Top 10 Best Home Safes of 2017

Top 10 Best Home Safes of 2017
Everyday we get dozens of enquiries and 50% ask:

“What is the best Safe I should purchase for my home?”

To answer this question, one needs to understand why the customer needs a safe?
  • Is it to secure and store jewellery?
  • A rare stamp collection?
  • Car keys for that new Bentley?
  • Important documents such as passports and deeds?
  • Or is it for significant amounts of cash?
So is the primary requirement to secure your home valuables against burglary or for resistance against fire? Most customers will say they need both, but having both has drawbacks – having a fire safe usually impairs security unless you want to double your budget. Remember the biggest risk, according to UK Insurance Companies, is theft. Reported Burglaries exceed Fire incidents, requiring attendance from the Fire service, by a massive 800%. So bear this in mind when choosing your safe. Also remember, as with any security measure, a safe reduces the risk of theft by acting as a delaying device - the longer it takes to open the safe the less likelihood there is of success, and the burglar will give up - so the more secure the safe, the better.

Top 10 Best Home Safes of 2017

Safe Cost Roberts Ratings
Burg-Wachter CL40EFS Combi Line Finger Scan Fire Safe £585.60 Silver
Phoenix Titan II FS1282E Fire Security Safe £226.80 Bronze
Burton Eurovault Aver 1E Police Approved Electronic Security Safe £270.00 Silver
Chubbsafes Zeta 15K Eurograde 0 Key Locking Security Safe £434.40 Gold
Phoenix Neso SS0202F Fingerprint Safe £118.80 Bronze
Burton Consort Size 4E Security Digital Safe £220.80 Bronze
Protector Premium 250E Small Electronic Security Safe £124.80 Bronze
Securikey SFMV2FRZE-G Mini Vault Gold Digital Security Safe £399.60 Silver
Burg-Wachter Karat MT26NS Eurograde 0 Safe £997.20 Gold
Dudley Compact 5000 Security Cash Safe 00 £458.40 Bronze

 
 

Burg-Wachter CL40EFS

The Burg Wachter Combi-Line CL40EFS has a proven biometric fingerprint electronic lock to enable the safe to be opened easily with your finger, which improves security as no-one can record your code as it is being entered. You can also opt to use a traditional pin code combination lock instead as a backup. A recent reviewer commented:

“Really impressed with the fingerprint locking. It was easy to setup and I think this safe is ideal for using at home.”

[gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7032"]

Features

  • Insurance Tested Cash Rating £4,000 or £40,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Independently Tested to EN 14450 S2 standard and EN15659 LFS30P
  • Program the lock with up to 10 fingerprints and one 4-6 digit code
  • Tested for fire resistance for up to 30 minutes for paper documents
  • Internal hinge gives a sleek appearance and reduces the external size
  • Fixing included for either floor or rear fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick delivery for DIY installation or 5-7 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Lightweight for its size - 77kg - around 12 stones - makes it easier for DIY install
  • Latest German fingerprint scanning technology with keypad as well
  • Fully independently tested for both fire and security
  • Insurance approved security - tested to EN14450 S2
  • Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • New technology sometimes can be prone to unreliability, but so far we have not had an instance of the fingerscan playing up - just needs to be kept clean.
  • The high specification means that the price is on the higher side and there are cheaper safes in this group.
Buy the Burg Wachter Combi-Line CL40EFS
This Burg Wachter fire security safe looks good, has all the right test certificates, offers both fire and burglary protection and if properly secured and installed is approved by UK insurance companies. It is manufactured in Germany and ticks all the boxes as a Home safe.
 

