Which Type of Safe is Best?
Choosing the Best Type of Safe
The best type of safe depends on what you need to protect, your budget, and security requirements. For most homeowners, digital or keylocking safes with £20,000-£40,000 valuables rating provide adequate security, while high-value collections require Eurograde safes and businesses often need deposit safes.
Safe Security Ratings Explained
Safes are tested by engineers who attempt to break them open using burglar tools like drills, hammers, and crowbars. The time it takes to break in determines the safe's insurance rating - a cash rating that insurance companies will cover, multiplied by 10 for valuables. For example, a £4,000 cash rating covers £40,000 in valuables.
Key rating standards include: • EN14450: Entry-level certification (£20,000-£40,000 valuables) • Eurograde (EN1143-1): Premium safes ranging from Grade 0 (£60,000) to Grade 13 (£35,000,000+ valuables) • AiS certified: Association of Insurance Surveyors approved ratings
Main Types of Safes
Digital Safes: Electronic locks with PIN codes, ideal for frequent access. Offer multiple user codes and audit trails. Best for families needing regular access to documents and valuables.
Keylocking Safes: Traditional mechanical locks requiring physical keys. No power needed and proven reliability. Best for long-term storage where frequent access isn't required.
Fireproof Safes: Designed to protect documents and digital media from fire, water, and theft for 1-2+ hours. Essential for irreplaceable documents like certificates and photos.
Deposit Safes: Allow secure deposits without opening the main compartment. Ideal for retail businesses and restaurants for regular cash deposits.
Eurograde Safes: Highest security level, ranging from Grade 0 (180kg+) to Grade 13 (vault-level). Required for high-value collections and expensive jewelry.
How to Choose the Right Safe
Calculate your valuables' worth: Add up replacement costs, add 30% for inflation, then round up to nearest £10,000. For example, £28,000 worth of jewelry becomes £36,400 + inflation = £40,000 rating needed.
Professional installation is mandatory: Insurance companies won't recognize DIY installations. Only certified installers can provide the required certificate proving compliant installation with proper anchors and materials.
Consider access frequency: • Daily access: Digital safes most convenient • Weekly access: Digital or keylocking both work • Rare access: Keylocking adequate
Fire protection needs: Essential for documents, digital media, and irreplaceable items that can't be replaced if destroyed.
Safe Rating Quick Reference
| Cash Rating | Valuables Rating | Security Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,000 | £10,000 | Basic | Entry-level home security |
| £2,000 | £20,000 | EN14450-S1 | Small jewelry collections |
| £4,000 | £40,000 | EN14450-S2 | Average household valuables |
| £10,000 | £100,000 | Eurograde 1 | Serious collectors (70kg+ weight) |
| £17,500 | £175,000 | Eurograde 2 | High-value collections (180kg+) |
| £35,000+ | £350,000+ | Eurograde 3+ | Commercial/luxury (230kg+) |
Specific Recommendations by Use Case
Most Homeowners: Digital or keylocking safes with £20,000-£40,000 rating provide adequate security for typical household valuables. Good balance of security, convenience, and cost with professional installation included.
Document Protection: Fireproof safes essential for irreplaceable papers, certificates, and digital media. Available with 30 minutes to 2+ hour fire ratings and water damage protection.
High-Value Collections: Eurograde safes required for expensive jewelry, art, or collectibles. Heavy construction (often 100kg+) with maximum security and insurance company approval.
Businesses: Deposit safes for regular cash handling, or higher-grade Eurograde safes depending on value stored. Consider employee safety and insurance requirements.
Multiple Safe Strategy: Installing several smaller safes can equal one large safe's rating - useful when space is limited or one large safe won't fit through doors.
Bottom Line
There's no single "best" safe type - it depends on your specific needs. A basic digital safe serves most households perfectly, while serious collectors need Eurograde certification. Key factors are matching security level to your valuables' worth and ensuring professional installation for insurance validity. Start by checking your insurance requirements, calculating your total valuables (plus 30%), considering access patterns, and budgeting for certified installation.