We researched dozens of options on the market and chose standouts based on size and weight, protection from the elements, and added security features. Our top pick, the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad, protects in common emergency situations and is easy to open when you need to and to keep locked when you don’t. Here are the best fireproof safes for your home. It uses a digital keypad to lock and unlock the safe as well as a secondary key. Plus, there is another compartment within the safe that can be locked with a key for two layers of security. It is relatively small and designed for your most valuable and irreplaceable items. In fact, at 1.2 cubic feet and 87 pounds, this safe is small enough to fit in a closet or another out-of-the-way place. You can bolt it down using the included kit, but that is not required. It’s a bit pricey compared to similarly sized safes, but because it protects against multiple elements and has multiple layers of protection, we think it’s well worth the cost for the added peace of mind. If you are going to buy one safe for your important documents and valuables, this is an excellent choice. Price at time of publish: $287 Dimensions: 16.3 x 19.3 x 17.8 inches | Weight: 87 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Electronic | Chamber Depth: 11.9 inches It protects at temperatures up to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes. That is less than some other pricier options but can provide some protection without spending a fortune. It uses a mechanical key to lock, which you will need access to in order to open the safe. At just 17 pounds, it is also light enough to be portable and comes with a carrying handle. The small size also means that you can store it just about anywhere in your home. Price at time of publish: $44 Dimensions: 15.3 x 12.1 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Material: Captured fire insulation | Lock Type: Key | Chamber Depth: 8.6 inches Although a bit pricey for the size, it provides superior protection and is a great safe to have for the things that you cannot live without. Weighing 121 pounds, it’s heavy, but you aren’t likely to move it often. You can also secure it using the anchoring hole and included hardware. Price at time of publish: $395 Dimensions: 16.75 x 19.25 x 13.75 inches | Weight: 121 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Combination | Chamber Depth: 12 inches The safe is on the smaller side and best for small valuables, a few documents, and items like passports. If you want to store more papers and files, you will have a hard time with this safe, even if you take out the removable shelf. It does technically fit a standard 8.5 x 11 document on the bottom, but you won’t have much extra room. Price at time of publish $290 Dimensions: 11.25 x 13.75 x 15.25 inches | Weight: 57.30 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Keypad | Chamber Depth: 9.84 inches It is rated for 30 minutes of fireproof protection up to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit and uses a key to lock and open. And at 28 pounds, it is light enough to move as needed. Note that this box is not waterproof, and keep in mind that if you do store your documents in hanging files, it can make it harder for other valuables to fit or be easily seen in the safe. Price at time of publish: $66 Dimensions: 15.3 x 12.1 x 13.6 inches | Weight: 28 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Key | Chamber Depth: 8.5 inches The fire rating is not as great as some other safes, protecting up to temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes. It is also not waterproof. The larger size is a perk of this safe, however, as is the adjustable interior shelf. It can even fit legal-sized documents. Price at time of publish: $220 Dimensions: 12.2 x 14.21 x 15.7 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Digital and key | Chamber Depth: 10.12 inches You can set it by using the included key, keypad, or battery box and open it using any of these methods. It does require a battery to operate the keypad, however. The safe gives you a low battery notice when it is time to replace the battery. Plus, it comes with a fireproof envelope for your documents, an interior drawer with a separate key, and a removable shelf. It isn’t ideal for storing large items but works for important papers as well as other valuables. Price at time of publish: $190 Dimensions: 12.2 x 14.96 x 17.72 inches | Weight: 43 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Key and electronic | Chamber Depth: 9.06 inches This is an expensive safe. But because it is one of the best levels of protection in any emergency and is large, it will likely be the only safe that you need. The interior is carpeted to keep your valuables protected and padded. You can also use it as a gun safe. It weighs 217 pounds, so it likely isn’t going to be moved much once you get it in place. Price at time of publish: $935 Dimensions: 21.7 x 19 x 37.7 inches | Weight: 217 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Lock Type: Electronic | Chamber Depth: 11.7 inches
Weight
Fireproof safes come in a range of different weights, which impacts how portable they are. Some larger safes can weigh 100 pounds or more—this can be a great deterrent for thieves but not so great if you want to take your safe on the road. If you’re looking for a fireproof safe that’s easy to take with you, you’ll likely want to pick one that weighs less. Many portable versions weigh between eight and 15 pounds.
Lock Mechanism
Choose a sturdy locking mechanism for your fireproof safe to ensure that the contents stay secure. There are traditional lock-and-key closures, but there’s a risk that you may lose the key. Other fireproof safes have a keypad that allows you to enter a passcode to unlock the safe. Finally, some safes have a combination lock that eliminates the concern of lock-picking that comes with having a keyhole.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered the size and weight of each safe, as well as how it locks and what it protects your valuables from in an emergency.
