What are some secure home safes?

Three of the top 10 home safes that receive good marks for security are the LockState LS-30J FireProof Safe, the FireKing Fingerprint Safe BIO2014 and the Barska AX11620 Compact Biometric Safe, according to Top Ten Reviews. Chubbsafes Air Electronic Lock Safe 10E and Stack-On PDS-500 Electronic Locking Drawer Safe are two other recommended home safes.

To find a home safe that can withstand a burglary, look for one with a good burglary-resistant rating. Although it is uncommon for home safes to have a rating, Underwriter's Laboratory conducts independent testing that includes the use of torches, safe-cracking tools and explosives to determine how long a safe can resist being opened. A TL-15 rating indicates the safe can resist begin opened for at least 15 minutes with commonly used tools.

However, even home safes without a burglary-resistant rating can offer a significant deterrent to thieves if they are heavy and difficult to move. A burglar who has limited time in a house is unlikely to want a safe that weighs 100 pounds or more. Plus, homeowners can bolt many home safes directly to a wall or floor, which makes them more difficult to move.

When purchasing a safe, homeowners should pick one that can securely withstand fires and floods. Homeowners who want to store paper in a safe in their home should pick one that can withstand at least 30 minutes of fire and maintain an interior temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit.