Keeping the fireproof factor in minds, our 58-hour research helped us to determine that SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the best fireproof safe. It can keep your documents and other valuables safe for up to one hour at 927 degree Celsius. It also waters proof and uses a dial combination lock. If you want something different go through our list and if you don’t know what to buy, navigate to our buyer’s guide.
Top Pick
Top 7 Fireproof Safe
1. SentrySafe SFW123DSB – Best Body Construction
SentrySafe is one of the biggest brands of security safes. When we were looking for the fireproof safes, we had many SentrySafe safes. Out of all the SFW123DSB made its mark with its safety features, size, storage, and lock. The dimension of safe is around 16.3″ x 19.3″ x 17.8″. With such medium-sized safe, you can install it the way you like.
As far as the storage is concerned, you get adjustable shelf allowing you to store items of different shapes and size. Even on the door, you have a pocket and key rack to store important keys and documents. And it uses dial combination lock with secondary key for better security.
- It is fireproof and waterproof.
- Interior is lined with softer material.
- Adjustable shelves.
- Pocket and key rack on the door for more space.
- Build quality is good and uses durable steel construction.
- None.
Bottom Line
The SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the most basic safe you can get. You may want a digital keypad, but if you are considering fireproof safe, then it is much better to go with something more traditional. It is also the best for home.
2. Stealth Drop Front Load Depository Vault – Best For Cash Storage
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If you are looking for something big that can store documents, jewelry and bundles of cash, the Stealth Drop Safe is a really good option. It weighs whooping 90 lbs which makes it one of the heaviest safe we had for testing. Having such heavy safe has its advantages, once placed it is not easy for a one person to move it.
It uses UL approved digital lock which is powered by a battery. The lock is tested for EMP attacks too, so you can rest assured even with heavy fire the keypad will still work. Also, it uses a locker, so in case of drill attack, the bolts are locked.
- Uses ½ inch solid steel plate door and Two 1 inch solid steel deadbolts.
- Digital keypad is EMP tested.
- Recessed deposit door for easy access.
- Skeleton override key in case battery failure.
- Spring-loaded re-locker to make it drill proof.
- No adjustable safe.
- Interior is not lined with soft material.
Bottom Line
If you want a permanent safe which is not easy to move and has a good amount of storage capacity Stealth Drop Safe Front Load Depository Vault is a good option. We believe it is the best for cash storage.
3. AmazonBasics Home – Best For Budget Conscious User
AmazonBasics products have come a long way. The AmazonBasics Home Safe made it to our list with its safety features and the budget-friendly price. We were impressed by the design and the storage capacity of the safe. It has good 1.80 cu feet storage capacity. There is even 1.20 cu ft version. But we suggest going for the bigger version as there is only a $20 difference between the two.
As far as fire safety of safe is concerned, it passed over the fire test. Yes, the heat did penetrate to the interiors but not enough to burn or melt anything. The lock it uses is an electronic lock with two deadbolts. The best thing about the lock is it is programmable. You can set the code for different users. Also, you get the two back up key in case of electronic lock failure.
- Budget-friendly home safe.
- Steel construction.
- Programmable electronic lock with two backup keys.
- Enough space to fit all types of items.
- No adjustable rack for better organization.
- Not scratchproof for your belonging.
Bottom Line
You do not have the budget to get the premium range home safe. The AmazonBasics Home Safe has most of the features of premium range home safe with a very low price tag.
4. First Alert 2092DF Digital – Most Secure Digital Vault
First Alert is a big name in the home security industry. One of our experts has a good amount of experience in dealing with First Alert products. According to him, First Alert 2092DF is the most secure digital safe. The capacity of the safe is 1.31 cu ft. which is enough for storing valuable documents, hard drive, handgun, cash, jewelery etc. The weight is around 93 lbs. which makes it hard for an individual to move the safe alone.
There is extra storage on the door for document and a rack for important keys. The door uses solid steel four deadbolts which can be opened either by electronic keypad or by backup keys. We liked the backlit keypad. It makes it easy to access the keypad even in the dark. Also, the electronic lock is programmable; hence you can set your own custom three to eight digit code.
