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Is your home equipped to safeguard your valuable belongings in the face of fire? Documents like licenses, business records, title deeds, and personal items such as passports, digital storage devices, and money are critical yet highly susceptible to fire damage. Their loss can be disastrous and often irreplaceable. Investing in a fire-resistant safe is an absolute necessity to keep these crucial possessions shielded from fire.

Unlike regular safes, fireproof safes are equipped with heavy insulation that shields your belongings from fire, heat, water, and smoke. Their efficacy is verified and rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety and certification company. Despite being fire-resistant, each fireproof safe does not offer the same level of protection, making the UL ratings vital in distinguishing their protective capabilities.

Navigating the saturated market of fireproof safes can be challenging. To aid you in finding the most reliable and secure model, we've narrowed down the top 10 home fireproof safes, each offering unmatched protection for your valuables.

What Research and The Pros Say About Fireproof Safes

Here’s what we were surprised to find after researching and talking with the pros

• Getting a truly fireproof safe is unrealistic as it would be very expensive.  A “fireproof” safe is better described as a “fire-resistant safe.”

• A waterproof safe is not designed to protect your valuables from floods. A fire-resistant safe that is also waterproof protects the contents of your safe from the deluge of water that firefighters may use when putting out a fire. In other words, your valuables may survive a fire but get destroyed by water if the safe is not water-resistant.

• What’s so special about the one-hour and two-hour fire ratings?  The protection period is based on data:  the average home fire can take 20-40 minutes to be put out.  Having a fire rating that protects your valuables for up to two hours allows for a margin of error.

• A key aspect (pun intended!) of a safe is the locking mechanism.  Better safes have better locks, so focusing on the locking mechanism is essential when buying a safe.  A key lock safe is traditional and least protective, while a biometric is relatively high-tech. Some safes come with a secondary locking key, backup keys, and the like because the most frequent troubleshooting issues for safes are about the locks.

• While manufacturers cannot protect you in all instances from fires, which can be very different, some offer a lifetime after-fire guarantee.  
  
  

How to Choose the Best Fireproof Home Safe

When searching for the best fireproof safe, you should consider the following:

 

1) Fire rating :

You are purchasing a fireproof safe because you want a model that can offer the best protection for your documents or valuables in case of fire. There are two main aspects of fire protection: (1) the temperature the safe can withstand and (2) the duration for which the safe can withstand temperatures in (1).  

You will find that fireproof safes have a different fire rating, meaning they provide a different level of protection. Therefore, you should consider a model that offers the highest rating of at least 1 hour (since, as mentioned above, most house fires are about 1 hour).

The best ones are those that can withstand high temperatures for more than 2 hours, like the Hollon 2-Hour Fire and Water Resistant Home Safe.

 

2) Type of lock - 

Fireproof safes are equipped with three different locking mechanisms, which include ;

• Digital keypad: These require you to use a unique passcode when opening.  Unlike other types of locks, they require batteries to function.

• Combination lock: These feature a dial that should be turned to match a specific sequence of numbers when opening the safe. Due to this, they are highly secure. Some of these safes, like the Amazon Basics Fire Resistant Security Safe, come with a backup key that you can use to access the unit in case you forget the combination.

• Key lock: These are the simplest to access since you only need to open them using a key, just like an ordinary door. Unfortunately, they do not provide the best protection.

• Biometric lock:  These have advanced electronics to detect a biological feature that has been programmed to operate the lock instead of a key.  The most common feature is a fingerprint reader.

 

3) Size - 

Fireproof safes are available in different sizes. When determining the correct size (usually in cubic feet of interior storage), you need to consider the available space in your home and the type of items you want to store in the safe. If you also want to keep your digital media safe, you should look for a model that guarantees protection for such items through lower interior temperature or EMP shielding.

 

4) Burglary and waterproof protection - 

Most fireproof safes are only designed to protect your items from fire. If you want a model that will give you the best protection, you need to ensure that it also provides burglary and water protection, regardless of its price.

