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#1 Pick for Honeywell Fireproof Safe

The Honeywell 2605 Review....the most affordable Honeywell fireproof safe to offer 2-Hours of fire protection!

See why the Honeywell 2605 was our top-rated Honeywell fireproof safe in 2022!

SummaryComparison Chart

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The Honeywell 2605 – Our #1 Pick for Best Fireproof Safe

 

If you are looking to protect your sensitive documents and valuables against the possibility of being destroyed by fire, the Honeywell 2605 is an unbeatable value. That is why it was awarded the #1 position in our Best Fireproof Safes roundup.

While it doesn’t offer quite as much capacity as some safes in this category, it is the only safe in this category that will provide fire resistance for 2 hours @ 1850°F!

This is at least double the protection provided by the other safes in this category.

Smaller than some, it is still large enough to accommodate important documents, some rainy-day cash, a handgun, and a few valuables.

At 113 pounds, it can’t easily be carried off and even provides 8 hours of water protection. Add an industry-leading 7-Year warranty from a company like Honeywell…and it is hard to find a better value.

Consequently, it was also a top pick in our Best Home Safes list as well.

 

Editor's Honeywell 2605 Review Varies
Honeywell 2605 Review - Removeable.Adjustable Drawer

Product Name: Honeywell 2605

Product Description: Honeywell 2605 Home Fire Safe Box

Brand: Honeywell

SKU: B01LY47QJ5

MPN: 2605

Offer price: 370.50

Currency: USD

Availability: LimitedAvailability

Offer URL: https://amzn.to/3xhEjSb

Valid until:

Summary

Outstanding value for a 2-Hour Fire Safe!

Pros

  • Fireproof 2 – Hrs. @ 1850 Degrees
  • Heavy-Duty Construction – 113 Lbs.
  • Waterproof – 8 Hours Submerged
  • Backlit Keypad Lock
  • Emergency Access Keys
  • 7 Year Warranty

Cons

  • Not As Spacious As Some Models
  • Build Quality - 9/10
    9/10
  • Features - 8/10
    8/10
  • Price and Value - 9/10
    9/10
Overall
8.7/10
User Review
0/10 (0 votes)
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Common Features of Home Safes – How the Honeywell 2605 Fireproof Safe Stacks Up

 

When evaluating home safes, there is a myriad of sizes, shapes, and other characteristics to consider. Many kinds of safes offer features designed for specific applications.

The type, size, and features of the safe will differ depending on your preferences and the quantity and variety of things that you wish to keep in the safe.

Whether you are looking to just store a few documents or need a safe designed to safeguard a large gun collection or priceless antiquities and jewelry- there is a safe for you.

While this article will focus primarily on the Honeywell 2605, we will include a broad overview of safe features to lend perspective.

While some safes may be suitable for just keeping a few documents safe from harm. The 2605 was at the top of the list for safes that are fireproof and large enough to safeguard a fair amount of valuables as well- providing the best of both worlds…

 

 

Top 6 Considerations When Buying a Safe 

 

 SentrySafe SFW123GDC Review- 6 Things to Consider - Infographic

 

 

The Size and Weight

 

Home safes come in a variety of sizes. Smaller portable safes are great if you just want to store a few documents and small items. The other end of the spectrum includes larger units designed to house gun collections that can weigh many hundreds of pounds.  The best home safes are large enough for the items you need to store. You should also factor in a bit of space to keep valuable items you might purchase in the future.

Smaller, portable safes that can be hidden and carried when traveling.

If you are looking for a bit more versatility, there are some modest-sized fireproof safes that will enable you to store documents and some valuables as well. An average-size 1.3-cubic-foot safe typically weighs in the 80-100lb range. This is usually large enough to store important documents, a handgun or two, and expensive jewelry.

While the weight makes it difficult for an intruder to carry it off, these safes can usually be bolted to the floor for an extra measure of security.

Some of them even contain a separate smaller lockbox inside which can be transported.  Additionally, fireproof pouches can easily be taken on the road as well.

The Honeywell 2605 weighs in at a beefy 113 lbs and offers .92 cubic feet of capacity. It might be a tad smaller than some in the category, but it is solidly built and offers at least double the fire protection than any of the competition.

