratch. On the contrary, this safe will do a pretty good job of deterring a burglar but it is not in the same league as the $1000 and above really heavy-duty security safes.
This is just something to bear in mind. For example, this firesafe would probably be much more suited for a home rather than an office.
With that said, a massive plus is that this has waterproofing and that is actually a feature that a lot of manufacturers tend to ignore in a fireproof safe. The reason why it is good to have waterproofing is because if there’s a fire, the fireman will put it out with water.
All that water is going to smother your safe. So, all your valuables will survive the fire, but be ruined by the water! So yes, having both fireproofing and waterproofing is a major plus point for this safe.
This safe is ELT Verified to withstand 30 minutes at 1400°F which is not a huge amount of time but it is better than average. Its waterproofing is slightly more advanced being ETL Verified for 72 hours of protection in 12 inches of water. This means it will definitely be fine after the fireman have finished putting out the fire with huge hose sprays of water.
This is an electronic digital safe that offers a very slick looking keypad that controls the locking mechanism. You will have a manufacturer’s code, that is default and cannot be deleted, however you are able to also program in your own code too. Very quick and easy to set.
If there is a problem and for some reason you cannot get into your safe you can use one of the two override keys to bypass the numeric panel. These keys come with the safe.
The locking mechanism is pretty standard for safes in this price range and at a similar size. It features five live-locking bolts and four deadbolts, and you can see those in the side of the door. These bolts would make it very difficult for anyone to try to pry the door open.
The EF4738E has a solid steel construction offering pretty good protection against theft. The outer casing is 3mm of 11-gauge steel. Certainly not top of the range security but above average regarding thickness of steel.
The interior size is very roomy at 19.4 in. W x 11.7 in. D x 35.7 in. H. It has a 4.7 cubic foot capacity which is more than enough space to store all kinds of valuables. Unlike other similar safes, this one has 3 interior adjustable shelves which is perfect for keeping all your stuff organized. There is also a nice carpeted bottom to prevent any potential scratches from occurring.
The exterior size is 21.7 in. W x 19 in. D x 37.7 in. H and weight wise it is around 217 pounds. Certainly not a light safe so one burglar could not just carry this away. With enough time and strength maybe two strong men could carry this but it would not be an easy robbery that’s for sure.
To increase security, you do have the option to bolt this thing down to the floor using the included hardware. This would be considered advanced protection against theft. One thing I would recommend when purchasing any fireproof/waterproof safe is to invest in a good dehumidifier. Having one of these in the safe will greatly reduce the chance of moisture build up due to the airtight qualities of these safes.
FEATURES
Fireproofing for up to 30 mins: Fire rated at 30 minutes in 1400°F of heat. ELT Verified.
Waterproofing for up to 72 hours: Up to 72 hours of protection in 12 inches of water. ELT Verified.
Locking bolts: The locking mechanism features five live-locking bolts and four deadbolts in the door.
Strong casing: The walls are 3mm thick and made with 11-gauge solid steel.
Digital lock keypad: Has an electronic digital keypad with a default manufacturer’s code. You can program in your own code too. Very simple to set.
Mounting: You can bolt down the safe for additional security using the included hardware.
Interior shelving: There are actually three adjustable interior shelves that come with this safe.
Internal Dimensions
19.4 in. W x 11.7 in. D x 35.7 in. H
External Dimensions
21.7 in. W x 19 in. D x 37.7 in. H
Weight
217 lbs
PROS AT A GLANCE
- Offers enough fireproofing and also waterproofing.
- It has a sturdy construction with a heavy-duty weight.
- Has three very handy interior adjustable shelves.
- Offers a tough locking mechanism with 5 locking bolts and 4 deadbolts.
- Comes with two emergency override keys.
- Offers increased security when mounting to the floor.
- Hinge and lock are solid and operate smoothly.
- Very easy to set up.
- The interior has a lot of space.
- A very good price for what you get.
CONS AT A GLANCE
- When first opened is has a bad smell inside. Leave the door open for a few days and spray Febreze inside once a day.
- The keyboard may feel a bit flimsy for some people.
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2. Paragon 7800 Fireproof Electronic Digital Heavy-Duty Home Safe
BASIC OVERVIEW
This heavy-duty Paragon fireproof safe is another one of those models that does exactly what it is supposed to without all the flashy buttons and flickering lights. You can expect this to be very reliable, however I am not sure I would put it down as a “fireproof” safe. I would see this as more of a fire resistant safe; yes, there is a difference.
I say that mainly because of its average fire rating. It has been tested to rate at 30 minutes in 1700 degrees F. Don’t misunderstand, that is still a good rating, however I consider a fireproof safe to at least be able to withstand double that time under the same conditions.
So, what does that mean as far as fire protection goes? Well, it will do its job up to the 30-minute mark, however if fireproofing is THE most important feature you require then this may not be the safe for you.
True fireproofing would be tested for at least 1 hour or more and would most likely have waterproofing as well. Of course, they would also cost a lot more. That is where this safe excels…for what you get it is very cheap/affordable.
