Choosing a safe for your home isn’t just about locking things away. It’s about making sure your valuables are protected from fire, theft, and everyday risks. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to help you choose the right safe for your home.
1. Know What You’re Protecting
Start with a list. What do you want to store?
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Cash and jewellery?
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Legal documents like wills, deeds, or passports?
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Electronics or hard drives?
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Heirlooms or collectibles?
Different items call for different protection levels. If you're storing documents, fire resistance is key. If it's cash or jewellery, focus on burglary protection.
2. Understand Safe Ratings
Safes come with ratings for fire and burglary resistance. Knowing what these mean helps you make a smarter choice.
Fire Ratings:
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A 30-minute rating means the safe can withstand 30 minutes in a fire.
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Look for 60 to 120 minutes for stronger protection, especially for paper or electronics.
Burglary Ratings:
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Look for terms like "Eurograde" or "TL-15" and "TL-30."
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Higher grades = more resistance to attack.
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If you're storing over £10,000 in valuables, a burglary-rated safe is essential.
Insurance Approved:
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Look for the AiS (Association of Insurance Surveyors) approval badge.
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These safes are tested and often required for insurance claims.
3. Choose the Right Type of Safe
Your ideal safe depends on your space, needs, and how often you’ll access it.
Fireproof Safes
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Best for: documents, passports, USBs
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Protect against heat and smoke
Burglary Safes
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Best for: cash, watches, jewellery, luxury items
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Built with thick steel and anti-drill plates
Floor and Wall Safes
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Best for: discreet storage
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Can be concealed behind furniture or under flooring
Biometric and Electronic Safes
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Best for: quick access and shared use
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Use fingerprint scanners or digital keypads
Dual-Lock Safes
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Best for: high-value storage where you want added security
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Require two keys, or a key plus a code
4. Think About Placement and Installation
A safe is only as secure as where and how you install it.
Ask yourself:
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Can it be bolted to the floor or wall?
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Is it hidden from plain sight?
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Is it in a fire-safe part of the house (like a ground floor closet)?
Avoid placing safes in obvious spots like the master bedroom. Thieves know where to look. Utility rooms, home offices, and even behind kitchen cabinets offer better security.
If you’re not sure, get advice from a professional installer.
Final Tip: Don’t Underspend
It’s tempting to buy a cheap safe off the shelf. But these often offer little more protection than a locked drawer.
You’re not just buying steel. You’re buying peace of mind. A well-chosen safe protects your most important assets from fire, theft, and loss.
Ready to Protect What Matters?
At Safeinche, we stock fireproof, burglary-rated, and insurance-approved safes for every home setup. Whether you’re protecting documents or diamonds, we’ll help you find the right fit.