Best Fireproof Safe in 2024
Look at the best fireproof safes on the market that offer excellent fire protection to you.
Best Overall
Best For Documents
Best Money Safe
Best Large Safe
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Chances are you have valuables that would be difficult to replace, including jewelry, precious metals, passports, and birth certificate. Sometimes you would keep money in your home for some reason. Would your vital belongings be safe in the event of a fire at home?
The National Fire Protection Association reveals that the US fire departments responded to an estimated 1,318,500 fires with an estimated $25.6 billion in direct property loss in a year. House fires can ultimately damage everything you’ve worked for, but there’s very little you can do once it starts.
It can ultimately damage everything in its path–and that includes your most important documents and valuables. If you don’t have a plan to protect these items, they could be lost forever. That’s where a fireproof safe comes in.
Fireproof safes are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent fire damage. A fireproof safe keeps your valuables secure around the clock, whether you’re around or not.
But not all fireproof safes are created the same. They differ in maximum temperature to withstand fires or fire ratings, combination locks, backup keys, safety tests, and so on.
So, how to choose the best fireproof safe for you? Fortunately, you don’t need to be a fire protection engineer to figure that out.
First, you should note that while fire protection safes may be labeled fireproof, they will burn if subjected to high temperatures for an extended period. A quality fireproof safe will protect your valuables from damage for a specific amount of time.
Fireproof safes have a rated duration of fire resistance, which is usually from an hour to past two hours with top-quality hardware. You want to look at the safe’s fire rating to know how protective it is.
Beyond that, you’ll want to consider its size both in the inside and outside dimensions. Then you may also want to look at the other special features it may offer.
Searching for the right fire protection safe is sometimes a difficult task. With all of the different features, fire rating, and types of safes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
If you search the internet, you’ll find several sites proclaiming to be knowledgeable about the best fire safe for documents, highest rated fireproof safes, best fireproof safe for the money, good fireproof safe, best fireproof money safe, etc. They will tell you what you’re supposed to know about buying a fireproof safe and offer opinions but have no firsthand knowledge in the safe business. Searching further might lead you to conflicting information.
Now, you may be thinking about why our information and options are better than the others. When it comes to fireproof safes, we have seen and experienced them ourselves, their good and bad.
We are true professionals in fireproof safes who are committed to giving you only the most critical considerations as you search for a fireproof safe to satisfy your needs.
Do Fireproof Safes Work?
A fireproof safe is a great way to protect your most important belongings from fire damage. Top fireproof safes are designed to keep interior temperatures safe or as cool as possible throughout the fire.
What’s The Best Fireproof Safe in 2024?
- Steelwater AMSWEL-310 : Best Overall
- SentrySafe SFW205GQC : Best For Documents
- Honeywell 2111 Fire Security Safe : Best Money Safe
- Steelwater AMSWS-1000C : Best Large Safe
Reviews: The Best Fireproof Safe in 2024
Let’s take a look at the best fireproof safes on the market that offer excellent fire protection to you.
1. SentrySafe SFW205GQC : Best Fireproof Document Safe
Best For Documents
SentrySafe SFW205GQC
Our Rating:
4.6
SentrySafe is one of the leaders in the home safe industry and their safes are some of the best on the market. This model gets the top mark as the best fireproof document safe. It offers 2.05 cubic feet of storage inside, so it’s designed to hold a large number of your valuables.
The door locks perfectly and it comes with either a digital keypad or a dial combination lock and in a variety of other sizes to suit several spaces. A secondary lock that requires a key is added for extra security.
An interior light is a welcome addition to help you see the safe’s contents when opened. It’s certified to protect irreplaceable documents and other valued items safe for up to 1 hour at temperatures up to 1700 degrees.
The fireproof safe can withstand up to 15 feet of fall, and it’s waterproof too. However, in the event you choose to bolt this best fire safe for documents, its waterproof feature will be lost as you need to drill holes in it for the bolts.
PROS
CONS
2. Steelwater AMSWEL-310 : 2 Hour Fire Protection Safe
Best Overall
Steelwater AMSWEL-310
Our Rating:
4.2
Topping the list of our best fireproof money safe will be the Steelwater AMSWEL-310. This is a highly secured and durable safe best used to safekeep money and small valuables such as passports and jewelry. Despite its small and compact size, its interior boasts a 0.53 cubic feet capacity that is customizable with its slightly deep but removable shelf.
