If we are in a perfect world, safes wouldn’t even exist. Living in such a magical world means that you will never encounter thieves breaking into your workplace or home, and your priceless family heirloom would always remain intact. Sadly, we are living in a different world. We have to keep our possessions (documents, money, jeweler, and other pricy items) well locked in a safe place. A good safe is one that cannot catch fire; one that can maintain the condition of your valuables even when your house is razed to the ground.
Fire and water know no corners. You need to invest in a safe that can guarantee the safety of your items should something happen to your premises. It should be water- and fire-resistant. To help you get right the fit, we have invested hours of research and narrowed down our options to 10 best fireproof safes for your home or office. It’s time you take charge of your valuables!
Top 10 Fireproof Safes of 2020 Reviewed
1. SentrySafe SFW123DSB Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe with Dial Combination
- A spacious interior complete with a safe
- The hinge guard is pry-resistant
- There is a 100 percent after-fire replacement guarantee
- The ABS plastic dial and handle can get burnt
- Reports of dents or damage upon arrival
- Reports of failure to open after being programmed
Best Fireproof Safe with Dial Combination
The SFW123DSB Fireproof Safe is one of the best products to ever come from SentrySafe. Unlike other safes that have digital combination keypads, this particular model features the tumbler dial which has been in use for more than a century now. But that could be the only feature that’s different from other fireproof safes by SentrySafe. For instance, it has a quad-pillar locking system, which can also be found in the other models.
Let us now look at the safe itself. The handle and dial are made from a thick plastic material that can be destroyed in a fire. To mitigate against such a loss, SentrySafe has instituted a 100 percent replacement guarantee if your safe gets destroyed in a fire. However, the rest of the safe isn’t made from plastic. The makers don’t state the actual material from which it is made but give an assurance of it withstanding a 1,700°F for one hour.
Additionally, the safe can be submerged in water for up to 24 hours without the contents getting soaked. This isn’t the most expensive fireproof safe on our list. It is affordable and satisfactorily fireproof. The internal space is 1.23 cubic feet.
2. SereneLife SLSFE15 Home Security Electronic Lock Box – Safe with Mechanical Override
- Has a touch button control pad
- A strong steel construction
- Comes with two override keys
- Reports of a malfunctioning combination
- The door may come oversized
- Doesn’t have fireproof material
Best Electric Fireproof Safe
Fireproof safes are supposed to be safe and secure. When it comes to the SereneLife SLSFE15, its wall is reinforced solid steel. This makes it extremely hard to break into. The door is also made of steel and has locking bolts to secure it into place. Since it looks the same, the entire steel structure is stain and corrosion-resistant thanks to the sprinkling of a special powder coat.
Apart from a dial combination lock, this fireproof safe also comes with a fingerprint sensor. It has a digital touchscreen control pad so that you can open it using a dry thumb. If the finger is scarred or wet, it will be impossible to gain entry into the safe, even if you are the owner. As you can see, this safe is tamper-proof given that only the person with recognized fingerprints can gain entry.
You can install this safe in your office, business or at home in an easy and simple way. It comes with pre-drilled holes so that you can mount and install it permanently on the floor or wall. To make the installation process easy, you will make use of the mounting bolts. The package also includes two pairs of AA batteries for use in the control panel. It measures 13.8 by 9.8 by 9.8.
3. Paragon Lock & Safe 7700 Flat Electronic Wall Safe
- Opens through one of two keys or a PIN code
- Easy mounting, thanks to pre-drilled holes
- Has internal tamper-proof hinge
- Getting the door open may prove to be difficult to open
- Takes time to install
- Does not seem to have fire-proof material
Best Electric Wall Fireproof Safe
Paragon is one of the leading manufacturers of the best-hidden wall safes. The 7700 Flat Electronic Wall Safe is the first in a series of three safe models from Paragon. It is basically an electronic safe, which after installation sits on the same level as the wall. You can easily hide it behind a mirror to conceal it from prying eyes. If anything, it is a wall-mounted safe that thieves cannot easily carry away. The thief will have to cut the wall to carry this safe away.
The safe is suitable for installation at home, business or office. You can use it to keep your valuables without worrying about an intruder discovering them. The 7700 Flat Electronic Safe has a programmable keypad. You can use a PIN of between three and eight digits to secure this safe. For the keypad to work, you will require four AA batteries. When the batteries die out, you can use a key to open the safe.
It is definitely one of the best fireproof safes when it comes to safety. Most of its past users love the fact that it is hidden into the wall and concealed from prying eyes of the intruders.
4. Protex WES2113-DF Fire Resistant Electronic Wall Safe
- Ability to withstand hot fire for a maximum of 30 minutes
- Has pride resistant hinges for better security
- Disguised wall installation
- Hard to try a DIY installation
- Costlier than most of the other models
- Doesn’t come with an installation manual
Best Fire Resistant Fireproof Safe
When it comes to protecting valuables against fire, the Protex WE2113-DF can hold it for up to 30 minutes. That’s longer than what most of the other models have to offer. Within that time, you would already have gained control of the fire. It is a wall-installed safe which doesn’t look conspicuous. But that’s not the only way it will protect your safety. Since it is attached to the wall, it is hard for a burglar to carry it away.
Unlike other models that claim to be fireproof while they aren’t, this safe is fitted with a fireproof interior liner. It prevents heat from reaching inside the interior and also keeps away the water from the fire engine sprinklers. It is ideal for storing media devices and guns since it will keep them free of the water and fire. The outer cover is a strong metal with a steel door. Inside, you will get two adjustable shelves for easy separation of the items you want to store.
In addition to an electronic lock, which you can use to create an access code, it also comes with a couple of backup keys. When you forget your code, it will be easy to gain entry using one of the keys. The hinges are internal and pry-resistant. Without the code or keys, no burglar will be able to gain entry into the safe.
5. First Alert 2030F 0.39 Cubic Feet Fire and Water Safe
- A latching lock for additional security
- Great price for top protective features
- Can keep your documents in a fire for up to 30 minutes
- May not carry some of your documents due to internal space
- Limited storage space at 0.39 cubic meters
- Needs a dehumidifier which you buy separately
Best Compact Fireproof Safe
Not everyone likes the idea of a wall safe. In fact, some people are more at home with a floor safe. If you are one of them, then the First Alert 2030F 0.39 Cubic Feet Fire and Water Safe is the way to go. It is a strong fireproof safe that can withstand a maximum of 1,550°F. It will protect your valuables from getting burned for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, it is a reliable waterproof safe which will prevent your valuables from getting drenched in water use by firefighters.
You won’t require to install this safe on the floor. So, you can carry it and keep it in places that are hard for the burglars to guess. The internal space is large enough to hold your most precious documents measuring 8.5 by 11 inches. You can keep these together with your jewelry and other valuables that require protection.
One thing you will like about the First Alert 2030F is its affordable price. To prevent molds from building up in the interior, you need to keep a small dehumidifier. That way, you will prevent moisture from seeping into the safe. Your items will remain dry, safe, and protected.
6. SureSeal by FireKing SS104-A 1 Hour Fireproof Waterproof Safe Chest
- Can hold any paper documents
- A lifetime replacement guarantee
- Can resist fire for up to 1 hour
- Waterproof for only 2 hours
- Will sink in a flood situation
- Can easily be opened by hammering
Best Fireproof Safe Chest
If you want a safe to store more than just the regular documents, you should buy the SureSeal SS104-A fireproof safe. It has enough space to hold legal documents as well as others that come from the government. It has a UL 360 fire-resistance rating, which is good enough to prevent your documents from damage. Also, the waterproof interior ensures that the documents won’t get submerged in water from fire engine sprinklers.
While it has the ability to protect your valuables against fire for up to 1 hour, it can resist water for a maximum of 2 hours. The manufacturer even says it will float on floodwater. Since the manufacturers know that the safe isn’t infallible, they have put in place a seven-year warranty. That’s a testament to the firm’s belief in the quality of this particular safe. If the fire gets burned in a fire, you can get a new safe from FireKing, thanks to the lifetime replacement guarantee.
You can use it to store your flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and portable hard drives. It can also hold valuables that need protection from water and fire damage. It comes with a handle and compression latches.
7. Phoenix Datacare 2-Hour Key Lock Fireproof Media Safe
- Weighs 585 pounds and is hard to lift from the ground
- Waterproof for up to 2 hours
- Has a fire replacement warranty
- Too heavy to easily move from one location to another
- Lacks a code or combination lock
- Big and conspicuous
Best Key Lock Fireproof Media Safe
With a sturdy fireproof safe that’s hard to break into, the security of your documents and valuables is assured. Unlike other safes which must be installed either on the floor or wall, this particular one only needs a good spot to keep it. It weighs up to 585 pounds, which is too heavy for a burglar to attempt carrying it away. If you have to lift it off the ground, you will need a machine.
