Safe Buying Tips From A Pro

How to Buy a Safe Like a Pro: Expert Tips from The Safe Gal

When it comes to protecting what matters most, having a good safe in your home is a smart, and necessary, investment. But if you’re like most homeowners, buying a safe can feel a little overwhelming. With so many options, features, and price points, where do you even start? That's why I spoke with the owner of Kaynine Safes.

To cut through the confusion, I sat down with safe expert Cookie Tanney, also known as The Safe Gal. She shares a fun, insightful conversation about what you really need to know before you buy.

Cookie’s been in the business for years and knows what makes a safe worth your time (and money). Here are her top tips for buying a home safe, straight from our chat on The Secure Family Podcast.

1. Know What You’re Protecting in your Safe

“Before you buy a safe, ask yourself: what am I putting in it?” Cookie says. Whether you’re storing birth certificates, cash, jewelry, or firearms, different valuables require different levels of protection.

If it’s just paperwork and small items, a fire-rated safe will do the trick. But if you’re protecting high-dollar items or firearms, you’ll want to step up to a safe with better burglary resistance.

Pro Tip: Cookie recommends making a list of the items you want to secure so you can choose a safe with the right size, fire rating, and security level.

2. Fire Protection is Not All Equal

One of the biggest misconceptions about safes is that all fire ratings are created equal. “Some safes say they’re fireproof, but that could mean 20 minutes at 1200 degrees,” Cookie explains. “That’s not enough time if your house really goes up in flames.”

Look for safes that are independently tested (like UL-rated safes) and have a fire rating of at least one hour. Anything less might not give your valuables enough time to survive a serious fire.

3. Go Bigger Than You Think

Here’s one that hits home for a lot of people: “Always buy a safe that’s bigger than you think you need,” Cookie says with a laugh. “People fill them up faster than they expect.”

Whether it’s adding more important documents over time or eventually including sentimental items and electronics, your safe will probably become a catch-all for the things you can’t replace. Getting a slightly larger size up front means you won’t have to buy a second one later.

4. Burglary Ratings Matter

Just because it has a lock doesn’t mean it’s secure. Cookie explains that some safes are basically just heavy boxes with no real theft protection. “If you’re worried about break-ins, look for a safe with a real burglary rating. Something like a B-rate or a TL-15,” she advises.

She adds, “Burglars know what they’re looking for, and they know how to get into cheap safes. A real safe makes them work for it.”

5. Anchoring Is a Must

A heavy safe is great. A heavy safe that’s bolted to the floor? Even better. “If it’s not anchored, it can be carried off or tipped over,” Cookie says. “Even if it weighs 500 pounds, two determined people can move it.”

Most quality safes come with pre-drilled holes for anchoring, and Cookie strongly recommends using them—especially if you plan to store firearms or other high-value items.

6. Location, Location, Location

Where you place your safe matters more than you think. Cookie offers this gem: “Don’t just hide it. Think about humidity, flood risk, and accessibility.”

For example, a basement might seem like a good hiding spot, but moisture can damage documents and corrode metal. Instead, she recommends interior closets or an upper-floor room that’s less likely to flood.

7. Avoid Cheap Safes From Big Box Stores

This one might sting a little, but it needs to be said: “A lot of those $99 safes at big box stores aren’t safes—they’re lockable containers. They’re not going to stop a fire or a thief.”

Cookie encourages homeowners to invest a little more in a safe from a reputable dealer. “It might cost more up front, but you’re buying real protection. And that peace of mind is priceless.”

8. Don’t Forget About Insurance

Even the best safe can’t guarantee 100% protection. Cookie says it’s smart to pair your physical security with financial protection. “Talk to your insurance agent about what you’re storing. Some things, like cash or jewelry, might need a separate rider.”

Having the right coverage ensures you’re not left high and dry in case something goes wrong even with a great safe in place.

9. Maintenance Is Part of Ownership

“Just like anything else, safes need a little love,” Cookie jokes. She recommends checking your safe at least once a year. Clean the door, inspect the seal, and test the lock.

If you have an electronic lock, change the batteries yearly even if it’s still working fine. Better safe than sorry, right?

Final Thoughts From Cookie on Buying a Safe

Cookie’s biggest takeaway? “Buy smart, not cheap. A good safe is like insurance: you hope you never need it, but when you do, it better work.”

Her passion for protecting people’s valuables is contagious, and her advice is practical, tested, and rooted in years of real-world experience.

If you want to hear more tips, stories, and laughs from Cookie Tanney, check out the full interview on The Secure Family Podcast. You can also watch the conversation on YouTube to see Cookie in action as she shares her safe-buying secrets.

Your valuables deserve real protection—and now you know how to start shopping smart.