Best Fireproof Safes with Mechanical Key Lock

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1160 offers UL‑rated 30‑minute fire protection at 1550°F, 432 cubic‑inch interior space and a manageable 16 lb weight for under $45, making it a solid entry‑level safe for home or small‑office use.

The standout spec is its UL‑certified 30‑minute fire rating at 1550 °F, backed by a steel construction that holds 432 cubic inches of contents (0.25 cu ft). Its exterior measures 15.3 inches wide, 12.1 inches deep and 6.3 inches high, while the interior opening provides 13 inches of width, 8.75 inches of depth and 3 inches of height—enough for documents, small media and a few valuables.

Compared with the other six safes in this roundup, the 1160 sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s lighter than the heavyweight HD4100 (38.85 lb) and FHW40100 (41 lb), but heavier than the ultra‑light Yiyitools box (4.41 lb). It’s slightly wider than the SentrySafe H0100 (14.3 inches) yet has a deeper interior than that model’s 7.4‑inch depth. The Honeywell 1101 tips the scale at 19.2 lb, making the 1160 easier to move, while the SentrySafe 1200 is lighter at 13.3 lb but offers a smaller exterior footprint.

User feedback highlights the reliable key lock and the convenient carrying grips and handle, which many reviewers say simplify placement under a desk or in a closet. The high 4.6‑star rating from over 21 000 reviews reinforces confidence in its fire protection. A common critique is the lack of interior shelves, meaning you must stack items directly on the floor of the safe, which can limit organization for larger collections.

Additional technical details include a standard hinge type, no mounting hardware, and a backup key for emergency access. The safe carries a limited one‑year warranty, and while water resistance isn’t listed, the brand’s reputation suggests basic moisture protection.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the SentrySafe 1160 offers Exterior Depth: 12.1 inches.

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1200 Black offers UL‑Classified 30‑minute fire protection at 1550 °F, 311 cu in interior space, and a lightweight 13.3 lb build for under $31, making it a solid budget fire‑safe.

What really sets this safe apart is its UL‑Classified fire rating: it can withstand 1550 °F for a full 30 minutes, keeping documents and digital media safe while the heat climbs. Inside, the 311.04 cubic inches of capacity is organized by built‑in shelves, so hanging files slide in neatly. The exterior measures 284 mm (11.2 in) deep, 155 mm (6.1 in) high and 363 mm (14.3 in) wide, giving you a compact footprint without sacrificing storage.

Compared with the six other safes in this roundup, the 1200 Black sits in a sweet spot. It’s heavier than the ultra‑light Yiyitools lock box, yet considerably lighter than the SentrySafe 1160, H0100, Honeywell 1101, HD4100 and FHW40100 models, which all tip the scales at 16 lb or more. In terms of size, it’s larger than the Yiyitools box but a touch smaller than the 1160’s exterior dimensions, and its width matches the H0100’s 14.3 in. This makes it a practical middle‑ground for home offices that need more room than a tiny lock box but less bulk than a full‑size safe.

Reviewers consistently praise the fire protection and the ability to file documents inside, noting that the key lock is simple to use and the two included keys are handy. Professional reviewers also highlight the lightweight design—13.3 lb makes it easy to move when needed. The main criticisms focus on security: the basic keyed lock can be vulnerable to picking and the safe isn’t rated for water resistance, so it won’t protect against flood damage. It’s best suited for protecting non‑high‑value items from fire rather than deterring theft.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the SentrySafe 1200 Black offers Exterior Depth: 284 mm.

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe HD4100 Black protects documents with UL‑rated 1/2‑hour fire resistance and 72‑hour water submersion, weighs 38.85 lb, and costs $68, making it the most balanced value in the fire‑proof safe lineup.

The standout spec is its UL Classified fire protection for 1/2 hour at 1550 °F, paired with ETL Verified water resistance for up to 72 hours of submersion. Inside, the 0.65 cubic‑foot compartment (11.6 in H × 12 in W × 8.1 in D) includes built‑in straps for passports and fits letter‑sized hanging file folders, so you can store both paper and digital media without extra accessories.

Compared with the six other safes in this roundup, the HD4100 sits at a mid‑range price point—cheaper than the SentrySafe FHW40100 but pricier than the Honeywell 1101, SentrySafe H0100, 1160, 1200, and Yiyitools lock box. It is heavier than all the compact options (the Honeywell 1101 weighs 19.2 lb, the H0100 17.0 lb, the 1160 16.0 lb, the 1200 13.3 lb, and the Yiyitools box just 4.41 lb) while only the FHW40100 exceeds it at 41.0 lb. This weight gives the HD4100 a solid, stationary feel that many users associate with durability.

Professional reviewers highlight the dual fire‑and‑water ratings as genuine peace‑of‑mind, noting that owners have reported the safe surviving actual house fires and prolonged floods. Everyday buyers echo this sentiment, praising the sturdy construction and the ease of organizing documents with the built‑in straps. The most common complaint concerns the keyed lock: users say the keys can feel stiff and sometimes need a little lubrication, which is a trade‑off for the simple privacy lock design.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the SentrySafe HD4100 Black offers Weight: 38.85 pounds

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need a lightweight portable safe, or require burglary‑grade security

TL;DR: The SentrySafe H0100 offers UL‑rated ½‑hour fire protection, a 72‑hour waterproof seal, and a compact 13.0‑inch depth for just $43.98, making it a solid budget choice for basic home and small‑business security.

The standout specification is its UL Classified fire rating – it can withstand 1550°F (843°C) for a half‑hour, while the continuous 360° waterproof seal promises 72 hours of submersion protection. Inside, the 0.17 cubic‑foot compartment measures 7.4 inches deep, 3.4 inches high and 12.0 inches wide, enough for passports, cash and a handful of USB drives.

