Not all people keep their assets and valuables in a bank. Others prefer to stash them in a safe, especially for those who have trust issues against banks. If you are one of these people, then you need to purchase the best small fireproof safe. You do not want to lose your precious possessions in a fire. You worked hard for them, so you have to keep them safe and secure.
In this article, we are going to run through five of the best small fireproof safes and their features. We also provided a buyer’s guide, so you know what to do.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe | This brand is our top pick for various reasons. First, this cube-shaped fireproof safe is constructed with armored steel that only takes up 1.23 cubic feet of space. It also has a drawer for the safekeeping of smaller valuables. | ||
| First Alert 2030F Fireproof Safe | This First Alert model is one of the smallest and most compact options on the list if you are not into the bulky types. It can withstand up to 1550 F for thirty minutes, which is good enough to buy time for the firefighters. | ||
| SentrySafe 0500 Fireproof Box with Key Lock | This is the second SentrySafe product on this list. 0500 has a great exterior and portable design. This smaller model is easier to carry from place to place in case a calamity or fire breaks out. | ||
| First Alert 2011F Fire Chest, 0.17 Cubic Feet | This other First Alert product on the list is a tiny chest-style fireproof safe, which you can move around. It features a carrying handle for ease of use. This safe uses a clamping-style lock to secure the contents. | ||
| SureSeal by FireKing SS104-A 1 Hour Fireproof Waterproof Safe Chest | If you have lots of legal documents to keep, you can store them in this safe without worrying. It has the perfect size for these documents, so you can also take them out easily. FireKing is rated UL 350 fire resistance with a waterproof exterior. It is all-around protection for your valuables. |
Best Small Fireproof Safe Reviews
SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe
Product Highlights
This brand is our top pick for various reasons. First, this cube-shaped fireproof safe is constructed with armored steel that only takes up 1.23 cubic feet of space. It also has a drawer for the safekeeping of smaller valuables. The drawer keeps your valuables organized without all the fuss. If your memory betrays you and you forget your keypad combination, the backup key slot will help you out. The lock is quadruple-pillar, making it impossible for burglars to unlock without the key. The keypad runs on high-end alkaline batteries.
The main reason why this product topped the list is its temperature resistance that can reach 1700 F for one hour. Since you are looking for a fireproof safe, this one has the most resistance against heat to leave your goods unharmed in case a fire breaks out. This is indeed the best small fireproof safe that can protect your valuables in case of fortuitous events.
The Good
Aside from being fireproof, this safe is also water-resistant. It can protect your goods from any kind of unforeseen events. Its fire resistance is also impeccable and can reach 1700 F for one hour.
The Bad
While its keypad combination works efficiently, it can be challenging to change or update the combination. Also, the keypad only runs on high-end alkaline batteries, which are expensive.
PROs
- 1.23 feet if cubic space
- Temperature resistance up to 1700 F in an hour
- Four locking door bolts
- Dually water resistant
- Digital combination
- Backup key slot
CONs
- Keypad only runs on high-end alkaline batteries
- Can be difficult to change keypad combination
First Alert 2030F Fireproof Safe
Product Highlights
This First Alert model is one of the smallest and most compact options on the list if you are not into the bulky types. It can withstand up to 1550 F for thirty minutes, which is good enough to buy time for the firefighters. There is a guarantee that your items will be safe and sound. Since this is portable, you can just put this in an accessible spot. You can also hide it in a nook since it can fit easily anywhere.
Despite its size, you can still put important documents inside without being crumpled. You can store documents with a size of 8.5x11, like birth certificates and land titles. The whole thing is also waterproof so that your items will not get wet in case of flooding.
The Good
The safe can withstand a temperature of 1550 F for thirty minutes. It is also a compact option for those who are not into the bulkier models.
The Bad
The internal space is limited due to its size. This is not the best option for those who are planning to store bigger items.
PROs
- Withstands up to 1550 F for thirty minutes
- Digital media protection environment
- Waterproofing protection
- Latching lock system
- Affordable price
CONs
- Only 0.39 cubic feet of internal space
SentrySafe 0500 Fireproof Box with Key Lock
Product Highlights
This is the second SentrySafe product on this list. 0500 has a great exterior and portable design. This smaller model is easier to carry from place to place in case a calamity or fire breaks out. It can withstand up to 1550 F, which is the standard house fire temperature. Rest assured, it can resist fire for up to thirty minutes without harming your valuables inside.
One of its notable features is moisture prevention. It does a neat job of preventing mildew from forming in its interior, which means that you can keep digital items inside without worry. The interior is similar to the size of a shoebox. This is why you have to be picky in choosing the documents you store inside this safe. This is the cheapest option on the list.
The Good
The design looks superb, and its temperature resistance is just impressive. It can also be carried from place to place since it is a portable safe.
