Protecting your valuables from theft, fire, or damage is a common concern, and choosing the right home safe is key. With my extensive experience in reviewing and testing security products, I’ve identified the best home safes available in the UK to ensure your items are secure. This article will guide you through the critical features and factors to consider, backed by my years of expertise, offering you reliable and well-tested recommendations for your peace of mind.
Our Picks
To help you keep your valuables secure, we have compiled a list of the top home safes available in the UK. These safes were chosen for their reliability, security features, and ease of use.
RPNB Deluxe Safe and Lock Box
The RPNB Deluxe Safe and Lock Box is a secure, easy-to-use solution for storing valuables in your home or office.
Pros
- Reinforced solid steel wall structure
- 8.5L capacity
- Easy installation with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware
Cons
- Not fireproof
- Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
- Limited programming options for digital code
We found the RPNB Deluxe Safe to be a reliable choice for protecting our valuables. The reinforced steel wall construction and double cylinder latch make it difficult for anyone to gain entry without the correct digital code or the provided keys. This safe offers a decent capacity of 8.5 litres, giving ample space for important documents, cash, jewellery, or other valuables you want to keep secure.
However, it’s worth noting that this safe is not fireproof. If you’re looking for a safe that can withstand fire hazards, you may want to consider other options. Also, the digital code can only be programmed with a minimum of 3-digit and maximum of 8-digit combinations, which might not cater to everyone’s preferred level of security.
The installation process was straightforward; the safe comes with pre-drilled mounting holes and all the necessary hardware for mounting it to a floor or wall. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries (not included), which control the digital panel, making it easy to operate.
In conclusion, the RPNB Deluxe Safe and Lock Box is a good choice if you’re in the market for a secure, easy-to-install and spacious safe for your home or office. It offers reliable protection for your valuables, but keep in mind that it is not fireproof and requires batteries to operate the digital panel.
Yale Electronic Safe Small – Standard Security – YSV/200/DB2
The Yale Electronic Safe provides standard security for everyday items, making it a solid choice for those seeking peace of mind and convenience.
Pros
- Easy keypad entry with PIN code or key
- Auto lockdown after incorrect PIN entries
- Anti-bump solenoid for added security
Cons
- Not the strongest option available
- Instructions might be confusing
- Price is relatively high
We recently got our hands on the Yale Electronic Safe, and our first impressions were quite positive. The safe offers standard security for items you might need more regularly, such as laptops, passports, and cash. The keypad entry system allows you to easily open the safe with a 3-8 digit PIN code or with one of the provided keys, adding convenience to its everyday use.
One of the features we appreciated was the auto lockdown function. After three incorrect PIN attempts, the keypad locks down for 20 seconds. If three more wrong PINs are entered, it locks down for 5 minutes, which could be a crucial deterrent for potential intruders. Additionally, the safe is equipped with an anti-bump solenoid, which helps to prevent ‘bump opening,’ ensuring your valuables remain secure.
However, the Yale Electronic Safe might not be the strongest option available in the market. Some users have mentioned the possibility of breaking into it using simple hand tools. While this might not be a significant setback for some, those looking for a more robust safe might consider other options. Additionally, the instructions provided with the safe have been criticised by some users as confusing, meaning it may take a bit of time to figure out how to set it up.
In conclusion, the Yale Electronic Safe offers standard security and convenient access to your valuables, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-to-use safe for their everyday items. While it might not be the strongest option available, its auto lockdown feature and anti-bump solenoid still provide a good level of protection.
Yale Motorised Safe Home – Maximum Security YSEM/250/EG1
We believe the Yale Motorised Safe Home provides reliable security and easy access for your precious belongings.
Pros
- Highly secure with anti-drill plates and anti-saw bolts
- Keypad entry for convenient access
- Auto lockdown after three incorrect PIN attempts
Cons
- Setup instructions for programming access code could be clearer
- Fixing bolt issue reported by a user
- External battery needed for emergency opening (not included)
The Yale Motorised Safe Home is designed for maximum security, featuring anti-drill plates, anti-saw bolts, and a laser-cut door, ensuring your precious documents and belongings are well protected. The safe is easy to access through a 4 to 8 digit PIN code inputted on a clear LCD keypad or by using the supplied key.
Having experienced the safe ourselves, we appreciate the auto lockdown feature that activates after three incorrect PIN attempts. This adds an extra layer of security and deters unwarranted access. The safe comes with strong 20mm anti-saw electronically motorised bolts and a maximum security mechanical over-ride anti-pick lock.
