It’s always important to be prepared so don’t wait for a fire to happen before you invest in the best fireproof safe, whether it’s for your home or business. The safe is very useful in keeping your important documents and valuables protected from fire, theft, water, etc.
When it comes to keeping your important belongings safe, you cannot just rely on any safe out there. It’s important that the safe is fireproof, so if a fire takes place on your premises, your valuables will remain protected. Even if the entire building is burned down, rest assured that the safe will remain intact, including the things that you keep inside it.
But how do you choose the best fireproof safe to buy, given the many options available for you online? In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about fireproof safes and we have included reviews of some of the best ones on the market.
What is a Fireproof Safe?
A fireproof safe keeps your valuables protected from unexpected events. These safes are made from durable and thick materials that can’t be damaged by fire. They are able to maintain a certain temperature and regulate the level of humidity in order to keep your belongings intact.
Furthermore, these safes are crush-proof to a certain extent so you will feel at ease at the thought that your valuables will remain in good condition no matter what happens. So, if you come home one of these days and see that firefighters are putting out a fire in your house, you can rest assured that your valuable assets are safe.
Fireproof safes are designed to last for a long time. In fact, there have been reports stating that some safes have survived apocalyptic events in the past, such as natural disasters and nuclear war. Unless buried deeply, nothing can survive such severe calamities.
Fireproof safes are able to survive structure fires and fires resulting from bomb detonations, flame throwers, etc. As for severe forms of combustion, a few safes are able to survive but generally, fireproof safes are able to withstand structure fires and fires resulting from acts of terror.
The safe’s ability to survive a fire is a result of the superior polymer materials that it’s made from. These materials are able to withstand tremendous pressure and heat and minimally conduct the said heat. Therefore, even when the safe is exposed to heat, the things inside will remain safe.
Once cooled, the safe can be opened in order to salvage all the precious items you keep inside. The safe’s ability to provide protection will also depend on the contents that are being kept inside. Certain materials, although flammable, will not ignite if there’s no open flame.
Examples are cloth, paper documents, etc. Some items can also be damaged through non-combustive ambient heat. These include electronics, jewelry alloys, photographs, CDs and DVDs, etc. The interiors of the safe won’t reach a temperature that could ruin the heat-sensitive items.
However, if there’s a severe fire, and your safe is exposed to the extreme heat that’s capable of melting steel and iron, some of the things might still get damaged. For instance, the CDs might stay intact but they will become unreadable. Extremely hot fires are rare, except if it’s a result of weaponized sources.
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Fireproof Safe
So, what is the best fireproof safe for home use? To address this question, here are some important factors to consider when you do your search.
Security
When it comes to security features, think of the type of security lock that you would prefer for your safe. Some safes are locked using a code combination. Others require a simple key lock and some models use a combination lock.
Water Resistance
Aside from being fireproof, it’s also important that the safe is water-resistant. Remember that if there’s a fire, water will be used to put it out. You definitely don’t want your valuable documents to be damaged by water.
There are numerous safes that are both fireproof and water-resistant. They even come with a verification system to prove that a particular safe has met certain water-resistant levels. These safes can also survive a flood in the event of a broken water pipe.
Valuables
Again, consider the type of valuables that you want to store in the fireproof safe. In fact, the biggest decision you will make will depend upon the valuables that you will store inside it.
If you need something to accommodate legal sized documents or those that are bigger than the standard size papers, then you should go for a larger safe.
In addition, if you need something that will allow you to separate the items, then you should go for a safe that’s equipped with a shelf. If you need to use it mainly for storing cash or firearms, then you better opt for a safe that comes with special security features.
Size
Fireproof safes are available in different sizes. When it comes to this, think about the type of items that you want to keep inside the safe. Of course, it’s important that the safe you will buy is big enough to handle all the items you want to store inside it.
Weight
Another thing to think about is the weight of the safe you plan on buying. This will usually depend on where you intend to keep it in your house. If you want to place the safe on top of a shelf, then you should choose something that’s light enough for the shelf to handle.
But if you want a safe that’s extremely heavy-duty, you may need to consider placing it on the floor, as these types of safes are really heavy. These safes are not recommended if you plan on putting them upstairs because they can be very heavy to carry.
Price
Fireproof safes come at different prices so consider your budget when buying one. Usually, those with a higher fire rating are more expensive. Yet, they are worth buying since they are more secure. The safe’s weight and size can also affect its price, as well as the type of security lock used.
What is the Best Fireproof Safe for Home Use?
Now that you know more about fireproof safes, it’s time to begin your search. We have made it easier for you and provided a list of the best fireproof home safes below.
