Wonder how to keep your cigars fresh? Use a humidor. This wooden box maintains stable humidity levels, which is crucial for cigar storage. Learn all about humidors, from what they are to how they work. We’ll also help you set it up and use it properly. Let’s explore cigar storage and preserve your collection effortlessly!
What is a Humidor
A humidor is a box or any kind of container in which the humidity level is controlled in order to create the ideal environment for storing cigars or tobacco. Storing your cigars in a humidor will ensure they mature well over time. Much like a fine wine, cigars are at their best when they’ve been given a chance to age, but they have to be stored correctly at the proper temperature and humidity, or else they will rapidly lose their freshness and quality.
Humidor Components
A humidor needs specific parts to preserve cigars correctly. These are humidifier, hygrometer, thermostat, and Spanish Cedar. Some humidors come with a cigar cutter and lighter when purchased. Click here to see.
- A humidifier to add moisture and keep cigars plump
- A hygrometer to measure humidity levels
- A thermostat to monitor and regulate temperature
- Spanish Cedar helps to absorb and release moisture to maintain humidity, Repel insects like tobacco beetles, and add a special aroma to the cigars; this wood is preferred for its ability to keep cigars fresh and protect them from decay.
The humidifier, hygrometer, and thermostat work together to create the perfect humidor environment. The humidifier adds moisture, the hygrometer measures humidity, and the thermostat controls temperature. Working hand in hand, they maintain the best conditions to preserve cigars’ freshness and cigar flavor for a long time.
Types of Humidors
There are different types of humidors for storing cigars:
- Desktop humidor: Ideal for home use, casual cigar smokers, or those with a small collection of up to 100 cigars. (10 best humidors for cigars)
- Travel humidor: Perfect for cigar enthusiasts who travel frequently and want to enjoy their cigars on the go. Suitable for short trips or outings, travel humidors can hold 2 to 20 cigars. (10 best travel humidor)
- Cabinet humidor: Suitable for serious collectors or commercial use in cigar shops or bars. Ideal for storing large collections of 1,000 to 5,000 cigars.
- Walk-in humidor: Typically found in cigar stores, clubs, or large private collections at home. Suitable for storing an extensive number of cigars, walk-in humidors can store over 100,000 cigars.
- Electric humidor: Ideal for users who want precise control over humidity and temperature levels without frequent manual adjustments. Suitable for both home and commercial use. An electric humidor can store 100-500 cigars. (10 best electric humidor)
Why Humidors are the Best Choice for Cigar Storage
Humidors are considered the best choice for storing cigars because they provide a controlled environment with the ideal humidity and temperature levels required for optimal cigar preservation. The features of a humidor that make it ideal for preserving the quality of cigars include the use of Spanish cedar, which helps maintain moisture levels and imparts a desirable aroma to the cigars.
Additionally, humidors are equipped with hygrometers to monitor humidity levels and ensure they are kept within the recommended range of 65-75%. Properly maintaining humidity levels is crucial for keeping cigars fresh and preventing them from drying out or becoming too moist, which can affect the flavor and burn of the cigar.
How to Use a Humidor
Use the humidor easily, we need 3 steps:
- Setting up.
- Adding cigars in the humidor.
Setting Up Your Humidor
1. Season humidor: Wipe down all the Spanish cedar elements with a damp sponge and leave a wet sponge inside overnight, along with an activated humidifier; repeat the process if the humidity is not stable.
2. Humidity: The recommended humidity level is between 65% and 75%.
- Submerging the humidifier in distilled water for 3 minutes.
- Wiping away excess water.
- Leaving the humidor closed for 12-24 hours.
If we do not have a humidifier, we can use the humidifier pack Boveda.
3. Temperature: To regulate the temperature inside the humidor, keep it below 25°C (77°F) or ideally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store the humidor in a safe place.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Use a soft cloth and beeswax polish to clean.
Adding Cigars to Your Humidor
After we finish seasoning the humidor, we place the cigars in the humidor. When placing the cigars in the humidor, it is important to leave space between the cigars to preserve and age them better.
How Does a Humidor Work
Humidifier
A humidor keeps cigars fresh by adding moisture to the air inside.
This helps maintain the ideal humidity level, around 70%, to preserve the essential oils that give cigars their flavor.
Thermometer
A thermometer in a humidor helps monitor the temperature. It’s important for keeping cigars fresh.
By using a thermometer, you can maintain the right temperature and humidity level. This prevents cigars from drying out or getting too moist.
Thermostat
A thermostat works by sensing the temperature in a given area. It then regulates the heating or cooling system to maintain the desired temperature.
The best temperature for a thermostat is typically around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures optimal conditions.
Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar is great for humidors because of its unique qualities:
- It holds more moisture than other woods, keeping cigars fresh.
- Resists warping in high humidity, maintaining the humidor’s integrity.
- Adds a pleasant aroma to cigars, enhancing their taste.
- Repels tobacco beetles, preventing damage to cigars.
- Absorbent nature helps in regulating moisture levels inside the humidor.
Taking Care of Your Cigar Humidor
To keep your humidor in good shape, clean it every few months. Use a soft cloth and distilled water for cleaning. Make sure to maintain the right humidity level, often with a two-way humidity control system like Boveda. Air out the humidor sometimes to avoid mold. Spanish cedar interiors can repel tobacco beetles and keep your cigars fresh. Check humidity levels with a hygrometer and keep the humidor away from direct sunlight.
How to choose the perfect humidor
When choosing a humidor, we need to consider:
- Keep track of how many cigars you usually have and how often you need to restock.
- Don’t forget about features like the type of wood, seal quality, hygrometer, and humidification system – they’re super important for keeping your cigars in top condition.
- When looking for a humidor, find one that suits your budget without compromising on quality.
- It’s a good idea to go for materials like Spanish cedar, make sure the seal is nice and tight, and don’t forget to use humidity control packs.
- Always make sure to prioritize maintaining the ideal humidity for your fresh cigars!
What is the best travel humidor?
The best travel humidor is Bald Eagle Travel Humidor for 25-50 Cigars. This humidor has a large capacity of up to 25-50 cigars and comes with a humidifier that makes it easy to maintain humidity with distilled water or propylene glycol.
What is the best electric humidor?
The best electric humidor is Whynter CHC-120Sa Electric Cigar Humidor. It has a good seal and a large capacity, and the customer service is very good.
FAQ
What is the best humidity level for a Humidor?
The ideal humidity level for a humidor is between 65% to 75%. This range is important for keeping cigars fresh.
What is the best temperature for a Humidor?
The best temperature for maintaining cigars is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps keep them fresh for longer.
If the temperature goes above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, it can harm the aging process.
If it drops below 12 degrees Fahrenheit, it can affect the aging process and cause storage problems.
How to Store Cigars in a Humidor
Storing cigars in a humidor with a humidity level of 70% and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit will prolong the life of the cigars and ensure that they do not dry out, spoil, and preserve the flavor of the cigars.
How often should I season my humidor?
It is recommended to season your humidor approximately once a year or whenever it begins to lose humidity. This helps maintain proper moisture levels for storing your cigars.
What is the best way to maintain a humidor?
To maintain a humidor, regularly monitor and adjust the humidity levels using a calibrated hygrometer and distilled water or humidification solution. Rotate cigars, keep the humidor in a cool, dark place, and periodically season the humidor to prevent damage to the wood.