This Paragon 7800 actually has a very robust construction with double walls filled with fire resistant fiber insulation. It is made with 11-gauge thick solid steel which I would say is adequate for a safe in this price range. Not very thick but also not thin.
Regarding the two wall layers the inner thickness is 1.5mm steel and the outer thickness is 2mm steel. At those thicknesses this model should be strong enough to keep unwanted hands away from your stored valuables.
Having said that, a pro burglar should be able to get into this safe with enough time and the right tools. Again, the higher the price the more secure your safe will be. This will be able to be brute forced open given the right circumstances.
The door thickness is 5mm solid steel which is pretty good and it does have tamper-proof hinges to prevent any forced crowbar attacks.
This fire resistant/fireproof home safe has an electronic digital keypad that is very easy to program and simple to operate. Digital models seem to be pretty popular right now and that is due to the fact that most operations are automatic.
There are two ways of opening this Paragon; you can use a secret PIN code – (which you program yourself) – or you can use the included keys. You can change your secret code as many times as you want…in fact doing that every so often would be advisable.
Bear in mind that the key is mainly used as a backup to get into your settings if you forget your PIN code. The keypad has push button beeping – (which may be annoying for some) – and a backlit LED for viewing in the dark
The door bolts are pretty heavy duty. There are two 1 and 3/4 inch locking bolts on either side of the door that fit securely and tight into the safe frame.
The interior is surprisingly spacious and has one adjustable shelf so you can split the space in half for smaller items. Or you can remove it entirely to store much bigger items.
Weight wise I would say it is heavy enough to prevent anyone from walking away with it, however I would still take advantage of the pre-drilled holes for a more secure mounting. The mounting hardware is included in the pack.
FEATURES
Fire resistant for up to 30 mins: Fire rated at 30 minutes in 1700 degrees F of heat.
Strong walls: The Paragon 7800 has special double walls of 1.5mm steel and 2mm thick filled with fire resistant fiber insulation.
Digital lock keypad: You can enter the safe using two options; punching in your PIN code or using the included key.
Tough hinges: The hinges are pry-resistant to deter anyone from trying to force entry.
Mounting: You can bolt down the safe for additional security using the included hardware.
Interior shelf: There is an adjustable shelf that can be placed anywhere withing the safe as well as be taken out completely.
Locking bolts: The bolts on the side of the door are 1 and ¾ inches of thick solid steel.
Internal Dimensions
13″W x 17″H x 14″D
External Dimensions
16.75″W x 19″H x 16.25″D
Weight
77 lbs
PROS AT A GLANCE
- It has a sturdy construction with a manageable size and weight.
- The adjustable shelf is very handy.
- Has an LCD readout for the code which can be useful.
- Perfectly sized for home use and can be easily hidden out of sight.
- It has both manual key and keypad opening.
- You can bolt it to the floor or to a wall.
- Very easy to set up.
- The interior has a lot of space.
- A very good price for what you get.
CONS AT A GLANCE
- The mounting hardware could be better quality.
- Beeping on every button press cannot be turned off.
- Keypad is made out of plastic.
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3. SentrySafe SFW205GQC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
BASIC OVERVIEW
There are two versions of this Sentrysafe fireproof safe; one has a digital keypad operation and the other uses a dial combination lock. Which type a person chooses mostly depends on whether they prefer more modern “automatic” locking mechanisms or the old school “manual” dials.
In this review we will focus on the digital electronic version, however most of the features are also the same for the dial combination safe…except that it is not electronic.
Some people think that a combination safe is going to be tougher than a digital safe because there are less electronic parts which means less chance of any malfunctions. This may or may not be true as there are positives and negatives for both versions.
This Sentrysafe SFW205GQC classed as a fireproof and waterproof safe. Its firesafe capabilities are UL classified to protect documents and valuables for up to one hour at 1700˚F (927˚C). It is also ETL verified for impact resistance to withstand a 15-foot fall and remain closed as well as provide protection against all kinds of digital media such as USB drives and the like.
This safe also has waterproofing. It will protect your items from any damage while the fire is being extinguished. That means it can handle water spray used to put the fire out. It also has ETL verified water protection which means it can sit in 8 inches of water for 24 hours without any leakages. So, if a pipe bursts and your home is flooded all your stored items will be kept safe and dry.
The security features are as good as any quality firesafe in this price range. It is tough enough to discourage casual theft, however a pro thief with enough time and the right tools could probably get in eventually. Bear in mind that this is heavy, weighing in at 125 pounds empty. Taking that into consideration you can guess that it certainly won’t be easy to pick this thing up and walk out the door with it…even with two strong fellas.
Of course, the bad side of having a heavy duty safe is that it will be a pain if you need to move it to another room or another house. So, make sure to consider all the good and bad options.
For added security you can bolt this thing down using the included anchor dolts, however I am not sure what that will do to the waterproofing capabilities and warranty.
If you take a look at the front side of the door you will notice six 1 inch large live-locking bolts that line up all away along it. That makes breaking into the safe that much harder especially with the pry-resistant hinge bar and all over steel construction. This is a solidly built safe.
The door opens and closes easily and locks and unlocks flawlessly. There is a large keypad on the front of the door with an opening handle attached.
