Humidification is an important aspect of cigar storage and preservation. But which product should you use? There are many of them on the market and in this blog post, we will compare two popular humidification products to help you decide which one is best for your cigars! There are several techniques to preserve your cigars in today’s climate, both without and with a humidor. What matters most is finding the right humidification system for your location. Whether you’re keeping your cigars in a cedar humidor, an acrylic humidor, a coolerdor, a wine fridge, a humidor bag, or even a Mason jar, different humidification solutions will perform better than others. First of all, purchase a hygrometer and calibrate it to make sure your humidity equipment is functioning properly. Maintaining dependable humidity ensures that your cigars mature correctly and taste better over time.
What is Boveda Pack?
Boveda is a product that uses a water-based solution to humidify cigars. It comes in small, rectangular packets that are placed inside your cigar storage container.
How Many Boveda Packs Should You Use?
The following are the rules for utilizing the appropriate size and quantity of Boveda packs depending on the number of cigars in your collection.
| Humidor capacity (cigars) | Quantity of Boveda Packs (size 60) | Quantity of Boveda Packs (size 320) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1 | 1 |
| 50 | 2 | 1 |
| 75 | 3 | 1 |
| 100 | 4 | 1 |
| 125 | 5 | 1 |
| 150 | 6 | 2 |
| 200 | 8 | 2 |
| 250 | 10 | 3 |
| 300 | 12 | 3 |
| 350 | 14 | 4 |
| 400 | 16 | 4 |
Which Boveda RH Is Best for You?
- 84% RH – Use this sparingly when seasoning a new humidor. It’s not for use in humidifying cigars.
- 75% RH – This humidifier prevents the seal on your humidor from becoming less reliable, or keeping your cigars excessively soft.
- 72% RH – A traditional wooden humidor can lose moisture over time, causing it to become less hygienic. An Rh compensates for this by replacing the lost amount of humidity.
- 69% RH – The most popular RH for keeping cigars fresh is 69-70%.
- 65% RH – Stem-packed cigars that are ideal for long-term aging and somewhat firmer cigars.
- 62% RH – The benefits of extended aging and the results in firm cigars.
What are Heartfelt Beads?
Heartfelt beads use a gel-like substance to trap and release moisture as needed. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the size of your cigar storage container. Museums like the Smithsonian created heartfelt beads for storing and transporting priceless art and antiquities. Heartfelt beads are available in a variety of tubes, pucks, and rectangular cartridges that resemble standard humidification devices, and they’re all meant to be easily placed in your humidor. Depending on the number of cigars you intend to store and the size of your humidor, you’ll need one or more configurations.
| Tube of beads (oz.) | Distilled water (tsp.) |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | 1-2 |
| 1 | 2-3 |
| 2 | 3-4 |
| 4 | 4-5 |
| 8 | 8-10 |
| 16 | 12-15 |
What is the main benefit of Heartfelt Beads?
The main benefit of Heartfelt beads is that you can keep refilling them with distilled water, making them one of the most cost-effective humidification solutions available. Heartfelt beads emit both water vapor and absorb it. When you need to recharge Heartfelt beads, they will take in humidity near them (for example, in a dish) until they are saturated. To replenish them, spritz them with clean water.
How Do You Tell When Heartfelt Beads Need To Be Watered?
When Heartfelt beads have been completely moistened with distilled water, they become transparent. When Heartfelt beads are dried out, they turn a brilliant white color. The white color of the beads indicates that they require recharging with water. Only use distilled water, though. Tap water and bottled water that has not been distilled may cause the beads to degrade and disintegrate, putting your cigars at risk of becoming moldy.
What should I choose?
So which one is better? Boveda or Heartfelt beads? The answer depends on your needs and preferences! If you are looking for a hassle-free option and have desktop humidors or less Boveda would be the best choice. All you have to do is place the packets inside your cigar storage container and let them work their magic!However, if you want more control over the humidity, then Heartfelt beads would be the better option. You can choose how much humidity you want in your cigar storage container by adding more or less of the beads! Simply said, if you have a larger humidor or tupperdor than usual, beads will be more cost-effective in the long run. So what do you think? Do you agree with my opinion?
