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Fireproof safes can stop a fire or break-in from escalating from terrible to truly disastrous by keeping essential documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports safe from destruction or theft. These have at least 30 minutes of fire protection and the durability to keep thieves out. They’re also a good way to organize and keep track of sensitive information in the home as part of your home security system.
Useful features range from biometric locks and backup locks to alarms and water resistance. Wondering, ‘what is the best fireproof and waterproof safe for home use?’ Your budget, capacity needs, and available space will help determine which fireproof home safe is suitable to keep your valuables secure. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.
- BEST OVERALL: SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Honeywell 1102 Molded Fire/Water Chest
- BEST WITH ALARM: SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe
- BEST MINI SAFE: First Alert Water and Fire Protector File Chest
- BEST SAFE BOX: Honeywell 6104 Fire-Resistant Steel Security Box
- BEST SAFE CHEST: SentrySafe Fire/Water File
- BEST BIOMETRIC SAFE: Amazon Basics Safe With Biometric Fingerprint Lock
- ALSO CONSIDER: Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe
How We Chose the Best Fireproof Safes
We spent hours researching fireproof safes because they come in a wide range of styles and designs, with varying levels of security to protect from theft, fire, and/or water. We started by looking for safes with maximum temperature ranges above 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit with at least 30 minutes of fire protection.
From there, we considered construction. Does the safe have a live locking bolt? How many? How are the hinges designed? (Exposed hinges are easy to break into.) How many layers make up the fire protection? (It often takes several layers of materials, including thick steel, to stop high temperatures from damaging valuables.)
The locking mechanism also played an important role in our choices. The locking mechanism should be secure enough to deter thieves, though fireproof safes are better at fire protection than protection from burglary. Safes with more than one kind of entry mechanism, like a combination lock with a key, also got higher marks from us. It’s always good to have a secondary locking key in case of an emergency.
Our Top Picks
The safes on this list offer a wide range of features and perform well under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) testing. Some models have extra features like alarms, while others offer biometric entry. We used fireproof safe reviews and user experience to critically examine the features and benefits of the top fireproof safes to select options to meet a variety of needs.
Best Overall
SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 1 hour in temps up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Electronic combination lock
- Dimensions: 17.8 inches high by 16.3 inches wide by 19.3 inches deep
- Weight: 86.69 pounds
Pros
- Fireproof; protects valuables in a fire for 1 hour at up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit
- Waterproof, with contents staying dry in 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours
- Locked drawer and organization features keep small items in place
- Interior lighting makes content more visible at night or in dark spaces
- Includes dual backup key that allows disabling of primary lock, even if others know the combination
- Includes all necessary hardware to bolt in place if required
Cons
- Heavyweight compared to similar fireproof safes available on the market
- Some users say the safes they received came with dents
This extra-large fireproof and waterproof digital safe from SentrySafe (model number SFW123GDC) ticks all of the boxes for the safekeeping of sensitive items. Its UL fireproof rating indicates that it can keep its 1.23 cubic feet of interior space at a safe temperature for important documents, DVDs, and USB drives for up to 1 hour in temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
This SentrySafe model is fireproof and waterproof for 24 hours in depths up to 8 inches.
Burglars will have a hard time cracking this egg since it can also withstand a 15-foot drop without breaking. The safe also comes with bolt-down hardware to secure it from thieves. Set a combination on the digital keypad but also have the assurance of access with backup keys.
On the interior, a locking drawer and shelves organize important documents and valuables, with interior lights that illuminate contents in the dark. At 86.69 pounds, this model is not lightweight. It requires four AA batteries to run the lock mechanism and interior light.
Get the SentrySafe fireproof and waterproof digital safe at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Honeywell 1102 Molded Fire/Water Chest
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Key lock
- Dimensions: 7.3 inches high by 12.4 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep
- Weight: 19.8 pounds
Pros
- Compact footprint; suitable for hiding in small spaces like bookshelves, in trunks, or under furniture
- Interior stays dry for up to 24 hours; suitable for wet climates or flooding
- The portable design allows for quick removal or transporting; the carrying handle is built-in
- The key lock operates without the need for batteries
Cons
- Interior size requires 8.5-inch by 11-inch sheets of paper to be folded
This small 0.15-cubic-foot safe offers excellent fire and water protection at a reasonable price. The UL fire protection rating indicates that it can withstand temperatures up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. When locked, it creates a waterproof seal that keeps the interior dry for up to 24 hours.