The Steelwater AMSWEL-310 safe is much-admired with its layers of solid steel makeup, including its walls and door, that gives it the capability to endure a 1850°F fire for 2 hours. It is without question safe from theft as well, with its active and hinge-side locking bolts. For maximum security, it can be bolted down for maximum theft protection.
This safe from Steelwater can be best used at the office or for small stores and other businesses. When you have this safe with its programmable electronic keypad, you’ll have peace of mind that your money and other small treasures are safe. Just make sure that you memorize your combinations well since this safe has no backup key.
PROS
CONS
3. Honeywell 2111 Fire Security Safe
Best Money Safe
Honeywell 2111 Fire Security Safe
Our Rating:
3.9
Honeywell is among the brands to contend with in terms of fireproof, durable, and compact safes. It has been consistently creating safes that not only provide added security in the homes of its consumers but give them the best value for money.
Their Honeywell 2111 Fire Security safe boasts of .50 cubic feet capacity that can endure fire as hot as 1700°F for an hour. It is steel-coated and fireproof, featuring a Double Steel Wall Construction and a water-resistant door which cement its reliability in safekeeping important documents, firearms, money, and other valuables in the face of disasters.
Since the Honeywell 2111 Fire Security safe incorporates a Motion and Tilt alarm and a couple of Solid Steel Live Lock Bolts in its many security features, it easily discourages criminals during incidents of home invasions and break-ins.
Honeywell 2111 Fire Security safe may be compact, but it is still possible to organize your stuff inside with it having one handy shelf.
PROS
CONS
4. Steelwater AMSWS-1000C Gun Safes Office Safe
Best Large Safe
Steelwater AMSWS-1000C
Our Rating:
3.8
The Steelwater AMSWS-1000C safe made it to our list of highly recommended large-capacity fireproof safes. Its 4.36 cubic feet capacity offers plenty of storage space for various types of documents, firearms, and personal treasures. It can be customized based on your specifications with its adjustable shelves and its internal drawer secured by a key lock offers another safe storage for you.
AMSWS-1000C from Steelwater offers 2-hour protection for fire up to 1850°F (1010°C). It incorporates a Korean Group II Key Changeable Combination Dial that is upgradable to a digital lock if you prefer and a Key Operated Day Lock. It is heavy-duty with a 4 1/8” thick door and 1” locking bolts which makes tampering with it not an easy feat.
Further, with its weight of 407 pounds and the pre-drilled anchoring hole that allows it to be secured to the floor, thieves will be discouraged to steal it from your home or office. This is a safe is designed to thoroughly secure your valuables whether against theft or a house fire.
PROS
CONS
5. AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Safe – 1.24 cubic feet
AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Safe
Our Rating:
4.6
This safe from AmazonBasics will really give you the best deal. Price-wise, it is affordable, costing only a little over $200 for a heavy-duty 1.24 cubic feet safe that can sufficiently secure your documents, firearms, personal belongings, and even jewelry in case of theft and fire. It also doesn’t scrimp on security, having an easily programmable digital keypad backed up by a key in case of emergency and 0.75-inch bolts.
Having an adjustable partition shelf, you can easily fine-tune the storage space of the AmazonBasics safe depending on the valuables you’re going to place inside. Logistics is not an issue with this safe weighing 67 pounds. But just in case you prefer to secure it from thieves, it can also safely be bolted to the floor.
This AmazonBasics safe also doesn’t disappoint in the face of an average home fire. It has the capability to withstand up to 20 minutes of fire at 1200°F so you are still covered. However, you may want to think of ways to secure your valuables from water damage since this safe is not waterproof.
PROS
CONS
6. First Alert 2087F-BD
First Alert 2087F-BD
Our Rating:
4.5
This fireproof and waterproof safe from First Alert has some fantastic features that make it one of our top contenders on our list. Its fireproof and waterproof features remain even after being secured to the floor, which is made possible by the company’s Ready-Seal technology that allows secure fastening of the safe to the floor.
It can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as 1 hour. It features a waterproof seal that keeps contents safe even when submerged in water.