FAQ Boveda vs. Heartfelt beads for Cigars
How do members of a cigar forum generally perceive the use of Boveda packs for maintaining humidity?
On a cigar forum, Boveda packs are often highly recommended due to their ease of use and reliability. Members commonly agree that you can’t go wrong with Boveda for maintaining proper humidity, as they offer consistent, hassle-free care for cigar collections.
In discussions about humidor upkeep, why do some cigar enthusiasts on forums prefer using HF beads or KL over traditional methods like Boveda?
Some enthusiasts prefer HF beads or kitty litter (KL) because these products can regulate humidity by both absorbing and releasing moisture. While Boveda packs work great, users on cigar forums often discuss how beads last longer and can be more cost-effective for large humidors, especially when used in coolidors or wineadors.
What’s the consensus on a cigar forum about the best way to store cigars in non-traditional storage like a wineador or Tupperware?
The common agreement is using heartfelt (HF) beads, KL, or Boveda packs in these containers. Many affirm that you can keep your cigars fresh, as these methods maintain humidity levels effectively. For a wineador or Tupperware (often termed a ‘Tupperdor’), the use of beads or Boveda packs along with a digital hygrometer is frequently advised.
Why do some cigar smoking enthusiasts recommend placing Boveda packs on the top of your cigars in a humidor?
Positioning Boveda packs on top of your cigars ensures efficient humidity distribution. As discussed in cigar forums, this placement helps maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the humidor, essential for Cuban cigars or any premium cigars sensitive to fluctuations in humidity.
How do cigar collectors on forums suggest using beads in my wineador, especially when dealing with high humidity?
Cigar aficionados often suggest placing the beads in a mesh bag or container with a bowl, strategically positioning them within the space in your humidor to absorb excess moisture. This method is particularly beneficial in high humidity areas, where it’s crucial to lower humidity to prevent mold growth and preserve the integrity of the cigars.
When I’m a Boveda user but want to try HF or HCM beads, what advice is commonly shared on cigar forums?
Seasoned smokers often suggest starting with a small quantity of beads to gauge their effectiveness. They emphasize that beads, like Boveda, require monitoring with a digital hygrometer to ensure the desired humidity, and some even mix beads and Boveda for a better experience.
Why do some members of cigar forums suggest recharging the Boveda packs, and how is this done?
Recharging Boveda packs is a cost-effective practice discussed among enthusiasts. This process involves placing the dried-out Boveda packs in a sealed container with a bowl of distilled water, allowing the packs to absorb humidity over a few days.
For someone new to cigar smoking, why is the advice “use Bovedas for every 25 cigarettes” often seen on forums?
This guideline helps ensure that there’s enough humidity to maintain the freshness of the cigars. The standard recommendation on forums is one Boveda pack per 25 cigars, but if you have a large humidor or live in a dry climate, you may want to go with more.
How do cigar forum members compare the cost of maintaining humidity with beads versus Boveda packs?
Many users argue that while Boveda packs seem convenient, beads come at a fraction of the cost in the long run, especially for collectors with a large number of boxes of cigarettes. Beads, particularly Heartfelts, can last forever with proper care, needing only occasional rehydration.
What steps should be taken if JavaScript is disabled when trying to access an online cigar forum?
Forum users often encounter this issue; the typical advice is to go to your browser settings and enable JavaScript. Without it, you might miss out on essential features of the forum that you want to visit. Ensuring your browser is up-to-date can also provide a better experience.
How do enthusiasts typically use Boveda packs in a desktop humidor to maintain optimal conditions for their cigars?
Cigar enthusiasts often use Boveda packs by placing them directly in their desktop humidors amongst their cigars. The standard recommendation is to use one pack for every 25 cigarettes, ensuring a consistent relative humidity ideal for cigar preservation.
What is the main reason cigar aficionados prefer the beads to traditional Boveda packs when maintaining humidity in their humi’s?
Many aficionados prefer humidity beads because they can maintain relative humidity at a precise level and are rechargeable, making them a cost-effective solution. Beads at a fraction of the cost of other humidification systems can control moisture more actively, absorbing or releasing humidity as needed.
Why is it necessary to place Boveda packs in coolidors, especially when storing boxes of cigarettes?
