Home is where the heart is and where many of our most valuable items and documents are stored. Unfortunately, it’s also vulnerable to theft, fire, and other disasters. Investing in a fireproof safe is one of the best ways to protect your valuables and important documents from these threats. In this article, we’ll explore the best fireproof safes for home use and discuss what features you should look for when choosing one. From fire ratings to size considerations, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and ensure that your valuables are safe and secure.
Features To Look For In A Fireproof Safe
When looking for fireproof safes for your home, there are a few features to consider to ensure the safety of your important documents and belongings.
First, a fireproof safe should be able to withstand temperatures of up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour. This is the temperature of an average house fire, so the safe must be able to keep your valuables safe.
Additionally, the fireproof safe should have a UL fire-rating label attached to it. This label indicates that an independent lab has tested the safe and guarantees its fire resistance.
The fireproof safe should also be water-resistant. Firefighters use water to put out fires, and the water can damage documents and belongings that may be inside your fireproof safe. To combat this, look for a fireproof safe with a waterproof seal and gasket. This will ensure that any water that enters the safe won’t be able to damage your items.
The fireproof safe should also have sturdy construction. It should be made of heavy-duty steel and have a minimum thickness of 1/8th of an inch. This will ensure that the safe can’t be easily damaged or broken into.
When choosing a fireproof safe for your home, consider the type of lock. Traditional safes have key locks, but many fireproof safes now come with electronic locks that can be opened with a combination code and some come with a secondary locking key.
It is also important to consider the interior of the fireproof safe. Many fireproof safes come with storage space adjustable shelves and compartments, allowing homeowners to customize the interior to fit their needs.
These are the key features to look for when considering fireproof safes for a home. By taking the time to research and find the right safe, homeowners can ensure that their valuables are better protected from fire and water damage.
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Our Top Picks
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- Best File Safe: SentrySafe
- Best Portable: Honeywell
- Best With Electronic Lock: Aegis
- Best With Keypad Lock: TigerKing
- Best Fire Rating: SentrySafe
SentrySafe File Safe
Features
- UL Classified to Endure 1/2 hour at 1550°F
- Waterproof Box is ETL Verified for 72 hours of Water Submersion
- Captured Fire Insulation
- Key Lock
- 2 Keys
- Built-in Carrying Handles
- Accommodates Letter-Size Hanging Files (Not Included)
- Color: Grey
Specifications
- Dimensions
- Exterior: 16.6″ W x 13.8″ D x 14.1″ H
- Interior: 12″ W x 8.1″ x 11.6″ H
- Weight: 41 lbs
The SentrySafe File Box with its UL Classified fire protection rating is designed to withstand up to 1/2 hour of exposure to 1550°F. It is ETL Verified for 72 hours of water submersion.
The box also features captured fire Insulation to protect your items from heat and flames.
The Firebox accommodates letter-size hanging files and folders. However, they are not included in the purchase.
The safe has a flat key lock system with two keys and built-in carrying handles for easy transport.
Honeywell
Features
- ABS Plastic
- 30 Minute UL Fire Protection Rating up to 1550°F/843°C
- Waterproof: 100 hours Waterproof Seal
- Two Side Latches
- Size: 7.3 Litre
- 5 Sizes Available
- Lock: Key
- Carry Handle
- Color: Black
Specifications
- Dimensions:
- Exterior Dimensions: 6.6″ H x 16″ W x 12.6″ D
- Interior Dimensions- 3.7″ H x 13.1″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 27.4 lbs
This Honeywell safe features a 30-minute UL fire protection rating of up to 1550°F/843°C and a 100-hour waterproof seal that is verified to keep contents dry, even when submerged 39-in/1-m underwater.
Two side latches provide added water protection, and a key lock ensures your items stay secure.
The convenient carry handle makes the Honeywell fireproof, safe, and easy to transport.
If this isn’t the right size for you, Honeywell offers 4 other sizes.
AEGIS
Features
- Alloy Steel
- 1.2 Cubic Feet (2 other sizes available)
- Fire Resistant Safe: Rated 30 Minutes at 1400°F/760℃
- External Solid Steel Barrel Hinges
- 2 Living Locking Bolts
- Pry-resistant Door and Hinges
- Electronic Lock
- Two Back-up Keys
- Bolt Down Hardware
- Upholstered Interior
- Removable Shelf
- Color: Gray
- Not Water Resistant
Specifications
- Dimensions:
- External Size: 15″ (L) x 11.8″ (W) x 11.8″ (H)
- Internal Size:13.4″ (L) x 8.7″ (W) x 10.2″ (H)
- Door: 180°opening
- Weight: 46.3 lbs
The Aegis fireproof safe is rated for 30 minutes at 1400°F/760℃, helping your documents and valuables remain unharmed in the event of a fire.
Its heavy-duty external door hinge allows for a 180° opening, while the heat-expanding door seal ensures a barrier against heat and smoke.
