Safe Buying Guide

Safe Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Safe for Your Needs

Choosing the right safe is one of the most important security decisions you'll make for your home or business. With so many types, sizes, ratings, and lock options available, it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks everything down so you can buy with confidence — whether you're protecting cash, documents, firearms, jewellery, or business assets.

1. Start Here: What Do You Need to Protect?

Before looking at any product, ask yourself three questions:

What am I storing? Cash, documents, firearms, jewellery, hard drives, medications?
What am I protecting against? Burglary, fire, both?
Where will it be installed? Home, office, rental property, vehicle?

Your answers will determine the safe type, rating, size, and lock mechanism that's right for you. Read on to understand each factor in detail.

2. Understanding Safe Ratings

Safe ratings are the most important — and most misunderstood — part of buying a safe. There are three key rating types you'll encounter in Australia.

Cash Rating

A cash rating is an insurance-based rating that indicates the maximum value of cash (and typically 10× that value in goods) that your insurer will cover if the safe is broken into. Common cash ratings in Australia include:

$1,000 cash / $10,000 goods — Entry-level home safes
$5,000 cash / $50,000 goods — Mid-range home and small business safes
$10,000 cash / $100,000 goods — Business-grade safes
$30,000+ cash — High-security commercial safes

Always check with your insurer to confirm what cash rating they require for your coverage. Learn more on our Safe Cash Ratings page.

Burglary / Security Rating

Burglary ratings (such as B-Rate, E-Rate, or EN 1143-1 grades) measure how long a safe can resist a physical attack using standard tools. Higher grades mean thicker steel, more complex locking bolts, and greater resistance to drilling, cutting, and prying. For high-value assets or business use, look for EN 1143-1 Grade I or above. Read our guide to choosing a high-security rated safe.

Fire Rating

A fire rating tells you how long a safe can protect its contents at a given external temperature. Key things to know:

Paper ignites at around 177°C — look for a safe rated to protect paper for at least 30–60 minutes
Digital media (USB drives, hard drives) can be damaged at temperatures above 52°C — these require a specialist media-rated safe
Common ratings: 30 min, 60 min, 120 min at 1,000°C external temperature

Fire ratings and burglary ratings are separate — a fireproof safe is not necessarily a burglary-resistant safe, and vice versa. Many quality safes combine both. See our Best Fireproof Safes Australia 2026 roundup.

3. Choosing the Right Safe Size

A common mistake is buying a safe that's too small. As a rule of thumb: buy one size larger than you think you need. Your storage needs will grow over time, and a larger safe is also harder to remove.

Size by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Internal Volume	Notes
Passports, small valuables, cash	5–15 litres	Compact home safe; must be bolted down
Jewellery, documents, hard drives	15–40 litres	Mid-size home safe with shelving
Business cash, multiple document folders	40–100 litres	Office or retail safe; consider a deposit slot
Long firearms (rifles, shotguns)	Tall cabinet or gun safe — measure barrel length	Must meet Australian firearms storage laws
A4/foolscap filing	Fireproof filing cabinet	Upright drawer format for easy access

Tip: Always measure your installation space (height, width, depth) before purchasing, and account for door swing clearance.

4. Safe Types: Which One Is Right for You?

Home Safes

Home safes are designed to protect personal valuables — cash, jewellery, passports, and important documents — from theft and fire. They range from compact bedside units to large floor-standing models. Look for a cash rating appropriate for your insurer and a fire rating if you're storing documents. Read our Home Safe Buying Guide for Australian Homes.

Gun Safes & Firearms Storage

In Australia, all firearms must be stored in accordance with state and territory legislation. This typically requires a locked steel cabinet or safe that meets minimum specifications for wall thickness and locking. Requirements vary by state and firearm category, so always check your local laws. See our Australian Firearms Storage Requirements 2026 Guide.

Key considerations: number of firearms, long arms vs. handguns, ammunition storage, and whether you need a gun safe (higher security) or a gun cabinet (compliant storage). Gun Cabinet vs Gun Safe: Which Should You Buy?