Phoenix Titan II FS1282E Fire Security Safe

The Phoenix Safe Company have been around a long time, but most of their safes are now manufactured in China and elsewhere. However, the quality is excellent and the price very keen. It offers a massive 60 minutes fire tested resistance for paper documents plus a recommended insurance rating of £2000 for cash and £20,000 for valuables such as jewellery. On top of this, it has a nice re-programmable electronic combination lock with a LED display. [gallery columns="4" link="none" ids="6956,6958,6953,6952"]

Features

  • Independently Tested to NT Fire 017 - 60 for 60 minutes Fire Resistance for paper
  • Independently Tested to MTC - DIP120 -60DM for 60 minutes Fire Resistance for computer media
  • Recommended Cash Rating £2,000 or £20,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Program the lock with one or two 4-6 digit codes for dual control
  • Key hook bar on inside of door to store and secure four keys
  • Includes one shelf and one drawer for storage
  • Fixing included for floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 5-7 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Lightweight - 34kg - around five stones - makes it easier for DIY install
  • Offers 1 hour Fire Protection for both paper documents and USB sticks etc
  • Quality electronic digital lock
  • Insurance approved security - tested to EN14450 S2
  • Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • The Insurance Cash Rating of £2000 has not been independently tested
  • Door is bolted on one side only with a dog bar on hinged side
  • Can only be secured via the base as to drill through the back would compromise the fire resistance
Buy the Phoenix Titan II FS1282E Fire Security Safe
The Phoenix Titan FS1282E offers excellent value as an all-round home safe - it offers a fantastic 1-hour fire protection to protect your most important family documents as well as your photographs, USB sticks, DVD/CD formats and any family other digital media such as your smartphone and camera. A real contender as the best entry level home safe.

Burton Aver S2 1E Eurovault

Since the Burton Aver S2 range of home security safes were launched, they have been there as the top seller. There's a good reason too. Where else can you get a Police approved 100% Independently tested burglary security safe giving you an Insurance approved £4000 rating for cash or £40,000 for jewellery at this price? How do they do it? Well, they dispense with any fire resistance, which makes the safe lighter (reduces delivery cost). Fire resistance is a nice thing to have, but as the risk of fire damage is so remote compared to theft, is the extra cost justified? [gallery columns="4" link="none" ids="7006,7005,7010,7003"]

Features

  • Independently Tested to EN14450 S2 by ECBs
  • Insurance Approved  Cash Rating £4,000 or £40,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • 3 point locking as standard to withstand a physical attack
  • Program the lock with one 4-6 digit code as often as you want
  • Batteries can be replaced externally, so no override key is necessary
  • Extra lightweight construction for easy DIY installation
  • Includes one shelf as standard
  • Fixings included for wall or floor bolting to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 7-10 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Extra Lightweight - 19kg - around two stones - makes it easy peasy for DIY install
  • Insurance approved security - tested to EN14450 S2
  • Insurance rated for £4000 cash or 10x that for jewellery and other valuables
  • Quality VdS tested battery powered electronic digital lock
  • Quick Delivery for DIY install or Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • No fire resistance for those who are concerned about safeguarding documents
  • Very light, so it is easy to carry away if it is not bolted down securely
The Burton Aver S2 1E is the best value thoroughly tested security safe on the market - it doesn’t have bells and whistles but your Insurers will like it, and it won’t cost the earth. If this entry level size isn’t large enough for you - don’t worry there are five larger models available which offer the same value for money to protect your home and family valuables.

Chubbsafes Zeta 15K Eurograde 0

Chubbsafes as they are now called, as they are no longer part of the Chubb Lock Company, offer a broad range of safes from entry level home safes right up to giant 2-metre tall high-security safes weighing more than 1 tonne (1000kg). The Chubbsafes Zeta has been designed for the home market, where price is important, but although it is great value it offers a £6000 Insurance Cash Rating even though it is a compact safe and only weighs 40kg (around six stones). [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7014,7011,7012,7013"]

Features

  • Independently Tested to Eurograde Standard EN1143-1
  • Insurance Cash Rating £6,000 or £60,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • 3 point locking as standard to withstand a physical attack
  • High-security VdS EN1300 Key Lock supplied with two keys
  • Lightweight construction for easy DIY installation
  • Includes one shelf as standard
  • Fixing included for wall or floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 7-10 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Lightweight - 40kg - around 6 stones - allows a simple DIY installation
  • Eurograde Security - tested to EN1143-1 Class 0
  • Insurance rated for £6000 cash or 10x that for jewellery and other valuables
  • Quality EN1300 approved high-security key lock with two keys
  • Quick Delivery for DIY install or Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • Although it is tested to meet Eurograde 0 test EN1143-1, it is not tested at a UK insurance approved body
  • No fire resistance for those who are concerned about safeguarding documents
This Chubbsafes Zeta 15K offers above average security at a very keen security, which it is why it is one of the top-selling security safes that offer a £6000 Insurance rating. Small, compact and light, but offering 3 point locking via seven bolts plus a dog bar to protect the concealed hinge. This safe will provide protection from theft in your home or office.

