Best SentrySafe Vaults

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1160 delivers a UL‑rated half‑hour fire protection, key lock security and sturdy 16‑pound build for just $43.96, making it a solid entry‑level safe for budget‑focused users.

The 1160 is certified by UL for a 1/2‑hour fire rating at 1550 °F, matching its ETL rating, and it locks with a traditional key mechanism that comes with two keys. Its exterior dimensions—12.1 inches deep, 6.3 inches high and 15.3 inches wide—provide a compact footprint while still offering an interior volume of 0.25 cubic feet.

At 16.0 pounds, the 1160 is heavier than the SentrySafe 1210 (13.0 pounds) and the SentrySafe 1200 Black (13.3 pounds) but lighter than the CHW30220 (24.0 pounds) and the HD4100 (38.85 pounds). Its exterior width of 15.3 inches is wider than the 1200 Black’s 14.3 inches yet narrower than the CHW30220’s 16.5 inches, placing it in the middle of the size range for this roundup.

Reviewers consistently highlight the easy‑to‑carry grips and built‑in handle, noting that the safe feels solid enough to deter casual tampering. Users also appreciate the dedicated media protection slots for CDs, DVDs, memory sticks and USB drives. The most common criticism points to the modest interior space, which limits storage to small items like documents and media.

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: At $30.79, the SentrySafe 1200 Black offers UL‑classified 30‑minute fire protection at 1550 °F, a solid key lock, and a compact 13.3‑lb design, making it a top‑budget safety choice.

The standout feature of this safe is its UL‑Classified fire rating: it protects documents and digital media for 30 minutes at temperatures up to 1550 °F. With an exterior depth of 284 mm and a total weight of 13.3 lb, it’s light enough to carry by the built‑in handle yet sturdy enough for permanent placement.

Compared with the other seven vaults in our roundup, the 1200 sits near the lighter end—heavier than the 13.0‑lb SentrySafe 1210 but far lighter than the 38.85‑lb HD4100. Its interior dimensions (191 mm × 89 mm × 305 mm) accommodate hanging files, though the 0.18 cu ft capacity is smaller than the 0.25 cu ft offered by the 1160 model.

Professional reviewers praise the fire protection and the convenience of two included keys, while consumer sentiment notes the basic keyed lock can be vulnerable to picking and the safe lacks water resistance. The captured fire insulation material and the key lock are highlighted as reliable, entry‑level security measures.

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 costs $68.00, weighs 38.85 lb, and provides UL‑classified 30‑minute fire protection at 1550 °F plus 72‑hour water submersion for documents in a 0.65 cu ft portable safe.

The standout spec is its UL‑classified 30‑minute fire rating at 1550 °F, backed by ETL verification for both fire and 72‑hour water submersion. With a 0.65 cu ft interior and built‑in straps for passports and hanging file folders, it’s designed to keep paper documents and digital media safe without any interior lighting or electronic components.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the HD4100 is noticeably heavier than the SentrySafe 1200 Black (13.3 lb), the 1160 (16.0 lb), the 1210 (13.0 lb) and the CHW30220 (24.0 lb), yet lighter than the steel‑framed SFW123DSB (86.3 lb) and SFW123GDC (90.0 lb). Its 0.65 cu ft capacity sits between the 0.25 cu ft of the 1160 and the 1.23 cu ft of the larger SFW models, giving you more room than the smallest entry‑level options while staying compact enough for home use.

Reviewers consistently praise the fire and flood protection, noting that the safe “survived an actual house fire” and that the water seal held up during basement flooding. Professional reviewers highlight the UL and ETL certifications as genuine peace‑of‑mind. The most common complaint is the basic keyed lock: users find the keys stiff and the lock not resistant to tools, which limits its usefulness for high‑security needs.

Additional technical notes include a manual power source (no batteries required), a portable mounting type with built‑in carrying handles, and a one‑year limited warranty. The composite construction material and captured fire insulation help meet the fire rating without adding the weight of a full steel cabinet.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the SentrySafe HD4100 Black offers Weight: 38.85 pounds

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The SentrySafe SFW123GDC offers UL‑classified 1‑hour fire protection at 1700°F, ETL‑verified waterproofing, a 1.23 cu ft interior and a digital keypad, all in a solid 86.69‑lb alloy‑steel safe.