The Bad
There is no handle to grasp for this model, which makes it challenging to move from place to place. Also, it is slightly too small to fit standard-sized documents.
PROs
- Temperature resistance of 1550 F in thirty minutes
- Simple key lock
- Affordable price
- Prevents molds from building up
- Moisture prevention
CONs
- Moisture prevention
- No handle nor grip
First Alert 2011F Fire Chest, 0.17 Cubic Feet
Product Highlights
This other First Alert product on the list is a tiny chest-style fireproof safe, which you can move around. It features a carrying handle for ease of use. This safe uses a clamping-style lock to secure the contents. The safe is fire-resistant, able to withstand up to 30 minutes in temperatures reaching 1550 degrees Fahrenheit. The clamping lock comes with a set of two keys and is very easy to use.
The Good
The 0.17-cubic foot capacity of this safe makes it perfect for securing small valuables such as ID documents, money, digital media devices or hard drives, and jewelry. It is very portable and easy to carry in case of emergency.
The Bad
The safe is so small that you will not be able to put legal or letter size documents inside unless they are folded. It also does not have a digital lock so you should take extra care of your keys. Aside from that, the safe is not waterproof.
PROs
- Withstands 1550 F for up to thirty minutes
- Very portable and easy to carry
- Clamping lock secures your valuables
CONs
- Documents cannot be placed inside unless folded
- Not waterproof
- No digital access
SureSeal by FireKing SS104-A 1 Hour Fireproof Waterproof Safe Chest
Product Highlights
If you have lots of legal documents to keep, you can store them in this safe without worrying. It has the perfect size for these documents, so you can also take them out easily. FireKing is rated UL 350 fire resistance with a waterproof exterior. It is all-around protection for your valuables.
It has a seven-year warranty for any manufacturing issues. If it goes through a fire (hopefully it doesn’t), FireKing honors a lifetime replacement guarantee. You can expect a lifetime safe if you want to go for this brand.
The Good
It is an all-around safe for being fireproof and waterproof. The best part about this product is the lifetime guarantee. They surely know how to please loyal customers.
The Bad
For the waterproofing, it can only keep the water at bay for two hours. The safe is also heavy, with a weight of sixty pounds, which means that it sinks after a short time of floating.
PROs
- UL Class 350 fire-resistance rating
- Seven-year warranty for manufacturing issues
- Lifetime warranty if put to the test
- Perfect for any kinds of legal documents
- Water-resistant
CONs
- Can only withstand two hours of submersion
- Not buoyant because of heavyweight
Buyer’s Guide
We will discuss in this section all the information you need to buy the best small fireproof safe.
Dimension
Do not just consider the size of the interior, but also the size of the safe as a whole. If you are aiming to get crafty as to where you are planning to hide your safe, then you need to measure the expected area before finalizing your purchase.
Storage
Do not just consider the size of the interior, but also the size of the safe as a whole. If you are aiming to get crafty as to where you are planning to hide your safe, then you need to measure the expected area before finalizing your purchase.
Price
Safes are costly in general. You should take your pick that is worth the money. The best small fireproof safe is not cheap, so you have to inspect the safe thoroughly.
Weight
Are you planning to take your safe with you when going out of the house? If yes, then go for a lighter option. If you just want an anti-theft choice, then a bulkier one is worth considering.
Fire rating
Since you are looking for a fireproof safe, then it is best to check its fire rating first. The calculation usually includes time spent in the fire and the humidity on the interior. Our top pick has the highest temperature resistance if you want to check that one out.
FAQs
What is a fireproof safe?
A fireproof safe is constructed with thick and durable materials, and your first line of defense to protect your valuables and assets against the unexpected. It has a mechanism that maintains the internal temperature of the safe and regulates humidity. After the fire, you can expect your valuables to be still safely tucked where you put them.
Do fireproof safes work as promised?
Yes, they do. However, fires can be unpredictable. So it is best to determine what your safe is capable of. There can be explosions and other factors that your safe cannot handle. You should expect the unexpected.
What are these fireproof safes made of?
Fireproof safes are made of iron and controlled carbon quantities. They usually have a melting point of 2500F to 2750F. Also, The exterior coating can withstand high levels of temperature.
Where should I put my fireproof safe?
This will depend upon factors such as the safe size and weight and the layout of your house. It is up to your discretion wherever you are planning to place your fireproof safe.
What is UL 72?
UL 72 is a rating that is broken down into specific criteria such as classification, duration, and overall scores.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, this article sheds some light on your decision-making process. The best small fireproof safe should be able to withstand a high level of temperature. We already laid down the purchase guide for your sake, so you do not have to find difficulty in picking your best bet. With all these choices in mind and more research, we hope that you choose the option that fits your needs perfectly. Keep safe! Know more about fireproof safes.