Choosing the right type of humidor for your cigar collection can be a difficult decision. You may want to go with an electric or wood humidor – but which one is best? If you are considering an electric option, many benefits come along with it too. Read on to learn more about Electric Humidor Vs. Wood, what each type has to offer, and then decide if this is the perfect choice for your storage needs!
Nowadays, we have two popular options for storing your stogies: the simple humidor (which has many varieties like travel humidors, acrylic humidors, tupperdors, etc.) and electric humidor (or coolerdor, coolidor, cigar cooler humidor, wineadore, many names!), which can control temperature and, in some variations, the humidity too!
Ok, what is the main reason to buy a coolidor or humidor?
Seth Lee
Cigar Expert
Pro Tip: The main benefit of wineador I should say is an economic reason. If your collection is growing month by month you have lower cost maintenance of storing cigar.
For example:
- Whynter CHC-122BDa – cigar cooler humidor. Cost $325 + 10 boveda packs ($45) = $370, it has humidity display (62% to 75%) and temperature control (50ºF – 66ºF), capacity 250 cigars. The cost per cigar is $1.48
- Woodronic Handmade Cigar Humidor Cabinet – cost $200 + 6 boveda packs ($27) = $227 (+ it needs stable temperature, maybe you should buy a cigar humidifier (approximately $150), it has a digital hygrometer, capacity 150 cigars. The cost per cigar is $1.51
Firstly, coolidor has all options for storing your cigars, just make seasoning actions and you are ready to keep your cigars fresh. Secondly, we have about the same costs for cigars, but in the first case we have temperature control, and in the second case we don’t. For large cigar collections, this is critical.
So, it is easy to decide. If you want to make large cigar collections -> take a cigar cooler humidor. Do you have 50-100 cigars and want a humidor also for design in your room? So simple wood humidor is your choice. That’s it!
Coolidor vs Humidor: Why are we choosing between two options?
But the main question is: what do I want from my cigars, for instance, in 1 year? Do I want just to keep them alive or make them taste much better?
Seth Lee
Cigar Expert
Pro Tip: Yes, we are choosing between simple taste (humidor) and storing + aging cigars with awesome taste (electric humidor). That is why so many cigar aficionados are ready to invest more and more money in their cigar humidors.
There are several reasons why our choice is the electric humidor. You can control:
- the temperature
- the humidity
- the aging process. You can start or stop it!
Moreover
- Enough space to store cigars, whether they be singles or boxes.
- Clear information 24/7 365 on what is going on in your humidor (for instance, with Sensorpush hygrometer)
As I mentioned in the article about hygrometers, we should use different RH levels for different cigars:
- For Habanos cigars use 67-68% RH. To stop the aging process using 60-62% RH. They taste better and do not lose their flavor.
- For other cigars, you can use the cigar golden rule 70/70 (70 degrees F and 70% RH).
Also, if you buy cigars in the boxes, it’s better to store them together in the same box – they are made from cedar wood for saving flavor and humidity. That is the double combo for your stogies!
What is an electric humidor?
An electric humidor is a device that helps to regulate the humidity inside your humidor. It does this by using an electronic sensor to measure the moisture levels, and then it will either add or remove moisture as needed to keep it at the desired level. This is a great option if you are looking for something that is easy to use and requires very little maintenance.
Benefits
One of the main benefits of using an electric humidor is that it can help to keep your cigars in excellent condition. By maintaining a consistent humidity level + and temperature, you can avoid having them dry out or becoming moldy. They will also stay fresh for longer, which means you can enjoy them for months or even years after purchase!
Another benefit of using an electric humidor is that you can set it up in any room of your house. This means you do not have to be stuck keeping them in a humidor closet, or even directly next to one for placement purposes. They can fill their entire purpose from anywhere within the home!
Last but certainly not least, electric humidors tend to look better on display than traditional models. You may want something that blends nicely with other furniture items or decor so they stand out less and appear more as part of the overall design scheme. If this sounds like what you’re looking for then an electronic option might be right for your needs!