A 5-digit security code comes is default as a permanent master code. You can add up to 2 additional 5-digit codes and these can be reprogrammed at any time, however the master code stays the same. The instructions are easy to follow regarding how to use the digital keypad and there is a pretty cool audible beep for each key pressed. For some, this may be annoying and so there is the option to turn the beep off.
You do get a key with the safe which can be used as a way of opening up the safe manually, however they do not override the digital codes.
The interior of this fireproof safe has been very well thought out during the design process. You can see by looking at the images that there is ample room inside for all manner of items. A huge plus has to be the additional interior lock boxes that can be slotted in at various points within the safe.
These lock boxes are big enough to store even more items that you may want to keep separate from all the other contents. Also, if you have larger items to store you can remove the boxes entirely. A very cool design.
The inside of the door has a couple of small compartments for smaller things like rings, thumb drives, keys, loose cash etc. Keys can also be hung using the special key hooks inside the door.
Senrtysafe certainly thought of everything regarding the interior because they even added LED lights that come on when you open the safe. Very handy for seeing what you are doing if you ever need to get stuff out of the safe in a darkly light room. You can program the lights to stay off, stay on for 30 seconds or 60 seconds.
One thing you should consider is purchasing a good silica desiccant and keeping it in the safe. This fireproof and waterproof safe is totally airtight when closed up and so there is a possibility of moisture buildup inside. To avoid any damage to paperwork or electronic items a desiccant is a must have.
FEATURES
Fireproof for 1 hour: UL classified to protect your valuables for up to one hour at 1700˚F (927˚C). Is also ETL verified to provide protection to digital media.
Waterproof for 24 hours: ETL verified to protect valuables from water spray used to put the fire out. Also protected against flooding in 8 inches of water for 24 hours.
Digital lock keypad: Has a default master code as well as the ability to set your own digital combination with an 1-8-digit code.
Secondary locking keys: Use the key to disable the primary lock at any time. It is not a backup key.
ETL verified impact resistance: The safe can drop 15 feet and still be intact with the door still closed.
Tough hinges: The pry-resistant hinge bar will deter anyone from trying to force entry.
Locking bolts: This Sentrysafe has six 1-inch thick locking bolts that run the length if the door. These will provide advanced protection against forced entry.
Mounting: You can bolt down the safe for additional security using the included hardware.
Interior lock boxes & File Organizer: Use the lock box to store small items and the file organizer for documents and larger items. Both can be adjusted or fully removed from the safe.
Interior light & small compartments: The inside of the door has a couple small compartments as well as hooks for hanging keys. There is a built in LED light that provides increased interior visibility as well as a keypad light.
Internal Dimensions
14.8 in. W x 11.9 in. D x 19.6 in. H
External Dimensions
18.6 in. W x 19.3 in. D x 23.8 in. H
Capacity & Weight
Extra large 2.05 cubic foot capacity; weighs 125 pounds.
PROS AT A GLANCE
- Well made solid steel construction.
- Has six 1 inch live-locking bolts and a large pry-resistant hinge.
- Fireproof and waterproof.
- Hooks on the back of the door for keys is a nice idea.
- Pocket/compartment on the back of the door is great for small items.
- Keypad lights up so you can see numbers in the dark.
- Two ways to lock using the key or PIN.
- Option to use up to 3 PINs.
- Door swings open smoothly.
- The keypad beeps for each key pressed. This can be turned off.
- Batteries are replaced from the outside.
- Adjustable/removable lock box/case drawer inside to fit smaller items.
- Very heavy and solid.
- Fits legal size documents and folders.
CONS AT A GLANCE
- Interior lights can only stay on for up to 60 seconds.
- Key doesn’t open the safe, it just disables keypad entry.
- The handle is plastic and feels flimsy.
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Here is the combination dial alternative:
4. AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box Safe with Keypad
Let’s start off with one of the biggest sellers in this fire resistant safe category and that is the infamous AmazonBasics fire safe.
It’s not a 100% fireproof safe, (no safe is 100% fireproof), but it is fire resistant for up to 20 minutes. When you consider the low price you really do get a quality safe that will protect your valuable belongings from fire and theft.
This durable safe does what it is supposed to do by safeguarding almost anything from your digital media, important documents, jewelry and pretty much anything else you can fit into it. The fact that it is a fire-resistant safe can make a huge difference when it comes to offering you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are fire protected.
AmazonBasics safes tend to generally be very good quality and that also includes their smaller versions that are not firs resistant. The brand is growing in popularity and I think one of the reasons is because their safes tend to be ruggedly built and long lasting.
This particular safe has a 14-gauge heavy-duty steel body which is a good thickness. For locking security there are five, yes…five, large 0.75-inch bolts three of which are external active bolts and two being internal dead bolts.
The opening and closing locking mechanism is performed via an electronic keypad which is sort of standard these days because these tend to be a quicker and easier way of getting in and out of the safe.
In case of a fire you don’t want to be wasting valuable time messing around with an old-fashioned combination style lock! You also get a key just in case you happen to forgot the code. This key is an emergency back-up.