The key lock is simple to use and fast to open, and a carrying handle makes it easy to pick up this 19.8-pound safe and store it. The design also allows it to hold important documents, CDs, DVDs, and flash drives full of irreplaceable memories and information.
Get the Honeywell 1102 fireproof safe at Amazon or Honeywell.
Best With Alarm
SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 1 hour in temps up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Combination lock
- Dimensions: 17.8 inches high by 16.3 inches wide by 19.3 inches deep
- Weight: 86.3 pounds
Pros
- Contents remain dry in 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours; provides excellent peace of mind
- Built-in pry-resistant hinge bar prevents unwanted theft and burglary
- Includes bolt-down hardware that ensures thieves cannot remove safe from home or office
Cons
- Cannot be wall-mounted; may need to be placed on a shelf or hidden in a cabinet
- No backup key is provided; an additional key only overrides the primary lock
- No interior light; may be hard to see the contents in dim lighting
This safe (model number SFW123DSB) features a combination lock and dual-key access to keep digital media, jewelry, important documents, and other valuables secure. This SentrySafe model comes with four 1-inch bolts and a pry-resistant hinge bar to prevent unwanted theft and tampering.
With 1.19 cubic feet of storage space, this safe can withstand temperatures of up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour and be immersed in 8-inch deep water for up to 24 hours. This model also comes with a solid steel construction for durability and long-term protection as well as multiple racks for keeping valuables organized. Finally, bolt-down hardware is included so users can mount the safe to a shelf or floor preventing removal from the home.
Get the SentrySafe combination fireproof safe at Amazon.
Best Mini Safe
First Alert Water and Fire Protector File Chest
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Key lock
- Dimensions: 13 inches high by 16.25 inches wide by 13.25 inches deep
- Weight: 38.9 pounds
Pros
- Simple to use right out of the box; no assembly required
- Lock box holds standard-size file folders without folding or creasing
- Watertight when clamped and locked; suitable if home or office is in an extremely flood-prone area
Cons
- The watertight seal can trap moisture inside quite easily; ensure items are dry before storing
The First Alert water and fire protector file chest acts as a fire safe for important files, guarding documents for 30 minutes in temperatures up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s enough protection for multimedia devices like CDs and DVDs and space to store hanging file folders. The water-resistant resin materials also seal in the contents to protect them even when the safe is fully submerged.
A clamp-style closure secures the seal, while a key lock keeps out unwanted hands. At 38.9 pounds, this model is relatively portable and still offers 0.62 cubic feet of storage space. That also means thieves could easily walk out with it. However, if it’s kept somewhere unexpected and away from prying eyes, it can protect valuables and keep them secure while traveling.
Get the First Alert fireproof safe at Amazon or Acme Tools.
Best Safe Box
Honeywell 6104 Fire-Resistant Steel Security Box
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Unspecified
- Lock type: Key lock
- Dimensions: 4.1 inches high by 12.7 inches wide by 8.8 inches deep
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and portable; suitable for travel or keeping in the car
- Hinged-lid design is tamperproof, guarding against any unwanted theft
- Padded bottom and interior protect contents during drops and falls
Cons
- Limited fire protection compared to other waterproof and fireproof safes and chests
The Honeywell 6104’s double steel walls with fire-resistant insulation create a protective chamber for cash, documents, or a few small valuables. It comes with two keys so users can keep them in separate locations and always maintain easy access.
A hidden hinge resists tampering, while a carrying handle lets users take the light 5.8-pound box with them to trade shows, on trips, or between work and home.
This security safe’s padded bottom cushions the contents to protect them from falls and scrapes. The durability and fire resistance enable this box to provide extra security while on the go.
Get the Honeywell 6104 fireproof safe at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Honeywell.