Our Top 10 Picks

Top 10 Fireproof Safes for Homes in 2023

1. SentrySafe SFW123GDC – Best Overall

 

 

 

The SentrySafe SFW123GDC is among the most amazing fireproof safes you can find on the market.  One of the best things about it is that it is UL listed to protect your items for up to 1 hour at 1700⁰F. It is also ETL certified to protect digital media items such as CDs, DVDs, Flash drives, and USB drives. 

Another great feature is that it can protect your items from water for up to 8 inches in 24 hours. This means it is also ETL certified for water resistance and to withstand impact up to 15 feet if it falls. This means that if the floor below it burns, the safe will remain intact and closed even if it falls.

To enhance strength, the door is reinforced with a pry-resistant hinge bar, preventing forced entry. An interior light (LED) is also included to enhance visibility, especially at night. The safe also comes with an internal locking drawer to safely keep your fragile or very important items.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Able to withstand up to 1700⁰F temperatures for 1 hour
• Digital keypad with a backlit
• Pry-resistant hinge bar
• Impact resistance up to 15ft
• four live locking bolts

Cons

• Cheaply made

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2) Socal Safe Eurovault EV-4517 (Best Commercial Safe)

 

 

If you are searching for a durable and top-quality commercial fireproof safe, the Socal Safe Eurovault EV-4517 will be an excellent choice.  This unit has an external measurement of 49 x 21 x 23.5 inches and an internal measurement of 45 x 17 x 17 inches. It has a fireproof UL rating of 1500⁰F for 1 hour. It is equipped with 1 ¼ inch 3-way chrome plated bolts with auto-lock bolt detect. It also has a drill-resistant stainless steel fascia panel plus 2 inches-thick barrier walls.

Additionally, it comes with adjustable shelves where you can place different items. The unit also boasts a sturdy construction since it is made of high-density composite. An auto-firing passive relocker provides extra protection during a forced entry. You should also note that the unit has a UL Listed group II combination lock with a satin finish dial.

Pros

• Top security re-locker
• Auto-lock bolt detect
•  Drill-resistant hard plate
• Adjustable shelves
• 2-inches thick barrier walls
• 3-way bolt work

Cons

• Heavy

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3. AMSEC Light and Secure Home Safe EST813 – Most portable safe

 

 

The AMSEC Light and Secure Home Safe EST813 is designed for those searching for an affordable and portable safe.  It is made from a 14-gauge steel construction that is built to last. It comes with dual live bolts made of thick gauge steel. The unit is also equipped with an E-lock which contains a large touch-screen keypad. Whether you are in need of a portable safe you can use in your office, home or RV, this unit is among the best.

This security box is equipped with an LCD display and a bounce-proof electronic lock for easier use.  The LCD display lets you check the battery status, date, and time.  You can either bolt it on the wall or floor during installation. You will also find that it has a carpeted base protecting your items from scratches.

Moreover, it has a pry-resistant recessed door that contains internal hinges to enhance anti-theft protection. Other advanced features in this unit include an emergency key-lock override system which contains two keys, a battery lock, a power override, a motion detector alert, and an inbuilt pry-proof function.

Pros

• Compact design
• Large LCD display
• Heavy-duty 14-gauge construction
• Carpeted base
• Pry-resistant recessed door
• Easy to mount on the wall or floor
• Anti-theft protection

Cons

• Limited capacity
  

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4. Hollon 2-Hour Fire and Water Resistant Home Safe HS-500D –Most fire resistant

 

 

 

Compared to other safes on the market, this Hollon 2 Hour Fire and Water Resistant Home Safe HS-500D is more fire-resistant since it can withstand high heat for up to 2 hours.  It is equipped with thicker doors and walls, effectively protecting your items from fire. The unit also has a grooved door seal that protects the inner part from water from a fireman’s hose or sprinkles. Even with blazing 1850⁰F temperatures, this unit can maintain its internal temperatures of 350⁰F.

In addition, it can withstand impact up to 30 feet, meaning that it can fall and remain closed.   The external measurements of this unit are 19 ¾ x 13 ¾ x 16 ¾ inches, while the internal measurements are 15 x 9 2/7 x12 inches. It also has an internal capacity of 0.94 cubic feet. This unit has a dial lock, one removable shelf, and one anchoring hole for concrete installation.