In the interior, it measures 19.5 by 15.5 by 16 inches, which is a space big enough to store most of your valuables. From its name, the Phoenix Datacare 2-Hour Key Lock Fireproof Media Safe will secure your valuables from fire for up to 2 hours. That’s longer than what the other safes discussed so far can offer. Yet, the makers of this safe do not say anything about the maximum temperature that it can withstand. Since it is water-resistant, it can prevent water from getting in and damaging the valuables inside.
The company provides a fire replacement warranty. When a fire accident happens in your home, it will give you a brand new safe free of charge. With this safe, you do not have to grapple with codes and combinations. You have to open or lock it using a key.
8. Steelwater AMSWEL-530 2-Hour Fireproof Home and Document Safe
- A high fire rating
- A strong steel wall to prevent forceful entry
- Has a strong lock
- It isn’t waterproof
- Costlier than other fireproof safes
- Reports of a failed display screen
Best Steel Fireproof Safe
Right from its title, the Steelwater AMSWEL-530 is defined as a home safe. So, if you are looking for a fireproof safe for use at home, then buy this one. You can use it to store most of your documents as well as other objects. It can resist fire by up to 1850°F for a maximum of two hours. Not many of the other house safes will be able to withstand a fire that hot.
While house fires do not last forever, it takes time before the safe cools down. Therefore the two-hour limit is long enough to prevent a fire that might come due to the persistent heat. It will prevent your documents from getting burned down in a fire.
This is a burglar-proof safe which is hard to access via the locking system of the sturdy walls. It is made of two layers of solid steel which can resist forceful break-ins. The combination lock is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the safe. It is the two locking bolts that hold the door in place to prevent forceful entry. The safe also features an anti-pry design. With it, you will be sure of the highest levels of security for your documents.
9. Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe
- Comes with 10 locking points
- Has 3 adjustable shelves
- A fire-resistant safe by up to 1400°F
- Thin back and sidewalls
- The fire limit isn’t the highest
- Very conspicuous
Best Premium Fireproof Safe
If you are looking for a safe in which you can store a variety of things, try the Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe. It comes with three internal shelves which are adjustable to accommodate objects of any kind. Thus, you can keep your documents on one shelf, jewelry on another, and media devices on the last one. Since it is an “executive” safe, it is suitable for office or home use.
With a maximum of 10 distinct locking points, the safe is very secure. It features a 4-way locking system and a 1.5-inch live action. The electronic part cannot be drilled since it is secured by a metal plate. Even if they try, burglars cannot drill through it. From the light indicator, you will be able to know the mode in which the safe is operating. Another light warns you when the batteries begin to run low.
It has a sturdy and thick door which is basically tamper-proof. The safe can be fixed onto the floor so that no burglar can walk away with it. If that was not so, then someone could have easily lifted its 200-pound weight. It can resist a temperature of up to 1400°F and hold it for up to 30 minutes.
10. AdirOffice Security Safe with Digital Lock
- A durable, sturdy safe
- A programmable digital locking system
- 3 color choices
- A bulky safe with little room inside
- Reports of being locked out by the electronic system
- Not clear to what extent it can resist fire
Best Fireproof Safe with Digital Lock
If you are looking for a premier office safe, this is what you need. This safe is designed to be pry-resistant to prevent forceful entry. The electronic locking system has 2 live door-bolts. To ensure that no one gains entry into the safe, it has concealed hinges. If anyone wants to access the safe, then he or she might as well as for the PIN code. Because of all of these security features, it is possible to securely keep your valuable items in this safe.
The safe is available in 3 colors, namely black, red, and white. For that reason, it is easy to pick a color that conforms to your style. Maybe you want a safe that looks like your white interior walls. Why don’t you choose the white-colored safe? The safe will easily blend into the surroundings and remain hidden from the eyes of burglars. You can install it on a wall or the floor, whichever you prefer. The installation process is simple and easy.
When it comes to the price, this safe is affordable. Despite its low price, the safe proves to be valuable when it comes to storing your documents. This is a worthy investment.
