The best safe for home use depends on what you’re protecting. Fireproof safes are ideal for important documents, birth certificates, wills and passports because they’re insulated to withstand high temperatures. Burglary-resistant safes focus on strong steel construction, secure locking bolts and anchoring systems to prevent removal. Combination fire-and-theft safes offer the most balanced protection.

For storing jewellery or cash, look for a safe with a solid burglary rating (e.g., cash rating or UL rating). Consider where the safe will be installed, how often it will be used and whether you prefer digital, key or combination access.

Choosing between a fireproof and burglary safe comes down to what risk you want to reduce. Fireproof safes protect paper documents, digital media and heat-sensitive items during a fire, but they aren’t always built to resist forced entry. Burglary safes, on the other hand, are designed with hardened steel, reinforced frames and strong locking bolts to prevent tampering or removal but often have lower heat resistance.

For many people, a safe that has both fire and burglary ratings is ideal, as it provides comprehensive protection for a wider range of items.

The best location for a safe is somewhere hidden, structurally strong and difficult for a thief to access quickly. Floor-based locations in cupboards, wardrobes or low cabinets are often recommended, as they allow the safe to be securely bolted down. Avoid placing safes in obvious spots like the master bedroom or home office—these are typically the first areas burglars check. The safe should also be positioned away from moisture, heat sources and areas that may affect fireproofing performance.

Proper installation using high-strength bolts and concealed fixing points significantly increases the safe’s overall security.