Pros

• 2-hour fire rated at 1850⁰F temperatures
• Seamless door and body construction
• It comes with bolting hardware
• Easy to install
• 2 active round locking bolts included

Cons                                                                                                                       

• None

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5. Winchester 1 Hour Fireproof Home and Office Safe –Most durable

 Winchester 1 Hour Fireproof Safe is among the most stylish fireproof safes on the market. In addition to its stylish design, this unit has unique features you can never find in cheaper models.  First, it has a powder-coated sandstone exterior which gives it an attractive look. To create space for extra items, it is equipped with an adjustable shelving system which allows you to customize the interior to suit your storage needs. Unlike others, it has an outstanding EMP-resistant electronic lock to enhance security.

Regarding reliability, this safe has a fireproof rating of 1 hour for 1400⁰F temperatures. To enhance its overall strength, it is equipped with sturdy steel external hinges and pre-drilled holes for easier mounting on the floor. These holes prevent tipping for pry leverage and protect it from theft. The body is thick 12 gauge steel, while the recessed door contains deadlocking bolts to prevent burglary attacks.  The unit also comes with a lifetime free replacement, which means it is 100% reliable. You will also be pleased to note that it exceeds the California DOJ requirements.

Pros

• Pre-drilled anchoring holes
• Solid steel 12 gauge construction
• Exceeds DOJ requirements
• UL Listed
• EMP-Resistant electronic lock
• Lifetime free replacement

Cons

• Expensive but worth it

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6. SentrySafe Fire Chest SFW205UPC – Most advanced

 

 

Unlike most fireproof safes on the market, the SentrySafe Fire Chest SFW205UPC Safe comes with inbuilt loud alarms which alert the owner if there is an attempt to access the unit. It also comes with a dial touch lock and a key that provides quick unit access. The safe has a pry-resistant hinge bar and 6 large 1-inch bolts to prevent forced entry. These features enable the unit to provide unmatched protection for your items.

Another remarkable thing about this unit is its fire-resistant UL rating of 1 hour. It has steel-encased fire insulation, enabling it to withstand high heat up to 1700⁰F for 1 hour.  Due to the rugged construction, it provides up to 24 hours of water protection up to 8 inches. Apart from that, it can withstand a 15' drop and is also ETL certified for 1-hour digital media protection.

Pros

• Inbuilt alarms
• Easy to use
• Dial touch lock
• Water and fire resistant
• Elegant design
• ETL certified for digital media protection

Cons

• Very heavy

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7. Hayman Safe Flame Vault 1 Hour Fire Protection FV-151- Most stylish

 

 

For those searching for a stylish fireproof safe that can protect your items and documents from fire and theft, the Hayman Safe Flame Vault FV-151 Safe will be a great choice.  It is made of top-quality materials, so you can trust it to protect your valuables from fire.  Some of the notable features of this unit are an attractive tri-spoke handle that makes it easy to open and a digital electronic lock that protects the unit from unauthorized entry.  It has a fire rating of 1700⁰F for 1 hour, meaning it is highly resistant to fire. 

It also comes with a removable drawer, creating additional space for more items. Moreover, it has an anchor hole at the center plus a dial combination lock.  Overall, it is a great option even for those on a budget since it comes at an affordable price.

Pros

• Removable drawer
• Attractive color
• 1-hour fire protection
• Affordable price
• Unique tri-spoke handle
• Reliable electronic dial combination lock

Cons

• Not very spacious

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8. Gardall 1612/2 2-Hour Fire and Burglary Safe –Best for money

Anyone who doesn’t mind investing more to get the best 2 hr fire safe should look for the Gardall 1612/2 2 Hour Fire and Burglary Safe. As the name suggests, this safe provides the best protection against burglary and fire. It has an outer measurement of 23 ¼ x 17 ¼ x 19 ¾ inches and an internal measurement of 16 x 12 x 11 ¾ inches.  Its construction features a 4.5-inch thick door which has excellent pry resistance. The walls of the safe are 2.5 inches thick, meaning it is very strong. 

