Cigar Upkeep: How Do Cigar Humidifiers Work?

How Cigar Humidifiers Work

Since cigars are made of natural tobacco with no added chemical preservatives or artificial components, some extra care must be taken to preserve the flavor and quality of your cigars. A cigar that’s kept too damp or too dry, too hot or too cold, may not burn or taste as well as it could. Proper storage could also prevent molding, dampening, or the loss of a cigar’s essential oils. That’s where a humidor comes in.

Activating your humidor is the initial step to establish optimal conditions for your cigars, and this can be done using a sponge or crystal system. The sponge system uses propylene glycol solution and distilled water for adequate humidification performance and needs weekly refills to function properly. Maintaining just the right moisture level in a cigar humidor can be achieved by following the humidification’s suitable mechanism.

Meanwhile, the crystal humidification system is moderately new and is only used by a small number of manufacturers. Its crystalline, embryonic structures make for a good alternative to sponge since it continually works on the clock and only requires monthly refills.

How Do You Humidify a Cigar Humidor?

Humidifying the humidor entails keeping the air quality clean and increasing its moisture content. The humidification process helps create homeostasis of the airway, making it ideal for your cigars to maintain their natural components for a long time. 

Cigar humidor humidifiers come with water filtration systems that need to be refilled or replaced, but some models nowadays are more advanced and automatically refill the humidifier’s cartridge.

Some cigar humidifier systems come in flora foam, crystal gel, silica beads, or humidity packets, all of which vary according to maintenance and application to the humidifier. Moisture is stored and released providing consistent humidity. Another option is an electric humidifier. An electric humidifier will maintain humidity on its own. This means no more weekly water refills.

Humidifier Solution: Propylene Glycol Solution

Traditional humidors adopt a mechanism that uses plastic or metal that has a sponge as a humidifier. It contains a special fluid called Propylene Glycol Solution that helps sustain a humidifier’s lifespan while preserving the cigars’ freshness. 

The PG Humidifier solution consists of 50% distilled water and 50% food-grade propylene glycol, which play a role in keeping the RH at 70%. This system also boasts antifungal and anti-mold properties, which come in 8 oz. bottles that can last up to 9 to 12 months if used properly.

How to Season a Humidor with a Humidifier Solution

Step 1: Open your cigar humidor. Using a soft cloth, apply distilled water until it’s a bit damp. Wipe the interiors of the humidor but ensure not to leave it soaked. Wipe it down thoroughly. 

Step 2: Close the humidor’s lid for a few hours. Grab the propylene glycol solution and place it in a bowl of distilled water. Let the sponge absorb the water and wait a few seconds, then remove it from the bowl. Shake properly to remove excess water, then place it back inside the humidor.

Step 3: Place your cigar humidor in a spot away from sunlight to ensure external heat does not impact the humidification process.

Hygrometers

A hygrometer is a device found in your humidor that allows you to monitor the cigars’ humidity levels without having to open and close it every time. Significantly, hygrometers measure the box’s relative humidity and warn you when the humidifier requires recharging or adjustments.

The standard setting is at 70% humid and a temperature placed at 21.1 degrees Celsius. Hygrometers come in digital or analog, which should be checked at least once a week to help build a consistent environment for your precious cigars.

So, How Does a Humidor Work?

Pretty simply, really. Once you’ve seasoned and prepared your humidor, place your cigars inside. It’s recommended that you store different types of cigars separate from one another so that their flavors do not mingle. The humidifier inside your humidor will help keep the humidity at the right level. 

You’ll also want to store your humidor in a location that stays around 70 degrees and is out of direct sunlight. Once you’ve found the right location, all you need to do is replace the water in your humidor as needed. Check your hygrometer to make sure everything looks good. If you’re worried about large temperature fluctuations, you might consider an  electric cigar humidor cabinet. Once you’ve made your decision check out our blog post on  how to set up an electric humidor.

How Long Can You Keep a Cigar in a Humidor?

The short answer, about five years. That’s assuming you’ve got everything dialed. If your hygrometer wasn’t calibrated properly or you don’t maintain humidity, then your cigars won’t last as long. You can of course keep your cigars in your humidor for longer. The flavors will develop up to a certain point, but it’s not a never-ending cycle. A cigar that’s ten years old won’t necessarily taste better than a cigar that’s five years old. 

Read the cigar maker’s suggestions, ask at your local shop, or talk with friends to estimate how long a cigar should be aged for. Generally all cigars should be aged for some period of time, but whether peak flavor occurs at two years or five years is dependent on the cigar.  If you have a whole box of a certain type of cigar, smoke one every six months or so. Note how the flavor has changed. If the flavor continues improving, continue aging. Let your taste buds be your guide.

Electric Humidor Humidifiers

Perhaps the best way to secure your cigar collection and keep them in tip-top shape is to invest in an electronic cigar humidifier. Several types, such as ultrasonic humidifiers, emit a cool mist using ultrasonic vibration, while evaporative humidifiers use a powerful fan to blow air through a wet wick or filter.