More resources: Best Gun Safes for Long Rifles | Best Handgun Safes Australia | How to Choose a Gun Safe in Australia

Deposit Safes

Deposit safes (also called drop safes or cash management safes) feature a slot or chute that allows cash to be deposited without opening the main door. They're ideal for retail stores, hospitality venues, and any business handling regular cash. Read our Deposit Safes for Retail & Hospitality guide.

Also see: Best Deposit Slot Safes Australia 2026 | Best Safes for Small Business Cash Handling

Fireproof Filing Cabinets

If you need to store A4 or foolscap documents in an accessible, organised format, a fireproof filing cabinet is the right choice. These look like standard office filing cabinets but have fire-resistant construction to protect paper records. See our Fireproof Filing Cabinet Australia 2026 guide.

Also see: Fireproof Cabinet for Documents: 2026 Buying Guide

Wall Safes

Wall safes are installed between wall studs and concealed behind artwork or furniture. They offer excellent concealment but are typically limited in size. They're best suited for quick-access storage of smaller valuables. Read our Best Wall Safes Australia 2026 guide.

Also see: How to Install a Wall Safe at Home

In-Floor Safes

In-floor (or floor) safes are set into a concrete slab and covered with flooring or a rug. They offer exceptional concealment and are extremely difficult to remove. They're ideal for high-value items where discretion is paramount. Best In-Floor Safes Australia 2026.

Office & Commercial Safes

Business environments have different needs — higher cash ratings, multiple user access, audit trails, and larger capacities. Commercial safes are built to handle daily use and meet insurer requirements for business premises. Read our Commercial Safe Buying Guide.

Key Cabinets

Key cabinets are wall-mounted units for organising and securing multiple keys — essential for fleet managers, facilities teams, property managers, and hotels. Key Cabinet Australia 2026: Best Picks for Fleet Managers.

Drug Safes

Medical practices, pharmacies, and veterinary clinics are required to store controlled substances in approved drug safes. These meet specific regulatory requirements for Schedule 8 and other controlled drugs. Drug Safe Australia 2026: Best Picks for Pharmacies.

5. Lock Types Explained

The lock is your primary line of defence. Each type has its own advantages depending on your situation.

Lock Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Key Lock	Simple, low-frequency access	No batteries, simple to use, low cost	Keys can be lost or copied; slower access
Combination (Dial) Lock	High security, no battery dependency	Very reliable, no electronics to fail, tamper-evident	Slower to open; combination must be memorised
Electronic Keypad	Frequent access, multiple users	Fast access, programmable codes, audit trail (on some models)	Requires batteries; can be vulnerable to electronic attack if low-grade
Biometric (Fingerprint)	Quick personal access	No code to forget, very fast	Can fail with dirty/wet fingers; higher cost
Dual Lock (Key + Electronic)	High-security business use	Two-factor security; backup access	More complex; higher cost

Our recommendation: For home use, a quality electronic keypad with a backup key override is the most practical choice. For business or high-security applications, consider a combination lock or dual-lock system.

6. Installation Considerations

Even the best safe can be defeated if it's not properly installed. Here's what to consider:

Bolting Down

Any safe under approximately 200kg should be bolted to the floor or wall. Most safes come with pre-drilled anchor holes and bolts. A safe that isn't anchored can simply be carried away. Read our step-by-step guide: How to Bolt Down a Home Safe.

Floor Type

Concrete slab: Ideal — use masonry anchors for a permanent, secure installation
Timber floor: Bolt through the floor into a joist where possible; use large washers to spread the load
Tiles: Drill carefully to avoid cracking; use appropriate anchors

Location

Choose a location that's not immediately visible to visitors
Avoid areas prone to flooding (especially for fireproof safes — water can damage contents)
Ensure the floor can support the weight of a large safe
For rental properties, consider a safe that can be relocated. Best Safes for Rental Properties Australia.