The interior of this fire resistant safe has sufficient room for a number of items whether they are small or large and also includes an adjustable shelf. The interior is also padded with a carpet type material to protect your belongings from scratches and the like.
So this is a fire resistant safe and complies with modified UL 72 Standard for Safety Tests for Fire Resistance of Record Protection Equipment for 20 minutes.
It’s not as tough as a 1 hour fire resistant safe but then considering the low price you can’t really ask for more. A basic 1 hour fire safe will set you back at least $300 or more!
There are three size versions of this safe 0.83 cubic feet, 1.24 cubic feet and the largest at 2.1 cubic feet. All the features are the same except for their sizes of course.
The middle of the range safe is the 1.24 cubic feet version and that one tends to be the most popular with the 2.1 cubic feet versions a close second. It all depends on the amount of valuables and size of valuables that you plan on storing.
Basic details of the 1.24 cubic feet AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Safe
- 1.2-cubic-foot fire-resistant safe.
- Complies with modified UL 72 Standard for Safety Tests for Fire Resistance of Record Protection Equipment for 20 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Has a durable 14-gauge heavy-duty steel body construction.
- Comes with 3 external active bolts.
- Has 2 internal dead bolts.
- Quick and easy access electronic keypad including back-up key.
- Adjustable shelf optimizes storage space.
- AmazonBasics limited 1-year warranty.
Internal Dimensions
12.5″ x9.6″ x 18.1″ (L x W x H)
External Dimensions
14.2″ x 13.8″ x 19.7″ (L x W x H)
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5. SentrySafe SFW123EU Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
SentrySafe have been designing and building fire resistant safes for quite sometime now and they always seem to have a handful of their latest safes in the Amazon bestsellers list.
This SentrySafe SFW123EU fire resistant and water resistant safe is no exception. As with the AmazonBasics safe above, this is not a 100% fireproof safe, (no safe is 100% fireproof), but it is fire resistant for up to 1 hour.
It is the perfect home safe with lots of room to store important documents, valuables, digital media and more. The SentrySafe SFW123EU will protect against fire, flood, and theft. It is ETL verified so that anything stored on USB drives, CDs, DVDs and portable hard drives should survive a catastrophe.
As with many home safes this has a digital locking system with dual key functionality. You can create two personal 5-digit codes for easy, secure access and if there is a problem you have a key that can simply disable the digital lock.
The interior is basic but also very spacious. The safe comes with one shelf but you can purchase more if you wish. They are removable and adjustable making it easy for you to organize the interior to suit your needs. The interior dimensions are 13.8H x 12.6W x 11.9L.
The SentrySafe SFW123EU has pretty good fire protection. It is rated to withstand up to 1 hour of fire exposure in 1700° F, which puts it up there with many of the “high quality” expensive safes regarding protection from fire.
It also has an additional function of advanced water resistance and has been verified to protect your valuables for a minimum of 24 hours in flood conditions. With the increase in flooding over the past few years having this kind of protection for your belongings will be very beneficial.
For many people protection against theft is their main priority and this fire resistant and water resistant safe does not disappoint. It has a few powerful theft deterrents including the solid steel construction, four locking bolts and pry-resistant hinge bar.
No one is going to get into this safe with ease that is for sure. For added security you also have the option to bolt the safe to the floor by using the mounting hardware which is included with he safe.
There are three size versions of this safe starting from the smallest at 0.82 cubic feet, 1.23 cubic feet and the largest at 2.05 cubic feet. The most popular version is the middle sized version and there are a few different types to choose from. You can get the 1.23 cubic ft safe with the additional dual key and locking drawer or with a shelf tray design or with a shelf tray and no interior light. The prices vary for each choice.
One of the really great things about SentrySafe is their customer service. If your safe gets damaged by fire or water, SentrySafe will send you a replacement safe. How about that for a quality service…there is really nothing to lose here!
Basic details of the 1.23 cubic feet SentrySafe SFW123EU Fire Resistant and Water Resistant Safe
- 1.23-cubic-foot fire-resistant safe.
- Has a durable heavy-duty steel body construction.
- Has 4 live locking bolts.
- Interior LED light.
- Quick and easy access electronic keypad including back-up key.
- Adjustable shelf optimizes storage space.
- This fire resistant safe is built to endure 1 hour at 1700°F.
- Fully water resistant to ensure your valuables inside remain dry for up to 24 hours.
- The safe is certified to withstand impact from falls of up to 15 feet.
- SentrySafe replacement guarantee.
Internal Dimensions
13.8 in. x 12.6 in. x 11.9 in. (H x W x L)
External Dimensions
17.8 in. x 16.3 in. x 19.3 in. (H x W x L)
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6. Steelwater AMSWEL-500 2-Hour Fireproof Home and Document Safe
This is a no-fluff fire safe that does exactly what it is supposed to. It is one of the higher end fireproof safes that has all the important basic functions of a tough home safe to help prevent damage or theft to your valuables.
This safe has 2 Layers of steel to make this one of the toughest safes available for the price you pay. The two layers cover the inner walls and the door so that any attempt at cutting it open will be a very difficult task indeed.