Best Safe Chest
SentrySafe Fire/Water File
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 30 minutes in temps up to 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Key lock
- Dimensions: 14.3 inches high by 15.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep
- Weight: 38.85 pounds
Pros
- Impressive 72-hour water protection when fully submerged; suitable for homes and offices in flood-prone areas
- Design holds standard file folders without folding; suitable for keeping important and legal documents safe
- Elastic straps on the lid interior provide added organization options
Cons
- Some buyers say the file safes they received arrived with defective handles
This SentrySafe fireproof document file safe (model number HD4100) features excellent fire and water protection along with interior organization features to keep its 0.65 feet of cubic space easily accessible. This model is UL rated to resist temperatures of up to 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes. It’s also ETL verified to keep the contents dry when submerged underwater for up to 72 hours.
All that protection comes with helpful organization features. Elastic straps on the inside of the lid securely hold documents or electronics. The bottom portion of this fireproof document file safe has rails for file folders. The chest can essentially become a secure mobile office for business trips or used for important documents at home.
Get the SentrySafe fireproof file safe at Amazon or SentrySafe.
Best Biometric Safe
Amazon Basics Safe With Biometric Fingerprint Lock
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Unspecified
- Lock type: Biometric and keyed
- Dimensions: 9.8 inches high by 13.8 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep
- Weight: 21.7 pounds
Pros
- Dual locking bolts and pry-resistant concealed hinges protect from forced entry
- Organized, shelved design keeps valuables where users can see them
- 500 DPI semiconductor can read a fingerprint in under a second
- 14-gauge carbon-steel body and 8-gauge carbon-steel door prevent burglary
- Predrilled holes and mounting hardware included for holding in place
Cons
- No fire resistance level included with product description; may not withstand fires for long
- Limited size for storing items; not suitable for an ample amount of items
This Amazon Basics steel security safe protects contents with dual locking bolts activated by its finger scanner—it’s the reason this safe made our list. Biometric scans use unique physiology (a fingerprint) to keep potential thieves out and valuables safe.
With 0.5 cubic feet of storage space, this safe comes with a 500 DPI semiconductor to read a fingerprint in under 1 second. Plus, it holds up to 50 individual fingerprints and can be locked and unlocked with a fingerprint scan more than 1 million times. For additional protection, this safe is made with an 8-gauge carbon-steel door, 14-gauge carbon-steel body, and pry-resistant concealed hinges.
This pick is also capable of being wall-mounted with predrilled holes and hardware included. Finally, for quick opening, this safe comes with a backup key for emergencies.
Get the Amazon Basics biometric fireproof safe at Amazon.
Also Consider
Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe
Product Specs
- Fire rating: Protects contents for 20 minutes in temps up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lock type: Electronic combination lock
- Dimensions: 19.67 inches high by 14.17 inches wide by 13.8 inches deep
- Weight: 67 pounds
Pros
- Withstands temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes
- Adjustable shelf can hold small to large items easily; suitable for organizing important items
- The padded interior prevents items inside from being damaged if dropped or it falls
- 5 large 0.75-inch bolts prevent tampering, burglary, and prying
- A durable 14-gauge-steel body protects against the threat of theft
Cons
- Not waterproof; can only withstand the threat of fire but not flooding
- 20-minute fire safety protection is limited compared to similar models
For fire safety, the Amazon Basics safe can withstand fire up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. An adjustable shelf located at the top of the safe’s interior can keep small items like cash and jewelry organized or create a larger space suitable for firearms, documents, or other valuables.
Made with a durable 14-gauge steel body and five large 0.75-inch bolts, this safe provides excellent security and theft protection. It also complies with Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) 72 Standards and provides 1.2 cubic feet of space for valuables. Plus, the padded interior prevents items from getting damaged.
Get the Amazon Basics programmable fireproof safe at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Fireproof Safe
Fire and theft are at the top of most people’s home security concerns. Some safes offer better protection from one than the other. Water damage is another issue at the top of many people’s minds, and some safes offer some water resistance in addition to their other protective capabilities.
Ultimately, the items buyers want to protect and what or whom they want to protect them from help determine the right capacity, locking mechanism, and fire rating for a safe.
Type/Lock Mechanism
- Key lock: Plain and simple describes these locking mechanisms. However, keep track of the key. If it’s kept in the room with the safe, it could get destroyed in a fire or be found by burglars.
- Mechanical combination lock: There’s no key management involved with a mechanical lock combination, nor do users have to worry about a dead battery or electronic malfunction. Some mechanical locks also have a key lock to use in an emergency. However, buyers are more limited in the choice of combinations with a mechanical combination lock.
