American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe Review

American Security is the oldest, most reputable and highest quality safe company in the world. They’ve been around since 1946 and have always headquartered in California, USA. They make real safes, not the illusion of security but real, actual , high quality, secure, insurable safes. The American Security BWB series uses an extremely thick 1/2″ steel door standard. In this review, I’ll help you understand what makes the American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe one of the best in the industry.

Lock – American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe

UL Approved High Security Electronic Lock – ESL10XL

First and always most important for any floor safe is the lock. American Security offers the ESL10XL electronic lock. This lock is UL approved type 1 high security and the absolute highest rating you can get. It has additional features from just the standard 6 digit code like Time Delay that does not allow you to open the safe again for a specified period of time after each opening. This feature is mainly used in business applications and valuable for managers who don’t want employees to be able to access the safe while they are away from the office. A second lock option is available in the ESL20XL that adds even more functionality including multi-user mode where the lock can have up to 9 different codes.

Hard Plate and Re-Locker

This electronic lock is also protected by both a hard plate and internal spring-loaded re-locker. The Hard plate is a piece of hardened steel that absolutely destroys drill bits. The internal re-locker fires if the lock is punched through securing the bolts in place. Both of these are essential security features and included on this safe.

Security – American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe

The American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe is equipped with a massive 1/2″ thick solid steel door. American Security then adds five 1″ solid steel locking bolts covering three sides of the door along with a full steel dead bar on the hinge side that locks behind the external hinges. The body is constructed of high tensile 12 gauge steel certifying this depository safe as B-Rate construction. Also included is are reinforced internal jambs on all four sides to provide protection against sledgehammer attack.

The drop portion is built with 3/16″ steel construction and the hopper door is 1/4″ steel. That is a lot of steel and security protecting your business.

Next, once inside the safe, you’ll find an internal locker that separates the drop from the rest of the internal compartment. This allows only the manager to have a key to access the drop and lets the employees still access the safe to return the cash register tray at night. The interior locker is built with 1/4″ steel construction and features a Medeco high security key lock.

Style and Function – American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe

The American Security BWB series is finished in a textured black paint. Hardware includes both a chrome L-Shaped drop down handle and chrome keypad. The interior is all metal and includes a carpeted bottom.

Overall, drop safes are not meant for overnight storage and should be emptied each day with the deposit being taken to the bank. The front load deposit is able to accommodate large size packages and is the following dimensions: 4″ H x 9″ W x 11-1/2″ D.

Warranty

The American Security BWB Drop Safes come with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. These safes are designed to last for many decades without any issues. In my experience, American Security is one of the easiest companies to work with for both service and warranty. No red flags here.

The Bottom Line

Would I buy the American Security BWB3020FL Drop Safe to protect my valuables? Yes, I absolutely would. With a UL Rated high security electronic lock, 1/2″ thick solid steel door, thick steel deposit construction and advanced security features, these American Security BWB drop safes are an excellent choice.

With that said, they are still not the best in class. The Stealth Drop Safes are even better as they are made in USA, have a 7 gauge steel hopper in a concave design, double the warranty and are Made in USA. All things considered, I would recommend the Stealth drop safes over American Security.