The door has been designed to swing open at 180 degrees which is not a common feature for most safes. This is an interesting feature because it allows the user to keep the door open wider than normal in order to place larger items or awkward items into the safe with much trouble.
The interior capacity is about average for a medium sized fireproof safe at 0.99 cubic feet and it very basic to look at with a removable and adjustable tray drawer at the top and a removable and adjustable shelf in the middle.
Take these two items out and there is ample room for placing fairly large valuables including guns if you wish. Of course, most fireproof safes are prone to produce interior humidity so definitely place some desiccant packs inside the safe if you store guns or electrical equipment.
There is an easy to use electronic keypad at the front which has a total of four re-programmable 4-16 digit combinations. It does not come with a key but you can setup more than 1 pin code which makes managing access easier. Steelwater makes a key version, however keys can be lost.
The Steelwater AMSWEL-500 locking mechanism is standard fro Steelwater with their rectangular shaped bolts rather than the usual round bolts found on most safes. There are 2 active rectangular locking bolts and 2 stationary rectangular locking bolts on the hinge side.
There is an external battery compartment on the outside for easy access. Note that the door cannot be opened without working batteries hence the reason why the compartment works well on the outside of the safe; you can change them quickly and easily.
If you require additional security you have the option to anchor the safe to the floor. At the bottom of the safe you will find 1 pre-drilled 1/2″ diameter anchor hole perfect for bolting the safe securely to the ground to prevent any thieves from trying to tip the safe over. A similar safe that may be of interest to you would be the Mesa Safe Electronic Burglary and Fire Safe.
Basic details of the 0.99 cubic feet Steelwater AMSWEL-500 2-Hour Fire Resistant Safe
- 0.99-cubic-foot fire-resistant safe.
- Two Layers of durable heavy-duty steel body construction.
- There are 2 Active rectangular locking bolts
- 2 Stationary rectangular locking bolts.
- Quick and easy access electronic keypad.
- 4 Reprogrammable keypad combinations.
- One removable/adjustable shelf optimizes storage space.
- One removable/adjustable storage tray.
- 2 Hour fire rated at 1850°F (1010°C).
- External battery compartment.
- 1 Pre-drilled 1/2″ diameter anchor hole for secure anchoring.
- Lifetime fire and burglary guarantee.
- 1 Year in home repairs against manufacturers defects guarantee.
Internal Dimensions
15″ x 9 3/8″ x 12 1/8″. (H x W x D)
External Dimensions
19 1/4″ x 13 3/4″ x 16 3/4″. (H x W x D)
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7. SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire and Water Safe, 2.05 Cubic Feet Large Combination Safe
SentrySafe has done it again by creating yet another reliable fire resistant and water resistant safe for home use and even office use. This particular model is one of their larger versions and packs in quite a few features to boot.
As mentioned above, this is not a 100% fireproof safe because no safe is actually 100% fireproof however it does have a special advanced fire protection: Fire resistant safe is UL classified for fire endurance 1 hour at 1700ºF.
At those temperatures this combination fire safe will protect any valuables you place inside including important documents, CDs, USB sticks, jewelry, money, digital media and more.
If you are worried about the strength of the safe if dropped from a height then you will be pleased to know that this safe is also ETL verified to withstand a 15-foot drop during fire and stay closed. As well as being fire resistant the SentrySafe SFW205CWB is also water resistant: ETL verified in up to 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours.
There are 4 different versions of this fire resistant safe and it has 3 different sizes to choose from. The smallest version is 0.82 cubic feet and the largest version is 2.05 cubic feet. There are two medium sized versions at 1.23 cubic feet. One of those comes with a dual key and a self and one comes with a shelf and tray. Which you decide to purchase depends on your needs and the price you want to pay.
Note that this is a combination safe and not a digital or electronic safe. Both types are just as good as one another but it really depends on your preference. These days electronic safes are becoming more popular but combination safes have a good reputation for being reliable too.
For security the SFW205CWB has six live-locking bolts that fit along the opening edge of the door from top to bottom. The hinge bar is pry-resistant and for additional peace of mind you can also anchor the safe to the floor using the bolt down hardware.
The interior is fairly spacious at 19.6 in. H x 14.8 in. W x 11.9 in. It also includes includes a deep multi-position tray and drawer for optimal organization so if you like to keep things tidy this will come in quite handy. A similar safe that may be of interest to you would be the First Alert 2087F-BD Fire-safe Waterproof Safe.
Basic details of the 2.05 cubic feet SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire and Water Safe
- 2.05-cubic-foot fire-resistant and water resistant safe.
- Tough durable body construction.
- 6 live-locking bolts fitted along the opening edge of the door.
- Easy access combination wheel and handle.
- One removable/adjustable shelf optimizes storage space.
- One removable/adjustable storage tray.
- Fire resistant safe is UL classified for fire endurance 1 hour at 1700ºF.
- ETL water resistant verified in up to 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours.
- After fire replacement guarantee.