Its pry resistant hinge bar and four-door bolts are a welcome addition as anti-theft features. Spacious interior with dimensions 12.88 in. high x 10.38 in. wide x 12.25 in. deep.
PROS
CONS
7. SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe
SentrySafe SFW123GDC
Our Rating:
4.6
This is the third fireproof safe from SentrySafe in our list of best fireproof safes, and it deserves to be in one of our top 10. This armored steel fireproof safe has a total of 1.23 cubic feet of space with an internal locking drawer for smaller valuables, which keeps everything organized.
It has a digital keypad that requires high-end alkaline batteries with an expiration date of 8-10 years from the current year, but the backup key slot allows you to open the safe without the keypad function.
It is one of the highest-rated fireproof safes for its intense temperature resistance of up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 1 hour. It is also an ETL-verified waterproof fire safe that provides 24 hours of water protection up to 8 inches deep.
PROS
CONS
8. Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe
Stack-On E-040-SB-E
Our Rating:
4.3
This safe is proof that Stack-On doesn’t take the safety of your firearms and valuables lightly. The Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe is made up of reinforced steel that can stand its ground through 1400°F of fire for 30 minutes. It is equipped with an electronic lock and incorporates not only one but a 3-point locking system to ensure that your safe cannot easily be tampered with.
With the Stack-On E-040-SB-E Elite Junior Executive Fire Safe having a 5.73 cubic feet capacity, you will have no trouble organizing your money, firearms, personal documents, and jewelry in it especially since it includes three adjustable shelves to hold various items you will put inside. You will not even have issues with your precious items getting scratched and damaged because the inside of this safe is fully padded.
This safe comes with a sleek, high-end look. You can bolt this safe down for added security although its 250 pounds weight should already give you the guarantee that it cannot easily be taken away during a home invasion.
PROS
CONS
9. SureSeal Fireproof Safe Box by FireKing SS104-A
SureSeal SS104-A Fireproof Safe Box
Our Rating:
4.4
The FireKing brand is known for manufacturing high-quality fireproof document safes, and the SureSeal SS104-A with key lock is no exception. This safe is made with heavy-duty steel construction.
This is a portable safe, and relatively affordable choice for protecting vital documents, passports, and other small items, such as extra money. It comes with a carrying handle for easy evacuation if need be.
However, it is quite heavy for some at 56 pounds. It provides security to your valuables inside in the event of a fire for up to 1 hour at temperatures up to 1700 degrees.
Also, it is waterproof for the good of 2 hours and can float, making it easier to see in case of flooding. It holds letter and legal size documents flat.
PROS
CONS
10. SentrySafe CHW20221 Fireproof Box
SentrySafe CHW20221
Our Rating:
4.6
SentrySafe CHW20221 Fireproof Box is the safe of your choice if you are looking for one that is portable but secured enough to hold your small valuables during emergency situations. You can just up and go with this safe which features a 0.28 cubic capacity, weighing 20 pounds, that can easily hold your money, small pieces of jewelry, digital media, and important personal documents such as IDs and your Social Security card.
The SentrySafe CHW20221 Fireproof Box doesn’t come expensive at less than $65. This offers a good deal since this safe is UL Classified to withstand a fire of 1550°F for half an hour and can offer protection against water damage for up to 72 hours. No worrying about the valuables inside it in the face of an average home fire and flooding.
The SentrySafe CHW20221 Fireproof Box also includes a key lock that prevents its content from landing on unwanted hands. It has built-in straps that allow a seamless way to organize your belongings. Further, it is built with a handle that allows you to carry it with ease.
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CONS
How We Chose the Safes
Quality.
Quality should be the first consideration when purchasing a fireproof safe. When looking for a quality safe, you want to find one that is UL rated. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory. This is an independent fireproof rating organization that rates products for safety.
A UL rated safe means that it has been tested to withstand high temperatures and protect the contents inside from fire damage.A well-built safe can keep your essential stuff safer and offer you peace of mind.
All the models we included in our list are durable enough for many years to come. We did not consider those safes with pieces that quickly snapped off.
The fireproof rating, which is the ability of fireproof safes to take the heat before becoming damaged, is also being considered in our quality test. We also put a weight on the decision of our top list, the independent result of their waterproof rating, and the drop test result.
