International Cigar Discount Shop

Article by Vigilant Woodworks

You don’t have to be a cigar aficionado to select a well-made cigar humidor, and there are several acceptable ones available at average prices. Keep a few uncomplicated rules in mind and you’re sure to identify one to suit your size needs, and get an appealing decoration to boot.Choice of materials is consistently the first consideration in choosing a good humidor.

Spanish cedar lining is consistently the first choice, and for solid rationales. It has excellent moisture equilibrium features, absorbing water effortlessly and releasing it again when the air inside is too arid. It also is warp resistant, making it probable to keep a good seal.

Mahogany is a prevalent substitute, but for reasons of appearance as much as use. It’s more expensive, so the reason for the change is not to lower the price. It’s more often used on the outside because of its excellent looks, with Spanish cedar still used for the interior. Still, some good cigar humidors do use it as a liner and it can do a capable job.

Bigger cigar humidors, as well as lower quality ones, will frequently alternatively use any number of things: plastic, synthetic wood, or metal. Their use should be avoided. Even in this age of miracle materials, there is still no good alternative to natural wood, especially mahogany.

The unit should seal well, though it need not and should not be completely airtight. Some miniscule amount of airflow is acceptable to avoid accumulation of fungus. Needed moisture should, instead, be recouped by a instrument that keeps the cigars’ box at the right humidness.

That attribute leads straightaway to the next necessary element in a fine cigar humidor: the humidity system. That system has two components, which include the unit that releases and absorbs water and an instrument to measure the humidity level. The first is called the humidifier, the second is known as a hygrometer.

The humidifier could be something as elementary, yet still adequate, as a small sponge which is drenched with distilled water. Sometimes, particularly these days, propylene glycol is added to alter the rate of oxygenated water exchange. Often, that sponge will be housed in a tiny little mesh ‘basket’ to keep it protected. The ‘basket’ is then adhered via Velcro or a magnet in the lid.

Temperature control is essential, of course. However, few but the most costly cigar humidors will have any built-in thermal control device. Most will rely on appropriate arrangement to keep cigars at the desirable 68F/20C mark. That’s not normally a problem in the average cigar smoker’s home where air conditioning and modern heating are probable.

Finally, apart from aesthetic standards, comes the choice of size. Smokers who indulge one of Man’s finest pastimes – smoking cigars – only occasionally will need no more than a modest humidor, one suited for 10-20 cigars. That not only keeps the price down, but it also makes humidity and temperature regulation simpler. Aficionados will want a cigar humidor large enough to comfortably hold all their desired treasures for months or even years without decomposition. A cigar cabinet that stores 100-400 will fit the bill.

The humidor’s appearance, as expected, is consistently going to influence the final selection, once a range of good ones is available. Here, no one can supply any useful guidance. Personal preference rules, just as in the choice of the cigar itself.