The 2022 Humidor Guide for the Classy Gentleman or Lady

Are you looking for a new humidor to store your cigar collection in? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cigar smoker, this guide is for you! 

A humidor is a must-have for any cigar lover. Not only does it help keep cigars fresh and tasting great, but it can also be a stylish addition to your home décor. Suppose you're in the market for a humidor or just considering purchasing one. In that case, we will discuss the different types available, what features to look for when buying one, and how to care for your humidor and cigars.

What is a Humidor?

A humidor is a box or room designed to maintain a consistent level of humidity, typically around 70%. This is essential for keeping cigars fresh, as too much or too little moisture can ruin them. Humidors come in all shapes and sizes, from small desktop humidors that can hold a few cigars to large walk-in humidors that store thousands.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Humidor?

If you want to enjoy your cigars at their best, then you need to store them in a humidor! Here’s why:

To protect your cigars from the elements: Cigars are made of tobacco, which is a natural product. Like any other plant material, tobacco can be affected by changes in humidity and temperature. A humidor helps maintain the ideal humidity level for cigars, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle.

To extend cigars shelf life: A properly humidified humidor will keep your smokes fresh for months or even years! This is especially important if you smoke rare or expensive cigars.

To maintain their flavor and aroma: A humidor will help prevent tobacco degradation due to dryness that can ruin the taste of even the finest cigars.

To age cigars: Many cigar aficionados believe that cigars taste better with age. You can slowly age your cigars until they reach their peak flavor by storing them in a humidor.

Types of Humidors

There are three main types of humidors: desktop, travel, and cabinet. The type of humidor you choose will depend on your needs and budget.

Desktop humidors are the most common type. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from various materials, such as wood, glass, or acrylic. Desktop humidors are ideal for storing cigars at home or in the office.

Travel humidors are designed to be carried with you on trips. They are typically small and compact, making them easy to pack in your luggage. Travel humidors come in both wooden and plastic varieties, and some even include built-in hygrometers to help you keep track of the humidity level.

Do you have an extensive cigar collection? If so, a cabinet humidor might be the best option for you. Cabinet humidors are the largest type of humidor available and can hold hundreds or even thousands of cigars, making them ideal for cigar aficionados.

What is a Walk-in Humidor?

A walk-in humidor is a large room specifically designed to store cigars. Cigar shops usually use walk-ins, ranging from small rooms to entire buildings. These humidors often have glass doors so that customers can see the cigars inside.

The main advantage of a walk-in humidor is that it offers plenty of space for storing cigars. This makes it the best choice for collectors who have an extensive collection. Additionally, most walk-ins are climate-controlled, which helps maintain moisture at optimal levels.

Things You Need to Consider When Purchasing a Humidor

With so many different types of humidors on the market, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you. When purchasing a humidor, here are several things you should consider:

Size: How many cigars do you want to store in your humidor?

The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a humidor is the size. You want to make sure that the humidor you purchase is large enough to hold all of your cigars but not so big that it takes up too much space.

Humidors come in various sizes, from small enough to fit in your pocket to large enough to hold several hundred cigars. The size you choose will depend on how many cigars you plan to store and how often you plan to use your humidor.

Construction: What type of material is the humidor made of?

When purchasing a humidor, you should also consider the material it is made from. The most common materials used for humidors are wood and metal, but there are also humidors made from acrylic, glass, and even stone. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the suitable material for your needs is essential.

Wooden humidors are the most popular type of humidor because they offer a classic look and feel. Wood is a porous material that can absorb moisture from the air, so it is important to season your wooden humidor before using it. Spanish cedar is the most popular type of wood used for humidors because it is an excellent conductor of moisture and has a pleasant aroma.

Metal humidors are less porous than wood, so they do not require seasoning. However, metal humidors can be more expensive than wooden humidors, and they may not look as elegant.

If you are looking for a humidor that is easy to care for, acrylic or glass humidors might be a good option. These materials are non-porous and will not absorb moisture from the air, so there is no need to season them. But these humidors are also the most fragile and can easily break if mishandled. 

Stone humidors are the most durable of all the materials used to make humidors, but they are also the heaviest and most expensive.

Type of Humidity Control: Do you want a passive or an active humidifier?

Once you have selected the suitable material and size for your humidor, the next step is to choose the humidification system. There are three main types of humidification systems: passive, active, and electronic. 

Passive humidifiers rely on absorption and evaporation to regulate humidity levels, while active humidifiers use a heating element or water reservoir to add moisture to the air. Electronic humidifiers use a digital thermostat to control the humidity levels in your humidor.

Design: What style and finish do you prefer?

Walnut, mahogany, or cherry are all popular choices for wooden humidors. They come in both matte and glossy finishes. You can also find humidors with carved designs or inlaid marquetry. If you want your humidor to blend in with your décor, consider a model made of wood with a matte finish.

Additionally, if you plan on keeping your humidor in a specific room, like a den or home office, you will want to make sure that it matches the interior of that space. For example, if your humidor is sitting on an antique desk, you may want to look for one made of wood and has a classical design.

On the other hand, if you are going to be placing your humidor in a more casual space, like a living room or man cave, then you can have more fun with the design. Take advantage of models available with different shapes, sizes, and colors!

Location: Where will you be keeping your humidor? 

If you plan to keep your humidor in a humid location, you will want to purchase a unit with a tight seal. This will ensure that the humidity level inside the humidor remains constant and does not fluctuate.

How to Season and Maintain Your Humidor

Once you've found the perfect humidor, it's time to set it up. Humidors can lose moisture quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on the humidity levels. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your cigars are always fresh and ready to smoke.

Start by seasoning the humidor with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and propylene glycol. This will help stabilize the humidity levels inside the humidor. 

Next, add a humidifier and an analog or digital hygrometer. According to the manufacturer's instructions, fill the humidifier with distilled water and propylene glycol solution. Place the humidifier and hygrometer inside the humidor and close it. Allow the humidor to sit for 24 hours to stabilize the moisture levels.

Now it's time to add cigars! The general rule of thumb is to store cigars at 65-70% humidity and 70-75 °F. However, you may need to adjust these numbers depending on the type of cigar you are storing. For example, if you store mainly Maduro wrappers, keep the moisture lower at 63-65%.

With just a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your cigar humidor functions optimally for years to come. Here’s how:

• Use a humidifier or humidifying crystals to keep the moisture level consistent.
• Replace or replenish the humidification system regularly, as it will eventually dry out and lose its ability to hold moisture.
• Keep the humidor clean and free of dust and debris.
• Inspect your cigars now and then, and remove any that are damaged or dried out.

Conclusion

When it comes to humidors, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of humidor you choose should be based on your cigars, budget, and personal preferences. Finding the perfect humidor for your needs can seem daunting with so many options on the market. But with a bit of research and guidance, you can find the ideal humidor for your cigars and ensure that they stay fresh for years to come.

If you are looking for a quality humidor that will last for many years, be sure to buy from a reputable dealer. Many online retailers sell humidors, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Looking for humidors in bulk? Check out our wholesale page!