SentrySafe HD4100 Black
Score: 78/100
Amazon Basics 0.5 Cu Ft Safe Black
Score: 65/100Rankings
The SentrySafe HD4100 is a portable fireproof and waterproof file safe designed to protect letter-sized documents and digital media from fire and flood damage. It features UL and ETL verified ratings for 30-minute fire protection and 72-hour water submersion, making it suitable for home or office use. However, the basic keyed lock is not burglary-proof, and the unit is heavy, making it less suitable for high-security needs or frequent relocation.
The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe is a compact lock box with an electronic keypad, designed for storing cash, jewelry, and documents. It offers convenient electronic access and is lightweight for easy portability. However, it lacks fire or water protection ratings and has basic security features compared to specialized vaults.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | |
30 minutesbest | — | |
1,550 °Fbest | — | |
0.65 cu ftbest | 0.5 cu ft | |
14.3 inbest | 9.8 in | |
15.5 inbest | 13.8 in | |
13.5 inbest | 9.8 in | |
| ↓ lower better | 38.85 lbs | 18.3 lbsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Dimensions & Capacity(5) | ||
Interior Capacity (cu ft) | 0.65 cu ft | 0.5 cu ft |
Exterior Height (in) | 14.3 in | 9.8 in |
Exterior Width (in) | 15.5 in | 13.8 in |
Exterior Depth (in) | 13.5 in | 9.8 in |
Weight (lbs) | 38.85 lbs | 18.3 lbs |
Build & Materials(1) | ||
Construction Material | Composite | Steel |
Security & Access(1) | ||
Lock Type | Key | Electronic |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the SentrySafe FHW40100 for its verified UL and ETL fire and water protections, noting it offers true peace-of-mind for document safety. Experts highlight its versatility for bulk items and hanging files, rating it highly for residential use. However, they caution that the basic keyed lock is not burglary-proof and the unit is heavy, making it less suitable for high-security needs or frequent relocation.
Everyday users commonly praise the product for surviving actual house fires and providing reliable protection against floods. Many appreciate the sturdy build and simple organization for important records. Recurring complaints include a stiff lock mechanism that requires lubrication, a tight interior fit for folders, and the difficulty of moving the heavy unit. Some long-term users report minor water leaks after extended periods.
“Survived a house fire-papers intact”
“Peace of mind for floods”
“Barely fits full folders”
