Choosing the right safe can feel overwhelming, with so many brands, sizes, and security levels on the market. At Northwest Safe, we simplify the process by carrying only safes we trust and would use ourselves. In this guide, we break down the best safes by category—from entry level to high security—explaining what matters most and why each winner earned its spot, so you can choose with confidence.

As the year winds down, we’re heading into one of the best times to shop for a safe. Between holiday deals, extra inventory we’re clearing out, and a steady flow of high-quality pre-owned models, there are more ways than ever to save. Whether you’re a homeowner, collector, or business owner looking for year-end write-offs, our warehouse is packed with opportunities to score a great safe at a great price.

EPISODE 35 TOPICS

0:56: Clearing Our Warehouse

1:40: When is the Best Time to Buy a Safe?

2:35: Pre-Owned Safes

3:40: Unique TL-15 & TL-30 Safes Right Now

4:13: Vault Doors Discounted

4:58: Great Ammo Solutions

5:50: A Great Option for Business Owners

Hiding a safe has always had a certain appeal—and today, homeowners are getting more creative than ever. From secret alcoves and disguised nightstands to fully concealed vault rooms, there’s no shortage of clever ways to keep valuables out of sight. At the same time, modern security needs are changing, and many families are exploring both hidden and in-plain-sight options. In this podcast, we break down the most popular hiding places, unique installs we’ve seen over the years, and smart tips for choosing and concealing safes and vault doors in your home.

EPISODE 34 TOPICS

1:34: Popular Places People Hide Safes (and some unique ones)

2:07: Vault Rooms with Facades

2:55: Buying the Right Vault Door

3:45: Hiding a Vault Door

5:53: Some Vault Doors Are In the Open

6:46: Armored Doors (product coming soon)

8:05: Protecting High Net-Worth Individuals Being Targeted

9:25: Unique Locations for Hiding Safes

13:40: Why NOT to Hide a Safe

Choosing where to put a safe seems like a simple decision, but once you dig into it, you realize there’s a lot more to consider. Every home is different, every family’s needs are unique, and every safe serves a slightly different purpose. Some people want fast access, others want maximum security, and many want a mix of both.

In this episode of Safe Space, we break down the most common questions, mistakes, and myths about safe placement—from garages and bedrooms to stair closets and wall safes—so you can pick the spot that works best for your daily life and what you’re protecting.

EPISODE 33 TOPICS

0:51 — Put a Safe Where You’re Going to Use It

2:44 — The Variables to Where to Install a Safe

4:06 — What Law Enforcement Says

4:49 — Consider Splitting Up Your Safes

5:53 — Floor Safes

6:35 — Wall Safes

9:20 — Strange Places People Have “Hidden” Safes vs Safes that are Deterrents

10:08 — Under the Stairs

10:55 — Outgrowing Safes is VERY Common

11:45 — Worst Place to Install a Safe as a Delivery Guy

14:55 — Put the Safe Where You Want It & Buy the Right Safe

Choosing the right safe can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands and models on the market. That’s why, for more than 40 years, NW Safe has built our business around one core promise: only offer products we truly believe in.

Over the decades, we’ve tested countless safes, learned which manufacturers stand behind their work, and curated a lineup of brands we trust with our own valuables. From entry-level gun safes to high-security commercial vaults, our goal has always been the same—give customers dependable protection, honest guidance, and real value at every price point.

In August 2025, a demonstration at the DEF CON hackers conference in Las Vegas sparked a wave of curiosity—and concern—among safe owners. Researchers showed how a small Raspberry Pi computer could be used to access certain SECURAM electronic locks, leading many to question how secure their safes really are. But according to professional safe technicians, the reality is far less alarming.

Nearly all electronic locks have built-in “back doors” meant for authorized service and recovery, not for easy hacking. In fact, the safe industry has long worked like the tech world—constantly releasing updated models to fix vulnerabilities and improve performance. This discussion dives deep into what really happened at DEF CON, how modern locks like SECURAM and Liberty’s Dormakaba 702D are evolving, what safe owners can do to protect themselves, and why reliability—not fear—is the real measure of a good lock.

Episode 31 Topics

2:00: DEFCON Conference Demo of Bypassing SECURAM Locks

4:50: What Someone with a SECURAM Lock Could Do

6:22: How Master Safe Technicians Use a Black Box

7:57: Backdoor Mast Codes

10:25: What Happens When You Remove the Backup Access

10:55: Why Else Would You Want a Super Code

12:00: Liberty FBI Event Wasn’t an Electronic Lock

14:26: Have NW Safe Ever Seen a Lock Be Breached?

15:20: Where Should You Store Your Code?

18:10: Reliable Locks

21:41: What Not to Disable Combination Recovery

23:30: Liberty’s New Lock

26:06: What’s the Most Secure Lock

Preparing for your safe delivery might seem simple, but there are plenty of small details that can make or break how smoothly the day goes. From clearing enough space for our crew to work, to deciding where your safe should go, a little preparation makes a big difference.

Our team has seen it all — tight corners, curious pets, power cords in the wrong spot, and even blocked driveways on garbage day! This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your safe arrives. With a few easy steps, you’ll help ensure a fast, clean, and stress-free installation from start to finish.

EPISODE 30 TOPICS
0:52: What do People Need
3:02: Safe Placement
4:15: Putting Your Animals Away for all Deliveries & Maintenance Visits
9:40: The Little Things that Need to be Taken Care Of
11:20: Creating a Custom Combo on a Mechanical Lock
12:38: Call with Questions
14:55: The Beauty of a Garage Install
16:05: Reasons NOT to Install Your Safe Inside Your Home
17:45: Why NOT to Use a Dri-Z-Air in a Safe
19:35: Why to Register Your Warranty
23:34: What Some of the Weirdest Scenarios of People Not Being Ready?
27:05: Pick Up Your Dog Poop
28:00: Always Bolt Down Skinny Safes Especially

This quick, special podcast offers a simple review of why you’ll find some of the best possible deals on all safes during our Black November sale.

EPISODE 29 DISCUSSION SYNOPSIS

People often ask us, “When’s the best time to buy a safe?” Everyone wants to catch the best deal — and honestly, we get it. As salespeople, we’re always excited about big events like Black November and Black Friday. Those are some of the best times to buy.

Throughout the year, we have a few special sales where you can get extra value, but Black November is definitely one of the biggest. That’s when we roll out our storewide 10% off flash sale — one of only a couple we do all year.

During this sale, you’ll find great deals on everything from entry-level U.S.-built gun safes (around the $1,000 range) to high-end models that can save you $1,000 or more. Even our commercial safes, including TL and TRTL-rated models, are included this year — which usually isn’t the case.

From $400 starter safes to top-of-the-line ISM security safes, everything is marked down 10%, with a few select models discounted even more.

So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your safe or investing in better protection, Black November really is the time to buy. It’s the season to save big — and we’re ready to help you find the perfect safe.