Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock Box: In-Depth Review

The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock Box with Electronic Keypad is a compact and affordable solution for securing your valuables such as cash, jewelry, and important documents. This 0.5 cubic feet lock box is designed to offer a basic level of security for home or office use. In this review, we will take a deep dive into its key features, performance, customer feedback, and the pros and cons of using this safe to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your security needs.

Key Features and Specifications

The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe offers a variety of features aimed at providing basic security for your personal belongings. Below is a summary of the most important specifications and features of the safe:

Feature	Details
Brand	Amazon Basics
Product Dimensions	13.8″ W x 9.8″ D x 9.8″ H
Lock Type	Electronic with a keypad and override keys
Capacity	0.5 cubic feet (14 liters)
Material	Alloy Steel
Mounting Type	Shelf Mount
Control Type	Touchpad Control
Included Components	2 emergency override keys, bolts
Weight	18.26 lbs (7.26 kg)
Power Requirements	4 AA batteries (not included)
Special Features	Adjustable/removable interior shelf, pry-resistant concealed hinges, carpeted floor
Exterior Dimensions	13.8″ x 9.8″ x 9.8″
Interior Dimensions	13.6″ x 7.2″ x 9.7″
Door Thickness	2 inches

Performance

The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe is designed to provide a secure space for storing small items such as cash, jewelry, documents, and other valuables. Let’s take a closer look at how it performs in various categories:

Security and Locking Mechanism

The electronic keypad on the safe is one of its most prominent features. The keypad allows users to set their own custom passcode, ensuring that only those with the correct code can access the safe. The system is powered by four AA batteries, and the safe comes with three operation indicator lights:

• Green light: indicates correct operation.
• Yellow light: warns of low battery.
• Red light: indicates an incorrect passcode.

One of the standout features of this safe is the inclusion of two emergency override keys. These are particularly useful if you forget your passcode or if the batteries die unexpectedly. The safe has a solid steel construction with concealed hinges, which makes it more resistant to tampering. The 2-inch-thick door also adds an extra layer of protection against forced entry.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Amazon Basics safe is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the alloy steel construction provides a relatively sturdy exterior. The safe’s door is reinforced with solid steel and has a pry-resistant design to help protect against break-ins. Additionally, the interior of the safe is carpeted to protect your valuables from scratches or damage.

However, some customers report that the overall sturdiness of the safe is not as high as expected. While the majority of users find it sufficiently robust, a few mention that it could be easily compromised by someone with enough time or the right tools. The mounting bolts provided can help secure the safe to a wall, floor, or shelf, but without proper installation, the safe may still be at risk of being removed or tampered with.

Ease of Use

The safe is very user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive touchpad control system. Setting the passcode is straightforward, and the keypad is responsive to touch. The inclusion of two emergency override keys is a nice touch, ensuring you can still access the safe in case of forgotten passcodes or power failure. The pre-drilled mounting holes with four expansion bolts make installation easy for anyone with basic tools.

The interior of the safe comes with an adjustable/removable shelf that provides additional organization for your items. This is particularly useful if you need to store items of varying sizes. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the reliability of the locking mechanism, with reports of the lock not engaging properly or failing to open at times.

Customer Feedback

Positive Feedback

Many customers appreciate the affordable price point of the Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe, especially considering the features it offers. The majority of users find the safe secure enough for home use, providing a decent level of protection for cash, jewelry, and documents. The easy setup process, user-friendly keypad, and the inclusion of override keys are frequently highlighted as strong points. Furthermore, the adjustable interior shelf is praised for offering flexibility when organizing different types of valuables.

Customers also appreciate the security the safe provides in comparison to the price. For those looking for a basic, budget-friendly safe, this option checks many of the right boxes.

Negative Feedback

On the downside, some users have complained about the build quality of the safe, especially regarding the lock mechanism. While the safe is generally secure, there are reports of the lock not functioning properly. In some cases, the keypad does not register the correct passcode, or the lock mechanism fails to open the door. This is a significant concern for customers who rely on the safe to secure important or valuable items.

Additionally, some customers have noted that the overall construction feels somewhat flimsy. While the safe is made of steel, it may not offer the same level of protection as more expensive, high-end models. As a result, this safe may not be the best option for those seeking a high-security solution.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable: Offers good value for money compared to other safes in the same price range.
• User-Friendly: Easy to set up and operate with an intuitive electronic keypad and emergency override keys.
• Decent Security Features: Steel construction, pry-resistant hinges, and adjustable/removable shelf.
• Compact Size: Ideal for storing small valuables such as cash, jewelry, and documents.
• Emergency Override Keys: Provides a backup option in case of forgotten passcodes or dead batteries.

Cons

• Build Quality Issues: Some users report that the safe feels flimsy and is easily compromised by someone with the right tools.
• Lock Mechanism Problems: There are reports of the keypad not functioning properly or the lock failing to open.
• Limited Capacity: The 0.5 cubic feet of space may not be enough for larger items or larger quantities of valuables.

Final Verdict

The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe with Electronic Keypad is an affordable and functional option for those seeking basic security for their valuables. It offers a simple yet effective locking mechanism, including an electronic keypad and backup override keys. The sturdy steel construction, adjustable shelf, and compact size make it a versatile solution for small items like cash, jewelry, and important documents.

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