Reviews.
When it comes to protecting your valuables from fire, a fireproof safe with high fireproof rating is an absolute necessity. But with so many different models and brands on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive fireproof safe reviews to the best fireproof safes on the market, to help you make the best decision for your needs. We do look for reviews from the customers about their experiences on a particular fireproof safe after using it for several months, including its ease of use and unique features. We consider how easy a safe is both to set up and to use.
Some are quite heavy that may require extra planning when it comes to setting them up. Some fireproof safes are not only fire-resistant but also water-resistant, so we also look at the importance of this added security to customers and whether it does the job as expected. We also gather sources from various online publications to determine the best safes on the market today.
Brand.
There are many different brands of fireproof safes on the market today. Some of the more popular brands include Sentry, First Alert, and Honeywell safes. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits that make it stand out from the rest.
All the brands that make up our list of the best fireproof safes are the trusted and popular ones, but it does not mean that we also did not take into consideration other unknown and new brands. However, after careful consideration of several factors, such as quality, reviews, size, water rating and fireproof rating, and locking structures, those big brands emerged as the worthy ones to be included in our top 10 list.
Price.
Price is always a consideration when purchasing a fireproof safe, and the best safes are usually those that offer the best protection without breaking the bank. When it comes to fireproof safes, we’re talking about high-grade steel and iron.
Providing the best protection to your valuables may not be necessarily expensive, but higher-price fireproof safes may offer more storage capacity, durability, special features, and security.
Features that are important in a fireproof safe
Size.
When it comes to size, the best fireproof safes are usually between 1 and 2 cubic feet in size. This is large enough to protect important documents and other valuables, but small enough to be easily stored in a closet or under a bed.
The size and the available space in your home where you’re going to keep the safe is one of the deciding factors for what size of safe you need. Also, the size of your safe should be compatible with the things you’re planning to keep inside.
Fireproof and water safes.
Fires cost billions in direct property loss in a year, so fireproof safes are a must-have. Highest rated fireproof safes keep your valuables from danger in heat past 1000 degrees Fahrenheit for up to two hours. Some fireproof safes on our list also feature a waterproof rating that can help keep your valuables secure in case of submersion or humidity.
Locking mechanism.
Every fireproof safe locks differently. Some use your fingerprint as the primary locking mechanism to protect your important belongings. Others include touch keypads that enable you to make multiple PINs for family members.
A secondary locking key is another popular locking mechanism option, which requires both a key and a combination lock to open the safe. Some feature four live locking bolts, whatever your preferred locking mechanism or key lock system, make sure to choose the one with a backup unlocking option.
FAQ
Is a fireproof safe worth it?
Yes. When it comes to protecting your valuables from fire damage, a fireproof safe is definitely worth the investment. Things that we cherish above other items such as hard cash, jewelry, IDs, passports, insurance policy, bank, and financial documents, hard drives, and many other valuables, are likely to be damaged or lost in case of a fire accident. A good fireproof safe can protect your valuables in the event of a fire. The cost of your fireproof safes is likely much lower than the value of things you keep inside.
Does a fireproof safe really work?
A fireproof safe is a great way to protect your most important belongings from fire damage. But how do you know if a fireproof safe is really effective? There are a few things you should look for when purchasing a fireproof safe:
– Look for a safe that has been certified by an independent testing laboratory. This means that the safe has been put through rigorous testing to ensure that it can protect your belongings from fire damage.
– Make sure the safe is made from high-quality materials and ensure that you know the fire resistant insulation. A fireproof safe should be made from thick, heavy-duty metal or other fire-resistant materials.
– Choose a safe that is the right size for your needs. A small safe may not be able to protect large items, and a large safe may be too heavy to move if you need to evacuate your home in a hurry
Consider the features of the safe. Some fireproof safes come with additional features like waterproofing or theft protection. These extras can give you peace of mind in knowing that your belongings are well-protected. When you purchase a fireproof safe, be sure to test it out at home to make sure it works properly. Place some of your most valuable possessions inside and set a timer for an hour or two. Then, check on the items to see if they are still in good condition. With a little bit of research, you can find the best fireproof safe to protect your belongings from fire damage. Be sure to choose a quality product and test it out at home to ensure it will work properly in the event of a fire. Top fireproof safes are designed to keep interior temperatures safe or as cool as possible throughout the fire.
