Cigar humidor: what it is and how to use it

Why use a cigar humidor?

Mainly, the objective of the humidifier is to store the cigars in the best conditions for preservation, preventing them from drying out. But it also has the function of helping in a cigars aging. This means that the cigars that are kept in the humidor maintain the characteristics with which they were made and do not deteriorate or spoil. They will even improve and enhance their flavors and aromas.

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Having said this, not all humidors are made equally and not just any humidor will work like this. You can only expext this from a good quality one that is one manufactured by a professional. A quality humidor is one that is manufactured by specialized carpenters in this field, such as the ones we offer at Wacota Humidors. In addition to its correct manufacturing, a good humidor is one that maintains the optimum conditions for storing cigars. This perfect environment is achieved with two variables: humidity and temperature inside the humidor.

Humidity from the humidor

The key element to prevent cigars from spoiling is humidity. This should be around 70% inside the humidor. Why that figure? This is not a number set at random or at anyone’s whim. This level of humidity has been proven to preserve cigars without spoiling, and even promote and help with their aging. For this reason, it is very important to start the humidor until it reaches those humidity levels. In addition, it is also essential to regularly check that the humidity has not fallen or risen too much. In other words, you have to keep an eye on the operation of the humidor.

Humidity around 70% in cigar humidors is beneficial because:

• The cigar does not dry out or have excess moisture, since the cigar absorbs the amount of moisture corresponding to 14% of its weight.
• It asists the aging of the cigars: the aromas and flavours of cigars evolve better inside the humidor. It also facilitates the establishment of the flavours of the cigar.
• It helps the cigar to light up evenly when it is about to be smoked.

Problems with not maintaining the correct humidity levels in the cigar humidor

On the other hand, not maintaining the recommended humidity levels in the humidor can cause problems in the cigars:

• When the humidity inside the humidor exceeds 80%, the cigars will absorb too much moisture. This can cause mold to appear on cigars and even rot.
• An excess of humidity will also make it difficult to smoke. It will take more time to light, won’t burn unevenly, or may be impossible to pull.
• Additionally, very high levels of humidity inside the humidor will make the flavors of the cigars heavier and more acidic.
• In contrast, the lack of humidity in the humidor causes the cigars to become more flamable, so they will be consumed very quickly. The lack of moisture also affects the taste. The cigars will have more bitter and spicier notes, so they will be more aggressive. Over time, cigars kept in low humidity can lose their flavors for good.

Humidification systems in the cigar humidor

Mainly, there are two systems that generate humidity in humidors: natural or electronic. Both are ideal for maintaining humidity at the appropriate levels and can be used interchangeably in any type of humidor. However, if the size of the humidor is very large it is advisable to opt for electronic humidification.

• The natural system consists of sponges moistened with distilled water placed in pouches or trays.
• The electronic system is a device that gives out water vapor, also distilled. This type of device has a probe that reads humidity. Because of this, you can check with greater precision if the conditions are optimal.

The humidors that we manufacture in Wacota can be equipped either with natural humidification or with electronic humidification. For the latter, we have the HR6 electronic device. This appliance is available in two sizes: a large one for the larger capacity humidors and the mini HR6 for smaller models. The HR6 has a hygrostat in which the desired humidity level is established. In this way, the device itself generates humidity through a nebulizer and a fan that dispenses it, until the preset level is reached.

When the desired threshold is reached (around 70% humidity), the nebulizer stops. But this is activated again if a drop in humidity is detected, so in the event of any extreme rise or fall in humidity, the device will act accordingly. In other words, if there is excess humidity, the nebulizer will stop emitting humidity. If the humidity drops below 70%, it will generate humidity again until it reaches the appropriate level. The HR6 is equipped with illumination to indicate that it is in operation and to warn the user in the event that it needs water.

Models of Wacota Humidors

Tabletop

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medium displays

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LARGE DISPLAYS

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SHOWCASES

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The temperature inside the humidor, another important element

As we said initially, the proper environment inside the cigar humidor is determined by humidity and temperature. Although the first is critical, the second should be of no less importance. The temperature in cigar humidors should be between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius.

Temperature levels are essential for:

• The aging of the cigar. If the temperature is too cold for the cigars (below 12 degrees Celsius), the aging of the cigars becomes difficult. It is also possible that the cigar will break when lit due to damage to the coating in very low temperature conditions.
• Avoiding pests in cigars. On the contrary, if the temperature in the cigar humidor is very high (above 24 degrees Celsius), there is a danger of pests appearing, such as the dreaded tobacco beetle.

However, you have to know that the relationship between humidity and temperature is linked. The higher the temperature, the higher the humidity, and vice versa. The climate in which you live should also be taken into account when setting up and adjusting the cigar humidor. The fact is that cold subtracts moisture, while heat causes it to rise. For this reason, a good balance between humidity and temperature is important for humidors and the correct preservation of the cigars.