However, we found that the setup instructions for programming the access code could be clearer, which may cause inconvenience during initial setup. One user reported a problem with one of the fixing bolts, but it was resolved after some adjustments. Also, the safe requires an external 9V battery for emergency opening, which is not included.
Overall, the Yale Motorised Safe Home – Maximum Security YSEM/250/EG1 is a reliable and secure option for those looking to protect their valuable items. The safe’s robust construction and user-friendly features outweigh the minor drawbacks in the setup process and the need for an external emergency battery.
WASJOYE Large Money Safe with Digital Keypad
We recommend the WASJOYE Large Money Safe for its solid construction, smart storage, and easy access.
Pros
- Sturdy carbon steel construction
- Double-layer design with removable shelf
- User-friendly digital code access
Cons
- Not as heavy as some may prefer
- Fingerprint registration can be difficult
- Proper installation is crucial for maximum security
This WASJOYE safe made a great impression on us due to its solid carbon steel build, providing our valuables with secure protection. The 5mm door thickness combined with integrated anti-pry hidden hinges and solid door bolts gave us peace of mind that our belongings remained safe inside.
We appreciated the smart storage design, featuring a double-layer and a removable shelf. The built-in flannel lining inside the safety box was an excellent addition to protecting our items from scratches or damage. The easy-to-use electronic keypad allowed us to input a personalised 3-8 digit code, and the different coloured indicator lights made it simple to understand the safe’s current status.
On the downside, the safe was not as heavy as we expected, which some users might see as a drawback. However, this was not a concern for us after securely installing the safe to a wall or floor using the supplied anchor bolt. The fingerprint registration feature posed some difficulties, but with patience and careful setup, we managed to get it working efficiently.
Overall, we found the WASJOYE Large Money Safe to be a reliable and convenient choice for home or office use. With its solid construction, smart storage design, and user-friendly digital access, we had a positive experience using this safe to secure our valuable items.
SentrySafe Waterproof and Fireproof Safe Box
We highly recommend this safe for those seeking reliable security and protection for their valuables.
Pros
- Fireproof and waterproof protection
- Durable steel construction with pry-resistant features
- Customisable digital combination and secondary locking key
Cons
- Heavy at 86.69 pounds
- Door requires 14.75 inches of clearance to fully open
- Needs high-quality, non-included batteries for best performance
Our experience with the SentrySafe Waterproof and Fireproof Safe Box has been overwhelmingly positive. It stood strong during tests, and we felt at ease knowing our precious items were well secured. The fireproof safe is UL Classified, meaning it can endure temperatures of up to 1700°F for an hour, while also being ETL Verified to withstand water up to 8 inches deep for 24 hours.
As we used the safe, we found the customisable digital combination to be a convenient feature, allowing us to create a personalised and secure code. Additionally, the safe has a secondary locking key, giving us extra peace of mind. We also appreciated the four live-locking bolts, pry-resistant hinge bar, locking drawer, and interior light.
Despite its weight, the SentrySafe Safe Box is still easy to install using the bolt-down hardware. However, keep in mind that its door requires significant clearance (14.75 inches) to fully open. Overall, this safe provides an ideal balance of security, convenience, and durability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to safeguard their valuables at home.
Rottner T06198 Home Star 3 Furniture Security Safe
The Rottner T06198 Home Star 3 Furniture Security Safe is a reliable choice for protecting your valuable items at home.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Ideal for home, hotel, or office use
- Offers small fire protection
Cons
- Key lock could be less convenient for some
- Single-walled safe
- Limited internal space
The Rottner T06198 Home Star 3 Furniture Security Safe provides a practical solution for safeguarding important documents, jewellery, and other valuables. We were impressed with the safe’s sturdy construction, making it a durable option for home, hotel, or office use. Additionally, its small fire protection feature ensures your belongings remain protected in the event of a fire.
One potential drawback of this home safe is the key lock, which may not be convenient for everyone, compared to an electronic lock system. However, the safe is also available in other sizes and with an electronic lock to meet different needs. It’s also worth mentioning that being a single-walled safe, it might not provide the same level of security as a double-walled safe.