How to Choose the best Fireproof Safe – The Ultimate Buying Guide
So, now you know some of the best fireproof safes available in the market. It is time to buy one. Could be you want it to for storing your documents, jewelry, and other valuables. But just how do you go about buying a fireproof safe? We got the answers for you!
The following are some of the things to look at before deciding on the fireproof safe to buy.
Is It Durable?
Who wants to buy a safe that will only last for a short while before breaking apart? Like everything else, you need a safe that’s durable and lasts long. Start by looking at the built-quality. The thing that differentiates low-quality safes from the high-quality ones is the material used to make it. Mostly, fireproof safes are made of steel walls and doors. However, some parts such as the electronic locking system might be made from plastics. Even among the ones with steel walls, some are single-layered while others are double-layered.
What Brand Is It?
When it comes to the brand, there are some that are loved and others with a bad reputation. While we may not delve into the details of what brands we are talking about, the brand is an important consideration. Things to look at include the warranty customer service and lock-out information. Brands are also differentiated in terms of the price. As such, some brands may cost a lot while others don’t attract much. Examples of the most popular fireproof safe brands include AdirOffice, Stack-On, Steelwater, Phoenix Datacare, FireKing, First Alert, Paragon, Serenelife, and SentrySafe. Only buy that which appeals to you the most.
How Big Is It?
There are many reasons why you should look at the size of the safe. If you buy a small safe, you can keep it virtually anywhere, thanks to its compact nature. Yet, you will have very limited space for storing your valuables. A larger safe, on the other hand, is great for storing electronic devices and bigger valuables. One common thing about the small or big safes is that they can be bolted on the floor or mounted on the wall. When you know where you will put the safe, you will be better placed to choose the right one.
Is The Safe Fire And Waterproof?
The purpose of having a safe is to secure your valuables from theft, fire, and water. With a fireproof safe, you will be able to secure your valuables from fire. Fireproof safes come with fire ratings of 1000°F or more. The best-rated safes can resist fire for up to 2 hours. Yet, it is also important that the safe is waterproof. It will protect documents from getting soaked in water. Also, it can keep away moisture that builds up as a result of the safe being stored in a hot, humid location. Make sure you get a safe that’s both fireproof and waterproof. You will never regret having it.
What Type Of Locking Does It Have?
Not all fireproof safes are made the same. One of the main areas in which they differ is the kind of locking system they have. The latest addition to the locking systems is the use of biometrics to lock as unlock the safes. Others have digital touch keypads that you can use to input a pre-selected PIN. When used by multiple numbers of people, you can have a different PIN for each of the individuals involved. Other safes use the dual lock which requires both a combination and a key lock.
The purpose of each of these kinds of locking system is to secure the safe from burglars. Most of them are backed up by override keys which you can use when the main locking system fails. For example, you may forget the PIN or the batteries might die. What do you do in that situation? Using the spare keys, you can access the safe and remove valuables or documents you need.
How Heavy Is It?
The weight of a fireproof safe really matters. It determines how you will carry the safe into the house and where you will put it. Weight matters especially when you need to carry the safe around. If you intend to install your safe on the wall or carry it with you, then it has to be light enough. For safes that will sit pretty on the floor, they can be as heavy as possible. The slightly heavy ones can be bolted on the floor while the hard-to-lift ones can be left to sit unbolted. After all, no one can lift and carry away very heavy safes.
What Is Its Design?
When it comes to picking the right fireproof safe, the design also matters. While some are designed to hang out of the walls, others blend into the same level as the walls. So, the design is not just about how beautiful or colorful the safe is. It also has to do with the number of shelves featured in the safe. If you intend to store a variety of things, then you should buy a safe with several shelves. It should be able to hold your documents, guns, and electronic devices all at the same time.
What’s The Value of the Safe?
To know if you are buying the right safe or not, you should consider the cost-to-value ratio. That’s the only way you will be able to get value for money on your purchase. Check the price. If you can, write it down. As you compare the prices of different safes, also look at the other features. For example, you could buy the cheapest safe which isn’t fully fireproof. On the other hand, the most expensive safe might be offering all the good features. In that case, you will be forced to buy the expensive safe simply because it provides the best features.
Conclusion
So what do you want in a fireproof safe? Check out the different brands and models featured in this review to see if you can find what you want. Most likely you will find what you are looking for. If you can’t, then use the buying guide to look for one that really works for you. In the end, it is about what you want and not about what we recommend.