Much Cheaper than a safe a fireproof box can be bought as a replacement for it. If you don’t have a lot of things to store but are just looking to secure some of your stuff then you should probably opt for these. We have jotted down 10 of the best fireproof box for legal size documents that will help you to store your documents and not worry about them in case of a fire.
However, if there is a lot to store including jewelry, guns, etc., we always recommend you to go for a safe.
Before you go deep we have a comparison chart for you that plots the product name against its overall ratings –
Post Updated – Dec 2020
Note – Click on the product image to view it on Amazon.
1) SentrySafe 1170 Fireproof Box With Key Lock – Our Pick
Product Specifications
Dimensions – Exterior: 15.3 in. W x 12.1 in. D x 13.6 in H; Interior: 12 in W x 8.5 in. D x 10.4 in. H
Weight – 28 pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Upto – 1,550° F (843° C)
Ratings
Overall Rating – 8.3/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 8/10
Value for money – 9/10
This box by Sentrysafe is our pick for the best fireproof document box available online. Its dimensions are perfect to fit not only documents but other complex items with ease. It is also ETL verified to protect CDs, DVDs and USB’s from fire.
Also, it is waterproof as well just in case you were wondering.
Though a bit heavy at 28 pounds, it shouldn’t be a worry as heavier boxes are built to last longer and are much tougher than a lot of lightweight boxes.
This is evident from the fact that this box can endure temperatures up to 1,550° F (843° C) for about half an hour, and this, by the way, is UL classified.
Includes two keys with lock on the front of the box to prevent it from opening in the event of a fire.
Pros
- Good fire handling capacity.
- Healthy dimensions.
- Key lock.
- Free tech support included.
- Available in different dimensions.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Heavier than normal boxes.
Final Verdict
A lot of research of ours has gone through before labeling it as the best in our list, so there is not much reason why not to go for it. It has the perfect balance in terms of its weight and durability which is what makes it the winner. All in all a really good fireproof box for home use to store documents & cash.
2) Honeywell – 6104 Fire Resistant Box 0.17 Cubic Feet
Product Specifications
Dimensions – Exterior: 12.7 in. W x 8.7 in. D x 4.2 in H; Interior: 11.9 in W x 7.6 in. D x 3.3 in. H
Weight – 5.3 pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Upto – Not specified
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.8/10
Fireproof Rating – 7/10
Ease of handling – 9/10
Value for money – 7.5/10
This is a good old fashioned fire-resistant box, will probably remind you of the good old Hollywood movies of the twentieth century.
Though small it is really effective when you have fewer items to store and protect especially cash.
It has a foam-padded floor mat which will ensure that the items are in good condition when kept inside.
This is then built with a double steel wall construction with fire-resistant insulation. It has up to 0.17 cubic feet of storage.
Its concealed hinge is another good feature which we like. It has a scratch-resistant powder coat finish that will ensure it remains free from scratches and stay true to its overall appearance for at least a few years.
Its insulation can protect itself from fire for a good twenty minutes but how much it can withstand remains a mystery as there is no official number given in this regard from Honeywell. Although we can take a safe estimate at 1,200° F (649° C).
Pros
- Small and easy to carry.
- The inner padded floor ensures you can keep valuables without the risk of it getting in contact with the metal inside which can eventually spoil it.
- Honeywell is a good brand especially in this segment, and a good brand means greater trust amongst its customers in general.
- 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Exact fireproof numbers not given by Honeywell.
- Not a great fit for larger items.
Final Verdict
Lightweight and easy to carry, can be thrown around the back of your car easily while traveling. If you want a box that can be easily carried around anyplace you go then this is the one to go for and is the best fireproof box for cash storage.
3) SureSeal By FireKing SS104- A
Product Specifications
Dimensions – 19.9 in. W x 17 in. D x 7.3 in H
Weight – 56 pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Upto – Not specified
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.8/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 7.5/10
Value for money – 8/10
Albeit a bit heavy but that is expected from a heavy-duty fireproof box like this. The idea here is to store your stuff and keep it away secured in a preferred location somewhere in your house.
These boxes are not meant to move frequently like with other boxes which explains why it scores the lowest in ease of handling.