 

 

Types of Fireproof Safes

 

Safes for your home can provide protection against a variety of threats – theft, fire, or even water.  Some safes do a good job protecting against all of them. However, there are typically trade-offs to be made. Not all safes are designed to address all these risks. When selecting your home safe, be sure that it is designed to protect against the risks that concern you most.

When choosing the most secure safe to use at home, there are a variety of styles to choose from:

Portable – If you travel or are away from your primary residence for extended periods, a portable safe might be a good fit. (or work well as a secondary unit). It will be more convenient to bring the safe with your valuables and important paperwork with you.

Wall Safe – Safes for walls are typically installed in between the wall studs. They can be easily concealed behind furniture or prints and paintings.  However, they are not very spacious and often provide less protection against fire and flooding.

Stand-Alone – They come in a variety of sizes and can even be bolted to the floor. These safes offer more durable construction and may provide additional protection against fire, water, and theft.

Gun safes – Are available in various sizes, from small handgun boxes to massive safes for rifles

The Honeywell 2605 is fairly compact, and can even be bolted down without compromising the waterproof rating.  With many waterproof safes, bolting it down will void the waterproof warranty.

In addition, there are different levels of protection against specific types of threats.  Keep this in mind if you are looking for safes that are fireproof.

 

Fire Resistance

 

Although they are often referred to as “fire-proof” safes, a more accurate term would be fire-resistant.  Fire-resistant safes are rated Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and other agencies based upon the safe’s ability to keep the contents below a certain temperature after the exterior is exposed to fire-level temperatures. It is based on keeping the temperature below 350 degrees F for times that range between 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

This temperature was selected because these safes are commonly used to protect important paper documents.  Paper begins to char at 387°F and ignites at 421°F.

The most common UL classification system is as follows:

  • Class 350-4Hr.      (formerly Class A)    4 hrs.   @  2000°F
  • Class 350-2Hr.      (formerly Class B)    2 hrs.   @  1850°F
  • Class 350-1Hr.      (formerly Class C)    1 hr.     @  1700°F
  • Class 350- 1/2Hr.  (formerly Class E)    30 Min. @  1550°F

 

Most fireproof home safes can keep the contents below 350°F for a minimum of 30 minutes after being exposed to flames.  This is often sufficient, as house fires usually do not exceed 1200°F and are put out in less than an hour. However, for those who reside in more rural areas, where the response time may be longer, it might make sense to consider higher-rated safes.

The Honeywell 2605 offers superior protection against both fire and water. It provides fire resistance for 2 Hours at 1850°F and is waterproof for 8 hours-even when immersed in water. Consequently, it was our #1 pick on our Best Fireproof Safes of 2022.

For the best fire resistance, a location on a concrete surface such as a basement or garage floor will be less susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Some items,  such as computer disks or DVDs, are easily damaged by extreme heat.  If you are looking to store sensitive info on this type of media,  you will need to purchase a safe which will keep temperatures under 125°F.

These are typically far more expensive, so you may want to consider just converting to digital media and storing it in the cloud.

 

Home Security Safe Rating Index

 

Not all safes have UL Ratings. However, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rates certain safes based on the construction, design, and capability to deter forced entry attempts.  Following are some very general industry guidelines commonly used to recommend safes by specialized safe retailers.

The most common burglary ratings are:

• B-rated –      $5,000 or less worth of important items.

• Rated B/C –  Up to $10,000 worth of content.

• UL RSC  –     Up t0 $15,000 worth of content.

• C-rated –       Up to $25, 000 worth of content.

• UL TL -15 –    Up to $100,000 worth of valuables The safe can be able to withstand an attack of 15 minutes using ordinary tools and devices.

These values are typically doubled when combined with top-rated monitored home security systems!

 

 

Lock Type

 

One of the features that distinguish fireproof home safes is the type of locking mechanism it uses.  The lock type can be as simple as a key or combination…or as sophisticated as a fingerprint sensor.

A biometric safe is opened by using a fingerprint sensor that matches fingerprints that are programmed into the safe.  This can be the fastest and most efficient system, but some of them can be finicky.

