The Best Fireproof Safes That Withstood Real-World Heat Tests

Fireproof safes can prevent a house fire or break-in from escalating from stressful to truly devastating by protecting essential documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports from damage or theft. The best models offer at least 30 minutes of fire protection, solid pry resistance, and enough capacity to store valuables you can’t afford to lose. They’re also an effective way to organize sensitive paperwork as part of a broader home security plan.

To find the best options, we conducted hands-on testing of six popular fireproof safes, evaluating real-world fire ratings, lock reliability, interior usability, and overall build quality. Our Best Overall pick, the SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe, stood out for its dependable fire and water protection, straightforward combination lock, and practical interior layout that works well for most homes.

Features like biometric access, backup keys, alarms, and waterproof seals can add convenience and peace of mind, but the right safe ultimately depends on your budget, storage needs, and available space. Below, you’ll find our top tested picks, followed by one model that failed to meet our standards during testing.

1. BEST OVERALL: SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe
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3. BEST DIGITAL LOCK: SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe
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4. BEST SAFE BOX: Honeywell 6104 Fire-Resistant Steel Security Box
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5. BEST SAFE CHEST: SentrySafe Fire/Water File Folder 
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6. BEST ENTRY LEVEL SAFE: Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe
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Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The safes on this list offer a range of capacities, lock styles, and protection levels, and all performed well under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) standards. In addition to reviewing manufacturer claims and customer feedback, we conducted hands-on testing to evaluate build quality, lock reliability, interior usability, and overall performance. These real-world results helped us identify top picks that meet a variety of household security needs.

The SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe uses a traditional dial combination lock with dual-key access to protect digital media, jewelry, important documents, and other valuables. Its solid steel construction, four 1-inch locking bolts, and pry-resistant hinge bar create a sturdy barrier against tampering and forced entry.

With 1.19 cubic feet of interior space, this safe is rated to withstand temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and can remain submerged in up to 8 inches of water for as long as 24 hours. During hands-on testing, the safe impressed us with its heavy-duty feel and generous interior. Two adjustable shelves made it easy to organize documents and valuables without feeling cramped.

Programming multiple combination codes was straightforward, though the dial-style lock does come with a learning curve. Users familiar with keypad safes may need a little practice to get comfortable, but once mastered, the mechanism felt reliable and precise. Of all the safes we tested, this model inspired the most confidence that valuables would remain protected in the event of a serious house fire—earning it our top overall spot.

What our tester says: “This is a robust safe with plenty of room inside for important documents you want to keep safe. As long as you don’t mind a combination lock, this is a worthy investment to up your home security.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the SentrySafe combination fireproof safe at Amazon.

The Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe offers a strong balance of price, durability, and everyday usability, making it an appealing value pick for basic home protection. It features a carbon-steel body with dual locking bolts, a pry-resistant concealed hinge, and access via a programmable electronic keypad or backup key.

With 0.5 cubic feet of interior space, this compact safe works well for storing essential documents, small valuables, and electronics. However, it’s important to note that this model does not carry a specified fire-resistance rating and is not waterproof, which helps explain its significantly lower price compared to safes with UL- or ETL-certified fire and water protection.

We’ve had this safe in our home for nearly a year—originally testing it for another safe roundup—and its performance has held up well over time. The keypad remains easy to program and use, and the battery has lasted an entire year so far without needing replacement. The steel construction feels solid without being excessively heavy, making it easier to move or wall-mount using the included hardware.

While it doesn’t offer the same level of disaster protection as higher-rated models, we still think this safe is a smart first step toward securing valuables in the home. For shoppers on a tight budget who want basic theft deterrence and reliable daily access, it delivers solid value for the money.

What our tester says: “I’ve had this safe in my home for over a year now and it’s been consistent and reliable. I store all my valuable documents in this one, and I love the simple keypad access.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Amazon Basics biometric fireproof safe at Amazon.

The SentrySafe Digital Fire/Water Safe combines keypad convenience with certified fire- and water-resistant protection for home use. It offers 1.23 cubic feet of interior space and carries a UL fire rating indicating protection for up to one hour at temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. The safe is also rated to resist water exposure for up to 24 hours in depths of up to 8 inches, though it’s best described as fire- and water-resistant rather than fully fireproof or waterproof.

During hands-on testing, the safe’s nearly 87-pound weight provided a noticeable sense of burglary deterrence, particularly against quick grab-and-go theft. We found the backlit keypad easy to read and operate in low-light locations, and the interior light made it easier to locate documents and valuables. Adjustable shelving allowed for flexible organization, and bolt-down hardware is included for securing the safe in place.

