What to Look for in a Quality Humidor? A Definitive Guide

Enjoying the finer things in life requires a certain level of commitment. For several people, cigars are worthy investments to make, regardless of their cost. 

A humidor is nothing more than a box that holds cigars. While the idea of having one might seem redundant, it's pretty helpful when storing cigars properly to preserve their freshness and enhance their flavor.

This guide will help first-time cigar collectors on how to choose quality humidors to keep their smokes intact.

It All Lies in the Humidor's Seal Quality

The lifespan of cigars depends on their home and the way it's preserved. Box humidors and humidor cabinets usually do a great job keeping extensive cigar collections around for a long while. 

However, regardless of design and price, not all humidors are made with excellent sealing. As crucial as a humidifier and a hygrometer is, the humidor's seal is a must to inspect before purchasing one for yourself.

Air leaks from poorly made seals are common and usually manifest in cheap to medium-priced humidors, making moisture level management exceptionally challenging. What to look for in a good humidor includes a premium sealing system that will pass the dollar bill test or the flashlight test. 

What is the Dollar Bill Test?

This is one of the simple methods you can try to check the seal quality of a humidor. It's best used on larger humidors but not travel humidors or acrylic humidor boxes. You can do it in four easy steps:

Step 1: Using any dollar bill, fold it as flat as possible.

Step 2: Gently insert the bill between the humidor and the lid.

Step 3: Shut the lid. 

Step 4: If the bill can easily be pulled from the humidor, then there's a sealing issue you should address.

A promising sign that the seal is tight and can preserve the cigars inside easily is if the bill doesn't move when you try to tug on it. Other types of humidors like those with glass lids have built-in locks in place, which can also cause air leaks. 

What is the Flashlight Method?

The flashlight method of looking for air leaks in your humidor is pretty self-explanatory. You must be in a very dark room for this test, but it can also work with just the lights off. Mind the blindfolded spots that you don't want shining on any electronics. The glass top will guide you if any light goes beyond the closed lid.

Afterward, shine the light from above; you will see how much air has been lost there. Shine the light down again. This time, look for any light coming out of the seam where it meets with its lid. This will show if there is a leak and tell you if it needs fixing or replacing.

The Humidor’s Material and Interior Lining

When it comes to value, a good quality humidor is not always reflected in its price tag. Purchasing one for your cigars entails knowing more about the material and the build. This also means finding humidors that can be prepared or humidified with ease once you store cigars. 

Reliable materials for a good quality humidor are made of hardwood or composite wood lined with cedar veneer. The ideal wood for the interiors of a humidor is solid cedar which is typically found in more expensive humidor boxes. They're a little pricier than the ones made from composite woods but perform just as well.

The most optimal material used for lining humidors is premium Spanish cedar. When it comes to a reliable material for long-term use, this wood is the top choice. Plus, its moisture absorption quality is quite aggressive and is excellent for aging premium cigars without dampening its natural flavors.

The Humidor’s Performance and Maintenance

Finding the best material and construction of your humidor is the first step. The second most crucial factor to consider when storing cigars is maintenance. Ensuring the humidity levels of your humidor are consistently on point is essential. 

Step 1: Check if the humidor has a reservoir and if you're having it customized. 

Decide which humidification options you need. The usual choices include foam, beads, crystals, or pouches from Boveda. 

Step 2: Get an excellent hygrometer for your humidor. 

A hygrometer will dictate if your humidor is doing its job maintaining the moisture and if it's appropriately dispensing the right amount of water throughout the box. It comes in an analog or digital model, which includes the temperature gauge. 

Step 3: Inspect the firmness of your cigars. 

After a few days sitting in your new humidor, squeeze the cigars and check if they're soft and firm, not too spongy or stiff. Their firmness should reflect the same condition when you first purchased them. 

A Prime Distinction in Branded Humidors

Quality humidor brands are known for their Spanish cedar lining, among other excellent features. Large cabinet humidors are built to last a lifetime and are beloved for their beautiful finishes and wide range of sizes.

An excellent humidor should be consistent in look and function inside and out. Handcrafted by talented artisans, some even resemble heirloom-quality goods or furniture. The intricacy makes other humidor cabinets an outstanding option for luxurious displays in retail shops or cigar lounges.

Custom cigar lockers also boast a superb design. With durable brass hinges, heavy-duty walls, and a trusted humidification system, your cigars will sit comfortably in its home.

Conclusion

The beauty of collecting cigars is in the time and effort you put in making sure they last for a long time. High-quality cigar humidors are a must if you're a cigar enthusiast who wishes to establish a better system for cigar upkeep. 

Choose from a wide array of top-quality humidors and cigar accessories at Your Elegant Bar for a keener appreciation of the finer things in life.

Don't forget to get your air purifier as well!