Also,  bear in mind, it will require a power source-either battery or an AC outlet. (as does an electronic keypad)

Keys and combination locks are more traditional and don’t require power.  However, keys can be lost, and codes can be forgotten.  As a result, it is always best to have a backup means of opening the safe.

The most common types of safe locks are:

  • Traditional lock: This safe opens with a traditional key.
  • Combination lock: Uses a series of numbers like vintage school lockers.
  • Electronic Keypad: Requires the entry of a personal PIN code.
  • Biometric lock: Access is gained by registering fingerprints into the system.
  • Dual lock: Multiple methods are required for access. For example, you may need to enter both a combination and use a key.  Some systems include the key as a backup.

 

 

Waterproof Rating

 

Water-resistant safes can safeguard important documents and valuables from water damage resulting from flooding, broken pipes, leaks, and water damage caused by extinguishing a fire.

The possibility of water damage may be much higher in areas that are prone to flooding, or when storing a safe in the basement. Also,  safes located on upper floors can end up submerged in a fire if the wood floors are compromised. The weight of the safe can crash through fire-ravaged floors and the safe can end up underwater in the basement if the fire damage is extensive enough.

For protection from water-related damage, look for a safe that has an ETL waterproof certification. This independent Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) rates safes based on their ability to withstand a certain amount of exposure to water for a specified period of time.

The Honeywell 2605 Patented Bolt Down System – Preserves Waterproof Rating!

 

Honeywell 2605 Review - Bolt Down System

 

Premium Features to Look for in a Home Safe

 

The best fireproof home safes may offer additional features to enhance usability, security, and convenience:

  • Hardware – Additional mounting hardware for securing the safe to the floor or a wall.  This provides an additional measure of protection against theft.
  • Lighting – Interior lighting can aid in identifying the contents of the safe. Backlit keypads make it easy to gain access in the dark
  • Adjustable Shelves – Help you optimize the interior space and customize it to your needs.  Some home safes even have a lockable shelf or box which can be quickly removed and taken with you.
  • Carpet or Felt Lining – A carpeted lining can protect firearms and valuables from getting scratched or marred.
  • Tamper Alert – An audible alarm that is activated if it detects vibrations due to a possible break-in attempt or if the passcode is repeatedly entered incorrectly.

 

These are some of the most common features that we evaluated in determining our list of the Best Home Safes of 2022.

 

Not only does the Honeywell 2605 offer superior fire and water protection, but it also offers premium-level features such as a backlit keypad, tamper alert, and a removable and adjustable shelf…all at an affordable price!

Best Honeywell Fireproof Safe for the Home – Overall Winner

Honeywell  2605 Fireproof Safe

Honeywell 2 Hour Fireproof 8 Hour Waterproof Fire Safe with All Steel Exterior, Medium, 2605

 

 

  • Dimensions – (L) 12.4″ x (W) 9.8″ x (H) 17.8″
  • Item Weight – 113 Pounds
  • Waterproof? – Yes
  • Fireproof? – Yes, 2 hours at 1850°F
  • Lock Type – Electronic
  • Capacity – .9 Cubic Feet

 

 

R
Pros
R

Fireproof 2 - Hrs. @ 1850 Degrees

R

Heavy-Duty Construction - 113 Lbs.

R

Waterproof - 8 Hours Submerged

R

Backlit Keypad Lock

R

Emergency Access Keys

R

7 Year Warranty

Q
Cons
Q

Not As Spacious As Some Models

Best Fireproof Home Safe - Honeywell 2605

Patented Bolt-Down System – Does not affect fire or water protection ratings and will not void 7-Year Warranty!

If you are looking for a medium-sized home safe that is fireproof, the Honeywell 2605 is hard to beat.  At 113 lbs, it is solidly constructed. It has pry-resistant concealed hinges with a recessed door and boasts 2 live and 2 dead steel locking bolts for extra security.

The real kicker here is the Insulated Double Steel Wall Construction. It affords UL 350 Classified Fire Resistance for 2 Hrs.!  Additionally, it is waterproof for up to 8 hours when submerged.

And, it has a patented bolt-down system that won’t void its industry-leading 7-Year Warranty.