The fireproof plasterboard acts as a flame-insulating layer. Its pry-resistant thicker steel door and pry-resistant hinges add an extra layer of protection.
The AEGIS 1.2 Cub Fireproof Safe Box also features an electronic lock, two backup keys, a fully upholstered interior, a removable shelf, and comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting bolts.
Please note the Aegis Fireproof safe is not waterproof.
Also available in sizes 1.6 and 2.6 cubic feet.
TIGERKING
Features
- Alloy Steel
- Digital Lock
- Certification: 1200°F/650°C for 30 minutes
- 2 Emergency Keys
- Color: Black
- 1-inch livelock bolts
- Removable Divider Shelf
- No Batteries Required
- Not Water Proof
- Warranty: 1-Year
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12″W x 16″H x 14″D
- Interior Dimensions: 9.84″ W x 14.2″H x 10.12D
- 1.24 cubic feet weighting 45 lbs
- Also available in 3.47 cubic weighing 77 lbs
TigerKing is a fireproof safe that is laboratory certified to withstand temperatures up to 1200°F/650°C for 30 minutes, ensuring your important documents and valuables are safe from fire.
This safe is made of thickened steel and weighs 45 pounds, with four solid 1-inch livelock bolts to prevent drilling and prying.
It also has a digital keypad lock to prevent unauthorized access and two emergency keys for faster access.
No batteries are required, and this safe is backed by a 1-Year Warranty.
Additional sizes are available.
Please note that the safe is not waterproof.
SentrySafe
Features
- Steel Construction
- UL Classified to Endure Up to 1 Hour at 1700°F
- Waterproof ETL Verified for 24 Hours in 8″ of Water
- Pry-resistant Hinge Bar
- Digital Combination Lock Plus Key
- Key Rack
- Door Tray
- Door Pocket
- Drawer
- File Organizer
- Interior Light
- Bolt Down Hardware
- Color: Grey
- Batteries: 4 AA Required
- Limited 1-year Warranty
Specifications
- Dimensions:
- Exterior: 18.6″ W x 19.3″ D x 23.8″ H
- Interior: 14.8″ W x 11.9″ D x 19.6″H
- Door Requires 17.5″ of Clearance to Fully Open
- 2.05 cubic foot capacity
- Weight: 125 pounds
Protect your valuables with the SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe.
It is a UL Classified safe and is constructed of steel and designed to endure 1 hour at 1700°F.
On top of that, the SentrySafe is also ETL Verified to remain waterproof for up to 24 hours in 8″ of water and to withstand a 15-foot fall during a fire and remain closed.
SentrySafe features a pry-resistant hinge bar, digital combination lock plus key, key rack, door tray, door pocket, drawer, file organizer, interior light, and bolt-down hardware for added security.
4 AA batteries are required.
SentrySafe is backed by a limited 1-year warranty.
FAQs
Should I store money in my home safe?
Storing money in a home safe can be an effective way to keep your cash secure. However, there are a few things to consider before doing so.
The interior of a safe may reach temperatures high enough to cause paper money to burn if it is left in flames long enough, so first and foremost, you want a fireproof safe that has a UL rating to withstand heat.
Even though you have a fireproof safe, another layer of protection is using a document pouch placed inside the safe to store money.
Where should I install a safe?
A fireproof safe should be installed in an area of your house that is least likely to be affected by a fire. The best option is an area located away from heat sources, such as a furnace, fireplace, or any other appliances that generate heat, such as a closet.
A safe should never be stored in an attic, basement, or garage, as these spaces are more susceptible to fires.
You should also avoid installing a fireproof safe in any high-traffic areas of your home or a master bedroom closet, as that is one of the first places burglars look for valuables.
For fire protection, installing your safe on the inside corner of two exterior walls is advised. In the event of a fire, these walls will stay the coolest.
It’s also good to store your safe on the first floor. The upstairs has a greater chance of experiencing hotter temperatures because heat rises. A safe may also fall through a higher level floor to a lower level.
Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
No, not all fireproof safes are waterproof. Fireproof safes are built with a thermal insulation layer and fire-resistant material and not necessarily waterproof material.
However, that is not to say that it is impossible to have one safe that serves both functions.
If you are looking for a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof, be sure to do your research and don’t assume just because a safe is fireproof, it will be waterproof as well.
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In Parting
Fireproof safes are an important investment for protecting your valuables and documents. With the right safe, you can rest easy knowing that your items will remain secure even if the worst happens.
When choosing a fireproof safe for home use, it’s important to consider factors such as fire rating, size, and price. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you find the perfect fireproof safe to meet your needs while staying within your budget.
My hope is that you found Best Fireproof Safes for Home to be informative and gave you some insightful information when researching which safe best fits your needs.
With all products, features can change, so be sure the qualities that attract you to the product are still the same before purchasing.
When considering a fireproof safe, what feature most appeals to you? Please comment below.