Professional Installation

For large or high-security safes, professional installation is strongly recommended. Our team can advise on the best placement and installation method for your specific safe and premises.

7. Safe Comparison by Category

Category	Typical User	Key Features to Look For	Recommended Rating
Home Safe	Homeowners, renters	Fire rating, electronic lock, bolt-down holes	$1,000–$5,000 cash rating; 30–60 min fire
Jewellery Safe	Homeowners with high-value jewellery	Higher cash rating, interior lighting, velvet lining	$5,000–$10,000 cash rating
Gun Safe / Cabinet	Licensed firearm owners	State-compliant steel thickness, locking bolts, separate ammo storage	Must meet state legislation
Deposit Safe	Retail, hospitality, small business	Deposit slot/chute, anti-fishing, time-delay lock	$5,000–$10,000 cash rating
Fireproof Filing Cabinet	Offices, accountants, legal firms	A4/foolscap capacity, fire rating, drawer locks	60–120 min fire rating
Wall Safe	Homeowners wanting concealment	Slim profile, electronic lock, concealment-friendly design	$1,000–$5,000 cash rating
In-Floor Safe	High-value home or business storage	Concrete-set installation, waterproof seal, concealed lid	$5,000+ cash rating
Commercial Safe	Businesses, retailers, hospitality	High cash rating, audit trail, multiple user codes	$10,000–$30,000+ cash rating

8. Our Brands

At Security Safes Stores, we stock a carefully selected range of trusted Australian and international safe brands, including CMI, Guardall, Secuguard, Platinum Safes, and Dominator Safes. Each brand has been chosen for its build quality, compliance with Australian standards, and after-sales support.

Our team is here to help you find the right safe at the right price. If you're unsure which model suits your needs, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fireproof safe or a burglary-resistant safe?

Ideally, both — but it depends on your primary risk. If you're storing irreplaceable documents, fire protection is critical. If you're storing high-value cash or jewellery, burglary resistance is the priority. Many quality safes offer both. Read: How to Choose the Best Fire and Burglary Safes.

What cash rating do I need?

Check with your home or business insurer first — they will specify the minimum cash rating required for your policy to cover the contents. See our Safe Cash Ratings page for a full breakdown.

Can I install a safe myself?

Smaller safes can be bolted down by a competent DIYer. Larger or heavier safes should be professionally installed. Our bolt-down guide walks you through the process step by step.

Are home safes worth it?

Yes — a quality safe provides peace of mind, may reduce your insurance premiums, and protects items that simply cannot be replaced. Read: Are Home Safes a Good Idea?

What are the firearms storage laws in Australia?

Storage requirements vary by state and firearm category. Our detailed guide covers the requirements across all Australian states and territories. Australian Firearms Storage Requirements 2026 Guide.

Still not sure which safe is right for you? Browse our full range or get in touch with our team — we're here to help you make the right choice.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A SAFE?
With so many options today, choosing a safe can get confusing. However, if you know exactly what you need and what to look for, purchasing the right one can be a breeze. Here is a Safe Buyers Guide from the experts at Security Safes that will help you make the right investment.
DETERMINE THE PURPOSE OF THE SAFE.
Before you go shopping for a safe, find out exactly what you need it for and which items you’ll be placing inside. Do you need it to protect your cash, jewellery, gadgets, and personal documents against theft and burglary? Then, a theft-resistant safe should work for you. Just keep in mind that no safe is ever burglar-proof. You may, however, check for the safes level of security.

If you are storing important papers, photos, films, and thumb drives in the safe to protect them from fire, look for a fire-resistant safe. The insulation within the safe releases moisture when exposed to extreme heat, keeping the temperature below the level of paper ignition. However, they are not as secure as theft-resistant safes. If you need a safe for storing artillery such as rifles and pistols, you will need an appropriate gun safe. To avoid gun-related accidents, your firearm should not be stored together with other items, or at least located in a different compartment within the safe.

