SentrySafe Waterproof Fire File H3300

The SentrySafe Waterproof Fire File H3300 home safe weighs a hefty 75 pounds, but it earns praise for its interior space, especially because it holds hanging folders. For storing photos and personal documents with no value to a potential burglar, you can leave it unlocked and still get good fire protection, as well as protection from the water firefighters use. This safe is UL-rated to provide protection against an average home fire: It keeps its contents at acceptable temperatures (350 degrees Fahrenheit or less) for up to 30 minutes in fires as hot as 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit. ETL certification assures that hardier computer media (such as a USB drives or DVDs) can also survive such a fire. The warranty is for one year (or lifetime replacement after a fire).

Like other budget home safes, the SentrySafe Waterproof Fire File H3300 is designed to protect against fire and the water firefighters must use. However, protection against burglars is not provided, so valuables with resale value should be stored elsewhere. The tubular lock can provide some privacy from casual eyes, but many owners recommend leaving the H3300 unlocked to prevent a burglar from carrying off the safe not knowing there's nothing of value (at least for resale) inside.

Though the safe is water-resistant, the insulation can trap moisture inside, so photos and irreplaceable documents should be stored in plastic bags and with silica gel. If you don't need this much storage space, consider the smaller, lighter and less expensive SentrySafe Waterproof Fire Chest H2300 (*Est. $45).

We found useful owner-written reviews and ratings at Amazon.com. The manufacturer's site provides an overall rating from more owners but without any comments. The owner's manual at that site does add some useful points.