It also comes with a solid chrome handle with a shear point that protects it from forced entry. The independent relocker plus the hard plate prevents drilling attacks. Additionally, it comes with a UL-listed Group II security lock. Again, it has been proven to endure 2 hours when exposed to severe fire or temperatures of up to 1850⁰F, meaning it is very reliable.  It also comes with a plush suede-like interior which protects your valuables. Another great thing about it is that it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Pros

• Fire rating of 2 hours at 1850⁰F
• Pry resistant
• Provides unmatched protection against burglary
• Independent relocker prevents drilling attacks
• Solid-chrome plated handle
• Lifetime replacement warranty

Cons

• Expensive

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9. AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Security Safe -  Best for budget

 

 

First of all, this security box has so many customer reviews so that you can rely on its quality. If you are searching for a cheap alternative, the AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Security Safe will be a great choice since it comes at a very affordable price. Apart from the low price, it boasts a heavy-duty 14 gauge construction to enhance durability.  It is also equipped with an electronic keypad which gives you quick access.  A backup key is also included for emergency access.

 

The safe has an adjustable shelf to create more storage space for your items.  You will also be pleased to note that it complies with the new UL 72 requirements for fire resistance.  It can withstand temperatures of 1200 degrees for 20 minutes. This means that it may not provide the best fire protection as compared to the expensive models.  To enhance security, this unit comes with four large 0.75-inch bolts. If you are searching for a portable safe, you can never go wrong with this one.

Pros

• 14-gauge steel body
• Compact design
• Electronic keypad
• 0.8 cubic feet of fire resistance
• Adjustable shelf
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Not very reliable
•  Limited capacity

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10. First Alert 2092DF-BD 1 Hour Fire Safe – Most spacious

 

 

 

The First Alert 2092DF-BD 1 Hour Fire Safe can safeguard your items from water, fire, and theft. The good thing about it is that it is fireproof and water-resistant.  It has a capacity of 1.3 cubic feet, providing enough space for storing different items such as documents, jewelry, money, and other precious items. The unit has a digital lock that can be programmed using a 3-8 digit passcode.  You will be pleased to note that it has been proved by an independent testing laboratory to protect electronic media such as CDs, flash drives, external hard drives, and DVDs.

Another impressive thing about this security box is that it can withstand high temperatures of up to 1700⁰F for 1 hour while maintaining its internal temperature of 350⁰F. It comes with pry-proof concealed hinges resistant to forced break-in attempts to enhance safety.  The safe has the capability of remaining waterproof even when it is fully submerged.  Unlike others, it uses an advanced bolt-down technology that enables you to fasten it for additional disaster-proofing. The door is firmly secured by 4 live locking bolts, making it impossible to break.

Pros

• Spacious fireproof safe
• Unique bolt-down technology
• Pry-proof canceled hinges
• Programmable digital lock
• Waterproof and fireproof safe
• Adjustable storage shelf

Cons

• Not easy to carry

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FAQs | What Readers Want to Know

Are home safes really fireproof?

Only to a point. Fireproof safes are not 100% fireproof. They are only able to protect your items for a specific time (e.g. up to one hour), which means that the contents can still get burned if exposed to extreme temperatures and extended time at these temperatures.

Is a fireproof safe worth it?

Yes, usually.  But you must know what you are protecting against and the limitation of the safe you buy. You never know when your home or office can catch fire. In case your important documents like certificates, business records, digital media, and other items get burned, it can be very difficult or impossible to replace them. This is why it is important to invest in the best fireproof safe.

What is the highest-rated fire safe?

The highest fire rating is the UL Class 350 2-hour rating for commercial safes.  This keeps internal temperatures in a safe, under 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a 1,700-degree-F fire, for 2 hours.  This means that paper documents are usually protected.

 

Final Verdict

Fireproof safes are among the most reliable safes on the market because they protect your sensitive items from fire. Apart from fire, some models also protect your valuables from burglary, water and theft.  If you are searching for the best fireproof safe that will give you the best value for your money, the Gardall 1612/2 2 Hour Fire and Burglary Safe is undoubtedly the best. Unlike others, this one is able to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1850 degrees for 2 hours. Apart from that, it has excellent pry resistance and it also protects your items from burglary. In case you are searching for a cheaper option, SentrySafe SFW123GDC will be a great choice.