Will money burn in a fireproof safe?
No, if you use at least a UL Class 350 fireproof safes. The UL Class 350 model comes in 1-hour and 2-hour variations. Both designs can preserve paper assets when exposed to an external fire.
What is a fireproof safe?
A fireproof safe is a type of safe that is designed to protect its contents from high temperatures and flames. Fireproof safes are typically made from steel or other heat-resistant materials, and they usually have thick walls and doors to prevent heat and flames from damaging the contents inside.
What is the difference between fireproof and fire resistant?
Both fireproof and fire-resistant imply the same feature. Both serve to protect their contents from high temperatures. The difference between the two is that fireproof is usually associated with products that are more reliable and hold better against fire over a period of time. Fireproof is generally viewed as better than fire resistance as the latter is deemed to offer only a basic level of protection against fire. However, in reality, both fireproof and fire resistance can be used to describe the same thing, and technically, they’re interchangeable. There are no 100 percent fire-resistant safes as any safe will burn eventually. So, when you encounter a product that is described as fireproof, it only implies that the product will offer better and longer protection against fire than entry-level ones. Your valuables inside will be safe only for a certain length of time and under certain heat conditions.
What are fireproof safes made of?
Most top fireproof safe brands contain three layers of protective materials: an outer mild steel skin, a middle core of fireproof material, and an inner layer of special material that can protect the contents.
What is UL 72?
UL is short for Underwriters Laboratory of America, which publishes a range of security and fire resistance standards for products sold not just in America but also in other parts of the world. Their fire tests are generally referred to as UL 72.
What Is ETL Verified?
The ETL in the ETL Verified mark originates from the Edison Testing Laboratory founded by inventor Thomas Edison. The ETL Verified mark serves to denote an elevated level of quality and reliability for a product, signaling to consumers that a product meets high standards. It also verifies marketing claims made for a product. Manufacturers pursue the ETL Verification mark to separate their products from competitors that cannot earn the mark or to match the mark of competitors.
Conclusion on Fireproof Safes
A fireproof and waterproof safe is a great investment for any home or business. Here are some of the advantages of owning one:
- Protects your valuables from fire damage: A fireproof safe will keep your valuables, such as important documents, jewelry, and money, safe from fire damage.
- Keeps your valuables secure from theft: A fireproof safe will also keep your valuables safe from theft. If a burglar breaks into your home or business, they will not be able to get to your valuables if they are locked in a fireproof safe.
- Prevents water damage: If there is a fire in your home or business, the fireproof safe will prevent water damage to your valuables.
- Makes a great investment: A fireproof safe is a great investment because it will protect your valuables from fire, theft, and water damage.
There are many different types of fireproof safes on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. When it comes to choosing the best fireproof safe, there are several things that you need to take into account. The most important factor is the level of protection that you require.
There are two main types of fireproof safes: those that protect against fire only, and those that protect against both fire and water. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, then a fireproof safe is a must.
Even if your home is not in danger of being destroyed by a wildfire, a fire can still do serious damage. A fireproof safe will protect your important documents and valuables from being damaged by fire. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, then a water-resistant safe is a must.
You’ll also want to consider the fire resistant insulation of the safe and that it has been tested by a reputable company to ensure its effectiveness. The effectiveness of a fireproof safe is judged by how long it can protect its contents from the heat of a fire. The best fireproof safes have a Underwriters Laboratories (UL) fireproof rating of at least 1 hour for temperatures up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before choosing the best fireproof money safe, best fire safe for documents, highest rated fireproof safes, or good fireproof safe for you, consider how many valuables you want to keep protected in case of a fire. The size of the safe should be large enough to accommodate all of your important documents and valuables.
Also, think about the level of fire protection you need. Some safes are designed to protect against lower temperatures, while others can withstand higher degrees fahrenheit for longer periods of time.
Finally, consider the price. Fireproof safes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to find a safe that’s within your budget, but also offers the features and level of protection you need.
While a fireproof safe can’t protect all your valuables in your home, it can help protect the things that matter to you the most should a fire strike. With so many options on the market, it’s important to do your research to find the best safe for your needs.