Phoenix Neso SS0202F Fingerprint Safe

Who but Phoenix could provide a high-quality biometric fingerprint security safe at such a low price? There is a cheaper one in the range, but it is smaller. Out of the 3 Neso models, this is the most sought after. It offers a recommended £1000 insurance cash rating if bolted down correctly and a very reliable fingerprint controlled electronic lock that can memorise up to 20 different fingerprints. [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7015,7018,7016,7017"]

Features

  • Fingerprint lock powered by standard alkaline batteries for up to 20 fingerprints
  • Supplied with two radial pin override keys to enable emergency access
  • LED lights keep you informed of lock and battery status
  • Recommended Insurance Cash Rating £1,000 or £10,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • 1 point locking with two sturdy retracting bolts
  • Lightweight construction for easy DIY installation
  • Includes one shelf as standard
  • Fixing included for wall or floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 7-10 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Lightweight - 13kg - around 2 stones - allows a simple DIY installation
  • Up to 20 users can open advanced biometric fingerprint lock
  • Insurance rated for £1000 cash or 10x that for jewellery and other valuables
  • Two radial pin tumbler lock keys for emergency use
  • Quick Delivery for DIY install or Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • This safe has not been independently security tested
  • There is no fire resistance for paper documents or digital media
  • Check with your insurers first - Some insurance companies will not offer insurance cover on any safes that do not have a recognised test certificate
Buy the Phoenix Neso SS0202F Fingerprint Safe
This Phoenix Neso SS0202F security safe offers the latest technology at a rock bottom price. Ideal for both home use or in an office where up to 20 users could open the safe if required. Not a safe to protect you from a violent attack, but if you have other security precautions in place why pay more?

Burton Consort Size 4E Security Digital Safe

Do you need a larger safe for those larger valuables, but don’t want to spend the earth?. Then the Burton Consort Size 4E could offer the solution. It isn’t providing high security but will protect you from casual theft and less extreme violent attack. [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7022,7019,7021"]

Features

  • Reprogrammable Electronic lock powered by standard alkaline batteries
  • Anti-Bump design resists unauthorised entry
  • Supplied with one override key to enable emergency access
  • External battery pack to allow easy change of the battery
  • Recommended Insurance Cash Rating £1,000 or £10,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • 1 point locking with three sturdy retracting bolts
  • Lightweight construction for easy DIY installation
  • Includes one shelf as standard
  • Fixings included for wall or floor bolting to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 7-10 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Large capacity for larger valuables giving a massive 68-litre capacity
  • Lightweight - 25kg - around 4 stones - allows a simple DIY installation
  • Re-programmable digital electronic lock with an override key and external battery pack
  • Insurance rated for £1000 cash or 10x that for jewellery and other valuables
  • Quick Delivery for DIY install or Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • This safe has not been independently security tested
  • There is no fire resistance for paper documents or digital media
  • Check with your insurers first - Some insurance companies will not offer insurance cover on any safes that do not have a recognised test certificate
Buy the Burton Consort Size 4E Security Digital Safe
If you have low-value items to store or are only interested in stalling all but a violent attack, as you have additional security precautions in place, then this Burton Consort Size 4E will be the ideal home safe for your house.