Available in three sizes, .15 CU, .27 CU, and .38 CU, it will give you the choice of buying a box of right size whilst getting the quality built of SureSeal. This gives you the liberty of spending less and buying the box of a slightly lesser dimension which in turn also saves you some cash.
Completely safe to keep electronic items in addition to just documents.
Its dual compression latches with a sturdy handle will make you feel confident every time you close it.
Even though the numbers are not mentioned SureSeal claims it can endure fire for up to an hour which is pretty impressive considering how the other boxes fare in this.
Also, it is waterproof for up to two hours.
Pros
- Fireproof and waterproof for one and two hours respectively has to be the highlight as very few boxes can match them in this feature.
- Available in different sizes for customer convenience.
- Possesses a 7-year warranty.
- Latch and handle are sturdy compared to other boxes.
Cons
- Exact fireproof numbers not given by SureSeal.
- A bit heavy to be carried around.
Final Verdict
If you have fewer items to secure than you normally would if you had a safe you can opt for this and save some money as it is not meant to be carried around.
You can think of it as a fireproof chest, it is meant to sit in some corner of your house anyway due to its weight so it can be a very good alternative to a safe.
4) AmazonBasics Security Safe Box
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 13.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 (L x W x H) , Interior = 13.5 x 8.75 x 9.5 (L x W x H)
Door Thickness – 2 inches approx.
Weight – 16.5 pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Up to – Not specified(Actually not fireproof for the record but read our review below to know why it makes it in our list)
Ratings
Overall Rating – 6.8/10
Fireproof Rating – 6/10
Ease of handling – 7.5/10
Value for money – 7/10
This has to be the weakest entry in the entire list, this basic safe box by AmazonBasics is meant to be a small box acting as a low budget safe and it does succeed in it.
Available in three different dimensions this is a low budget electronic safe box with a combination pad in front for unlocking it.
It is quite popular among gun owners using it to store guns and ammo to keep it away from others.
Rigid steel construction with a carpeted floor inside helps to protect the items when stored in it.
It will take four AA-size batteries to operate.
Even though not fireproof as clearly stated, we believe it is strong enough to handle some minor fires.
In fact, one owner of this safe box tragically lost his home to a fire and previously had stored four handguns, ammo and some papers in it.
To his surprise, all of it survived even though the safe was in a bad condition when brought out by the firefighters. What’s more, he even managed to open it up using the keypad!
Pros
- Low budget safe box.
- Easy to carry due to its weight and dimensions.
- 2 back up keys included.
Cons
- Not fireproof and waterproof.
- The keypad sound was a bit loud for our liking. They can do away with it altogether in the next update.
- Some buyers have made reviews claiming it opens easily with a pen. This came to our attention but we were unable to find conclusive evidence that proves their point.
- Batteries not included.
Final Verdict
Suitable for guns and ammo storage, a product like this is bought only when securing your valuables is your main priority and its fireproofing abilities are an afterthought.
5) Honeywell – 30 Minute Fire And Waterproof Filing Safe Box Chest 1106 (Yeah that’s the name really!)
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 12.9 x 15.9 x 12.6 (H x W x D) , Interior = 10.1 x 12.2 x 8.5 (H x W x D)
Weight – 47 pounds
Material – ABS Plastic
Withstand Temperatures Up to – 1550°F / 843°C
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.6/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 7/10
Value for money – 8/10
Another one from Honeywell makes our list. Before you ask how come a box made of ‘Plastic’ can be fireproof we’ll counter that straight away.
This is made of ABS plastic which is completely different from the normal plastic you know of.
It is amorphous in nature due to which it has a very high melting point, due to which it is used as a flame retardant in many industries.
So enough of science, going back to our review this 16.7 L capacity chest comes with a handle or a cabinet.
Can hold off from heat for a maximum of 30 minutes, while also having a 24-hour waterproof seal that will keep the inside contents dry even when submerged 39 inches/1 meter underwater.
Pros
- Good quality lock on the front.
- Waterproofing stats are incredible.
- 7 years warranty.
Cons
- Too heavy to handle in day to day use, i.e if you plan to use it regularly or even move it occasionally.
- A few customers did experience problems while operating. Basically, the problem experienced by them resulted due to their own negligence but we will list this as a con.
Final Verdict
Barring a few good features, this one’s tough to suggest, partly due to the fact that some customers did experience problems while opening/closing the lid.
