SentrySafe Fireproof Safe with Key Lock, Chest Lock Box for Home or Travel Secures Money, Documents, 0.18 Cubic Feet, 6.1 x 14.3 x 11.2 Inches, 1210

I wanted a compact, no‑fuss way to protect passports, spare keys, and a couple of USB drives with family photos. After a few weeks with the SentrySafe 1210 fireproof chest, I’ve come away impressed by its focus: credible fire protection in a small, portable package, with a simple key lock that keeps the lid shut when it matters.

Design and build quality

The 1210 chest is all about substance over flash. At roughly 14.3 x 11.2 x 6.1 inches outside and weighing about 13 pounds, it’s dense for its size. That heft comes from the fire insulation, and it gives the box a reassuring, brick‑like feel. The exterior shell is hard, smooth, and easy to wipe down. The interior is plain plastic—no lining or organizer—so it’s best suited to items in sleeves, envelopes, or small pouches if you’re worried about scuffs.

The built‑in handle is robust and balanced; carrying it around the house or out to the car is straightforward. I wouldn’t want to haul it across an airport, but for home use or a quick move during an emergency, the form factor works well.

The flat key lock is simple and low‑profile. It’s not meant to defeat a determined thief; it’s there to keep the lid closed under stress and to discourage casual snooping. Two keys are included. In daily use, the lock engages with a positive click, but I found it works best if you press down gently on the lid while turning the key so the latch meets the catch cleanly.

Fire protection that actually matters

This is the 1210’s reason to exist. It’s UL Classified for 30 minutes at 1550°F and ETL‑verified to protect CDs, DVDs, and USB drives. In practical terms, that means the internal temperature remains low enough to protect paper documents and common digital media during a typical residential fire event of limited duration.

Fire standards are often muddy in marketing copy; here the certifications are clearly stated and appropriate for the class. The chest is also designed to stay shut during heat cycling—another reason the key lock is part of the fire strategy, not just a security feature.

One usage detail that’s easy to overlook: to ensure it performs correctly in a fire, store it closed and locked with the feet down, and the front plate with the key facing out (not up). Fire chests are engineered for a specific orientation; ignore that and you can compromise protection.

Capacity and what actually fits

On paper, the 0.18 cu ft capacity sounds small, and it is—but usable if your expectations are right. The interior space is roughly 12 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches. Here’s what I comfortably fit without Tetris‑level effort:
- 4 passports in sleeves
- A small stack of bank cards and spare keys in a pouch
- Two USB flash drives and an SSD in a case
- A handful of cash envelopes
- Jewelry in small boxes or pouches

What doesn’t fit well: letter‑size documents completely flat. A US letter sheet is 8.5 x 11 inches, and while the 12‑inch internal width is adequate, the 7.5‑inch depth isn’t. You’ll need to fold letter documents, store tri‑folded copies, or use smaller certificates. If keeping original papers perfectly flat is a must, consider a larger fire chest.

The 3.5‑inch internal height also limits bulky items. You won’t fit a binder, and even some thicker cases may be snug. This is a grab‑and‑go chest for small essentials, not a filing cabinet.

Security: know what you’re buying

This is a fire chest with a basic key lock, not a burglary safe. It’s fantastic at resisting heat; it’s not designed to resist prying tools, drills, or sustained attack. For theft deterrence, the included bolt‑down kit lets you secure the unit to a shelf or the floor. Use the supplied hardware—fire chests require specific fasteners that maintain the fire barrier around the anchor points. Done correctly, it makes a quick snatch‑and‑run less likely.

If you need real anti‑theft protection (UL RSC or better), you’ll want a different product class altogether, ideally with both a burglary rating and a fire rating. For my needs—fire protection first, light deterrence second—the 1210’s approach makes sense.

Everyday usability

Day to day, the 1210 chest is refreshingly simple. No batteries, no keypad, no combination to forget. The lock action is slightly “mechanical” in feel—there’s a distinct latch engagement and sometimes a little resistance—but it’s consistent. The handle tucks neatly and doesn’t rattle.

A few practical tips from living with it:
- Use document sleeves or a slim pouch to corral small items; the interior is unlined and items can slide.
- Add a couple of silica gel packs. Fire insulation can hold moisture over time; desiccant helps keep contents dry in normal conditions.
- If you’re storing optical media or sensitive electronics, use their protective cases to prevent scratches.
- For quick access during an emergency, decide on a single spot in your home and commit to it; the whole point is muscle memory under stress.

What it isn’t

It’s not waterproof. If water protection (sprinklers, firefighting runoff, or flooding) is a concern, look for a model explicitly rated for water resistance. I keep sensitive papers in archival sleeves or zip pouches as a secondary barrier.

It’s also not a good solution for firearms storage. The height is limited, and the lock isn’t designed for that use case. If you need to secure a firearm, use a dedicated, compliant gun safe or lockbox.

Performance in context

In a crowded market of “fireproof” boxes with vague claims, the 1210’s clear UL/ETL ratings and straightforward design are its strengths. It finds a sweet spot between portability and protection. I can slide it onto a closet shelf or under a bed, and it’s heavy enough not to feel flimsy but manageable enough to grab in a hurry.

The compromises are equally clear. Paper must be folded; capacity is finite; the lock is basic. Those trade‑offs are inherent to its size and category rather than design flaws. If those constraints match your use case—small valuables and critical essentials—this chest does its job quietly and well.

Who it’s for

• Apartment dwellers or homeowners who want a compact, credible fire barrier for essentials
• Anyone who prefers a keyed lock over combinations or electronics
• People prioritizing fire protection over theft resistance
• Travelers who want a portable fire chest for road trips or temporary stays, accepting the 13‑pound carry weight

Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone needing to store letter/legal documents flat
- Users who need real burglary resistance or a quick‑access firearm solution
- Those requiring water protection

The bottom line

The 1210 chest is a straightforward, purpose‑built fire safe that delivers on the essentials. Its UL 30‑minute fire rating and ETL media protection give me confidence that my small but important items have a fighting chance in a worst‑case scenario. The capacity is modest, the lock is simple, and setup is as easy as finding a secure spot, bolting it down with the included kit, and locking it in the correct orientation.

Recommendation: I recommend the 1210 for anyone who wants reliable, compact fire protection for passports, backup drives, small valuables, and folded documents, and who understands that this is not a burglary safe or a waterproof container. If you need to keep full‑size documents flat or want stronger theft protection, step up to a larger, water‑rated fire safe or a dual‑rated burglary/fire model. For its intended role, this chest is a solid, trustworthy choice.