Coolidors, typically used for bulk storage, require stable humidity levels due to their size and the quantity of cigars they hold. Using Boveda packs in coolidors ensures that the larger number of cigars, often in the range of 100 cigarettes or more, maintains the right moisture levels, preventing dryness or mold.
When trying to access an online cigar forum, why am I seeing a “please enable JavaScript” message, and what should I do?
This message appears because the website requires JavaScript for full functionality. To resolve this, please go to your internet browser settings, find the JavaScript option, and enable it. Ensure you refresh the forum page in your browser before proceeding for the changes to take effect.
Why is Spanish cedar the preferred wood in many humi’s and humidors found in the selections of cigar enthusiasts?
Spanish cedar is prized for its ability to maintain humidity, its pleasant aroma, and its natural ability to repel insects. The wood’s properties help regulate the humidity right and preserve the integrity and flavor of the cigars stored within.
How often should I replace or recharge Boveda packs when using them in a standard humidor for 30 cigarettes?
For a collection of 30 cigarettes, Boveda packs should be checked every 2-3 months for firmness. If the pack becomes significantly rigid, it’s time to replace or recharge it, ensuring your cigars remain at the proper relative humidity.
Why do some cigar enthusiasts recommend using more than one Boveda pack for every 25 cigarettes in larger storage units like coolidors?
In larger storage spaces like coolidors, the air volume is significantly higher, necessitating more Boveda packs to maintain the desired relative humidity effectively. Therefore, using additional packs ensures that the humidity is evenly distributed, keeping all cigars in optimal condition.
When browsing different humidification options, why might I want to visit from the selection of beads instead of traditional Boveda packs?
Browsing beads as an option is worthwhile because they can last longer and are rechargeable, offering long-term cost-effectiveness. Many cigar enthusiasts also believe beads maintain humidity more consistently than other methods, especially in larger humidors or coolidors.
What are the signs that the humidity packs in my humidor are no longer effective and need to be replaced?
The most noticeable sign is when the packs become stiff or crunchy, indicating they’ve exhausted their humidification solution. Additionally, if you observe a consistent drop in relative humidity levels in your humidor below the desired range, it’s time to replace the packs.
In the context of bulk storage, why is it more efficient to use Boveda packs when storing 100 cigarettes or more?
Boveda packs are especially efficient for bulk storage because they provide consistent, maintenance-free humidity control. When storing 100 cigarettes or more, these packs offer the convenience of not having to frequently check humidity levels, as they automatically regulate the moisture content in the storage environment.
How many Boveda packs should I use in my humi for optimal storage conditions if I store various boxes of cigarettes?
For optimal storage, it’s generally recommended to use one Boveda pack for every 25 cigars. If you’re storing several boxes, calculate the total number of cigars and use one pack per 25. For instance, if you have 100 cigarettes, you’d use four packs.
What’s the difference between a humi and a coolidor when it comes to storing large quantities, like 100 cigarettes or more?
A humi, or humidor, is often smaller and used for fewer cigars, while a coolidor is a larger, improvised version, perfect for bulk storage like 100 cigarettes or more. Coolidors can maintain a stable humidity level for a larger quantity of cigars, especially when using the right number of humidification packs.
If I’m using a coolidor for long-term storage, how often should I check the humidification system for a collection of 30 cigarettes or more?
For a collection of 30 cigarettes or more in a coolidor, it’s advisable to check the humidification system approximately every two to three weeks. Large quantities of cigars can absorb and release humidity, so regular checks ensure they’re kept at the ideal moisture levels.
In terms of maintenance, what extra steps should I take when using a coolidor for storing several boxes of cigarettes?
When using a coolidor for several boxes of cigarettes, ensure you’re using enough humidification packs or beads for the volume you’re storing — typically, one pack per 25 cigarettes. Also, rotate the boxes every few months to ensure even humidity distribution, and check for any signs of mold or tobacco beetles.
If I increase my cigar collection from 30 cigars to 100 cigarettes, should I adjust the humidification resources in my humi or switch to a coolidor?
If you increase your collection to 100 cigarettes, upgrading to a coolidor might be a better option due to its larger storage capacity. You’ll also need to adjust the number of humidification sources — for 100 cigars, using four Boveda packs (or an equivalent humidification resource) should maintain the right humidity levels.
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