SentrySafe EF4738E
Score: 88/100
SentrySafe SFW123GDC
Score: 82/100Rankings
The SentrySafe EF4738E is an extra-large, heavy-duty steel floor safe offering high security and multi-hazard protection for documents, cash, and firearms. It features a digital keypad, extensive bolting, and significant interior capacity, though its weight necessitates permanent installation. It is best suited for homeowners needing robust, stationary protection for high-value assets in fire-prone or flood-prone areas.
The SentrySafe SFW123GDC is a large alloy steel digital safe designed to protect documents, digital media, and valuables from fire, water, and theft. It features UL-classified fire protection for one hour at 1700°F and ETL-verified waterproofing for 24 hours. It is ideal for closet or floor mounting in flood-prone areas where certified protection is prioritized over portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 minutes | 60 minutesbest | |
1,400 degrees_fahrenheit | 1,700 degrees_fahrenheitbest | |
8,133.12 cubic_inchesbest | 2,127.84 cubic_inches | |
| ↓ lower better | 37.7 inches | 17.8 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 21.7 inches | 16.3 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 19 inchesbest | 19.3 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 208.84 pounds | 86.69 poundsbest |
72 minutesbest | 24 minutes |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Fire Protection(2) | ||
Fire Rating Duration (minutes) | 30 minutes | 60 minutes |
Fire Rating Temperature (degrees_fahrenheit) | 1400 degrees_fahrenheit | 1700 degrees_fahrenheit |
Compliance & Safety(1) | ||
Certifications | UL Classified, ETL Verified, California DOJ Certified | UL, ETL |
Dimensions & Capacity(4) | ||
Interior Capacity (cubic_inches) | 8133.12 cubic_inches | 2127.84 cubic_inches |
Exterior Height (inches) | 37.7 inches | 17.8 inches |
Exterior Width (inches) | 21.7 inches | 16.3 inches |
Exterior Depth (inches) | 19.0 inches | 19.3 inches |
Environmental Protection(1) | ||
Water Resistance Duration (minutes) | 72 minutes | 24 minutes |
Build & Portability(1) | ||
Weight (pounds) | 208.84 pounds | 86.69 pounds |
Security & Locking(2) | ||
Lock Type | Digital Keypad | Digital |
Backup Access | Keys | Key |
Installation & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Length (years) | Lifetime years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors position the SentrySafe SFW205 as a dependable solution for those who take security seriously, praising its ability to handle real emergencies with combined fire, water, and theft protection. Editors specifically highlight the superior protection from forced entry provided by the live-locking bolts and pry-resistant design, along with the effective media-safe insulation. However, there is a notable absence of third-party expert reviews from major testing organizations, with ratings primarily derived from aggregated user feedback.
Everyday users express positive sentiment, with aggregated ratings averaging around 4 out of 5 stars across hundreds of reviews. Common praise focuses on the reliable fire and water protection, the spacious and well-organized interior, and the convenience of digital access. Recurring themes in complaints involve the dependency on batteries for digital locks and the heavy weight of the unit, which complicates installation if not bolted down.
Choose the SFW205 for superior bolt security and lower cost, or the EF4738E if you need the largest possible capacity and are willing to pay more.
Professional sources and retailer listings praise the SFW123GDC as a dependable home and office safe for real-world disasters. Editors highlight its UL fire rating, ETL water resistance, and steel construction against forced entry as key strengths. It is positioned as a reliable solution for those who take ownership seriously, though no independent expert reviews from major testing bodies were found.
Everyday users commonly praise the ease of digital setup and the reliable fire and water protection provided by the safe. Many report successful use in minor floods or drills, appreciating the value for document storage. Recurring complaints focus on forgotten codes without easy overrides, battery failures causing lockouts, difficulty moving the unit due to size and weight, and occasional keypad unresponsiveness in low light.
