Fire Proof File Cabinet: Critique of Incombustible and Security File Cabinet Choices

If you have important documents to protect, you're probably considering a fire proof file cabinet which will protect your files and papers in the event of a large blaze. However, models can vary significantly, each offering a different amount of fire protection time or heat resistance.

For a brief review of some of the most popular fire safe and fire proof filing cabinets on the market today, keep reading.

The Professional and Stackable Fire-Safe Filing Cabinet by Sentry

What makes the Sentry Fire-Safe Professional Stackable file cabinet stand out from other fireproof cabinets is that it's a stackable and modular design, which is, subsequently, more lightweight and portable than larger, heavier models. One Sentry unit can be easily lifted and carried during a fire, while the stackable design allows you to expand your filing storage as your need for capacity grows.

The Sentry brand fire proof file cabinet may only retail for an average $200 per modular unit, but that low price comes with its own price. The Sentry only offers 30 minutes of protection, meaning that while it may be suitable for home use, it doesn't offer the industrial protection required by many larger offices.

Schwab 5000 Series Fire Safe Vertical Cabinets

With a UL Class 350 rating and 2 hours of 1640 degree fire protection, the Schwab 5000 vertical, 4-drawer filing cabinet represents one of the best fire-safe solutions on the market today. There is also sufficient storage for hundreds of files alongside peripheral data storage and key information backups.

The Schwab 5000 Series fire safe filing cabinet is loaded with features like a secure locking system, thorough explosion testing and certification that the cabinet can withstand a drop from as high as 30 feet. However, with these stellar features and long-term fire protection comes a hefty price tag of just over $3000, putting the Schwab out of reach for most consumers.

2-Drawer File Safe Cabinet by Fire King

The 2-Drawer Fire King model is a moderate choice for homeowners and small office operators who are looking for one-hour protection but don't need the overloaded features or size of the Schwab 5000 series. The cabinet can protect documents for up to 60 minutes, can withstand a 30-foot fall and explosions up to 2000 degrees. The price? An average of $850, making the Fire King fairly affordable and reasonably priced.

Another appealing feature of the Fire King fire proof file cabinet is its service guarantee and warranty. The product is protected by a 3-year warranty, and if over the course of the cabinet's life it is ever in a fire and any of the cabinet's fire-protection elements are damaged, the company will replace the entire cabinet for free.

Your critical personal documents and family treasures need the protection of a reliable fire proof safe or cabinet. However, you also don't want to break the bank paying for protection you hope you'll never need. These are considerations you should weigh carefully before making the financial commitment.