What really sets this safe apart is its fire rating: UL‑classified for 1 hour at 1700°F, plus an ETL‑verified water rating that keeps contents dry up to 8 inches deep for 24 hours. Inside, the 1.23 cu ft compartment houses an adjustable shelf, interior light and a 5‑digit digital keypad with a key override, while the door clearance of 14.75 inches lets you slide in larger documents easily.

In the Vaults roundup, the SFW123GDC is heavier than the 27.0‑lb SentrySafe X125 and the 24.0‑lb CHW30220, yet only marginally heavier than the 86.3‑lb SFW123DSB. Its interior capacity of 1.23 cu ft outpaces the 0.65 cu ft HD4100 and the sub‑0.5 cu ft models, giving you more room for paperwork and media. While it carries a premium price tag compared with most peers, the combination of fire, water and theft protection justifies the investment for those who need serious safeguarding.

Customers consistently praise the straightforward digital setup and the peace of mind that comes from verified fire and water resistance. Professional reviewers note the robust alloy‑steel construction and the four 1‑inch live‑locking bolts as strong deterrents against forced entry. On the flip side, users mention the safe’s weight makes relocation a chore, and a few have run into lockouts when the four AAA batteries run dry.

Technical details reinforce its resilience: a pry‑resistant hinge, drop‑test certification from 15 feet, and a bolt diameter of 1 inch all contribute to a solid defense. Power comes from 4 × AAA alkaline cells, and the interior light ensures you can see items without opening the door fully.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the SentrySafe SFW123GDC offers Door Clearance: 14.75 inches

Avoid if: You need frequent access, professional‑grade burglary protection, or a lightweight, budget‑friendly safe.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe SFW123DSB Gray offers a 1‑hour fire rating at 1700°F, 1.23 cu ft capacity and heavy‑duty steel construction for $224.99, making it a premium yet reliable safeguard for essential documents.

The standout spec is its UL Classified fire protection – one hour at 1700°F – paired with ETL Verified water resistance for up to 72 hours. At 86.3 pounds, the safe feels solid, and its exterior dimensions (16.3 in D × 17.8 in H × 19.3 in W) give you a roomy interior (11.9 in D × 13.8 in H × 12.6 in W) that holds 1.23 cu ft of paperwork, media and small valuables.

Compared with the other seven vaults in this roundup, the SFW123DSB is substantially heavier than the X125’s 27.0‑pound frame and the CHW30220’s 24‑pound build. Its 19.3‑inch width also exceeds the HD4100’s 15.5‑inch width, while the overall height of 17.8 inches is taller than the CHW30220’s 7.6‑inch profile. Although it sits at a higher price tier than the budget‑friendly HD4100 and CHW30220, the added mass and larger cavity justify the premium cost for users who need robust fire and flood protection.

Reviewers consistently praise the safe’s fire endurance and water sealing, noting that the combination of UL fire rating and ETL water rating gives peace of mind during both kitchen fires and basement floods. Users also appreciate the included carrying handle, shelf and bolt‑down hardware for easy placement. On the flip side, several owners mention that the dial combination lock feels basic compared with high‑security locksets, and the interior space, while generous for a firebox, can feel tight when storing larger items.

Additional technical highlights include four live‑locking bolts, a pry‑resistant hinge bar, and ETL Verified 15‑foot fall resistance, all wrapped in steel with captured fire insulation. Digital media protection is explicitly listed, making it a solid choice for safeguarding hard drives and USB sticks alongside paper documents.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the SentrySafe SFW123DSB Gray offers Exterior Depth: 16.3 inches.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe X125 is a solid‑steel, bolt‑down safe with a 1.2 cu ft interior, digital keypad and interior light, weighing 27 lb and priced at $169.99 for premium home security.

The X125’s most eye‑catching spec is its solid‑steel construction paired with a compact exterior footprint of 14.6 in (D) × 10.6 in (H) × 16.9 in (W). Inside, the carpeted shelf and 1.2 cu ft capacity give you enough room for documents, electronics and valuables while the built‑in interior light makes retrieval easy. At 27.0 lb, the safe feels sturdy without being as massive as some fire‑rated models.

Compared with the seven other safes in this roundup, the X125 sits in a sweet spot. It’s lighter than the SentrySafe SFW123DSB, which tips the scales at 86.3 lb, yet it offers almost the same 1.2 cu ft capacity as that larger unit’s 1.23 cu ft. It also out‑sizes the HD4100’s 0.65 cu ft capacity while weighing considerably less than the HD4100’s 38.85 lb. The compact CHW30220 is slimmer at 7.6 in (H) but provides far less interior volume, making the X125 a better choice for bulkier items.