In terms of internal space, the Rottner T06198 Home Star 3 has limited capacity, measuring at 248x348x199 mm internally. This means it may not fit larger items or an extensive collection of valuables. Despite these limitations, this home safe is still a reliable option for those who need secure storage for smaller essentials. Its included anchoring material ensures that the safe is properly mounted and more resistant to theft attempts.
In conclusion, the Rottner T06198 Home Star 3 Furniture Security Safe is a strong contender when searching for the best home safe in the UK. Its durable build and variety of uses make it a practical option, although its key lock system and limited internal space might not be ideal for everyone. Nonetheless, it delivers both security and peace of mind for your valuable items.
Homesafe HV70E Electronic Safe, 70x40x36cm (HxWxD), Carbon Satin Black
The Homesafe HV70E Electronic Safe offers excellent value for money, providing reliable security for your valuable items and documents.
Pros
- Easy-to-use electronic lock with LED indicators
- Adjustable internal shelf for optimal space usage
- Robust solid steel construction with concealed internal hinges
Cons
- Batteries required for lock operation
- Not suitable for high-value items or heavy-duty protection
- Poor instruction manual – might cause frustration while setting up
The Homesafe HV70E Electronic Safe is a fantastic choice for those seeking an affordable and secure storage solution for their home. We found the electronic lock to be straightforward and user-friendly, while the adjustable internal shelf allows for optimal utilization of the safe’s internal space.
One of the standout features of this safe is its robust construction. The solid steel design, combined with concealed internal hinges, provides an enhanced level of security for your valuables. Although it may not be suitable for high-value items or those requiring heavy-duty protection, it is perfect for storing passports, important documents, and other personal belongings.
On the negative side, the safe requires batteries to operate the electronic lock system, which could be an inconvenience for some users. Additionally, we noticed that the instruction manual provided is quite poor – causing unnecessary frustration during the setup process.
Overall, the Homesafe HV70E Electronic Safe offers excellent bang for your buck as a reliable and secure solution for storing your valuable belongings. However, if you have extremely valuable or high-risk items to store, a more high-end safe might be a better option.
Yale Electronic Guest Safe Medium
This Yale Electronic Guest Safe is a reliable choice for those seeking to secure their belongings with ease and convenience.
Pros
- Customisable PIN codes for guest access
- Master code for property owner access
- Auto lockdown feature after four incorrect PIN attempts
Cons
- Unclear instruction manual
- Keypad may become unresponsive over time
- Batteries required for operation
We’ve recently had the opportunity to use the Yale Electronic Guest Safe Medium – Standard Security (Y-MS0000NFP), and it provided us with an enhanced sense of security for our valuables. This home safe is perfect for those who require a safe place to store items in a guest room or rental property, as it offers a seamless process for guests to utilise their own PIN codes and access their belongings securely.
The master code feature is beneficial for property owners or hotel staff, as they can easily access the safe in case a guest forgets their PIN. The Yale safe also offers an auto lockdown mechanism that activates after four incorrect PIN attempts, adding an extra layer of security for the contents of the safe. It is, however, important to note that the safe requires batteries for operation, which can be a minor inconvenience.
One of the downsides we encountered was the unclear instruction manual, specifically when attempting to locate the keyhole for the emergency override feature. Furthermore, some users have reported a keypad becoming unresponsive, which can be a major concern in the long run. Despite these drawbacks, the Yale Electronic Guest Safe is still a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and user-friendly security solution.
In summary, the Yale Electronic Guest Safe Medium provides peace of mind and standard security features, ensuring that both property owners and guests can keep their valuables safe. Although the instruction manual could be improved and the keypad may require future maintenance, this safe remains a trusted option amongst its competitors.
Yale Medium Alarmed Value Safe
We recommend this safe for those seeking basic security with an added alarm feature for extra protection.
Pros
- 130dB integrated alarm
- Electronic lock with 100,000 combinations
- Can be fixed to wall or floor
Cons
- Concerns about lock pick vulnerability
- Alarm requires lifting to trigger
- Difficult initial setup for some
The Yale Medium Alarmed Value Safe offers a reliable, entry-level safe for home use. We appreciate the integrated 130dB alarm, which is triggered if the safe is tampered with or upon three incorrect code attempts. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially useful in deterring potential burglars who may be trying to crack the electronic lock. The lock itself offers an impressive 100,000 combinations, with 3 to 8-digit codes comprised of numbers or letters. This allows you to set a memorable, secure combination for everyday use.