Now that you know how to use a humidor, below are some of the best cigar humidor humidifiers that amateur enthusiasts and long-time tobacco collectors should consider buying.

6 Best Humidifiers for Storing Cigars

1. Cigar Humidifier EB-100 for Cabinets & Lockers  | 10-70 Cu Ft

What Customers Say

Some buyers commented that the performance is consistent and works well in acclimating their humidor cabinet. Another reviewer appreciated the fact that it is easy to install and no professional was required for this purpose.

Who Should Buy It

• People with considerable cigar collection
• Retailers

2. Cigar Ultrasonic Humidifier for Walk-in Humidors EB-03C | 700-4000 Cu Ft

Maintaining the optimum humidification levels inside your walk-in humidors is integral for maintaining that ideal atmosphere for your prized cigar collection. Cigar Ultrasonic Humidifier for Walk-in Humidifiers EB-03C can use up to 6 liters per hour to maintain an optimum humidity level inside your humidors.

It also comes with a powerful fan that creates a balanced airflow that quickly distributes moisture throughout the huge cabinet humidor.

The EB-03C provides the convenience of controlling humidity variations inside the humidor to effectively safeguard and maintain the cigar's freshness. With dimensions of 19.68" x 14.6" x 17.4", the EB-03C is perfect for small to medium walk-in humidors.

The humidifier is also easy to set up and use. All you have to do is fill up the tank through the water inlet and press start (adjust the RH settings accordingly). You can fill up the tank manually or automatically. When you use the manual fill feature, you may simply replenish the reservoir with distilled water as needed. Automatic fill, however, makes life much easier by allowing you to connect a water line to the cigar humidifier. A dedicated water line linked to the humidifier saves time and effort, which is especially beneficial when maintaining walk-in humidors.

Digital Display and Humidity Controller:

Maintaining the appropriate levels of humidity is already the most challenging part of being a cigar enthusiast. Because of the fluctuating temperatures and the large reduction in humidity every time the door is opened, walk-in humidors can be even more difficult to manage. With Eb-03C, however, you can easily adjust the relative humidity settings according to your needs. All you have to do is press the ‘Set’ button and use the keys to adjust humidity settings. The display also tells you the surrounding temperature making it further easier for you to decide upon the right humidity levels. You can also set up a timer to suit your needs.

Easy Mobility and a Strong Body:

The EB-03C uses wheels and handles for easy mobility and a strong grip. This allows you to place the humidifier wherever is convenient for you and switch positions whenever necessary without having to lift it. The wheels also prevent your floor from scratching. The sheet metal shell also provides a durable body as well as pressure, corrosion, and wear and tear resistance.

Atomizer for Efficient Humidification:

The ultrasonic humidifier uses an atomizer to pressurize purified water and pump it to atomizing nozzles using a high-pressure pumping system. The water jet is subsequently reduced to a very small water droplet by the nozzles. Water may readily convert its state into vapor due to the tiny droplet size. The ambient air provides the energy necessary for this state change. The vapors then efficiently humidify the surrounding humidor atmosphere giving a longer life to your cigars with an added freshness. You can conveniently adjust the atomizer on the central controller to suit your needs.

What Customers Say

Feedback on the Cigar Ultrasonic Humidifier for Walk-in Humidors EB-03C was nothing short of positive. Many buyers rated it five stars; one customer even said it was their third time purchasing this model. Others commended its impeccable quality and how the humidifier is “bulletproof” compared to other brands they’ve purchased over the years.

Who Should Buy It

• Cigar lovers with an extensive cigar collection
• Retailers

3. Hydra-LG Large Commercial

When it comes to moisture precision, this cigar humidor humidifier is a must-have. The Hydra-LG Large Commercial Cigar Humidifier boasts convenient and top-grade features like the 54-inch long cable with a remote display, providing accurate humidity readings inside the humidor cabinet.

Another advantage of the Hydra Commercial humidifier is the two fan ports, which are great for those who prefer to add external fans. The water cartridge for distilled water is quite large, which is excellent for the humidification system to achieve the purest humidity for weeks.

This humidor humidifier also utilizes HygroSet adjustable technology for convenient humidity measurements.

What Customers Say

While many are quite pleased with the accuracy, excellent packaging, and performance, some users have observed the water cartridge alarm to make constant noise. Nevertheless, this product was easy to install and conveniently read on the temperature and moisture levels. 

Who Should Buy It

• Cigar connoisseurs and enthusiasts
• Avid cigar collectors

4. Ultrasonic Commercial

Apart from an expensive price point, the value for money buyers will get from the Ultrasonic Commercial Cigar Humidifier is beyond compare. This cigar humidor humidifier can provide superb moisture for cigars to burn slowly and evenly.

One of this humidifier's most commendable features is its ability to produce ultra-fine particles of 1 to 2 microns in size for maximum humidification.