But due to the non-involvement of steel, it makes it cheaper than others and will definitely get the job done.
6) SentrySafe HD4100 Fireproof & Waterproof Box With Key Lock
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 14.3 x 15.5 x 13.5 (H x W x D) , Interior = 11.5 x 12 x 8.1 (H x W x D)
Weight – 38.9 pounds
Material – Captured Fire Insulation
Withstand Temperatures Up to – 1550°F / 843°C
Ratings
Overall Rating – 8/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 7.5/10
Value for money – 8.5/10
This document box with a key lock from SentrySafe is arguably one of the best rated value for money products in our entire list.
To do a quick run-through on its features, we’ll start with one of the most important feature in any box which is the fireproofing ability, it does well in that part holding heat up to 1550°F / 843°C for a good 30 minutes.
Also, it is ETL verified to prevent water from seeping in for a maximum of 72 hours which is something not seen in other boxes.
It can easily hold up to 40 standard hanging folders.
Pros
- The in-lid organizer (basically straps on the inside of the lid) will help you to store your passport and other relevant documents so that you don’t have to mine your way through on the inside.
- Waterproof for up to 72 hours when completely submerged in water has to make it one of the best bets in case of floods.
- One of the cheapest in its segment.
Cons
- Few customers experienced problems in its handle, case in point a few of the buyers complained of a loose handle, although it can be attributed to its handling while transportation.
- Make sure to get a copy of its key when you get it as some have complained of its substandard quality.
Final Verdict
Go with this only if water is your primary cause of concern since it scores really well on that part. Everything else is ok too but we’ll go with other boxes if water and flood like situations are not a worry.
7) MMF Industries Jumbo Fire-Retardant Steel Security Chest (With Keylock)
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 14.38 x 11 x 4.13 (W x D x H) , Interior = 12.3 x 10.3 x 3.12 (W x D x H)
Weight – 1 Pound
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Up to – 1550°F / 843°C
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.8/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 8/10
Value for money – 7.5/10
At best it looks like any simple looking metal box with a leather handle. But on close inspection, this hidden gem has more to it than meets the eye.
Available in two different sizes and colors, it readily serves the purpose with a 1550 F limit; which is impressive for a box that rather bears a strong resemblance from boxes used in movies set in the 20th century.
With a full steel construction and double insulated walls this box can hold file folders and 9 x 12 inch documents with ease.
Pros
- Comes with double keys(a lot of boxes come with a single key these days so this definitely helps in its favor.
- Double handles ensuring that handling is easy.
- Its double-walled construction makes it sturdy and is the sole reason customers have brought it in the first place.
Cons
- No warranty specified from the company.
- On close inspection it doesn’t look like a lockbox that can counter water for long when submerged; even though it doesn’t leave any gaps when closed.
Final Verdict
Justifying its price tag completely, this small box with a no nonsense look is worth a buy. Many have used it for storing guns and ammo. And even though there are some doubts about whether it can pass the water submersion test if you don’t have tons of items to store and is looking to safeguard a few of your valuables, we recommend you to check this out. The product reviews on this are great and customers have loved it, we’re sure you will too once you get your hands on it.
8) First Alert 2037F Water & Fire Protector File Chest
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 13.00 x 16.13 x 12.75 (H x W x D) , Interior = 10.25 x 12.17 x 8.58 (H x W x D)
Weight – 35 Pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Upto – 1550°F / 843°C
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.5/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 7/10
Value for money – 7.5/10
Bulky and compact are the first thoughts to come up in the mind while taking a first look at this box from First Alert. The overall look suggests that it is a box to be kept in the office.
Its inner walls are one of the thickest we’ve seen, which is a very important factor in safeguarding the contents inside.
The latch is strong, even though it looks otherwise but will hold on pretty well so that’s not a worry.
TIP – Throw in some silica packets to keep inner contents dry, actually follow this for any boxes you own.
The chest will float easily in case of a flood so that it can be located easily.
Pros
- Inner walls are compact and well guarded which is a strong feature.
- Floats well on water.
- It comes with two keys.
Cons
- Its latch is a worry and can be stronger even though it is tested for being waterproof.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to safeguard your belongings against thieves than its not a very good option due to the lock issue. However, it gets the job done as far as guarding against fire and water is concerned.
