SentrySafe 1160 Fireproof Safe Review: Document Security on a Budget

The Fireproof Safe for Documents You'd Replace Rather Than Lose

Every household needs a plan for document safety — passports, wills, insurance policies, tax records, birth certificates. The SentrySafe 1160 is the budget fireproof safe for these documents. Not a proper safe (no theft resistance), but protects against fire + basic deterrence.

Short answer: For basic document fire protection, SentrySafe 1160 is the budget pick. 0.25 cubic feet chest fits most home documents. Key lock deters casual snooping. Not theft-resistant (lightweight + can be carried away). $30-40 pricing makes it accessible to all households.

Specs

Important: UL Rating Notes

SentrySafe 1160 is NOT UL Classified (unlike higher-tier SentrySafe models). For better fire protection:

• SentrySafe FHW40200 (UL Classified 1 hour at 1700°F)
• Tannoy safes (2 hour UL rating)

The 1160 is basic protection only. Acceptable for quick document retrieval, not investment-grade fire safety.

What It's Good For

Documents that fit in 0.25 cubic feet:

• Passports (up to 4 family members)
• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Marriage + divorce certificates
• Property deeds
• Will copies
• Insurance policies
• Tax returns (5 years recommended retention)
• Some jewelry (light items)

Documents that DON'T fit:

• Full tax returns with schedules (too bulky)
• Deeds to multiple properties + supporting docs
• Safety deposit box alternatives

What It's NOT Good For

Against theft:

• 11 lbs empty — thief can carry away
• Key lock is basic (pickable by determined attacker)
• Not bolted down

Against major fire:

• Not UL-rated
• Higher-end safes survive 1-2 hour fires
• This one is basic fire-resistance only

Against water:

• Minor splash OK
• Not submersible
• Flooding would damage contents

Who Should Buy

Strong fit:

• Basic document fire protection
• Portable safe for moving households
• Those wanting minimal deterrence vs children/guests
• Budget-conscious emergency planners

Less ideal:

• High-value jewelry storage
• Serious fire protection needs
• Theft-prone neighborhoods (use bank safety deposit)
• Large document collections (too small)

Better Alternatives

• Bank safety deposit box: ~$30-80/year. Maximum security. Inconvenient for frequent access.
• SentrySafe FHW40200: ~$150. UL 1-hour fire rated.
• Tannoy Watertight Chest: ~$200. Waterproof + fire-resistant.
• Fireproof document bag: ~$30. Even cheaper, less secure.

Pros and Cons

Pros: $30-40 accessible pricing, fits key household documents, 2 keys included, lifetime warranty (replacement if damaged in fire), portable for moving, deterrent against casual access

Cons: Not UL-rated for fire, 11-lb weight makes it portable (theft risk), key lock is basic, small 0.25 cu ft capacity, not waterproof, not insured-grade protection

FAQ

UL-rated alternative? SentrySafe FHW40200 (~$150) or similar tier.

Is it worth it for jewelry? No — theft-risk too high. Use bank safety deposit.

What if it gets stolen? No tracking. Keep photocopies of contents separately.

Can I bolt it down? Base has pre-drilled holes for bolting.

Water damage in flood? Not submersible. Use plastic bags as secondary protection.

Bottom Line

For basic document fire protection on a budget, SentrySafe 1160 works. Not premium fire-rated; not theft-resistant. Accepts $30-40 price for accessible household document security.

Our rating: 4.3/5 — Docked for not being UL-rated and theft-portability. Within budget document safe category, acceptable.