Add to that, premium features such as a removable/adjustable drawer and an audible alarm that activates when the safe is tilted or dropped…and you have a winning fireproof safe combination from a leading security provider – Honeywell!

 

Honeywell 2605 Waterproof Fire Safe

Video Review Summary

YouTube video

What real Amazon customers had to say about the 2605 Honeywell Fireproof Safe

 

 

Overall, the Honeywell 2605 Fireproof Safe, garnered a 3.9 out of 5-star ratings on Amazon. The most common complaint was older reviews with damage during shipping.  Honeywell has reinforced the packaging with heavy-duty styrofoam and Amazon has made improvements in logistics and shipping…

One verified purchaser was pleased with the safe and found that it had more than enough capacity to store vital documents, a handgun, and computer backup.  He felt that alone justified the investment as he had personally witnessed houses reduced to rubble and wanted a safe that  ” will be there-easy to find in all the rubble/ashes waiting for you to open it”
Another verified purchaser was pleased that the safe arrived double boxed and a day early. He was pleased with the ability to anchor it to the floor with the included hardware. “At only 114 lbs, I will be anchoring it to the floor, it’s nice that it has the hardware and pre-made hole for that option.”

However…like any product, not everyone was happy. Unfortunately, there were numerous complaints about the weight of the safes and damage incurred during shipping.

Another verified owner remarked   “Overall it seems like a great safe. Unfortunately, it arrived dented. The dent on the back corner even has some very sharp metal edges exposed.” 

 

Home Safe FAQs

Where should I place my safe?

Where to place the Honeywell Fireproof Safe

 

Honeywell 2605 Backlit Keypad

 

This is largely dependent on what you are protecting, how often you will need access, the size, and type of the safe, and the size and room available in your home or apartment.

If possible, you may want to bolt it to the floor in an unused closet.  With a relatively small footprint, the 2605 is fairly easy to conceal and does not take up too much space.

Just make sure that it as accessible as you need to for your own access while still being difficult to find by an intruder- or anyone that you don’t want to be able to access it.

What to store in a home safe ?

What to store in your Honeywell Fireproof Safe

 

The items you choose to protect in your home safe will often dictate the size, weight, and capacity of the safe that you choose.  This can vary greatly, but some of the most common items are:

 

  • Important documents- I.E. a property deed,  car title, a will, home, and health insurance, bank account information, medical records, etc.
  • Guns –  Guns should be secured against unauthorized use.
  • Cash – Having an emergency stash of cash tucked away in a safe can provide some peace of mind in times of trouble.
  • Valuables –  For Instance- jewelry, silver, gold, or family heirlooms.
  • Computer Backups-  A large capacity flash drive or backup drive can be periodically updated to preserve digital data and photos if you don’t want it on the cloud.
  • Keys- A set of spare house or car keys, or keys to a safety deposit box at your bank.
  • ID – Documents such as passports, social security cards, birth certificates, or a marriage license should be kept in a safe place that can withstand fire or flood.

 

Honeywell 2605 Review - Removeable/Adjustable Drawer

 

The Honeywell 2605 has an adjustable drawer so that you can configure it any way that you want.  The drawer can also be removed completely if you have larger items.

Do I really need to bolt down my safe?

Should I Bolt Down my Honeywell 2605?

 

It is considered a best practice to bolt a safe to the floor.  If intruders break into your home and locate your safe,  they may very well just remove it from the property if they can.

Taking extra steps to secure your safe will help prevent this from happening.

This safe tips the scales at 113 pounds…so it will be a challenge to carry out under one arm…but, it does come with a bolt-down kit for extra peace of mind.

Unlike the competition…Honeywell has engineered a patented bolt-down system that will preserve the waterproof rating!

How do I maintain my safe?

Maintenance Tips for any Honeywell Home Safe That is Fireproof

 

Safes don’t really require much maintenance. However, if it has an electronic keypad, you do want to make sure that the batteries are charged.

Also, because fireproof safes are sealed, it is a good idea to use some sort of desiccant to prevent moisture build-up and keep things from smelling musty.

Other than dusting it off, it is a good idea to air the safe out periodically to prevent moisture build-up.