Internal Dimensions
19.6 in. x 14.8 in. x 11.9 in. (H x W x D)
External Dimensions
23.8 in. x 18.6 in. x 19.3 in. (H x W x D)
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8. SentrySafe SF123CS Fire Safe, Large Combination Safe, 1.23 Cubic Feet
Here we have more of a square style SentrySafe that is strong, reliable and has some of the usual features offered by the company. This would be the perfect safe for storing larger items because the interior is very spacious and includes a multi-position shelf and door pocket with key rack.
In a number of other fire safe reviews people have mentioned how useful a door pocket is because it allows you to place much smaller items in there; maybe items you would want to get at easily. The same goes for the key rack. We all have keys and so this rack would be handy for hanging spares and keeping them safe.
The fire protection for this safe is the same as the advanced fire protection on the SentrySafe SFW205CWB that I mention in the above review – Advanced fire protection: Fire resistant safe is UL classified for fire endurance 1 hour at 1700ºF. It is ETL verified for 1 hour at 1700ºF to protect CDs, memory sticks, and other digital media. This SentrySafe SF123CS is also ETL verified to withstand a 15-foot drop during fire and stay closed.
This is a combination safe and so you will obviously have to get used to using a dial rather than an electronic keypad. As such, it does have its advantages and disadvantages and really depends on your preference.
Three are four pretty thick live-locking bolts from top to bottom in the edge of the door opening. Easy to lock and unlock but very hard to break into. This has a standard SentrySafe steel construction on all sides and a pry-resistant hinge bar.
Basic details of the 1.23 cubic feet SentrySafe SF123CS Fire Safe
- 1.23-cubic-foot fire-resistant safe.
- Tough durable body construction.
- 4 thick live-locking bolts fitted along the opening edge of the door.
- Easy access combination wheel and handle.
- One removable/adjustable shelf optimizes storage space.
- Fire resistant safe is UL classified for fire endurance 1 hour at 1700ºF.
- After fire replacement guarantee.
Internal Dimensions
13.8 in. x 12.6 in. x 11.9 in. (H x W x D)
External Dimensions
17.8 in. x 16.3 in. x 19.3 in. (H x W x D)
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9. Hollon Safe FB-450E Oyster Series 2 Hour Fireproof Safe
It is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of security safe companies that are out there today. Many tend to focus on manufacturing only the safes that are popular and trending…even if they are not the best quality!
The Hollon Safe company is not like that. Their focus is on making high quality safes that actually exceed industry standards for design, strength and durability. They may not be the best fireproof safes on the market but for the price they come pretty close.
Knowing that, you would think their safes would be more expensive…but they are not. Most of their prices are 20% to 50% less than the more popular safe manufacturers.
So, now that you know that Hollon are a reputable company let’s look at one of their quality fireproof safes from what they call the Oyster Series.
Here is a collection of security safes that are designed to resist both burglary attacks and fires. These safes are put through rigorous fire and impact testing to qualify for verification. All Oyster Series safes are constructed with heavy duty vault style hinges as well as a long 1-inch thick locking bar.
Every one of these fire safes comes standard with either a tough electronic keypad or a UL Listed mechanical dial. The Hollon Safe FB-450E has a digital keypad and so that is what we will be reviewing here.
This is considered to be one of the higher end best home safes and is very robust. It would be very difficult to break into and will also do a great job of protecting its contents from fire damage for up to 2 hours of heat exposure. The electronic locking mechanism is easy to program just by following the simple instructions that come with the safe.
There is a default Master Code but you can also reprogram the unit to accept a personal combination. You can also save 4 additional PIN codes that can only be changed with the default Master Code which helps to keep security tight.
This particular Hollon fire safe is one of the smaller Oyster Series models with exterior measurements of (H x W x D) 17.71″ x 20″ x 20.5″ and interior measurements of (H x W x D) 11.67″ x 14″ x 13″. Certainly, large enough to store many items, however if you do have larger items to secure then you may prefer another model from this series such as the FB-685, FB-845, FB-1054 or FB-1505.
It has an adjustable shelf inside and one other thing to consider is its weight. It is a heavy-duty safe and so it will naturally be quite heavy, weighing in at around 242lbs. That’s a pretty heavy safe so wherever you put it in your home you can be certain it won’t be going anywhere soon.
Basic details of the Hollon Safe FB-450E Oyster Series
Fireproofing: Has a 2 Hour fireproof rating in 1700 degrees external and 350-degree internal temperatures.
Impact strength: This safe has been impact tested from a 30-foot drop.
Tough handle: The handle is a heavy-duty Tri-spoke.
Locking bolts: The locking mechanism features two 1¼ inch live-locking bolts in the door.
Locking bar: There is a full length 1” thick hinge side locking bar.
Digital lock keypad: Has a CE rated electronic digital keypad with a Master Code. You can program in your own code too.
Pry-resistant hinge: The FB-450E has a heavy-duty vault hinge.
Mounting: You can bolt down the safe for additional security using the included hardware.
Interior shelving: There is one adjustable interior shelf.
Internal Dimensions
11-2/3” (H) x 14” (W) x 13” (D)
External Dimensions
17-3/4” (H) x 20” (W) x 20-3/8” (D)
Cubic Feet: 1.23
Weight: 242 lbs.