1 – Honeywell Safes & Door Locks Fireproof Security Safe
Keep your valuables safe and protected with this fireproof security safe from Honeywell. This safe is water-resistant as well, so you can be sure that your valuables will remain intact in the event of fire or flood.
Equipped with a dual key security system plus a digital lock that can be easily programmed, this safe is guaranteed to provide you with the ultimate security for your valuable assets.
Furthermore, it has a fire rating of two hours for up to a temperature of 1850 degrees Fahrenheit. This product also comes with a water-resistant cabinet and door. It has an LCD that displays the date and time and provides history logs of recent access.
Customers are impressed with this safe’s double steel wall construction. Plus, it’s equipped with four live door bolts that are made of steel. It also comes with a tilt alarm that prevents any attempt of theft. What’s more, it comes with two entry keys, emergency override keys, storage drawers, and a removable shelf.
Offering an ample storage space of 21.4 x 14.2 x 13.4 inches, you can use this safe to store a lot of your valuable things. It has four AA batteries although some customers complained that the materials used for the battery compartment as well as the keypad are cheap plastic that could get damaged in the event of break-ins.
Pros:
Comes with separate locking storage drawer
The LCD display is clear and easy to read
Steel wall construction is durable
Water-resistant and fire-proof
Cons:
Keypad and battery compartment is made of cheap plastic
A bit heavy
With the Tigerking Security Safe, you’ll enjoy peace of mind no matter what calamities hit your house. This is the best home safe fireproof for homeowners who need to keep a large number of valuables. It’s made from high-quality steel and comes with six locking bolts that provide ultimate security to the safe.
One of the best features of this fireproof safe is that it has a great design on its interior. Thus, it’s perfect for storing all kinds of valuables. Also, if you need a safe that will allow you to separate your things, this would be a great option as it comes with a shelf.
Furthermore, it has a tamper alarm that will trigger a sound when tampered or jostled. It can be locked manually or digitally and you can easily set the digital combination or override it using a backup key.
The heavy-duty box features a beautiful rose gold color on its exterior that would look great in any decor. Although it’s highly recommended for home use, this safe can also work for offices, hotels, dormitories, etc.
Pros:
Creative interior design
Digital and manual locking options
Heavy-duty construction
Large capacity
Suitable for homeowners with many valuables
Tamper alarm
If you’re in need of the best fireproof safe for documents, then the Suptools Digital Safe-Electronic Steel Safe should not be overlooked. Made from durable and heavy-duty steel, you can be assured of long-lasting protection with this fireproof safe.
In addition, the safe is equipped with soli locking bolts that offer enough security and protection to your valuables. Featuring a black spray paint on its exterior, the design will definitely suit any interior décor. It can be used for the office, home or anywhere else.
Equipped with a password key setting that provides double security for the safe, you can be certain that your important documents will be protected. Furthermore, the password of the safe can be indefinitely changed if you want to.
There are also override keys in the event of emergencies, such as when the keypad doesn’t function well. This fireproof digital safe is also portable so you can carry it in your car during your travels. You can also mount it on the wall of your office or home if you want it to be as secure as possible.
Equipped with 4 expansion screws, you’ll be able to easily fix this safe anywhere you want to. You’ll get two emergency keys and an instruction manual with every purchase of this fireproof safe.
Pros:
Comes with 4 expansion screws
Digital lock with a manual override feature
Durable construction
Portable
Well designed safe
Among the best fireproof safes in the market are those that feature a combination lock such as the SentrySafe SFW205CWB. The safe’s combination lock feature has a standard SentrySafe rating suitable for its size.
Plus, it’s UL-classified, which means it can withstand an hour of fire at a maximum temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, this waterproof safe will remain safe up to 8-inch deep of water even when soaked for 24 hours.
The biggest benefit of using a combination lock for the safe is that there’s no electronic mechanism involved that can malfunction. Furthermore, it doesn’t require the need to replace the batteries from time to time.
The combination lock provides a tried and tested security access, which is why some customers prefer this to modern locks. However, it’s worth noting that the code of these locks is pre-set by the manufacturer.
Some users might also have issues with the plastic dial and handle and will find it less sturdy compared to the metal ones. But if your only concern is to keep your valuables safe from water and fire, then this safe should be fine.
Pros:
Features six live-locking bolts
Preset dial combination lock
Great customer service
Waterproof
This next product comes with a steel cabinet that can be used to keep personal devices, such as pistols, guns, and ammunition, making it the best fireproof gun safe in the market.