Reviewers consistently praise the X125’s solid‑steel build and the flexibility of its programmable digital keypad (1‑8 digit code). Users like the live‑locking bolts and pry‑resistant design, noting that the removable carpeted shelf helps keep things organized. The main criticism is the absence of any fire‑ or water‑resistance ratings, which leaves heat‑ or flood‑prone scenarios unprotected. The 4.4‑star rating from 4,980 reviews sits just below the higher scores of some peers, hinting at occasional dissatisfaction with the lack of fire protection.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the SentrySafe X125 offers Exterior Depth: 14.6 inches

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The SentrySafe 1210 packs a UL‑rated half‑hour fire shield, 72‑hour water protection and a built‑in handle into a compact 13‑pound box for under $40.

The standout spec is its UL Classified 1/2 hour fire rating at 1550°F, backed by ETL Verified water resistance for up to 72 hours. With an exterior depth of 11.2 inches, height of 6.1 inches and width of 14.3 inches, it fits comfortably on a shelf or under a desk while still offering an interior capacity of 0.18 cu ft for documents and small media.

Compared with the other seven vaults in this roundup, the 1210 is lighter than the CHW30220 (24 pounds) and far lighter than the HD4100 (38.85 pounds) or the steel‑heavy SFW123GDC (90 pounds). It’s also more compact than the 1160, which measures 12.1 × 6.3 × 15.3 in, and sits just a shade slimmer than the 1200 Black (exterior depth 11.18 in, width 14.29 in). While the X125 and the larger SFW models provide far more interior space, the 1210’s modest footprint makes it ideal for renters or anyone short on floor space.

Reviewers consistently highlight the ease of accessing the two included keys and the handy in‑lid organizer for passports, cards and USB drives. Users love the built‑in carrying handle for quick moves, but they also note the tubular key lock offers only basic privacy and isn’t rated for tool attacks. The small 0.18 cu ft interior means you’ll need a larger safe if you plan to store bulky items or a sizable cash stash.

Professional reviewers point out that the captured fire‑insulation material delivers reliable impact resistance during a fire, while the ETL water rating gives peace of mind against flood damage. However, they caution that the lock’s security level is “basic privacy,” which may be insufficient for high‑theft environments.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the SentrySafe 1210 offers Exterior Depth: 11.2 inches and a manageable 13.0 Pounds weight.

Avoid if: You need advanced security features, larger storage capacity, or professional‑grade fire and water performance.

TL;DR: The SentrySafe CHW30220 Black protects documents with UL‑classified 30‑minute fire resistance at 1550°F, offers 72‑hour waterproofing, and weighs a solid 24 lb for reliable home safety.

The standout spec is its UL‑classified fire protection rated for half an hour at 1550°F while keeping the interior below 350°F. With a 0.36 cubic‑foot steel box, it fits standard 8.5×11″ letters or A4 pages without folding, and the interior measures 9.2 in D × 5.4 in H × 12.6 in W. The exterior dimensions of 14.8 in D × 7.6 in H × 16.5 in W keep the safe compact enough for a closet shelf yet sturdy enough to stay put during an emergency.

Compared with the other seven safes in this roundup, the CHW30220 sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s heavier than the 13‑lb SentrySafe 1200 Black and the 13‑lb SentrySafe 1210, but considerably lighter than the 38.85‑lb HD4100 and the 86.3‑lb SFW123DSB. Capacity-wise, it offers more space than the 0.25 cu ft SentrySafe 1160 but less than the 0.65 cu ft HD4100 and far less than the 1.23 cu ft models. Its waterproof rating of 72 hours matches the higher‑end units, while its fire rating matches the HD4100’s 1550°F protection.

Consumers repeatedly praise the heavy steel build and the inclusion of a carrying handle that makes quick evacuation feel doable. Professional reviewers note the UL classification and ETL‑verified waterproofing as reliable safeguards for documents and small valuables. On the downside, users point out that the basic tubular key lock can be picked and that the interior space limits storage to a few folders, making it less suitable for larger collections or high‑security needs.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the SentrySafe CHW30220 Black offers Exterior Depth: 14.8 inches