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10. SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
This is another one of the popular SentrySafe models from the SFW series. When it comes to the best fireproof safe for a cheap or affordable price then you just can’t go wrong with a SentrySafe. Of course, there are similar models on the market that are better…BUT they will cost you A LOT more.
The SFW123GDC is one of the mid-sized models in the collection with an exterior measurement of 16.3 in. W x 19.3 in. D x 17.8 in. H and the interior being 12.6 in. W x 11.9 in. D x 13.8 in. H. The inside capacity is around 1.23 cubic foot which is not a bad size if you are looking to store items that may not be small but also not too big either.
As mentioned many times before, these affordable fireproof/fire resistant safes tend to be more about protecting your items from fire damage or water damage rather than being burglar proof. This is understandable because at these low prices you can’t have every feature available.
Having said that, this safe does have quality security to help fend of break-in attempts. For example, this has 4 large 1 inch thick live-locking bolts that slide in and out of the closing side of the door. This makes prying that door off a very difficult task for any thief.
Next, there is the pry-resistant reinforced door which provides added protection to prevent any kind of forced entry. Let’s not forget that all of these SFW SentrySafe models can be bolted down to the floor making it a permanent fixture.
The fireproof rating is one of the highest as it is UL Classified to withstand 1 hour at 1700°F of hot temperatures. If that isn’t enough it is also ETL Verified for 24 hours of protection in water up to 8 inches deep.
Finally, just in case you have this safe on the top floor of your home and during a fire the floor collapses, this safe has been ETL Verified to withstand a 15-foot fall and remain closed.
The electronic digital keypad allows you to set your own digital PIN code with 1-8 digits. The pad is very easy to operate and also has a convenient back light to improve visibility in a dimly lit area.
There is a secondary locking key that comes with the safe which allows you to disable the primary lock for whatever reason. Note, it is not a backup key.
The interior has some very nice features including a light which can be used to increase visibility without having to turn on a main room light. There is also a very handy interior locking drawer which spans the full width and depth of the interior and is around four inches deep.
You can use this compartment to store smaller, more important items because you can lock the box up; keys included. It seems like SentrySafe have thought of everything regarding the fire and waterproofing aspect as well as providing an above average amount of security for a safe in this category. It is kind of like a Jack of all trades but master of non.
Basic details of the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
Fireproof for 1 hour: UL classified to protect your valuables for up to one hour at 1700˚F (927˚C). Is also ETL verified to provide protection to digital media.
Waterproof for 24 hours: ETL verified to protect valuables from water spray used to put the fire out. Also protected against flooding in 8 inches of water for 24 hours.
Digital lock keypad: Has a default master code as well as the ability to set your own digital combination with an 1-8-digit code.
Secondary locking keys: Use the key to disable the primary lock at any time. It is not a backup key.
ETL verified impact resistance: The safe can drop 15 feet and still be intact with the door still closed.
Reinforced door: The pry-resistant hinge bar will deter anyone from trying to force entry.
Locking bolts: Has four 1-inch thick live-locking bolts on the closing side of the door.
Anchoring: You can bolt down the safe for additional security. Hardware is included.
Interior lock box: The lock box can be used to store smaller more important items. Locking keys are included.
Interior light: There is an interior light to help with visibility in dark rooms.
Internal Dimensions
12.6 in. W x 11.9 in. D x 13.8 in. H
External Dimensions
16.3 in. W x 19.3 in. D x 17.8 in. H
Cubic Feet: 1.23
Weight: 87lbs.
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Fireproof Safe Tips & Fire Resistant Safe FAQ
A fireproof safe is designed to protect your valuables from heat, smoke and a certain amount of fire damage – (protection time depends on the safe). The more expensive fire safes tend to be made from thick, durable materials as well as thick gauge metal. How tough the safe is depends on its fire rating. Generally, the more you pay the higher the rating.
Here is one main reasons why. House fires can destroy everything. Not only will it turn your life savings into rubble within an hour, it could also take away precious things that are irreplaceable to you. Things like family photos and videos, passports, birth certificates, house deeds, heirlooms and anything else of value. A fire safe will not save your home but it may protect your smaller valuables.
Yes, depending on the type of safe of course. They all work to some extent but how well they work depends on their tested fire ratings. Good safes will withstand high heat for a number of hours, will be able to deal with the interior humidity and will not just break open if it fell from a great height. A fireproof safe is always worth the extra expense.
Before you buy any safe you need to make sure it has the correct specifications for your needs. In the case of a firesafe it needs to have been tested for a minimum of 20 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the very basic requirements. For a tougher fireproof safe you need a minimum of 1 hour at 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. A safe with a long resistance coupled with a high temperature will offer better fireproofing.
Simply put, a fireproof safe should be able to withstand a full on fire. The exterior will not break down or fall apart when surrounded by a fire. How tough it is depends on the UL fire rating.
A fire resistant safe is not as tough and will only withstand a full on fire and heat for a short period of time before it breaks down. How long it lasts in a fire also depends on its fire rating.