9) Honeywell Safes & Door Locks Fire Waterproof Filing Safe Box Chest with Wheel Cart 1106W
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 15.7 x 16.9 x 12.8 (H x W x D) , Interior = 10.1 x 12.2 x 8.5 (H x W x D)
Weight – 49.8 Pounds
Material – Steel
Withstand Temperatures Up to – 1550°F / 843°C
Ratings
Overall Rating – 8.3/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 9/10
Value for money – 8/10
Perhaps the only one in the list which comes with a wheel cart. Some will say it is needed considering how heavy it is but nonetheless, the trolly makes the handling supremely easy.
Honeywell makes excellent products in this segment and that’s why they keep on featuring
Its thick interior walls with extra wide space to fit all your legal documents with ease.
Double latch on the box is always good to see and will give buyers confidence when keeping their content.
Pros
- Wheel cart has to be the highlight, making handling easy.
- Lots of space inside, the dimensions are very healthy.
Cons
- No handle on the lid makes lifting a heavy work, also carrying it without a trolly is a burden.
- As of our writing it isn’t there but we’re they’ll get that in their next update; however, it shouldn’t bother much to current customers too.
Final Verdict
This is more suited for serious buyers with a lot of demands, this box is well equipped to handle large amounts of content and while it is heavy; it is supposed to be like that so that the contents are safe on the inside.
A bit pricey but you get what you pay right!
10) SentrySafe FHW40220 Fireproof And Waterproof Box(With Key Lock)
Product Specifications
Dimensions in inches – Exterior = 14.1 x 16.6 x 13.8 (H x W x D) , Interior = 11.6 x 12 x 8.1 (H x W x D)
Weight – 41 Pounds
Material – Captured Fire Insulation
Withstand Temperatures Up to – 1550°F / 843°C (For 30 minutes)
Ratings
Overall Rating – 7.7/10
Fireproof Rating – 8/10
Ease of handling – 7.5/10
Value for money – 7.5/10
Like Honeywell, SentrySafe too has multiple entries in this list as both are trusted brands with strong products in this segment.
This box with its curvy dimensions is best for home use, well complimented by its handles on both sides making it easy to carry.
The box is really thick on the inside to ensure optimum protection, has enough space for letter size hanging file folders to fit perfectly.
The in-lid area with straps gives some extra storage space to keep items that need immediate access.
Also, ETL verified water immersion in case of flood like situations.
Pros
- Handles on both sides may seem normal but a lot of manufacturers have missed this on theirs, due to which we consider this as a strong feature.
- It provides an in-lid area with straps that are always good when you need immediate access to a particular document.
Cons
- Upon testing, by a lot of different users, a common weakness was revealed and that is the durability of its latch.
- We believe this is the only area where SentrySafe needs to improve on and we’re sure this will be sorted out in the next update itself.
Final Verdict
A good box to rely on in terms of safety which when coupled with its ease of handling makes it the right choice.
However, don’t expect it to keep itself safe from thieves as the purpose is to safeguard from fire and it does that really well.
Tips While Choosing A Fireproof Box For Legal Size Documents
When choosing a fireproof box make sure you look into these factors to make sure you get the best product. Sometimes an item bought from a reputed company could turn out horrible so go through this checklist.
Fireproofing Ability
Probably the number one factor to look at, the higher temperatures your box could withstand the better off you’ll be. Most of the fireproof boxes nowadays can withstand temperatures above 1000°F.
Go for boxes that can withstand temperatures up to 1550°F. This is the standard for most quality boxes and chances are you won’t get any box that has a higher number. Since we’re protecting legal documents here the higher temperature nos. Really helps.
Ease Of Carrying
Refers mainly to the handles that makes it easier to carry. Ease of handling will ensure you can pick up and move fast in case of any mishap.
Carrying handles that are cheap and not made of quality material will be the first to give up during a fire. This means you’ll have to grab the entire case which can be problematic. Look for our ease of handling rating while choosing the box.
Are Heavier Fireproof Boxes Better?
Not necessarily but a heavier box generally means that there’s a lot of meat on the bone. This helps the box to be more secure during a fire. Thinner boxes or boxes that are very light but fireproof can be super expensive and may not even perform to your expectations.
So just so you know that these boxes are supposed to be a bit on the heavier side, which is okay.