First Alert 2092F Waterproof and Fire-resistant Combination Safe, 1.3 Cubic-ft

Summary: If you need something more than just a metal lock box -- but something less than a full-sized business safe -- at an affordable price (under $200) with the added benefit of it being fire- & water-proof under most conditions, this one is worth being on your short-list of choices. Details: I looked at reviews for several different sizes, manufacturers and models of safes and settled on this one. It seemed to be the best match for what I needed, and -- as usual -- Walmart had the best price I could find (most others in the $200-225 range). It was heavier than I expected for it's size, almost 100 lbs, so it is hefty. I had it delivered to a store close-by for pickup (which was way better & cheaper than having it delivered), so it came in a shipping box, lined with styrofoam and containing the actual product box which was also well packeged. You'll want a pickup or SUV to take this home; it'll fit in a car trunk but you'll probably have to tie the lid down. Interior of safe is very roomy; plenty of space for documents, jewelry and other small valuables -- even a couple of full-sized handguns and ammo (if you're so inclined). Most of today's laptop computers probably wouldn't fit in it, but smaller mini-laptops, a Kindle Fire, PDA's, a Tom-Tom or Garmin auto GPS, etc would fit with room to spare. The plastic shelf can be moved to 3 levels within the safe or removed completely. The inside panel of the door has a small space in the top, about the size of a Quarter roll for really small items and a set of hooks for keys, necklaces or thin bracelets (like a tennis bracelet). The overall size of the safe, for me, was large enough to be useful but small enough that it doesn't take up much floor space. You could tuck it in a corner, cover it with small cloth and put a plant on top -- hide it in plain sight and it would not be obvious at all. I purchased the manual combo lock because I didn't want to have to rely on a battery operated lock. The combination is different than your old school locker combo or a combination padlock you might pick up from the local hardware store, so be prepared for a little bit of learning and be patient; the number and rotation pattern takes a little getting used to... I would recommend you open and lock it several times BEFORE you put anything of value in it, just to get the feel of how it works. It's not hard, just tricky. The combo numbers are preset and nothing in the booklet tells how to change the numbers. I've read other reviews on this safe where users said you can call their help line and they can tell you how to change the numbers (as of this writing, I haven't called to find out). There is a sticker on the safe with the combo numbers and spin pattern; keep it and hide it somewhere. Also, a barrel-type key lock hidden under a removable tab at the bottom of the combo dial (pictures don't show it) opens the safe if all else fails. The handle is plastic, but it seems pretty heavy-duty. It doesn't feel cheap or flimsy at all when you use it to open & lock the door. The door is secured by horizontal 1/2-inch diameter (or a little larger) bolts, so when you close & lock it, it is very tight. The safe sits on 4 round plastic feet about 1/4 - 3/8 -inch thick. I've read where others have drilled holes and mounted it to the floor, but I think you'd really have to go through alot to do this (industrial drill & bits, re-seal to maintain water & fire -proof characteristics, etc). Beside, they make a bolt-down model of this same safe. Size, features and price; this was the best choice for me for a household safe.

I was a little apprehensive at first when I picked up my safe. The box was much bigger than I had expected. Luckily the young lady at pick-up opened the box for me and showed me the larger size was due to packing. Also I was extremely lucky the young man that took the safe out to my car could lift it into my back seat. I didn't realize it weighed 100 lbs. Anyway, I am very happy with my new safe. It turned out to be just the size that was listed on the web site so it fit perfectly where I intended to put it. It is extremely sturdy. Luckily the keys work because I haven't figured out how to open it with the combination as yet. I'm sure it's just me not following the instructions exactly as printed. I was impressed with the amount of space inside.