We also found a few limitations duringtesting. The manufacturer does not clearly explain the function of the backup keys, which appear to lock or unlock the keypad rather than physically open the safe. The removable plastic locking box inside the safe felt less secure than the steel exterior, and water resistance may be reduced if the safe is mounted. As with most fire-rated safes, it is not well suited for storing items that could melt when exposed to high heat.

Read our full review: Can this SentrySafe Withstand a Bonfire?

Get the SentrySafe fireproof and waterproof digital safe at Amazon or The Home Depot.

The Honeywell 6104 is a compact, portable lockbox designed for quick-access storage of small valuables like cash, documents, jewelry, and electronics. During testing, we found it easy to tuck into a drawer or slide under a bed, where it provides a basic layer of security without taking up much space.

At just 5.8 pounds, the steel box is light enough to carry using its integrated handle, making it practical for travel or for moving valuables between home and office. The concealed hinge adds some tamper resistance, and the keyed lock comes with two keys, which is helpful for keeping a spare in a separate location.

This model is rated as fire-resistant rather than fireproof, and Honeywell is clear about that distinction. The insulation is intended to provide brief protection—on the order of seconds to a few minutes—rather than extended fire exposure. While that limits its usefulness in a severe house fire, the transparency is appreciated and consistent with what most portable safes in this size class can realistically offer.

Inside, a foam-lined base cushions contents and helps prevent scratches as items shift during transport. In testing, this padding did a good job protecting jewelry and small electronics from cosmetic damage.

Overall, the Honeywell 6104 is best suited for users who want a simple, portable lockbox with light fire resistance and basic theft deterrence. It’s not a substitute for a full-size fire safe, but it’s a convenient option for organizing and protecting everyday valuables when mobility and ease of access matter.

Get the Honeywell 6104 fireproof safe at Amazon.

The SentrySafe Fire/Water File Folder is a straightforward, well-designed safe chest that impressed us with its ease of use and interior access. A large flip handle unlocks the lid, which swings fully open so you can see and reach everything inside at once—no awkward digging or tight corners.

There’s plenty of room for important paperwork, and the built-in rails neatly hold hanging file folders, effectively turning the chest into a small, portable filing system. Elastic straps inside the lid help secure loose documents or small electronics.

This model is UL Classified for fire protection, rated to withstand 1,550°F for 30 minutes while keeping interior temperatures safe for documents, digital media, and valuables. It’s also ETL verified for water resistance, protecting contents during extended submersion. While we didn’t test these extremes ourselves, UL and ETL certifications are widely trusted benchmarks.

Overall, this SentrySafe chest offers strong fire and water protection, smart organization, and simple operation at a reasonable price—making it a reliable choice for safeguarding important documents at home.

Get the SentrySafe fireproof file safe at Amazon or SentrySafe.

The Amazon Basics Programmable Fire-Resistant Safe delivers a noticeably solid, heavy-duty feel that stood out during testing. This is not a safe you casually move around—its weight and thick steel construction inspire confidence right away. The large handle feels sturdy, and the electronic keypad is straightforward and easy to program.

Inside, the felt-lined interior covers nearly every surface, which we really liked. It keeps valuables from scratching against bare metal and makes the safe well suited for jewelry, cash, documents, or firearms. An adjustable shelf adds flexibility, letting you organize smaller items or create one larger storage space.

Fire protection is rated for exposure up to 1,200°F for 20 minutes, and the 14-gauge steel body with five large locking bolts provides strong theft deterrence for a home safe in this price range. One downside we noted is that the keypad assembly is easier to remove than expected—we would have preferred a more secure mounting once it’s in place.

Overall, this Amazon Basics safe is a strong value pick if you want a heavy, well-built fire-resistant safe with a padded interior and simple digital access, as long as you’re comfortable with a few minor security trade-offs.

Get the Amazon Basics programmable fireproof safe at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Fireproof Safes

We spent hours researching fireproof safes, then hands-on tested all six models in this guide to see how they perform in real-world home use. Because fireproof safes vary widely in size, construction, and protection levels, we focused mainly on models claiming meaningful fire resistance—generally those rated for temperatures above 1,200°F and offering at least 20 to 30 minutes of fire protection.

In addition to standard safe testing, we conducted a controlled exterior heat test using a flamethrower, applying direct flame to the outside of each safe for 30 seconds. None of the safes melted, warped, or showed structural failure during this exposure, which helped us evaluate exterior durability beyond manufacturer claims. This test was supplemental and not a replacement for certified fire ratings such as UL or ETL.