- Enough space for different storing different types of items.
- 100 percent fireproof and waterproof.
- Extra space on the door for document and keys.
- Interior wall uses soft plastic to keep the belonging scratch free.
- Backlit keypad.
- No adjustable shelves.
- Expensive compared to its competitors.
Bottom Line
The First Alert 2092DF is one of the premium range home safes that is well tested and offers you all the necessary feature for a fireproof safe. According to our expert, it is the bestfor legal documents.
5. AdirOffice Security with Digital Lock – Best Under $100
We were looking for a fireproof safe under $100; there were not many options. Especially, with good storage capacity and better-built quality. The AdirOffice Security Safe was the only one that impressed us during the tests. The dimension of the safe is 12 x 12 x 15 inches and weighs only 26 pounds which makes it one of the most compact home safe on our list.
We tested the unit under extreme fire for an hour, and all the belongings were safe. Because there is not a safe layer on the inside, the interior was hot. So, we are not sure about the safety of the electronic items with this unit. However, things like legal document, passport, etc. are completely safe. It uses a simple programmable electronic lock with two back up keys—just like any other premium range security safe.
- Very cheap compared to its competitors.
- Fireproof and waterproof.
- The keypad is easy to use.
- Compact size allows you to install it on very small places.
- As the inside can heat up, not safe for electronic items.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a best for documents under $100, it is a really good option. You get almost all the features of premium range safe at a cheap rate.
6. FireKing SureSeal SS104-A – Best For Travel
Having a small fireproof safe has its advantage. Especially for those who travel a lot with their valuables. The FireKing SureSeal SS104-A has a dimension of 7.3” x 19.8” X 17” and weighs 56 lbs. It can be easily carried with your other luggage when you are travelling. If you want there are lighter versions too. But we liked this safe because it can easily fit legal size documents.
Overall the built quality is really good. It uses solid steel for the exterior and soft material on the inside to keep your belongings scratch free. The lock uses the simple key with two compression latches. A digital or combination lock would have been better, but for portable safe, this lock system is enough.
- Lightweight compared to other safes.
- Interior walls are covered with soft material.
- Handle to carry it around.
- Strong and durable design.
- Fireproof as well as waterproof.
- Simple lock key system.
Bottom Line
If you want a safe that is more portable which can store important documents and other small valuables, FireKing SureSeal SS104-A could be a great home safe for you.
7. Stack-On SS-16-MB-E – Best For Guns
Most of the safes we have discussed are limited to storing handguns but what if you want a fireproof safe to store you assault rifles or shotguns. Fortunately, one of our experts had some experience in the storage of assault rifles. He suggested we should test out Stack-On SS-16-MB-E. It can easily fit any 12 inches long guns with ease. There is ample room for handguns and ammunition boxes. The safe is approved by the California Department of justice.
The built quality is really good. All the hinges are well concealed, and it is made out of solid steel. It uses a battery operated the electronic lock. It has a light indicator if the safe is open or the battery is low. In case of incorrect entry, after three attempts the user will have to wait for a certain period to try again.
- Suitable for 12” guns.
- Enough shelves other gun accessories.
- Interior is lined with soft carpet to avoid scratches on guns.
- California DOJ approved.
- Not suitable for other items like a document or electronic items.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
If you own many rifles and handguns, the Stack-On SS-16-MB-E is perfect safe for you. It also California DOJ approved. Hence you can be assured that your guns will be safe.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?
Safes have to follow certain safety standards. Most of the brands and reputed manufacture make sure that their products are tested and approved for these safety standards. In addition to safety standards, few other factors can help you choose the right safe like size, capacity, lock, durability, portability etc.
1. Size
It is not necessary to have the biggest looking safe. You will have to consider where you want to install the safe. The amount of space you have at your home or office. Keeping the space in mind you have to choose the safe. Don’t worry there are safes of different shapes and sizes.
For instance Stack-On SS-16-MB-E is the biggest safe on our list and the FireKing SureSeal SS104-A is the smallest on our list. It would best to measure the space you have dedicated for the safe and while buying a safe check the exterior dimensions of each safe.