Some safe boxes boast a fire resistance rating which means they are not a fireproof safe. However, a fire resistant box will be built with an extra protective fire-resistant insulation layer compared to a normal safe box. Due to it being smaller than an actual fireproof safe it most likely will not be UL rated for fire. Basically, a small box will not survive a fire like a large safe. A small firesafe box could withstand a 20 minute fire…depending on the heat of course.
A good safe needs to have thick interior fire resistant thermal insulation. The door needs to have an air tight fire seal that expands in the heat to protect valuables from heat and water. It should be able to resist high heat from between 30 minutes to 160 minutes. The higher the fire test rating the better the safe.
Yes. If at all possible, get a fireproof safe that offers waterproofing too. Sometimes in a fire there is water damage as well as the process of extinguishing the fire itself. If water from broken pipes seep into a safe it wont mater how well fireproofed it is. In a fire, any kind of liquid and water can seep into a safe that is not waterproof. A good waterproof safe will have a watertight seal that expands in heat thereby blocking up all unseen entrances.
One downside to these safes is that they have a tendency to a buildup of condensation inside due to the airtight/watertight seals. A way to tackle this is to open the door every so often to allow air into the safe. You can also buy silica moisture absorbent packs which can be left in the safe to absorb any condensation.
Electronic keypads are the new way for many safe manufacturers now. People like the idea of getting into their safe with just a pass code or a fingerprint scan; it’s all very futuristic now. They offer many more features than a standard dial safe. However, there are disadvantages to having digital locking systems such as they don’t seem to be as tough as the old school combination dials. Electronics can be delicate and may malfunction at any time whereas a key lock or dial lock do not rely on any kind of electronics. Just something to keep in mind.
I would say yes, and the reason for that is because keys can be used as a secondary locking and unlocking option in an emergency. if you forget your pass code or if there is an electrical malfunction you can still get into your safe using the override keys. So when buying a safe make sure it has a manual locking and unlocking option using keys.
There are no hard and fast rules but generally it depends on the weight and size of the safe. Keeping it on the ground is a good start to prevent rising flames getting to it. Also, on the ground means it has nowhere to fall if its surroundings crumble in a fire. Storing in a basement would be ideal.
Some Basics Before You Purchase A Fireproof Safe
Fire Rating – Which Is Best For You?
When you are looking for a fireproof or fire resistant safe the fire rating should be a top priority.
Generally, a 1 hour fire rated safe is probably the lowest you want to go. There are 30 minute fire safes but they will not provide adequate protection to survive a typical home or business fire. As a rule, whatever your budget is, make sure you select the safe with the longest fire protection that you can afford.
When shopping for fireproof safes look for a U.L. or a U.S. made safe with a certified fire rating of at least 1 hour. A rating of more than 1 hour would be a very wise buy.
Many people have important documents saved in their home or office. Usually these are placed in document files and then stored in a drawer somewhere. Unfortunately, this will not protect them from a fire.
If you have important documents or delicate items then you need to add greater protection by investing in a small fire certified fire box or document safe. There are quite a number of these safes available many of which are best sellers and rated highly by customers. Check out our small safes category to see a few there.
One other area you should look at before buying a fireproof safe is the fire seal on the door. A fire seal is an important part of a good fire rating and also helps keep out unwanted moisture from entering the safe. That means preventing rust and corrosion of your guns or other valuables.
A good seal will keep out fire and smoke as well as any sprayed water that may occur while extinguishing the fire.
Fire Resistant Safes / Fireproof Safes Vs Burglary
Just so you understand, there are no real 100% “fireproof” safes on the market. The words “fireproof” are used to describe certain safes but they cannot hold out in a fire indefinitely. This is the reason why you need to make sure your safe has an adequate fire rating time, (1 hour being the minimum choice).
All fireproof safes are “fire resistant”, meaning that they resist heat, smoke and sometimes water over a given period of time. These safes do a great job of protecting your valuables from a fire, during a specified time limit, but are not all tough enough to defeat a skilled burglar.
The reason for this is because many of the lower priced fireproof safes use a thin 14-18 gauge metal for the construction materials. If you want a quality fire resistant safe that is also tough against burglars then you will have to pay quite a bit more…at least $500+.
The best choice safes, overall, are burglar rated and quality composite fire safes or good fire safe with a high security TL rating. These safes will protect against both burglars and fires.
Fire Resistant Safes & Important Data Protection
A good fire safe will, (for a specific period of time), protect important paperwork, money, pictures, data and media, photos, CDs/DVDs, etc. However, those items are sensitive to heat and moisture from humidity. A very basic lower end fire safe will not protect against these things for very long in a fire.
Sensitive items such as those mentioned above may be damaged if the internal heat of the safe reaches between 120 to 180 degrees or 85% humidity.
If you specifically want to store data or media then once again you may need to invest more to get a higher end fireproof safe preferably one that specifies data/media protection. The inside temperature of these safes will keep below 135 degrees with a humidity level below 85%.
ADDED PRECAUTION: It would be VERY wise to also purchase a quality dehumidifier regardless of what you plan on putting in the safe. These will protect against excess moisture spreading over your valuables!
I am looking for a home safe which is easily moveable from one area to another