We also evaluated construction quality, including steel thickness, locking bolts, and hinge design (with concealed hinges scoring higher for security). Fire-protection construction mattered as well—safes with multiple insulating layers and heavier steel bodies consistently felt more robust.

Finally, we assessed locking mechanisms for ease of use and theft deterrence. While fireproof safes prioritize fire protection over burglary resistance, we favored models with solid locking systems and backup entry options, such as a key override, for added peace of mind in emergencies.

Together, these tests allowed us to compare lab-certified performance with hands-on durability, usability, and overall build quality.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fireproof Safe 

Fire and theft are at the top of most people’s home security concerns. Some safes offer better protection from one than the other. Water damage is another issue at the top of many people’s minds, and some safes offer some water resistance in addition to their other protective capabilities.

Ultimately, the items buyers want to protect and what or whom they want to protect them from help determine the right capacity, locking mechanism, and fire rating for a safe.

Type/Lock Mechanism

• Key lock: Plain and simple describes these locking mechanisms. However, keep track of the key. If it’s kept in the room with the safe, it could get destroyed in a fire or be found by burglars.
• Mechanical combination lock: There’s no key management involved with a mechanical lock combination, nor do users have to worry about a dead battery or electronic malfunction. Some mechanical locks also have a key lock to use in an emergency. However, buyers are more limited in the choice of combinations with a mechanical combination lock.
• Electronic combination lock: These locks have more password options, and users don’t have to worry about losing the key. However, some models need periodic battery changes. Like mechanical locks, an electronic lock may come with a backup key in case owners forget the code.
• Biometric lock: Biometric locks use a fingerprint or retina scan to open the safe. There’s no need to remember a code or keep track of a key. Some may have a key as a backup security measure.

Material

Most safes are made of thick steel sheets. The sheets, which can be several centimeters thick, give safes their hefty weight. However, these aren’t just any sheets of steel. Safes contain plates made from both hard steel and mild steel. Heat can cause hard plates to crack, exposing the contents to hot temperatures. Mild steel warps rather than cracks, protecting the contents even as temperatures rise.

Fire safes are also constructed with a layer made of a nonconductive composite material that prevents the interior temperature from rising for 30 to 120 minutes. Fire-resistant insulation is also often used to help keep those interior temperatures down.

However, steel isn’t the only material used to make fireproof safes. ABS plastic and various resins are used as well. These two materials are lighter in weight and are typically used to make smaller, more portable safes.

Size and Capacity 

Shoppers will want to start their search for a fireproof safe box by making a list of what they want to keep inside it. If they have valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items, a bank lockbox offers the best protection.

Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, and tax returns are also valuable documents that could pose a problem if lost to theft or fire. Shoppers will want to take a look at their list and make sure the safe will hold everything on it. For example, firearms take up more space than documents or DVDs.

Size also plays a role in where the safe can be placed. A fireproof wall safe or a large safe is harder to hide and easier to spot. To keep the safe hidden, consider a small fireproof safe that more easily fits in a closet, crawl space, or under floorboards. Keep in mind that small safes are vulnerable to theft if they’re not hidden.

UL and Fire Ratings 

In truth, no safe is 100 percent fireproof. Safes are fire resistant only up to a certain temperature and for a certain amount of time.

UL evaluates safes and gives them a fireproof rating. These ratings indicate two things—the maximum temperature at which the product can maintain a safe interior temperature, and the length of time the safe can hold that temperature.

The interior temperature determines the kinds of materials the safe can protect. For example, the interior of a paper document safe shouldn’t get hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that, and the paper will burn. However, electronics may not be able to withstand temperatures of more than 125 to 150 degrees.

The UL rating also indicates how long the safe can hold that interior temperature. Most home fireproof safes offer at least 30 minutes of protection. That may not sound long, but most fires move through a room in less than 20 minutes. For additional peace of mind, however, some safes offer up to 120 minutes of fire protection.

Water Resistance 

Waterproof safes indicate how long they can protect their contents from water as well as the depth at which they can maintain that protection. Most resist water for approximately 24 hours, but some may offer up to 72 hours of protection in water that’s 8 to 40 inches deep.

If living in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to put the contents of the safe in waterproof bags, whether the safe is rated for water protection or not. Some safes also offer humidity resistance, which can protect items or documents that are sensitive to subtle environmental changes.

Usability 

Usability features include display visibility, weight, and the safe’s overall portability. LED displays are much easier to see in dim conditions. Considering that safes are often stored in dark, secure areas, a display that’s easy to see will make the safe more functional.

Some safes are portable with a top or side handle for easy carrying. These small safes may weigh 25 to 30 pounds. Others weigh more than 100 pounds and would take two people to move.