Protector Premium 250E Electronic Security Safe

“Great quality, great price, recommend to anyone wanting a simple, effective way of protecting your valuables”

This is the unbiased review by one purchaser of this Protector safe. The Protector Premium 250E offers security for your family’s cash, keys and valuables. It offers a re-programmable “anti-bounce” electronic combination lock with a key override facility (2 keys supplied) and extra security features, typically only found on more expensive safes. Features such as locking anyone out for 5 minutes after three incorrect attempts at entering the code as well as LED lights to signify lock functions including low battery power. With a recommended Insurance cash rating of £2000, it is a bargain. Features such as locking anyone out for 5 minutes after three incorrect attempts at entering the code as well as LED lights to signify lock functions including low battery power. With a recommended Insurance cash rating of £2000, it is a bargain. [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7025,7023,7024"]

Features

  • Recommended Insurance Cash Rating £2,000 or £20,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Reprogrammable Electronic lock powered by standard alkaline batteries
  • Anti-Bump design resists unauthorised entry
  • Supplied with two override keys to enable emergency access
  • Three incorrect code entries forces a lockout for 5 minutes
  • Pin code can be set from 3-8 digits - we recommend 4+
  • 1 point locking with two sturdy retracting bolts
  • Lightweight construction for easy DIY installation
  • Includes 1 removable shelf as standard
  • Fixing included for wall or floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 7-10 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Insurance rated for £2000 cash or 10x that for jewellery and other valuables
  • Sophisticated electronic digital lock with special security features
  • Lightweight - 10.5kg - around 1-2 stones - allows a simple DIY installation
  • Re-programmable digital electronic lock with two override keys
  • Quick Delivery for DIY install or Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • This safe has not been independently security tested
  • There is no fire resistance for paper documents or digital media
  • Check with your insurers first - Some insurance companies will not offer insurance cover on any safes that do not have a recognised test certificate
Buy the Protector Premium 250E Electronic Security Safe
This Protector Premium 250E Home Security Safe is so popular because it offers great value for money and offers reliability and with the “anti-bounce” lock design, among other security features, makes it ideal for use in your home.

Securikey SFMV2FRZE-G Mini Vault Gold Safe

Securikey is renowned for their comprehensive range of Key storage cabinets, but a little-known secret is that they also offer a fantastic range of quality home safes. There are two options in various sizes - the Silver with no fire resistance and the Gold which has a double skin with thermal insulation that offers extra protection to documents in the event of a fire. The Mini Vault Gold 2E has an entirely independent tested security certification - EN14450 S2 - that is approved by all UK insurance companies - and subject to your insurer offers a £4000 Insurance Rating for cash and £40,000 for valuables. The Mini Vault Gold 2E has an entirely independent tested security certification - EN14450 S2 - that is approved by all UK insurance companies - and subject to your insurer offers a £4000 Insurance Rating for cash and £40,000 for valuables. [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7026,7027"]

Features

  • Tested Cash Rating £4,000 or £40,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Tested to EN14450 S2 and has a DIN4102 fire retardent insulation
  • Safe body is 6mm thick, and the anti-attack door uses 8mm steel plate
  • 3 x 25mm hardened steel retractable bolts
  • Program the lock with one or two 4-16 digit codes for dual control
  • Lock offers a low power warning with LED indicating lights
  • Motion sensor light automatically illuminates the interior when door is opened
  • Includes two shelves with a soft fabric covering for storage of jewellery
  • Fixing included for floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Quick 1-2 day delivery for DIY installation or 5-7 day engineer install at extra cost

Pros

  • Certified £4000 Insurance Cash Rating or £40,000 for jewellery
  • Insurance approved security - tested to EN14450 S2
  • Weighs a hefty 62kg - around ten stones
  • Double walled construction with thermal insulation for fire protection
  • Quality electronic digital lock with dual control option for two users
  • Motion sensor internal lamp plus two adjustable height jewellery shelves
  • Can  be bolted to the floor or wall - fixings and instructions included
  • Delivery usually 1-2 days - 7-10 day Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • There is no independently tested fire resistance certification for this safe
  • The weight of this safe would suggest that it will need more than one person to lift it
The Securikey Mini Vault Gold 2E Security Safe offers tested and certificated security plus fire insulation between the inner and outer shell. A valuable feature is the dual user locking option, which if enabled, means that two people would need to be present to open the safe. A unique feature for such a reasonably priced safe.

