Amazon Basics 2.13 Cu Ft Fireproof & Waterproof Safe with Digital Lock: A Balanced Review of Security, Capacity & Value
The Amazon Basics safe offers a spacious 2.13 cu ft interior in a heavy-gauge alloy-steel cabinet, with a factory-preset digital combination lock, six live-locking bolts, an interior light, removable shelf and drawer, plus bolt-down hardware for anchoring . It’s fire-rated to resist external temperatures up to 1700 °F for one hour (modified UL 72 Class 350) and waterproof for 24 hours under 8 inches of water (Intertek-tested) . While the build quality and protection specs are solid for home use, the “modified” certification—not full UL listing—means it may not meet all insurance requirements. The unit’s bulk and weight make relocation difficult, and reliance on a preset combination plus backup keys can pose minor security and usability trade-offs.
Build Quality & Design
The safe’s exterior is constructed from alloy steel with a painted matte‐black finish, giving it a sturdy, low-profile appearance suitable for closets, garages, or under desks. Six 1″ live-locking bolts and two pry-resistant dead bolts on the door enhance resistance to forced entry attempts. Concealed hinges further deter prying attacks, while included bolt-down hardware allows permanent anchoring to floors or walls. Inside, a single adjustable shelf and a small removable drawer offer basic organization, and a built-in LED light activates when the door opens, aiding visibility in dim environments. Overall, the design balances simplicity with functional security features for everyday valuables.
Fire- and Water-Resistance
Fire Protection: The safe “complies with modified UL 72 standard” for one-hour, Class 350 protection—meaning in testing it withstood 1700 °F external heat for 60 minutes while internal temps stayed below 350 °F, enough to protect paper documents. Note that “modified” indicates testing by Intertek to UL protocols but without full Underwriters Laboratories listing; some insurers require UL-certified safes for premium coverage.
Waterproofing: Intertek testing also confirmed no water ingress after 24 hours submerged under 8 inches of water, so contents remain dry during most floods or leaks—though deeper submersion or high-pressure jets could overwhelm the seal. Combined, these ratings make the safe a solid choice for document and media storage in basements or garages.
Security Features
A preset digital combination lock on the door provides keypad entry without carrying multiple keys; however, you cannot program a custom code—resetting to a personal combination requires following a multi-step process that isn’t clearly documented in the user guide. Two backup keys allow mechanical override but pose a slight security risk if misplaced. Heavy-duty steel bolts and concealed hinges deter casual burglars—but experienced thieves with power tools could breach the door under prolonged attack. For higher security needs (e.g., firearms or high-value jewelry), a TL-15 or TL-30 rated safe might be more appropriate.
Capacity & Interior Layout
With an interior volume of 2.13 cu ft (approximately 60 L), the safe can store legal-size document files, laptops, jewelry trays, or multiple small valuables. The removable shelf splits the space into two compartments—ideal for separating paper from electronics—and the pull-out drawer suits small items like USB drives or keys. Depth (19″) accommodates letter- or A4-size folders flat, though thicker binders may require angling. At roughly 90–100 lb (unverified by Amazon but typical for steel safes of this size), it’s not portable, encouraging permanent installation.
Installation & Everyday Use
Predrilled holes in the bottom and back let you bolt the safe to a concrete floor or wooden wall stud; the included lag bolts work fine, though higher-grade anchors are recommended for maximum pull-out resistance. The keypad is easy to operate—buttons have good tactile feedback though a loud beep accompanies each press, which could disturb nearby sleepers. Interior LED lights activate automatically on door opening, a thoughtful touch for low-light access. Changing batteries (four AA) is simple via a rear compartment, but forgetting to replace them promptly can trigger low-battery warnings that temporarily disable entry.
Maintenance & Warranty
Amazon Basics offers a one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Regular maintenance involves checking bolt-down anchor tightness and replacing keypad batteries annually or when low-battery alerts appear. The door seal should be wiped and silicone-lubricated periodically to maintain waterproof integrity. Because the fire seal is irreversible once exposed to high heat, any fire test effectively nullifies its protection, so only test the unit as part of a controlled manufacturer or insurer evaluation.
Conclusion
For home users seeking a balance of fire/water protection and bolt-down security, the Amazon Basics Fireproof & Waterproof Safe delivers robust specs at a mid-range price (around $350–$430). Its 2.13 cu ft capacity suits document storage and small electronics, while interior lighting and basic organization improve usability. However, the “modified” rather than fully UL-listed fire rating, reliance on preset combinations, and moderate burglary resistance mean it’s best for general home valuables—not top-tier security needs.
Positive Aspects
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Comprehensive Protection: 1 hr fire rating (1700 °F) and 24 hr waterproofing
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Solid Build: Alloy steel, six live-locking bolts, concealed hinges, interior light
Spacious Interior: 2.13 cu ft with adjustable shelf and removable drawer
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Bolt-Down Capability: Includes hardware for secure installation
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Interior Light: Auto-on LED for easy access in the dark
Negative Aspects
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Modified Certification: Not fully UL-listed; may not satisfy some insurance policies
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Preset Combination: Lacks simple user-programmable code, requiring a complex reset
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Backup Keys: Convenient but introduce a potential security flaw
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Limited Burglary Resistance: Stops casual theft but not professional break-ins
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Bulk & Weight: Nearly immovable without unbolting; battery changes can temporarily lock out access
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