SentrySafe Fireproof Safe Box with Key Lock, Chest Safe with Carrying Handle to Secure Money, Jewelry, Documents, 0.25 Cubic Feet, 6.3 x 15.3 x 12.1 Inches, 1160

Why I chose a compact fire chest

There are two kinds of protection most people actually need at home: resistance to fire and resistance to casual snooping. The 1160 fire chest covers the first extremely well, and the second just enough for everyday life. I picked it up to create a single, grab-and-go place for passports, a will, backup drives, and a few pieces of jewelry—things I couldn’t easily replace. After several weeks of living with it in a hallway closet and occasionally hauling it to the desk to update contents, here’s how it performed.

Build and size

This is a small, dense box at roughly 17 pounds. The footprint is compact (about 5.75 x 15.125 x 11.25 inches outside), and it slides neatly onto a closet shelf or under a bed. There are molded carrying grips on the sides that make short moves easy, though it’s not what I’d call lightweight. The heft comes from the insulation that makes the fire rating possible, and in this category, weight inspires confidence.

Inside, you’re looking at an unlined hard-plastic cavity measuring about 3 x 13 x 8.75 inches—right around 0.2 cubic feet of usable space. Letter-size paper lays flat without curling, and A4 fits as well. What does not fit: hanging file folders, bulky binders, or anything tall. The 3-inch interior height is the constraint you feel most. I’ve been using slim document envelopes for groups of papers, two passports, a small jewelry pouch, a couple of USB drives, and a portable SSD. That fills it to a comfortable level while leaving room to see and grab what I need.

I’d love a soft liner or removable tray, but the bare interior is typical for this class. If you’re worried about scratches, a microfiber cloth at the bottom solves it.

Lock and day-to-day use

The lock is a simple keyed mechanism with two included keys. This isn’t a burglary lock; it’s a privacy lock that also ensures the lid won’t pop open during a fire. In daily use, I found it works best if you press down slightly on the lid as you turn the key. The latch then engages smoothly. Misalignment can make it feel fussy, but once you learn that trick, it’s predictable.

There are no bolt-down options here (no predrilled holes, by design to preserve fire integrity), so plan on hiding it rather than anchoring it. For many households, concealment plus the 17-pound weight is enough deterrent for casual snooping; it is not a substitute for a dedicated theft-resistant safe.

Fire protection credentials

The reason to buy this chest is its certification. It’s UL-classified for 30 minutes at 1550°F to protect paper documents, and ETL-verified for 30 minutes at the same temperature for CDs, DVDs, and USB drives. That combination covers modern needs well: legal papers and digital backups. In practice, I can’t simulate a house fire, but the UL/ETL marks here are standard, widely recognized tests, and the build reflects it—thick walls, a tight lid, and that reassuring mass.

There’s also a lifetime after-fire replacement guarantee, which, frankly, is the kind of promise I hope never to use but appreciate having.

Real-world capacity

What fits comfortably:
- Letter/A4 documents in slim envelopes
- Passports, birth certificates, social security cards
- A couple of compact external drives and USB sticks
- A small jewelry pouch or coin tubes

What doesn’t:
- Hanging folders or tabbed binders
- Thick items over 3 inches tall stacked together
- Large tablets with bulky cases (slim tablets are fine)

If you need to store legal-size folders lengthwise, this isn’t the box. For that, you’ll want a larger fire chest designed for file folders.

Portability and placement

I can carry the chest one-handed using the side grips for short distances. For longer moves, two hands feel safer. The balance is good, and it doesn’t dig into your fingers. Because it’s not water-resistant, I keep it off the floor and away from areas prone to leaks. A closet shelf at chest height feels like the right home—discreet, easy to reach, and less likely to sit in water if a pipe bursts.

One practical note: fire-resistant insulation can trap a bit of humidity over time. I noticed a faint “new safe” odor initially that dissipated in a few days, and I dropped in a couple of silica gel packs to keep things dry. For irreplaceable paper originals, I use archival sleeves inside the chest. For media, I prefer small zip pouches or antistatic bags.

Security realities

It bears repeating: this is not a burglary safe. The walls are designed for heat resistance, not drilling or prying attacks. The keyed lock keeps honest people honest and prevents accidental opening; it’s not meant to stop a determined thief. If theft is a primary concern, pair this with a heavier, bolt-down safe, or at minimum, hide it well and consider a home security system. For many households, the mission here is preserving documents from fire and discouraging casual access, and the chest fits that mission.

If you’re thinking about storing a firearm, note that while a compact handgun can physically fit, this is not a quick-access or theft-rated gun safe. It’s better to use a purpose-built, locked handgun safe and keep the fire chest for documents and backups.

What I’d change

• Waterproofing: Even basic water resistance would raise the confidence level during firefighting or plumbing mishaps. Plan to store it above floor level and use protective sleeves.
• A smoother lock feel: It works, but the alignment-sensitive action could be refined.
• Light interior lining or tray: A removable shallow tray would make small items easier to organize without adding much bulk.

None of these are dealbreakers for the intended purpose, but they’re areas where a higher-tier model typically improves.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and renters who want an affordable, compact way to protect vital documents and digital backups from fire
• People who prefer a key over a combination or digital keypad
• Anyone with limited space who needs letter/A4 documents to lie flat
• Small offices that need a secondary, portable fire chest for a subset of critical files

Who should skip it:
- Anyone prioritizing theft resistance or bolt-down security
- Households that need to store legal-size folders, thick binders, or large volumes of paper
- Those who need water resistance as well as fire protection

Practical setup tips

• Group papers in slim, labeled envelopes; keep a contents list on top
• Use silica gel packs and archival sleeves for originals
• Store USB drives and SSDs in antistatic or padded pouches
• Keep the spare key offsite with a trusted person
• Place the chest on a high shelf or cabinet, not on the floor, and away from plumbing

Verdict and recommendation

As a compact, purpose-built fire chest, the 1160 does exactly what it promises. It’s properly certified for 30 minutes at 1550°F, it fits letter-size documents flat, and it’s portable enough to stash discreetly yet substantial enough to inspire confidence. The privacy lock is basic but adequate for its role, and the lack of waterproofing is the main limitation to plan around.

I recommend this chest for anyone who wants reliable, space-efficient fire protection for a small set of critical documents and digital media. If you’re realistic about its mission—fire safety first, light privacy second—it’s a solid, good-value choice. If your needs include theft resistance, larger capacity, or water protection, step up to a bigger, more feature-rich model. For everyday document protection in a home or small office, though, this is the right tool at the right size.