Even one of the finest cigars will lose its flavour if not properly stored. And that is why most cigar lovers own a humidor. It’s basically a compartment that you can preserve fine tobacco in. And with a little bit of guidance, you don’t have to spend a lot to store your fine cigar.
That said, choosing the right humidor should be as important as choosing the right home for yourself. Thankfully, this article is at your best interest. Here are 5 step guides to choosing the right humidor for your cigars.
Steps to Choosing the right Humidor
Know how many cigars you are planning to store
Cramped conditions with an over-stuffed environment will seriously damage the flavour of your cigars. At the same time, when there’s too much room, it will allow your cigars to absorb the humidity from the air around.
This will make them soft and it will be difficult to smoke. Start by deciding the number of cigars you plan to store. Then, double the number. That will give you a clue about the size of humidor you should look for.
Portability is the next step
If you travel a lot, then I’m sure you’ll need something that’s portable. You should consider purchasing a portable cigar humidor. They are nice and lightweight so you can carry the humidor around with ease.
In most cases, these portable humidors are budget-friendly when compared to the other sized model designs. On top of that, these portable humidors are designed for individual use. So, even if you own a full-sized humidor, it’s a good idea to purchase the portable one just in case.
Consider the woodwork
You will find that the best cigar humidors are typically made out of Spanish cedar. This is actually the best type of wood for preserving humidity. But there are several different wood types including Oak, maple cherry and mahogany.
But always remember that the wood type you choose will directly correlate to the humidor’s ability to retain temperature and humidity. Without a doubt, Spanish cedar will offer the best insulation when compared to the other wood types. It will also offer your cigars protection from tobacco beetles.
Size of the Cigars
Whenever you see the capacity and size of a humidor, its measurements are based on the traditional Churchill cigars (that is 7’’ by 48) will be able to fit in the box. That also doesn’t include the humidification. On top of that, the humidor producers usually round off the count to the higher end. Therefore, a 100 count humidor will likely fit more or less 80 cigars.
It gets even worse if you have a liking for 60-ring fatties and Toro Grandes. You should expect the count to be even less. That means a 25 count humidor will likely fit 10 cigars. So remember to always go for the higher count when buying a humidor.
Think of how often you smoke
You can’t just fill a humidor then smoke the entire box until its empty-no siree! Ensure that the humidor box is at a 75% capacity at all times. If you enjoy maybe two or one cigars a month, then go for a smaller sized capacity humidor. That will give you the chance to restock the box with your favourite brand every 3 to 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What size humidor should I choose?
- Choose based on your cigar collection size. If you own around 20 cigars, a 25-cigar humidor works well. Always pick a slightly larger humidor than you currently need to allow for future growth.
-
Why is Spanish cedar important in a humidor?
- Spanish cedar helps maintain humidity, preserves cigar flavors, and repels tobacco beetles. It's considered the best wood lining for humidors.
-
What type of humidification system is best?
- Electronic humidifiers provide more consistent humidity, but analog systems like sponge-based ones are cost-effective. Your choice depends on your budget and how precise you want the control to be.
-
How do I check a humidor’s seal?
- Test the seal by gently dropping the lid and listening for a soft "whoosh." A proper seal ensures the humidor maintains the necessary humidity levels.
-
What role does climate play in choosing a humidor?
- Humidors in humid climates may need better airflow, while dry climates require highly efficient humidification systems. Consider your local climate when selecting a model.
-
Is the style or design of a humidor important?
- Yes, many people choose humidors that match their decor or personal style. While function is key, aesthetics can enhance your cigar-smoking experience and add to your home’s ambiance.
In Summary…
With the above guidelines, you will easily get the best cigar humidor in a matter of seconds. Every single point is important to getting the right humidor for your cigars. Always consider your habits, size, capacity, portability and wood type.