FIND THE RIGHT SIZE AND CAPACITY
Just like most storage devices, safes come in different sizes and capacities. The items you wish to secure in the safe will determine their required size and capacity. It is important to know that the inside and outside dimensions of safes vary considerably. So, make sure all your items will fit in the safe you are choosing. Also, remember to allow for extra capacity space for additional items. It’s recommended to account for 50% more room to plan for future growth.
CHECK OUT THE SAFE’S LEVEL OF PROTECTION
Most quality safes sold today come with fire and cash ratings. This proved they have been under a diverse range of testing methods. Cash ratings indicate how secure the safe is and how much you can put in it and still be covered by insurance in the event of a break-in. The higher the value of the items you are storing, the higher the cash rating you'll need. On the other hand, fire ratings gauge the time a safe will endure the impact of a fire or extreme heat. Fire rating levels come in 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes. Be aware that there is no such thing as a fireproof safe or fireproof cabinet, they are only fire-resistant. Your insurance company can advise you on what safe ratings are required to provide you with coverage and help lower your premiums.
THINK ABOUT WHERE THE SAFE WILL BE PLACED
The final location of your newly bought safe is critical in deciding to purchase. You need to know if its size can actually fit the area where you’re thinking of placing it. You’ll also have to take note of related details such as the door measurements to the room you’re storing it. Be sure to add about 20 cm for exposed lock hardware and hinges. If the safe needs to be moved up or down some stairs, ensure the steps and floors are strong enough to support the weight. Other than that, think about whether or not you’ll be needing the services of a safe removalist. While it’s possible to do it on your own, it’s a whole lot easier to leave the heavy lifting to professionals, especially if you’re purchasing a large-sized safe.
CONSIDER THE PRICE OF THE SAFE
A safe is a lifetime investment in safety and security. As such, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a significant amount for it. The price of a safe is largely influenced by the safe brand, size, type, and rating. While not all expensive safes are necessarily the best, the most reliable safes are expected to be built with stronger and more expensive materials.

Be wary of safes sold at cheap prices in hardware and retail outlets. While these safes appear attractive by price, they cannot offer proper protection to the items being stored. Moreover, inferior quality safes will not have fire protection ratings or cash ratings and can therefore put your valuables at risk. The same caution should be taken when buying used safes. Many of these safes have been broken into and repaired, although it seems untraceable. Best to buy a safe at a higher cost but guaranteed security, than a cheap one that can’t carry out its purpose.
ENSURE PROPER SAFE INSTALLATION
How your safe will be installed is just as important as the product. Make sure your safe will not be easy to remove and carry out of your premises. Most safes have anchor points that allow for them to securely be bolted down to floors or walls. Floor safes are lowered into the floor and can be cemented or bolted down and covered with a piece of flooring, ideal for installation in new homes. Wall safes can be hidden well and are difficult to locate as they’re installed by cutting a hole into the wall cavity and will normally be covered with an object. Free-standing safes are best located off-site since their weight makes them difficult to move.
If you are investing in a safe then ensure it is installed correctly and by the right people.
CONSULT THE EXPERTS
Nobody else is more qualified to help you choose the right safe than experienced and trained professionals. While you can choose a safe based on the things mentioned above, it’s always better to seek the input of an expert. These people are the manufacturers, distributors, and certified installers of safes all around Australia. However, some of them might recommend based on personal motives such as sales commissions. So, be sure that you’re consulting people who will look out for your welfare.

SECURITY SAFES OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF QUALITY SAFES!
If you are looking to purchase a safe for keeping your valuables, firearms, important documents, or memorabilia, look towards Security Safes! We offer a variety of options from industry-leading manufacturers for you to find the perfect fit for your needs. Beyond that, we can give you useful advice based on our experience and broad knowledge of anything related to safes. Furthermore, we offer delivery and installation services. So, you won’t have to worry about your item getting damaged or incorrectly placed inside your home or facility. To learn more about Security Safes, our products, and services, call us today on 1300 559 700.