Safe Buying Guide

Buying a safe can feel overwhelming, but if you focus on what you want to protect and from what (theft, fire, or both), you’ll quickly find the best option. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can choose confidently—whether you’re shopping for home or business use.

1. What Are You Protecting?

• Cash or valuables: Focus on burglary resistance.

• Documents (passports, wills): Look for fire protection.

• Jewelry, watches: Jewelry or watch safes add organization and gentle interiors.

• Firearms: Gun safes are specially designed for this use.

• Business deposits or cash drops: Drop/depository safes let you deposit without key access.

Start by making a quick list of what you need to protect!

2. Main Types of Safes

Here’s a quick overview of major safe types:

A. Fire Safes

• Built to protect papers or digital media from heat and smoke for a set time (typically 30–120 minutes)

• Less protection against theft but crucial for safeguarding irreplaceable documents (passports, deeds)​

B. Burglary Safes (Security Safes)

• Reinforced to resist forced entry (thick steel, pry-resistant doors, strong locks)

• Prioritize these for jewelry, cash, collectibles, or anything a thief would want​

C. Watch & Jewelry Safes

• Similar to burglary safes but with luxury interiors (compartments, felt or velvet linings)

• Protects from both theft and interior damage​

D. Lock Boxes

• Small, portable, usually less secure (think petty cash, temporary storage)

• Good for travel or low-security needs, but not for major valuables​

E. Drop (Depository) Safes

• Feature a slot for cash or envelopes to be deposited without opening the safe

• Popular with retail businesses and restaurants for end-of-day cash​

F. Floor Safes

• Installed into concrete in the floor, hard to find and very tough to steal

• Excellent for long-term burglary protection; often less accessible for everyday use​

G. Wall Safes

• Built into the wall between wall studs, concealed by pictures or furniture

• Ideal for hiding small to medium valuables; easier to reach than floor safes, but less fire resistant​

H. Gun Safes

• Designed for safe firearm storage; options for handguns up to rifles/shotguns

• Often include fire and burglary protection and help meet legal requirements for firearm access​

3. Other Features to Consider

• Lock Types:

  • Key locks: Simple and reliable; risk of lost keys

  • Combination dials: No batteries needed

  • Electronic keypads: Fast access, easy code changes (needs batteries)

  • Biometric (fingerprint): Quick and user-specific, but requires batteries and regular checks​

• Fire rating: Look for tested ratings (UL or ETL listed)

• Size & capacity: Make sure it fits your intended contents—don’t forget future needs!

• Anchoring: Burglary safes are best bolted down; wall and floor safes are naturally anchored

• Location: Discreet placement increases safety; weigh convenience vs. security

4. Choosing for Home vs. Business

• Home: Focus on burglary/fire protection for collectibles, documents, jewelry, or guns. Concealed safes (floor, wall) suit many homeowners.

• Business: Cash, data, and dynamic access needs mean you should consider depository/drop safes, media/data safes, or larger fire/burglary safes with heavy-duty locking mechanisms.​

5. Quick Safe Selection