The Stack-On GCB-500 Steel Pistol Cabinet is the perfect safe to store tactical accessories. Equipped with a locking mechanism that appeals to most gun enthusiasts, this safe is very popular in the US.
With an adequately spacious interior that includes a shelf, you’ll be able to easily organize your things in this safe. Furthermore, the shelf of the safe is padded with foam at the bottom, which keeps it protected from scratches.
The steel-made cabinet comes with pre-drilled holes for mounting so you can easily install it into a wall. You’ll get fastening hardware with every purchase of this safe so there’s no need to worry about having to purchase separate fasteners to mount it.
This safe is fully lockable using a key code and comes with a double-bitted lock that provides dual protection. Above all, this product has met the requirements set by the Panel Code of California, which means that it’s guaranteed to be safe and effective for storing your personal firearms.
Pros:
Equipped with a secure locking mechanism
Includes fastening hardware
Pre-drilled mounting holes
Cons:
Poor quality control
What Are the Materials Used in Making Fireproof Safes?
Steel has a higher level of a melting point of around 2,500-2,750 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s derived from iron and was made using controlled carbon, which is why it’s a denser element. One thing that you’ll notice on the safe is the coating outside. It will appear like a brushed version of the metal that’s on the interior.
Sometimes a high-density rubber is used for the coating, which helps to keep it safe from scratches, especially when placed on the floor. It’s always important to find out what primary material was used for the safe, although most of them are usually made from iron or steel.
Fireproof vs. Fire Resistant
Most people use the terms “fire-resistant” and “fireproof” interchangeably. But these are two different terms. If a particular product is fireproof, it means that it will not get burned even when you throw it into a fire.
The fire will not damage the product’s exterior although it all comes down to the UL rating of the product. Furthermore, other factors, such as the maximum temperature, humidity, contents, as well as the length of time that the product was left into the fire will also matter.
On the other hand, if the product is fire-resistant, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s fireproof. If the product is placed beside a burning flame, it will not ignite in case the wisp of fire ends up touching it. Fire retardant will provide only a small window of resisting the fire, but it may not withstand a high level of heat, unlike when the product is fireproof.
6 – Phoenix Datacare 2-Hour Key Lock Fireproof Media Safe
The Phoenix Datacare 2-Hour Key Lock Safe is very sturdy and something that’s worth your hard-earned money. With a weight of 585 pounds, no one will attempt to steal this safe from you.
The safe’s interior is spacious enough, with a size of 19.5 x 15.5 x 16 inches. Rated with a 30-ft drop and a 2-hr fire-resistant rating, this safe is certainly the best fireproof waterproof safe in the market.
The Phoenix Datacare 2-Hour Key Lock Safe is equipped with an adjustable internal shelf, as well as temperature and humidity control. Furthermore, it’s specially designed to protect media devices like laptops, smartphones, memory cards, hard drives, CDs, and other magnetic media devices.
Its double door construction plus a water-resistant feature on its interior keeps it from getting damaged in case water sprinkles and fire hoses are directly pointed at it during a fire.
Pros:
Comes with a warranty that will replace the safe in the event of a fire
Fire-resistant and waterproof for up to 2 hours
Has a heavyweight of 585 pounds
Key lock feature so there’s no need to deal with combinations or codes
Rated for up to a 30-foot drop
The AdirOffice Security Safe is another decent safe that makes use of an electronic keypad for its locking mechanism. It’s powered by two AA batteries and includes emergency keys, which is very useful for when you forget your pin code or when it runs out of batteries.
Equipped with a digital display that will tell you if the safe is locked or not, this fireproof safe is definitely reliable. As a matter of fact, the display will also inform you if the battery runs low. Other features that this safe comes with are the pry-resistant door made of steel, live door bolts, and concealed hinges.
You will get 4 mounting bolts with this safe, which allows for the easy installation of the safe into a shelf, cabinet, wall, etc. There’s no assembly needed, which is truly very convenient. Even if the safe is made of steel, the material is not that thick, so it will feel more like a lockbox instead of a safe.
But this feature gives it a cheap feel, which is why it’s not suitable for storing jewelry. Nevertheless, we believe it’s the best fireproof safe for documents.
Pros:
Affordable
Easy to install and use
Works great
Good looking design
Cons:
Not resistant to water
8 – First Alert 2087F Fire-Resistant Combination Safe
Another product that we would recommend to those who are in need of the best waterproof fireproof safe is the First Alert 2087F Fire-Resistant Combination Safe. Capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 1,700 degrees F for one hour, this fireproof safe is definitely trustworthy.