The automatic water feed will not require you to refill with distilled water frequently. It also allows you to run a direct water line into the humidifier working the reverse osmosis and remove minerals from tap water. You can even enjoy a 2-year warranty on the humidor’s digital control and a year-long contract for any other material defects, a definite bang for the buck.

What Customers Say

The majority of customers gave this humidifier positive feedback. One customer commended the unit for its easy set-up and operation and the fineness of the fog it releases to condition the cigars properly.

Who Should Buy It

• Cigar collectors
• Retailers 

5. Walk-In Humidor XL

The Walk-In Humidor XL Cigar Humidifier is ideal for small to medium walk-in humidor closets. It boasts precision in moisture management and is versatile enough to get the job done. This cigar humidor humidifier is digitally controlled, making it easy to see fluctuating temperatures and humidity drops at first glance. 

It also allows users to shift from manual or automatic settings when managing the product’s water refill. The RO filtration system effectively converts minerals in the water to a pure liquid for ideal humidity conditions. 

Although the exterior is plain and the overall product is quite bulky, this humidor humidifier is functional and optimal for long term use. With an extensive two-year warranty, the price point could be easily overlooked when quality and service go hand in hand.

What Customers Say

One buyer commended the product for its overall performance. He said that the Ultrasonic Commercial cigar humidifier is an ideal solution for cigar enthusiasts and collectors with big spaces for humidors. The humidity levels are adjustable and lauded by the happy customer who purchased one for their warehouse.                             

Who Should Buy It

• Enthusiasts with a huge cigar collection
• Retailers

 6. Cigar Humidifier for Small Humidors EB-200 | Upto 8 Cu Ft

It's critical to maintain proper humidity levels within humidors to keep your cigars as fresh as possible. Especially with small humidors with restricted airflow, the humidification becomes even more challenging. The EB-200, however, optimally solves this problem by eliminating the need to constantly monitor humidity levels, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your cigars.

With 7.87” x 4.92'' x 4.61'' in dimension, the humidifier is ideal for small humidors. It is also relatively easier to install. All you have to do is place it smoothly on the ground or on a flat surface and plug it in. To add to the convenience, it comes with a long power cord. It uses a strong power supply of 110-240VAC-1 to efficiently do the job.

With the help of a strong motor working at 60 Hz and powerful industrial-grade fans, the EB-200 efficiently circulates air and allows for a rapid moisture distribution across the humidor. It also prevents the humidifier from overheating.

A 304 stainless steel body prevents the humidifier’s body from rusting or corroding given its frequent exposure to water. The stainless steel also makes them easier to clean and sanitize without running the risk of chemical damage.

Water Beads for Efficient Humidity Control:

The EB-200 uses water beads roughly an inch long in dimension to efficiently control humidity. A major advantage of beads is that they are a two-way humidifying device, meaning they will both create and absorb humidity. Cigars can be ruined by a dry humidor because they become brittle, crack, and break apart. Worse still, if your cigars are excessively dry, they could taste harsh. On the other hand, a humidor might grow too damp, causing your cigars to burn unevenly, have a difficult draw, or even develop moldy. As a result, maintaining the ideal RH in your humidor is critical. The water beads in EB-200 do just that. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 ounce of humidity beads for every 500 cubic inches of humidor area.

Easy Humidity Control Settings:

Even for the most seasoned cigar collectors, maintaining the ideal level of humidity within humidors may be difficult. Temperature and humidity fluctuations may wreak havoc on your prized collection. That is why it is critical to regulate and maintain the proper atmosphere to keep your cigars fresh. The EB-200 allows you to adjust the relative humidity by simply using two buttons on the foreface of the device.

What Customers Say

Customers have rated the Cigar Humidifier for Small Humidors EB-200 with an average of four to five stars. A happy customer said, “One word, Awesome!” while another noted how the cigar humidor humidifier was worth every buck and even lessened their anxiety from all the arduous maintenance. 

Who Should Buy It

• Casual cigar smokers
• Traveling cigar enthusiasts

Bottom Line: What is the Best Cigar Humidifier?

Casual cigar enthusiasts' best choice would have to be a portable humidifier that can maintain at least 20 to 50 cigars in a humidor.

For small scale use Cigar Humidifier for Small Humidors EB-200 is recommended.

For cigar aficionados with large cigar collections, we highly recommend the The Cigar Humidifier EB-100 for Cabinets & Lockers or the Cigar Ultrasonic Humidifier for Walk-in Humidors EB-03C. However, EB-03C is more towards pricier side, but both are worth spending, with digital displays and manageable features for the water.

It all boils down to smart maintenance. Making do with short term hacks to preserve your cigar for a couple of days can only do so much. Once you’ve gotten into cigar collecting and appreciating the finer details of what makes a great smoking experience, then it’s no doubt purchasing a cigar humidor humidifier is the next step.