In short, a humidor is a box, or room, used to store cigars. The humidity in the air surrounding the cigars is carefully controlled, usually at around 70%, to keep them in the best possible condition. A good humidor should keep your cigars from becoming dry and brittle and will help them retain their flavor for longer. This article will discuss the basics of what you should know about humidors!
Why humidor is so important for storing cigars?
A humidor is a storage container that regulates relative humidity levels, which is important for cigars. This is because the tobacco leaves in cigars absorb moisture from the air, expanding and contracting based on the relative humidity of their surroundings. If cigars are too dry, they become brittle, preventing smokers from getting the full flavor and aroma experience. Alternatively, if it’s too moist, mold or rot could develop, as well as an infestation of tobacco beetles.
A humidor can be as small as a box (for traveling) or as large as a walk-in humidor favored by cigar shops. Each one will have a good seal to maintain the internal temperature and provide a thermostat and hygrometer to help you maintain conditions. In general, both small and large humidors work in similar ways to keep your cigars moist at the ideal relative humidity and temperature.
How does a humidor work?
A humidor works by regulating the humidity and temperature inside the storage container. This is done using a combination of a humidifier and a hygrometer. The humidifier adds moisture to the air inside the humidor, while the hygrometer monitors the relative humidity levels. By controlling the amount of moisture in the air, you can keep your cigars in the ideal conditions for long-term storage.
Types of humidor
By size:
Small humidors: These are typically designed to hold between 25 and 50 cigars. They can be placed on a desktop or stored inside a larger humidor. Small travel humidors usually have a built-in hygrometer and humidifier, making them ideal for taking your cigars with you when you travel.
Large humidors: Can hold several hundred cigars and often come with features such as drawers, Spanish cedar lining, and a glass top to show off your collection. Large humidors also have built-in hygrometers and humidifiers to help maintain the ideal conditions for your cigars.
By construction:
Desktop humidors: A desktop humidor is a small, lidded box that sits on your desk or another surface. They’re often made from wood, with a glass lid to show off the cigars inside. You’ll need to add your humidifier and hygrometer to these humidors.
Cabinet humidors: A cabinet humidor is a large, free-standing unit that can hold several hundred cigars. They’re often made from wood, with glass doors to show off your collection. Cabinet humidors usually have built-in humidifiers and hygrometers, as well as features such as drawers and Spanish cedar lining.
Travel humidors: A travel humidor is a small, lidded box that’s designed to hold a few cigars. They’re often made from plastic, leather, or metal, with a foam lining to protect your cigars. Travel humidors usually have a built-in humidifier and hygrometer, making them ideal for taking your cigars with you when you travel.
Walk-in humidors: A walk-in humidor is a large, climate-controlled room that’s used to store cigars. These are typically found in cigar shops and tobacco stores. Walk-in humidors have several shelves or racks to hold cigars, as well as a built-in humidifier and hygrometer to maintain the ideal conditions.
Humidor bags: Humidor bags are small, Ziploc-style bags that can hold a few cigars. They’re often used by smokers who frequently travel, as they’re easy to pack and don’t take up much space. Humidor bags usually have a built-in humidifier and hygrometer, making them easy to use.
Humidor jars: Humidor jars are small, airtight containers that can hold a few cigars. They’re often made from glass or ceramic, with a tight-fitting lid to keep the cigars fresh. Humidor jars don’t have a built-in humidifier, so you’ll need to add your own.
By functions
Non-electric humidor: A non-electric humidor is a storage container that relies on passive methods to regulate the humidity and temperature inside. These humidors often use Boveda packs or gel beads to control the relative humidity.
Electric humidors: An electric humidor is a type of cabinet humidor that uses an electric fan to circulate the air and help maintain humidity levels. Electric humidors are typically larger than other types of humidors, making them ideal for storing large collections of cigars. Also, they can add functions like controlling temperature and humidity both digitally and automatically.
Also, electric humidors can be based on the
1) Peltier element: The Peltier element is a device that uses electricity to create a temperature difference between two sides of the device. When powered, the Peltier element will cool one side and heat the other side. So if you see the name cigar cooler humidor you understand that this humidor uses a Peltier element and can down the temperature up to 18 F. Pros of this element are low noise and cheap price. The main disadvantage is not as effective as a compressor
2) Compressor element: The compressor is an amazing advantage: It works like a refrigerator and it doesn’t care about the ambient temperature: it will keep the set temperature at any time of day or night. But it makes more noise, also a more expensive unit.
By materials:
Wooden humidors: Wooden humidors are the most common type of humidor. They’re typically made from cedar, mahogany, or cherry wood. Cedar is a popular choice for humidors as it helps absorb excess moisture and gives cigars a distinct flavor.
Glass-top humidors: A glass-top humidor is a type of humidor that has a glass lid, allowing you to see the cigars inside. Glass-top humidors are often made from wood or acrylic. They’re a popular choice for smokers who want to show off their cigar collection.
Acrylic humidors: Acrylic humidors are a type of humidor that’s made from clear plastic. They’re a popular choice for smokers who want to be able to see their cigars without opening the humidor. Acrylic humidors typically have a wooden base and lid.
Leather humidors: Leather humidors are small, portable humidors that are designed for smokers who travel frequently. They’re often made from leather or nylon, with a built-in humidifier and hygrometer. Travel humidors usually hold between 25 and 50 cigars. Moreover, they can be electric too!
How to prepare a humidor?
One of the most important aspects of owning a humidor is seasoning it properly. Seasoning is the process of slowly introducing moisture into the humidor so that the wood can expand and seal any cracks or pores that might allow air to enter. This is an important step because it ensures that your cigars will be properly protected from drying out.
Once your humidor is seasoned, it is important to maintain the proper level of humidity inside. This can be done by using a humidifier or by regularly adding distilled water to the humidor. It is important to check the level of humidity regularly and to adjust as needed to ensure that your cigars are being stored in the ideal environment.
More info: How to season your humidor?
Related Articles