Burg-Wachter Karat MT26NS Eurograde 0 Safe

German technology at it’s finest - the Burg Wachter Karat MT26NS has an advanced biometric fingerprint electronic lock that cannot be fooled by fake fingers - they must be real and alive! It also has a pin code keypad as a backup if you are not around and it needs to be opened by a relative or close colleague. Of course, the Pin code can be changed at any time. This beautiful looking safe is as good as it looks - really secure! - tested by ECB.s to the Eurograde 0 certificate EN1143-1 and offers a £6000 insurance cash rating or a massive £60,000 for valuables such as jewellery. This beautiful looking safe is as good as it looks - really secure! - tested by ECB.s to the Eurograde 0 certificate EN1143-1 and offers a £6000 insurance cash rating or a massive £60,000 for valuables such as jewellery. [gallery columns="4" link="none" ids="7028"]

Features

  • Insurance Tested Cash Rating £6,000 or £60,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Independently Tested to EN 1143-1 Eurograde 0 security standard
  • The first Biometric Lock to obtain VdS EN1300-2 security certification
  • Program up to 20 fingerprints plus 10 6 digit pin codes if required
  • Double walled door with additional armour and using 7mm SM steel
  • Internal hinge gives a sleek appearance and reduces unnecessary depth
  • Fire resistance using a protective material to standard DIN 4102-A1
  • Fixings included for floor fixing to meet insurance regulations
  • Drop off delivery in 1-2 days or Professional Installation at extra cost in 5-10 days

Pros

  • Lightweight for it’s size and security level - 60kg (10 stones) - for easy DIY install
  • Latest fully tested German fingerprint scanning technology with keypad as well
  • Insurance approved by AIS for either £6000 cash or £60,000 valuables
  • Insurance approved security - tested to EN1143-1 Eurograde 0
  • Quick delivery or longer Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • The high specification obviously adds to the price
  • Does not have a fire resistance certificate
Buy the Burg-Wachter Karat MT26NS Eurograde 0 Safe
This Burg-Wachter Eurograde High-Security Safe is far more secure than most people require for their home, but if you are unlucky to be living in a risky postcode area, your insurer may insist on this high-security grade to protect high-value jewellery up to £60,000. If this isn’t enough Burg-Wachter also offer this safe’s big brother that has a whopping £100,000 rating for jewellery. All in all, if you want the best that money can buy at this security rating - look no further!

Dudley Compact 5000 Security Cash Safe 00

If you want a traditionally designed and manufactured security safe, then the Dudley Compact 5000 is the one. Manufactured in the Black Country of the West Midlands, Dudley is one of the few remaining manufacturers of safes in the UK. The majority of others such as Chubbsafes, manufacture mostly in Europe and Asia. This safe is heavier than other safes of a similar size and insurance rating This one weighs in at 83kg (over 13 stones), even though its external size is less than a 15” cube! Buy the Dudley Compact 5000 Security Cash Safe 00"> [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="7029,7030,7031"]

Features

  • Insurance Cash Rating £5,000 or £50,000 for valuables such as jewellery
  • Choice of high-security locks - key or electronic digital
  • Key lock tested to EN1300 and surrounded by an anti-drill plate
  • Fire tested to BS476 part 20 for up to 25 minutes to protect paper documents
  • 85mm thick steel body with 2 x 28mm extra strong bolts on a 10mm steel plate door
  • Drop off delivery for DIY installations or engineer fitted at extra cost

Pros

  • British made safe made using traditional methods and a high-quality finish
  • Very heavy, so even if it is dislodged from its fixings it would need two people to lift it
  • Choice of locks - high-security Key lock or digital electronic
  • Installation service available at extra cost

Cons

  • Due to the heavy weight, it is not so easy to move yourself, without assistance
  • The design is maybe not to everyone’s taste as it has a Mid 20th century look
  • Due the weight and therefore thickness of the steel, the interior capacity is limited
  • External hinge increases depth
All in all, we believe this safe offers real security and value for money - and it’s British Made! Dudley manufacture to order and so special bespoke features are available at extra cost, such as a special size or a left hinged door - All mass produced safes are hinged on the right.