Even when it’s exposed to extreme temperature, the interior will remain below 350 F, which means that the items inside will not melt or burn. The First Alert 2087F safe is also waterproof and is made from a resin material that uses four bolts made of steel to secure its door. It’s possible to unlock the door using a dial combination lock.
These security features make this safe an excellent investment to keep your important possessions fully protected. With a weight of 82 pounds, no one will even try to steal this safe. You can also opt to bolt the safe down in order to prevent theft or burglary. This device comes with mounting tools that won’t affect its waterproofing abilities.
Pros:
Comes with a waterproof seal
Covered with a 5-year warranty
Equipped with concealed hinges that have a pry-proof design
Fire-resistant for a maximum of 1 hour
Includes two override keys
Mounting hardware is included
If you need a stylish looking safe that you can display in your office, the Tigerking Safe Box Digital Security Safe is highly recommended. This fireproof safe features a sophisticated design with an attractive digital display.
With this device, you’ll have two unlocking options to choose from – combination code with master key or bypassing the code and then using both the emergency key and master key together. This fireproof safe comes with an LED screen that displays access records.
Such a feature will give you an idea of any attempt to break-in the safe. This digital security safe has a dimension of 14.6 x 8.7 x 10.3 inches and with 0.8 cubic feet of internal capacity. As one of the best small fireproof safes, it has a weight of 67 pounds.
The Tigerking Safe Box Digital Security Safe will remain safe for 30 minutes when in flame. However, the manufacturer hasn’t provided a fire-rating temp, which is one of its downsides. It’s also worth noting that this safe isn’t waterproof. The safe is equipped with screw features, allowing you to easily screw it into a wall, flooring, cabinet, etc.
Pros:
30-minutes fire resistant
Can be screwed easily
It can store documents and can be used for homes, hotels, etc.
Equipped with an LED screen that gives it a sophisticated look
Two unlocking options
Cons:
A bit complicated to use
10 – Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe
The Stack-On Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe is one of the best fireproof home safes that can also work well for offices. It comes with 3 adjustable shelves that can accommodate any of your storage needs.
Coated with black powder and silver-grey finish, you’ll absolutely love having this safe displayed in your bedroom or office. Furthermore, it comes with a sharp handle that makes it look even more sophisticated.
This safe has 10 locking points to ensure that the door is fully secured. With a weight of 225 pounds, this safe is a bit on the heavy side so no one will ever attempt to steal it. Inside, there’s a storage space of 36.9 x 18.5 x 14.5 inches. Unfortunately, this safe is not tall enough to accommodate rifles and other tall items.
The Stack-On Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe will remain safe for 30 minutes at a maximum of 1,400 F heat. Its interior comes with padding so your valuables will not get scratches while they are kept in there.
Pros:
Can be mounted in-wall or ground
Fire-resistant at 1400 degrees F for 30 minutes
Fully-padded interior
Heavy-duty at 225 pounds
Professional, high-end design
Comes with 10 locking points
Cons:
Poor customer support
Where Should You Put Your Fireproof Safe?
This will mainly depend upon your personal preferences, although the size and weight of the safe must be taken into consideration as well. But it’s important that you place the safe in a secure location in your home so after the dust has settled and the fire has died down, your safe will remain untouched.
Try to place the safe at the ground to keep the flames from getting worse. If there are explosives and oxygen regulators in your home, then your safe won’t be demolished since it’s on the ground.
Also, putting it in the ground means that it will stay there after the fire has been extinguished. If the entire building comes down, you only have to search through the rubbles for your safe.
You can also place it close to the electric oven to give it extra protection. Of course, gas ovens are not the best choice because if the gas line is ignited during a fire, this can lead to an explosion and could potentially damage the safe. But if you place it in an electric stove, there’s less chance that the falling debris will end up crushing it.
If none of the options above will work for you, it is best to place the safe somewhere in your basement. Concrete won’t be able to light the fire so if your basement is made primarily of concrete, you’ll be able to keep your safe secure at the ground. You can also stash it in a corner or below a staircase.
This should keep it safe from fire and the crushing weight of your home, just in case the structure collapses. If you are getting a smaller safe, something that you can easily carry, you may want to create a hole in your basement and keep the safe hidden in there.
After our evaluation and research, we find that the best fireproof safe out of all the products we mentioned above is the Honeywell Safes & Door Locks – 2118 Steel Fireproof Security Safe. This is because this product comes with excellent features that can keep your valuable possessions fully protected.
This safe offers a higher level of security, thanks to its dial lock and programmable digital lock. Furthermore, it has a fire rating of 90 minutes for 2 hours, which is truly impressive.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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