- Electronic combination lock: These locks have more password options, and users don’t have to worry about losing the key. However, some models need periodic battery changes. Like mechanical locks, an electronic lock may come with a backup key in case owners forget the code.
- Biometric lock: Biometric locks use a fingerprint or retina scan to open the safe. There’s no need to remember a code or keep track of a key. Some may have a key as a backup security measure.
Material
Most safes are made of thick steel sheets. The sheets, which can be several centimeters thick, give safes their hefty weight. However, these aren’t just any sheets of steel. Safes contain plates made from both hard steel and mild steel. Heat can cause hard plates to crack, exposing the contents to hot temperatures. Mild steel warps rather than cracks, protecting the contents even as temperatures rise.
Fire safes are also constructed with a layer made of a nonconductive composite material that prevents the interior temperature from rising for 30 to 120 minutes. Fire-resistant insulation is also often used to help keep those interior temperatures down.
However, steel isn’t the only material used to make fireproof safes. ABS plastic and various resins are used as well. These two materials are lighter in weight and are typically used to make smaller, more portable safes.
Size and Capacity
Shoppers will want to start their search for a fireproof safe box by making a list of what they want to keep inside it. If they have valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, a bank lockbox offers the best protection.
Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, and tax returns are also valuable documents that could pose a problem if lost to theft or fire. Shoppers will want to take a look at their list and make sure the safe will hold everything on it. For example, firearms take up more space than documents or DVDs.
Size also plays a role in where the safe can be placed. A fireproof wall safe or a large safe is harder to hide and easier to spot. To keep the safe hidden, consider a small fireproof safe that more easily fits in a closet, crawl space, or under floorboards. Keep in mind that small safes are vulnerable to theft if they’re not hidden.
UL and Fire Ratings
In truth, no safe is 100 percent fireproof. Safes are fire resistant only up to a certain temperature and for a certain amount of time.
UL evaluates safes and gives them a fireproof rating. These ratings indicate two things—the maximum temperature at which the product can maintain a safe interior temperature, and the length of time the safe can hold that temperature.
The interior temperature determines the kinds of materials the safe can protect. For example, the interior of a paper document safe shouldn’t get hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that, and the paper will burn. However, electronics may not be able to withstand temperatures of more than 125 to 150 degrees.
The UL rating also indicates how long the safe can hold that interior temperature. Most home fireproof safes offer at least 30 minutes of protection. That may not sound long, but most fires move through a room in less than 20 minutes. For additional peace of mind, however, some safes offer up to 120 minutes of fire protection.
Water Resistance
Waterproof safes indicate how long they can protect their contents from water as well as the depth at which they can maintain that protection. Most resist water for approximately 24 hours, but some may offer up to 72 hours of protection in water that’s 8 to 40 inches deep.
If living in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to put the contents of the safe in waterproof bags, whether the safe is rated for water protection or not. Some safes also offer humidity resistance, which can protect items or documents that are sensitive to subtle environmental changes.
Usability
Usability features include display visibility, weight, and the safe’s overall portability. LED displays are much easier to see in dim conditions. Considering that safes are often stored in dark, secure areas, a display that’s easy to see will make the safe more functional.
Some safes are portable with a top or side handle for easy carrying. These small safes may weigh 25 to 30 pounds. Others weigh more than 100 pounds and would take two people to move.
Weight
Fireproof home safes can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to hundreds of pounds. The ideal safe weight depends on several factors, including portability and intended location and use.
If portability is a concern, look for a lighter safe, weighing under 30 pounds. These safes will be easier to take along when traveling or commuting. They’re also usually smaller and made to store items like USB drives, cash, passports, and other important documents that are necessary to have on hand.
Lightweight safes are easier to carry—both for the user and a possible burglar. For larger or freestanding home safes, a hefty weight can work to the owner’s benefit; it’s harder for a robber to take off quickly with a safe that weighs hundreds of pounds.
Tips for Buying and Using a Fireproof Safe
The items shoppers want to protect, their available space, and the threats from which they’ll want to safeguard their items will help them determine the right safe for them. Here are a few more tips to help find the best fireproof safe and incorporate it into a home security system.
