International Cigar Discount Shop

Article by Wayne Knapcik

What Is A Humidor

If you are not an experienced cigar smoker, you could be wondering what is a humidor. A humidor is any kind of box or room with constant humidity and ideal temperature, used to store cigars. Humidors are used to store and protect cigars so that they’re kept at their peak flavor. A humidor works by keeping a cigar at a constant temperature, somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70-72% humidity. For private use, small wooden or acrylic glass humidor boxes for a few dozen cigars are used, while cigar shops may have walk-in humidors, sometimes consisting of a whole floor. Humidors aren’t meant to age, but rather to preserve the integrity, flavor, and color of the cigar.

Why Use A Humidor Humidifier

A cigar humidor humidifier uses a distilled water to bring moisture into the humidor. Many cigar aficionados claim that the best temperature for storing cigars is 70 degree Fahrenheit. Any lower will are likely to age the cigar, rather than keep it at a constant level. Humidifiers are made for a range of cigars, from a one cigar travel model to a large device for a few hundred cigars. Essentially, there are basically two types of humidifiers: active and passive. Understanding how cigar humidifiers work is extremely important, because most humidors you buy require you to add your own.

Without your cigar humidor humidifier, say “goodbye” to your cigars. A dried out cigar is worthless hence, the development of a cigar humidor humidifier. A cigar humidor humidifier provides solution to the problem on maintaining the cigar’s moisture to keep it from drying.

The Role of the Hygrometer

A hygrometer is the gauge that determines if there is enough humidity or not produced by the humidor humidifier. With built in hygrometer, the humidity level can be monitored with a standard humidity setting of 70% but is adjustable to your own humidity preference. A hygrometer can be either analogue or digital and can work to control just humidity or temperature and humidity together as in the digital models. Both digital and analog hygrometers will measure a humidors humidity levels within 5 to 10 degrees of accuracy, but analog humidors require periodic calibration to maintain accuracy.

Buying A Humidor

What should you seek when purchasing a humidor? The good humidor should close completely, with a good fitting lid which will keep the cigars well kept from the elements and prevent any exchange of moisture. Seams need to be smooth and well fitted for cigars. Cedar, especially Spanish cedar is ideal for the interior of the humidor. However, confirm your brand of cigars fits well into any humidor you might be considering purchasing. Be sure to season your humidor before using it. If you were to skip this step, the cigars would dry out because the wood would absorb their moisture. Keep your cigars well-protected inside a seasoned cigar humidor to ensure perfect storage.