Weight

Fireproof home safes can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to hundreds of pounds. The ideal safe weight depends on several factors, including portability and intended location and use.

If portability is a concern, look for a lighter safe, weighing under 30 pounds. These safes will be easier to take along when traveling or commuting. They’re also usually smaller and made to store items like USB drives, cash, passports, and other important documents that are necessary to have on hand. 

Lightweight safes are easier to carry—both for the user and a possible burglar. For larger or freestanding home safes, a hefty weight can work to the owner’s benefit; it’s harder for a robber to take off quickly with a safe that weighs hundreds of pounds.

Tips for Buying and Using a Fireproof Safe 

The items shoppers want to protect, their available space, and the threats from which they’ll want to safeguard their items will help them determine the right safe for them. Here are a few more tips to help find the best fireproof safe and incorporate it into a home security system.

• Install the safe above ground level (not in a basement) to reduce the chances of water damage during a flood.
• The first level of a multistory home offers the best protection from fire.
• Safes that come with a bolting system are designed to be attached to the floor or exterior wall for added security.
• Do not keep the safe in plain sight. As part of a comprehensive plan to keep a home and its contents secure, store the safe in a place that’s inconspicuous or hidden.
• Look for a safe that’s “UL listed” or “ETL verified.” These labels indicate that they’ve been tested by and passed third-party scrutiny.

5 Things You Should Keep in a Fireproof Safe

A fireproof safe is a good place to store important belongings that users want to keep at home, while a safety deposit box is best for really important items that they won’t use often. A home safe will keep items protected but also within easy reach, in case users need to access or use the contents inside. Some items to store in a fireproof home safe include:

• Important documents like insurance policies, bank and financial account information, legal documents, and medical documents
• Identity documents like passports, birth certificate copies, Social Security cards, and other ID cards
• Digital data stored on USBs, CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and hard drives
• Cash and other small valuables like jewelry and collectibles
• Family photos and other sentimental items

FAQ

Q. How can I be sure that I have a certified fireproof safe? 

Look for a UL-listed or ETL-verified safe; these safes have undergone trusted third-party testing based on design and performance standards.

Q. Are all safes fireproof? 

No, not all safes are fireproof. Some safes are designed specifically to deter theft, while others may protect from water damage rather than fire or theft. Some protect from all three. If you want a safe that protects from fire, you need to specifically look for one designed for that purpose.

Q. What is the maximum temperature that my fireproof safe can withstand? 

It depends on the safe, so look at the displayed specifications. Many fireproof home safes can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q. What is a UL fire rating? 

A UL fire rating comes from the Underwriters Laboratories and is a rating of temperature and time. This organization tests safes to determine the maximum exterior temperature at which the safe can hold a safe interior temperature and for how long it can maintain that temperature. Be sure to buy a safe that’s “UL listed,” not “tested to UL standards.” The former means the safe has passed the UL tests, while the latter means the safe has been submitted but has not yet passed the safety tests.

Q. What does “ETL verified” mean?

Intertek inspects and tests products for safety and gives an ETL verification for those that pass. Much like the UL, they test safes for fire and water safety. An ETL verification is also a good indicator of a safe’s overall quality and safety.

Q. Is my fireproof safe going to protect my papers if it is flooded?

No, not all fireproof safes have been tested against flooding, although many will offer some water protection. For reliable fire and flood protection, look for a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof.

Q. What is the safest locking mechanism for a fireproof safe? 

Choose a safe with your preferred locking mechanism for ease of use and convenience; it’s more important to consider the protection level rather than the lock type when it comes to fire safety. A fireproof safe that has been certified to a certain standard (for example, 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes) will protect its contents from those conditions for the advertised time, regardless of the locking mechanism.

Q. Where should I put my safe? 

The size of the safe will narrow down your options. Look for a low-traffic area that’s not easily seen or noticed. Someplace other than the master bedroom is a good choice since thieves usually start their search there.
A guest bedroom or hall closet are good options. However, avoid the garage or basement. Garages tend to be left unsecured and are an easy target for thieves to carry away a safe. Water easily floods basements, making them a less-than-ideal choice.

Q. How do I hide a safe in a wall?

To hide a wall-mounted safe, choose a concealed spot, such as behind a door, furniture, a mirror or painting, or in the back of a closet.

Q. Should I bolt my safe to the floor?

Yes, bolting a safe to the floor offers extra security against theft.

Meet the Testers

Paul Rankin is an experienced product reviewer with a focus on home appliances and cleaning products. His approach combines thorough testing, clear analysis, and practical insights to help readers make informed decisions. 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

 

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