Home Safe Security Recommendations

Top 5 Tips to Keep items in the Honeywell 2605 Secure

 

 

 SentrySafe SFW123GDC Review - Top 5 Tips to Keep Home Safes Secure

 

  • Keep it Locked – Develop the habit of always locking your safe right away.  If the safe isn’t locked, it is nothing more than an organizer for your most valuable items.

 

  • Use a Complex Code – Avoid using the year of birth, birth dates, last 4 of social. It is important to pick a code that can’t be easily guessed or that you commonly use.

 

  • Bolt it Down –   If you take the extra step of bolting it to the wall or floor, it will be far more difficult to remove. Although 100 lbs. might be difficult for you to lift, determined thieves might find it less challenging…

 

  • Select Strategic Location –  It is usually a good idea to try and keep it hidden and out of view, if possible.

 

  • Conceal Contents – Keep the contents and the location of your safe to yourself. Never advertise the whereabouts of your safe or what you are keeping in it to others.  If you need to access the safe while others are around, ask that they remain in another area of your home.

 

Bonus Tip –  Think of a home safe as adding a layer of protection to secure important documents and valuables.  It is one part of a comprehensive home security plan. However, you shouldn’t let having a safe create a false sense of security.  It should be part of a larger commitment to protecting your home, family and valuables.  At a minimum, one should monitor the safe location with security cameras-but, a monitored home security system will ensure that you have optimal protection for the things that matter most.

For a higher level of protection, a top-rated monitored home security system will provide more comprehensive overall home security.  Even the best home safes can be compromised- but adding multiple layers of protection will serve as a more effective deterrent and provide greater peace of mind.

Summary –  The Honeywell 2605 Offers Unbeatable Fire and Water Protection – at a Price You Can Afford

 

If you are looking for a home safe to protect a modest amount of valuables and documents against theft, fire, and water damage, the Honeywell 2605 is tough to beat.

It is reasonably priced, solidly built, and provides water damage protection and double the fire protection of any of its competition.  At about 113 lbs., it won’t walk away easily, but for added security, the patented Honeywell Safe Bolt Down system ensures that the contents will remain dry, even if you bolt the safe to the floor.

Combine that with an industry-leading 7-Year Warranty from one of the most recognized names in the security industry and you can see why they are…

 

OUR #1 Pick for the Best Fireproof Safe 

The Honeywell 2605 Waterproof Fire Safe

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, if you have more specific needs and requirements, we have selected other alternatives that might be better suited to your individual needs and tastes.

Ultimately, a home security safe is only one component of a more comprehensive approach to protecting your home, valuables, and family.  You may wish to also consider checking out our best home security systems, for additional options.

 

 

Alternatives to a Honeywell Fireproof Safe

 

Perhaps you have more specialized needs or are looking for more budget-friendly options.  We have compiled a list of some of the very best safes in a variety of categories that should meet almost anyone’s needs or budget.

 

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Is Purchasing a Honeywell Fireproof Safe Enough?

 

While getting a highly rated fireproof safe to secure firearms, important documents, expensive jewelry, valuables, and cash is a worthwhile investment- you might not want to stop there. When it comes to protecting your home and family, investing a few dollars in a monitored home security system may be the next logical step to protecting the things that are most important to you.

A monitored alarm system can help protect your home and family against many threats.  Among them are break-ins, home invasions, and environmental threats such as fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, floods, frozen pipes, and more.

And it might be much more affordable than you think.

Today’s home security systems are typically wireless and can be either professionally installed by companies like ADT, or self-installed.  DIY systems like Frontpoint, make it even more affordable…and don’t require a long-term contract.

Looking for all the bells and whistles? Companies like Vivint can also serve as the hub for a smart home automation system that includes cameras, doorbell cameras, energy management systems, lighting, and smart locks.

Including your new fireproof safe in a fully integrated security system can take it to the next level, and afford you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuables, home, and family are fully protected.

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Thank you for your interest in this Honeywell 2605 Fireproof Safe Review.  We hope you found it helpful. If you are looking to enhance the protection of your valuables, home and family, click the button below for our top-rated home security recommendations.

 

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Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by

Honeywell 2605 Review- Our #1 Pick for Honeywell Fireproof Safe was last modified: January 23rd, 2024 by
The Home Security Advisor

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