How to choose the right humidor?

Storing cigars is a problem, and the best solution is to put it in a humidor. The humidor strives to create a tropical environment in which the cigar is rolled. A good humidor can make the storage environment of cigars close to ideal, so that the cigars can still keep their original flavor as much as possible during storage and carrying. At the same time, famous humidors have extraordinary artistic taste and become both practical and artistic. Great collection. In many ways, good cigars are like good wine and orchids, they have a natural, organic and sensitive relationship with the environment. They are products that have been carefully cultivated under suitable temperature and humidity. Therefore, their maintenance also requires a lot of effort. 

The first thing we need to understand is that cigars must be stored in a humidor before smoking. Of course, if desired, you can keep your cigars at the proper temperature in a sealed plastic bag with a damp paper towel for a few days, but if you want to be a true cigar smoker, a humidor is a must-have cigar accessory. Humidors are simple, beautifully crafted devices that keep cigars in conditions similar to those in which the tobacco grows, ferments, and is rolled into cigars. If you keep a cigar in a high temperature or air-conditioned room, it will dry out within an hour. A carefully maintained humidor, the microclimate inside it is very close to that of a tropical island so the cigars can be stored in it for many years without deteriorating.

What is a humidor?

Simply put, a humidifier is a storage container that controls airflow and is equipped with humidified air to maintain a humidity of 65% - 75%. Its internal temperature remains in the range of 18 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.

If there is not a humidifier or a humidification system inside the humidor, it cannot be called a humidor, but just a box) Humidors come in various sizes, from travel humidors that can only carry a few cigars to humidors as big as a house. Thousands of cigars can be stored. Although the humidifier needs to be equipped with some means to maintain humidity, it does not need to contain a measuring instrument. However, some humidors come with a hygrometer, which is used to indicate the humidity conditions inside the box. Although analog devices (round gauges with pointers) are attractive in some situations (for example, as dials on sports cars), the data displayed on them are often inaccurate. Generally speaking, there is often a two percent difference between the humidity displayed by a digital hygrometer and the actual humidity. No matter what the hygrometer says, it’s the cigars inside that measure the humidor’s performance. If the cigar exudes a little oil, the humidor is in perfect condition. If the cigar is too dry, add some water. If it looks a little damp, throw it away regardless of what the hygrometer says.

How to choose the right humidor?

The first step is to decide on the size of your humidor. A good tip is to buy a humidor that is larger than you think. At the same time, you should also investigate whether your local cigar retailer or cigar bar has storage equipment for you to store cigars. If so, you only need to consider storing the cigars of the past few days at home or in the office. Just like buying a new car, when buying a humidor, you should also carefully look at the appearance, structure and performance of the box. If the seams aren't perfect or the corners of the box aren't square, don't buy the box. Pay special attention to the edges and lids of the box to see if they close or cover tightly. The lid of the humidor cannot be completely "sealed" and a certain amount of air should be allowed to flow inside and outside the box. But any visible warping means that too much air or moisture is getting in or out, even if the lid closes securely. Preference should be given to humidifiers with heavier lids. Many humidors, even those with locks, rely on the weight of the lid to keep the entire box tightly closed, however, problems arise. Logically, the humidor is designed to maintain balance whether it is open or closed. But if the lid is too heavy, its weight will tip the humidor over or cause it to fall over when you put it on. If the lid doesn't open enough to hold the box upright, it may pinch your fingers. It is best to add a lock to the humidor. Whether it's emotionally or financially, think about the value of your cigar collection in the box, and think about the potential loss if the cigars are opened by curious fingers or due to theft or vandalism. , then obviously you need to add a lock. You'll also want to make sure you have a backup key in a safe place. There is nothing sadder than having your beautiful humidor vandalized.

The first thing to look at inside your humidor is the humidifier. Most humidifiers are very simple in design, usually just a sponge-like material or a bottle that releases water (although simple, they are miles ahead of the old-school pod-core humidifiers). Its biggest feature is after loading the cigar. It's no longer just a simple humidification system. Whether you remember it or not, it will automatically refill the humidor every once in a while. It is best to buy a humidor made of practical, non-aromatic cedar such as Spanish cedar. Cedar wood absorbs and re-releases moisture, which in part aids in the aging and maturation of tobacco used in cigars. If it’s a large humidor, a handle on the box will be very convenient, especially when you need to carry the box and take out the cigars. If you want to place the humidor on a table or sideboard, it is best to cover the bottom with felt, which will help protect the humidor and furniture. Some humidors have magnets on the bottom of the lid that hold the included cigar cutter. The good thing is that if the cigar cutter is expensive, you won't be able to find it. The bad thing is that it will make you open the lid frequently, which will harm the humidor. Don't get excited about the magnets on the lid thinking it's cool, first consider what you're paying for. You could consider using a nice looking chain to connect it to the humidor, but instead of putting them inside the humidor, put them outside so that whenever you want to cut a cigar, you can find it.