However, there are some concerns regarding the ease of picking the lock on this safe, as mentioned in some online reviews. While not every burglar may possess the necessary tools to pick the lock, it’s worth being aware that this potential vulnerability exists. Another drawback we’ve noticed is that the alarm requires the safe to be lifted for it to be triggered; otherwise, a more resourceful thief might be able to work out how to avoid the alarm altogether.
The Yale Medium Alarmed Value Safe is designed for wall or floor mounting, which is convenient as it can be fixed wherever suits you best. The provided fixing pack and instructions make it relatively simple for you to install it securely in your desired location. However, we found initial setup and changing the code can be slightly tricky, and this might be a downside for some users.
In conclusion, this safe caters to those looking for a basic layer of security for their valuables coupled with an integrated alarm feature. While it’s not perfect, it presents a budget-friendly option for basic home security.
Yale Motorised Safe Professional – Maximum Security YSEM/520/EG1
We believe the Yale Motorised Safe Professional is worth considering for its maximum security features and user-friendly access.
Pros
- Top-notch security with anti-drill plates and anti-saw bolts
- Keypad entry with clear LCD keypad
- Auto lockdown feature for added security
Cons
- May require better packaging for shipping
- Instruction manual can be confusing
- Door alignment might not be perfectly flush
The Yale Motorised Safe Professional is designed for those who are seeking a secure storage solution for their valuable possessions. With features like anti-drill plates, anti-saw bolts, and a laser-cut door, you can rest assured that your items are well-protected. The safe offers a solid construction made from alloy steel, which further contributes to its security.
One of the standout features of this safe is the keypad entry system. It allows you to set a custom four to eight-digit PIN code, offering convenient access to your belongings whenever you need them. The clear LCD keypad is easy to use, and in case you forget your PIN, you can also open the safe using the supplied key. The safe is designed to lock down automatically for one minute after three incorrect PIN attempts, adding an extra layer of security.
In terms of installation, the safe can be mounted on a wall or floor and comes with a pack of fixing bolts. It also has a fire-retardant feature which brings peace of mind for users concerned about potential accidents. However, we noticed that the packaging for shipping could be improved, as some customers reported damage to the control panel during transit.
Although setting up the safe is relatively straightforward, we found the instruction manual could be clearer, especially when it comes to setting up the PIN number. Some users have reported minor issues with the door alignment, as it may not sit flush at the bottom; however, this does not appear to affect the overall security of the safe.
Overall, the Yale Motorised Safe Professional offers top-of-the-line security features to safeguard your valuable possessions. Despite some minor drawbacks, we feel this safe is an excellent security investment for those looking to protect their belongings in a user-friendly and secure manner.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best home safe in the UK, several factors should be considered. In this section, we will discuss some of these factors to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Capacity
The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of the safe. A larger safe may be required for storing numerous items or larger belongings such as firearms or valuable documents, while a smaller safe could suffice for smaller valuables like jewellery or important documents. Consider your storage needs and the available space in your home to make the right choice.
Lock Types
There are various types of locks available for home safes, such as key locks, combination locks, and electronic locks. Each type has its pros and cons. Key locks are simple and reliable but can be picked or keys can be misplaced. Combination locks offer more security but can be time-consuming to open. Electronic locks provide quick access and multiple user codes, but are dependent on batteries or electricity. Evaluate your preferred level of security and ease of access when selecting a lock type.
Fire and Water Resistance
It’s important to choose a safe with fire and water resistance. Fire-resistant safes protect your valuable belongings from potential fire damage, with some offering up to 2 hours of protection. Similarly, water-resistant safes safeguard your belongings in case of flooding or water damage. Check the safe’s fire and water resistance ratings and choose one that suits your needs.
Material and Build Quality
The material and build quality of a safe greatly impact its ability to protect your valuables. Look for safes made from high-quality, durable materials like steel and those designed to withstand forced entry attempts. Safes with reinforced doors, pry-resistant hinges, and multiple locking bolts provide added security.
Installation
Lastly, consider the installation process when purchasing a home safe. Some safes are designed to be installed in a wall or floor, providing an extra level of security by being hidden from sight. Other safes are freestanding and can be placed in a closet or cabinet. Consider the location and security requirements of your home when choosing a safe and its installation method.
By considering these factors and features, you can confidently select the best home safe in the UK for your needs. Remember to prioritise your security requirements and personal preferences to find a safe that offers both protection and peace of mind.