2. Storage Capacity
The bigger size is one thing, and the storage capacity is another thing. Most of the time safe may look big, but there is not enough space from inside. The main reason for this is thicker steel walls. So while buying safe always ask for the storage capacity. Usually, manufacture lists the capacity in cu ft.
Mostly the capacity ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 cu ft. is enough for storing documents, electronic devices, cash, jewelery, handguns, etc. The best example of this is SentrySafe SFW123DSB. It has a capacity of 1.23 cu ft perfect for above-mentioned items. It is the best for money, documents, and electronic devices.
3. Locking System
The first defence of any safe is the locking system. There are generally three types of locking system—key, dial combination, and electronic. All the safe come with back up key or override key. All you have to do is choose if you want tradition dial combination lock or electronic system. Both are effective. It is a matter of choice. But electronic systems have few more features in terms of safety and usage. Some systems use lights to indicate things like incorrect code, open safe and backlit keypad. You can create your code which is not the case with dial combination.
SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the best home safe with dial combination lock and No products found. is best safe with electronic lock.4. Interior
There are two things to consider for an interior of a safe—organisation and walls. Shelves, pocket, and rack inside the safe allow you to organize the content. Adjustable shelves are really useful when you are not sure what kinds of things you might have to store in safe in future. SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the one safe that comes with adjustable shelves. In addition to shelves, pockets and racks on the door are useful in storing an important piece of documents, and keys. This allows quick access.
6. Portability
Most of the users are looking for a permanent safe for home or office. But few of the users may want to carry their safe while they travel. And when you are travelling, the safety of your valuables is always a big concern. In such cases, a portable safe is a great option. FireKing SureSeal SS104-A is the best portable fireproof safe on our list. It has three variant you can go for anyone based on your need.
How We Tested The Products?
Our research began by shortlisting the bestselling and the most popular fireproof safe. We had hired experts who have years of experience in dealing with a home safe. With the help of experts and sellers, we were able to narrow down our search to 23 safes. We acquired all the safes and brought them to our lab. Next, we determined the factors that are necessary for a fireproof safe. Based on these parameters tests were designed.
We tested each unit with safe kind of tests. For example, we exposed each safe to fire for at least one hour and observed how it conditions. We also made sure the instrument we use to measure weight, or dimension are accurate and well calibrated. In addition to tests, we also value what the users think about the safe they use. So we contacted the existing users of each safe. These helped us to understand how the home safe is working after a few months or years of purchase.
Once we had all the data on tests and reviews, we asked each team member on the three most important factors safety, ease of use, and durability. Each member scored each safe depending on what they have observed during the tests and reviews. After calculating the overall score, we were able to see which safes are the best performers. Out of 23, we sorted out the seven fireproof safes. Furthermore, we categorized each safe depending on their usage, price or feature. Here is the scorecard of the top seven safes:
| Product | Safety | Usage | Durability | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SentrySafe SFW123DSB | 96.1 | 95.8 | 97.3 | 96.5 | Check Price |
| Stealth Drop Safe | 96.7 | 96.2 | 96.3 | 96.4 | No products found. |
| AmazonBasics | 96.2 | 97.1 | 96.1 | 96.4 | CheckPrice |
| First Alert 2092DF | 96.1 | 96.4 | 96.3 | 96.2 | CheckPrice |
| AdirOffice Security Safe | 95.8 | 97.1 | 95.4 | 96.1 | CheckPrice |
| FireKing SureSeal SS104-A | 96.2 | 95.7 | 96..1 | 96 | Check Price |
| Stack-On SS-16-MB-E | 96.7 | 95.4 | 95.6 | 95.9 | CheckPrice |
Final Thought
Our process of research and testing the product is scientific as well as personal. We like to test each product in ways that represent the real-life situation. Our team’s dedication and effort have resulted in these list of seven safes. Now only thing you have to take care is to decided what kind of safe do you want for your home or business. If you have any confusion feel free to go through our buyer’s guide again.
SentrySafe SFW123DSB- Editor's Choice
Summary
The SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the most basic safe you can get. You may want a digital keypad, but if you are considering fireproof safe, then it is much better to go with something more traditional. It is also the best for home.
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