- Install the safe above ground level (not in a basement) to reduce the chances of water damage during a flood.
- The first level of a multistory home offers the best protection from fire.
- Safes that come with a bolting system are designed to be attached to the floor or exterior wall for added security.
- Do not keep the safe in plain sight. As part of a comprehensive plan to keep a home and its contents secure, store the safe in a place that’s inconspicuous or hidden.
- Look for a safe that’s “UL listed” or “ETL verified.” These labels indicate that they’ve been tested by and passed third-party scrutiny.
5 Things You Should Keep in a Fireproof Safe
A fireproof safe is a good place to store important belongings that users want to keep at home, while a safety deposit box is best for really important items that they won’t use often. A home safe will keep items protected but also within easy reach, in case users need to access or use the contents inside. Some items to store in a fireproof home safe include:
- Important documents like insurance policies, bank and financial account information, legal documents, and medical documents
- Identity documents like passports, birth certificate copies, Social Security cards, and other ID cards
- Digital data stored on USBs, CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and hard drives
- Cash and other small valuables like jewelry and collectibles
- Family photos and other sentimental items
FAQs
Fireproof safes aren’t particularly complicated. But if you’re new to them, you probably have a few questions. We’ve got the answers to common questions along with tips to help you better protect your sensitive information and belongings.
Q. Will a fireproof safe survive a house fire?
It depends on the safe’s level of protection. If the house fire does not exceed the safe’s maximum fire-resistance time or temperature limit, it will survive the fire.
Q. How can I be sure that I have a certified fireproof safe?
Look for a UL-listed or ETL-verified safe; these safes have undergone trusted third-party testing based on design and performance standards.
Q. Are all safes fireproof?
Not all safes are fireproof. Some safes are designed specifically to deter theft, while others may protect from water damage rather than fire or theft. Some protect from all three. If you want a safe that protects from fire, you need to specifically look for one designed for that purpose.
Q. What is the maximum temperature that my fireproof safe can withstand?
It depends on the safe, so look at the displayed specifications. Many fireproof home safes can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. What is a UL fire rating?
A UL fire rating comes from the Underwriters Laboratories and is a rating of temperature and time. This organization tests safes to determine the maximum exterior temperature at which the safe can hold a safe interior temperature and for how long it can maintain that temperature. Be sure to buy a safe that’s “UL listed,” not “tested to UL standards.” The former means the safe has passed the UL tests, while the latter means the safe has been submitted but has not yet passed the safety tests.
Q. What does “ETL verified” mean?
Intertek inspects and tests products for safety and gives an ETL verification for those that pass. Much like the UL, they test safes for fire and water safety. An ETL verification is also a good indicator of a safe’s overall quality and safety.
Q. Is my fireproof safe going to protect my papers if it is flooded?
Not all fireproof safes have been tested against flooding, although many will offer some water protection. For reliable fire and flood protection, look for a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof.
Q. What is the safest locking mechanism for a fireproof safe?
Choose a safe with your preferred locking mechanism for ease of use and convenience; it’s more important to consider the protection level rather than the lock type when it comes to fire safety. A fireproof safe that has been certified to a certain standard (for example, 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes) will protect its contents from those conditions for the advertised time, regardless of the locking mechanism.
Q. Where should I put my safe?
The size of the safe will narrow down your options. Look for a low-traffic area that’s not easily seen or noticed. Someplace other than the master bedroom is a good choice since thieves usually start their search there.
A guest bedroom or hall closet are good options. However, avoid the garage or basement. Garages tend to be left unsecured and are an easy target for thieves to carry away a safe. Water easily floods basements, making them a less-than-ideal choice.
Q. Do thieves steal safes?
Determined thieves can steal and possibly open a safe despite complex locking mechanisms. A poorly made safe may open when dropped only a few feet, for example. The more deterrents the safe offers, the more likely thieves are to leave it alone. An audible alarm may be enough to scare off a jittery burglar.
Q. How do I hide a safe in a wall?
To hide a wall-mounted safe, choose a concealed spot, such as behind a door, furniture, a mirror or painting, or in the back of a closet.
Q. Should I bolt my safe to the floor?
Yes, bolting a safe to the floor offers extra security against theft.