Downsides
While electric humidors are a good option for many people, some downsides come along with this type of storage. For example, they can often be more costly than traditional models and you will also need to purchase other items such as humidification devices or fan to properly maintain the humidity level inside them.
A second downside is that they tend to be bulkier than other options. This can make storing them a bit more difficult, especially if you have limited space in your home. If this sounds like something you are experiencing already then an electric humidor might not be the best fit for your needs!
Another downside is that it may take time and effort to maintain the right humidity because of the construction of the humidor. For instance, you can put cedar shelves without ventilation parts and cigars upper this shelf would be drier than the below.
What is a classic wood humidor?
The classic humidor is the special box lined inside with Cedarwood for keeping the best humidity conditions for your cigars. Besides, as an electric humidor, it requires a digital hygrometer (I recommend Wi-Fi hygrometer) and humidity beads, or gel. Moreover, if your humidor has a glass window, you can face a leaking problem too.
Benefits
Often made of cedar, a classic wood humidor is considered to be the traditional option for storing your cigars. Many people choose this type because it looks very nice and comes in many different sizes – from small travel cases up to large pieces that can store hundreds or even thousands of cigars!
In addition to these benefits, there are also some downsides associated with using a wooden model instead of an electric one. It may take longer for you to get both temperature and humidity levels just right if you do not like the recommended settings on your new purchase. Sometimes they will never reach your desired level no matter how much time you put into adjusting things manually! This means it can require more maintenance overall than other options available to you.
Does humidor do solid wood vs veneer matter?
A veneer humidor will have the added advantage in the sense that much lower pressure will do within the interior filling of the humidor.
Downsides
One of the most common problems that new owners face is having their cigars dry out or become moldy within a few weeks after purchase. When these things happen it can be very disappointing because they are in poor condition and not nearly as enjoyable to smoke! This means that if you do choose this type for your cigar collection there will likely be a lot more upkeep required on your part to keep them in top condition.
Verdict
It’s all about economic reasons and the aging process. If 1) you are ready to invest more than $400 2) you are buying so many cigars and don’t have much space, 3) you are a cigar aficionado who is crazy about cigars, so your choice is the electric humidor for aging cigars.
FAQ Electric Cigar Humidor vs Wood Shelves
What is the primary benefit of using Spanish cedar in a humidor?
Spanish cedar helps maintain humidity levels and imparts a pleasant aroma, enhancing the flavor of stored cigars.
How does an electric cigar humidor differ from traditional humidors?
Electric cigar humidors provide precise electronic control over humidity and temperature, unlike traditional humidors that rely on manual adjustments.
Why is humidity control crucial for cigar storage?
Proper humidity control prevents cigars from drying out or becoming too moist, which can affect their flavor and burn quality.
What features distinguish a cabinet humidor from smaller humidor types?
Cabinet humidors typically offer larger storage capacity, better humidity distribution, and often feature Spanish cedar wood shelves for enhanced flavor preservation.
How does a humidification system benefit a cigar enthusiast?
A humidification system maintains the ideal humidity level within a humidor, ensuring cigars remain fresh and preserve their flavor for a longer time.
Why are humidity and temperature important in storing cigars?
Correct humidity and temperature levels prevent cigar deterioration, mold growth, and preserve the essential oils that contribute to the cigar’s flavor.
What makes Spanish cedar wood a preferred choice for electric cigar humidors?
Spanish cedar wood is resistant to warping in humid conditions and imparts a desirable aroma, making it ideal for maintaining the quality of cigars in electric humidors.
Which humidor would be best for someone who wants to store a large number of cigars?
A cabinet humidor or a large electric cabinet humidor like the NewAir 250 count is best for storing a large number of cigars, offering ample space and optimal conditions.
What is the advantage of using a humidor with Spanish cedar lining?
The Spanish cedar lining helps regulate humidity, repels tobacco beetles, and enhances the flavor of cigars over time.
How do cigar lovers benefit from a temperature control system in a humidor?
A temperature control system ensures cigars are stored in a stable environment, preserving their flavor and preventing damage from temperature fluctuations.
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