Cigar humidors can be used to store cigars to preserve their freshness.
Cigars are delicate and need the right temperature and humidity for storage. Humidors were explicitly designed for storing cigars. If you’re looking for a way to protect your cigar collection, then this article is perfect for you!
Here’s what you need to know when buying a cigar humidor:
- What size cigar humidor do I need?
- Do I want it in mahogany or cherry wood?
- How much will it cost me?
- And once I have my new humidor, how do I use it properly so that my cigars stay preserved longer than they would otherwise?
This article covers all these questions and more so that you can be sure to get the most out of your cigar humidor.
What is a Cigar Humidor?
Cigar humidors are designed to maintain the humidity level needed for storing cigars.
They are traditionally made from Spanish cedar, which helps keep moisture in while allowing air to pass through easily–the perfect ingredients for cigar storage!
Other materials used include acrylic, which is lightweight and doesn’t absorb moisture, and metals like aluminum.
Choosing the right humidor can be complicated. This article will help you get started on your decision.
What Size of Cigar Humidor do I need?
The size of your humidor is an essential part of the decision-making process.
The basic rule is the bigger, the better. But of course, money is an issue for most people who are looking to get a humidor.
Speaking of money: If it’s not an issue, you can always get a Padron 50th Anniversary Humidor, (pictured below) weighing in at a whopping $3k!
The length of your cigars will affect how many you can store in your humidor. If there’s no space left, then it doesn’t matter if your humidor is big!
Cigar connoisseurs will always have an extensive collection of cigars, so for them, the choice isn’t so much about how big or small to go but more about whether or not they should choose to go with multiple humidors.
One option is to buy two smaller humidors and keep your prized collections separate–if you want to invest in high-end collections, you might think this is a good idea.
If you have a long-term project for collecting cigars, it may be best to invest in one big humidor that you can use as your primary storage space and then buy or build smaller humidors that can be used as backups or taken on the go with you!
Which Wood is Best for a Cigar Humidor?
There are two kinds of woods used to make cigar humidors: Spanish cedar and mahogany. Both come with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Cigar manufacturers prize Spanish cedar for its ability to maintain humidity without swelling or cracking, allowing the cigars to be preserved better.
However, some companies prefer to use mahogany because it is rarer and therefore more expensive. And, of course, let’s not forget about the classic elegance that mahogany brings with its deep color and sturdy finish.
If you’re looking for an authentic cigar humidor experience, Spanish cedar is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more elegant and luxurious humidor, mahogany is your best bet.
Or, you could take the less traveled path and go with a Basswood humidor like the one below for only $60.00
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How Much Do Cigar Humidors Cost?
Cigar humidors don’t come cheap! They can range anywhere from $30 to $1000 or more depending on their size and quality of construction.
If you’ve never owned a cigar humidor before, it can be pricey to purchase one immediately.
However, if you think about how much your cigars are worth and how long they’ll stay fresh in your humidor, the price of admission is more than worth it!
When deciding on a budget for a new humidor, think about how many cigars you plan on buying in the future and factor that into your price range.
If you know you’re going to be very serious about cigar collecting, go for a mid-range humidor that can store at least 100 cigars–more if possible! It’s better to have more than less when it comes to keeping your collection fresh and ready to smoke.
If you’re a Screaming Eagle fan, the travel humidor pictured below is an affordable option.
How do I Keep my Cigars Fresh in a Humidor?
The name of the game is moisture control when it comes to keeping cigars fresh in a humidor. You want to keep them at around 70% humidity, so they stay nice and fresh through the seasons.
If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, you can keep your humidor closed, so the moisture stays inside. But for those living in a drier climate with less humidity, a little airflow will help maintain an optimal humidity level.
70% is the sweet spot for most cigar connoisseurs–it’s not too moist, and it won’t dry out your cigars.
Contact us to learn more about how to maintain the moisture in your humidor and find out if you need a hygrometer or a humidification device!
How do I Use My Cigar Humidor?
The most important thing is to keep an eye on your humidity levels. If they’re too high, open up the humidor and let it air out. If too low, add a wet sponge to your cigar humidor for moisture.
If you’re using a cigar humidor with a hygrometer (which we recommend), then you’ll always know that the humidity levels are in the correct range, and you won’t need to worry about them.
Once you know the humidity level is in the acceptable range, it’s time to start checking your cigars for mold and dryness. When stored properly in your humidor, most cigars will last anywhere from 3-12 months before they go bad.
If any of your cigars are starting to look dry or you notice some dark spots, you’ll need to treat them immediately with a humidification device or wet sponge.
If you notice that the humidity levels are too low in your humidor, that’s when it’s time to refill the unit with water or propylene glycol solution.
Cigar storage is all about balance–keeping your cigars moist enough while also making sure they aren’t too wet. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your cigars in no time!
Contact us today to find out more about how you can use a humidor to keep your cigars fresh and ready to smoke!
Introducing the New Cigar Humidors at Screaming Eagle Cigars
As always, we want to give you the best cigar humidor experience possible when shopping with us.
For more information on cigar humidors and how to store your cigars, contact us today!