At 17.0 pounds, the H0100 is heavier than the 13.3‑pound SentrySafe 1200 and the 4.41‑pound Yiyitools lock box, yet far lighter than the 38.85‑pound SentrySafe HD4100 and the 41‑pound FHW40100. Its exterior dimensions (13.0 × 6.1 × 14.3 inches) sit between the more compact SentrySafe 1160 and the bulkier HD4100, giving it a discreet footprint for closets or under‑desk storage. Compared with the Honeywell 1101, it’s lighter and includes a dedicated carrying handle that the Honeywell model does not list.

Professional reviewers highlight the combination of fire and water protection as “well‑rounded” for everyday valuables, and users frequently praise the safe for keeping passports and USB drives safe during emergencies. Common complaints revolve around the privacy key lock being easier to pick than a combination lock, and the limited interior space restricting larger documents or binders. A few owners have reported occasional seal wear after prolonged exposure to heavy rain, which aligns with the “seal type” description but suggests careful maintenance.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the SentrySafe H0100 offers Exterior Depth: 13.0 inches

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance, such as high‑value theft protection, extensive interior organization, or a lock that resists picking.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe FHW40100 protects documents for 30 minutes at 1550 °F, stays below 350 °F inside, offers 0.66 cu ft of space and a 72‑hour water seal, all for $79.99.

What really stands out is the UL‑Classified fire protection: the safe endures 30 minutes at 1550 °F while keeping the interior under 350 °F, which is the temperature limit listed for its interior. With a capacity of 0.66 cubic feet, it comfortably holds letter‑sized hanging file folders, and the exterior dimensions—13.8 in depth, 14.1 in height, and 16.6 in width—give it a compact footprint for a home office or small‑business desk.

Compared with the six other safes in this roundup, the FHW40100 is a bit heavier at 41 pounds, outmatching the Honeywell 1101 (19.2 pounds) and the SentrySafe 1200 Black (13.3 pounds). It also offers a slightly larger capacity than the SentrySafe HD4100 Black (0.65 cu ft). While the Yiyitools lock box is far lighter, the FHW40100’s weight contributes to its solid, fire‑resistant construction. Unlike many peers, it carries an ETL‑Verified 72‑hour water rating, adding flood protection that smaller, lighter models often lack.

Reviewers consistently praise the safe’s ability to keep paperwork organized and its reliable fire rating. Professional reviewers highlight the UL classification and the interior temperature ceiling as key safety guarantees. On the downside, several users note that the keyed privacy lock feels inexpensive and may be easy to pick, a sentiment echoed in consumer comments. The sturdy build also means it isn’t as portable as the ultra‑light Yiyitools box, so moving it requires a bit of effort.

Best for: Homeowners and small‑business owners needing reliable fire and water protection, especially when the Exterior Depth: 13.8 inches fits a tight office space.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $79.99.

TL;DR: At $46.02, the Honeywell 1101 Black earns a 4.2‑star rating from 635 reviewers, praised for its fire protection and portability but noted for limited storage and lack of water resistance.

The Honeywell 1101 Black is offered by Honeywell Safes & Door Locks at a budget‑friendly price of $46.02. It sits near the bottom of the seven‑product fireproof safe roundup, carrying a 4.2‑star rating based on 635 reviews.

Reviewers consistently highlight the UL‑certified fire protection as the core strength, along with a compact, lightweight build that includes a convenient carry handle and a privacy key lock with spare keys. The product also comes with a warranty and a lifetime after‑fire replacement guarantee, which many users appreciate. Common criticisms focus on the lack of water resistance, a relatively small interior space, the basic keyed lock offering less burglary security, and a California Proposition 65 warning.

Based purely on price and rating, the 1101 Black presents a modestly priced option for those who value fire safety and mobility over larger capacity or water protection. It may be a good fit if you’re looking for an entry‑level fire‑proof chest and are comfortable with its limited storage.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Honeywell 1101 Black is available at $46.02

TL;DR: The Yiyitools Fireproof Lock Box packs a 5.0‑inch height, 13.0‑inch length and 4.41‑pound weight into a compact, waterproof steel case for $29.99, earning a 4.7‑star rating from 16 reviewers.

This lock box’s standout dimension is its slim 5.0‑inch height, which makes it easy to slip onto a shelf or tuck into a drawer. Inside, the 13.0‑inch length provides enough room for passports, cash, jewelry and other small valuables, while the 9.0‑inch width keeps the profile modest. The double cold‑rolled steel construction and upgraded metal coating add scratch resistance, and the dual locking system—3‑digit combination plus a key lock—offers an extra layer of security.

When you line it up against the six other safes in this roundup, the Yiyitools box is dramatically lighter. At 4.41 pounds it is under a third of the weight of the lightest peer, the SentrySafe 1200, which tips the scales at 13.3 pounds, and far lighter than the SentrySafe HD4100’s 38.85 pounds. Its exterior footprint is also smaller than the bulkier SentrySafe models that list dimensions in the 14‑inch range, making Yiyitools the most portable option for renters or travelers who need a fire‑resistant stash without a permanent installation.

Reviewers appreciate the straightforward dual‑lock design and the peace of mind that comes from a fire‑proof claim paired with waterproof construction. The high 4.7‑star rating, based on 16 reviews, suggests owners find the basic protection reliable for everyday documents and small valuables. However, the product does not list a UL fire certification or specific temperature/time ratings, which some users see as a missing safety guarantee. The limited amount of detailed fire‑rating data means you’ll need to rely on the manufacturer’s fire‑resistant insulation claim rather than an independent test standard.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Yiyitools Fireproof Lock Box offers Height: 5.0 inches.

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range or need a UL‑certified fire‑rating guarantee.