Cedar wood, the cigar humidor’s best friend

The interior of all the humidor models that we manufacture in Wacota is always made with cedar wood. This wood is the most suitable to achieve the perfect environment for the preservation of cigars. Also known as bitter cedar or red cedar wood, it comes from a tree of the Meliaceae family. Its scientific name is ‘Cedrela odorata’ in allusion, precisely, to the aroma it gives off. This unique characteristic is what makes it perfect for the conservation of cigars.

• Favors humid conditions. Since it is a tropical wood, cedar is a good moisture absorber. Due to this, it keeps excess humidity under control, thus preventing the cigars from getting overly moist due to too much humidity. In addition, it also prevents the cigars from dying out, as it allows the humidor to maintain the optimal humidity. Likewise, it is a wood that releases the moisture that it stores, which allows for a balanced environment in the humidor, around that ideal 70%. Thanks to this, the effects produced by opening and closing the humidor to take out cigars (which can cause moisture loss) are counteracted.

• Provides aroma. The most striking feature of this wood is its fragrance. It is mainly due to the resin or essential oil that emanates from its interior. Besides being a pleasant aroma to the nose, it enriches cigars. In fact, it is a smell that perfectly matches the aromas of the different types of tobacco. Accordingly, when smoking a cigar, a hint of cedar wood can be detected in the cigar. This goes along with the usual act of using a cedar wood sheet to light a cigar.

• Avoid pests. The resin of this wood makes it resistant to the attack of fungi and insects, such as termites. Therefore, it is a natural material that acts as a deterrent insects. Among others, it repels the tobacco beetle (‘Lasioderma serricorne’) because this insect rejects the characteristic smell of cedar wood.

Humidor lighting

The temperature inside the humidor, another important element

As we said initially, the ideal environment inside the cigar humidor is determined by the humidity and temperature. Although the first is critical, the second is of no less importance. The temperature in cigar humidors should be between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius.

Temperature levels are essential for:

• The aging of the cigar. If the temperature is too cold for the cigars (below 12 degrees Celsius), the aging of the cigars becomes difficult. It is also possible that the cigar will break when lit due to damage to the coating in very low temperature conditions.
• Avoiding pests in cigars. On the other hand, if the temperature in the cigar humidor is very high (above 24 degrees Celsius), there is a danger of pests appearing, such as the dreaded tobacco beetle.

However, you have to know that the relationship between humidity and temperature is interconnected. The higher the temperature, the higher the humidity, and vice versa. The climate in which you live should also be taken into account when setting up and adjusting the cigar humidor. The fact is that cold subtracts moisture, while heat causes it to rise. For this reason, a good balance between humidity and temperature is important for humidors and the good maintenance of cigars.

Although in the past it was rare for a humidor to have artificial lighting, this has changed over the years. The emergence of LED lighting was a step in this direction. Day by day, new LED lights appear with more power, but that emit less heat, which is an important element for their use in the humidor. A few years ago it was not recommended to install artificial lighting in a humidor. It’s true that they looked very good aesthetically, but by generating heat, they spoiled the tobacco. In particular, direct light can lighten the coat of the cigar and damage it. Therefore, even though our LED lights emit very little heat, it is not advisable to abuse this and have it on all the time.

Why is a humidor the best option for storing cigars?

More often than not, cigar smokers buy more cigars than they are going to smoke in one sitting… and when they get home, they run into the problem that they have to keep the cigars in good condition until they wish to smoke them. To smoke a cigar like it was just bought brand new, it must be stored in the right conditions. Otherwise, in addition to losing its aromas and flavors, it can spoil. Because of this, they must be kept in a humidor because it is the only option that provides the perfect conditions for the cigars, while they wait their turn to be consumed.

These are 10 of the reasons why you should keep your cigars inside a humidor!

• The humidor maintains the ideal humidity for cigars – around 70% (between 65 and 75%). That is to say, the conditions inside the humidor are those of a humid and mild climate like that of the tropical countries from which most of the Premium cigars come. In this environment, the cigar can absorb the ideal amount of moisture. As we have said, temperature is also important when it comes to good storage, around 21 degrees Celsius. Household temperatures are generally suitable for tobacco use, but there are very hot climates or homes, and tobacco should not be kept hotter than 23 or 24 degrees.

• The boxes and tubes with which the cigars come from the factory are mere wrappers, they may look pleasing on the eye, but they are not designed to preserve the cigars over a long period of time.

• The humidor allows you to store cigars in an orderly way, without some putting pressure on them and causing them to break or squeeze.

• The cigars are also infused with the aromas of the wood from the humidor, which, as we have explained, are generally made of cedar. It is a wood that absorbs moisture very well, thus allowing the ideal storage conditions and optimal flavour.

• The humidor also allows the cigar aging to continue. It is recommended to store cigars after buying them for between three and six months so that their flavor becomes more even and balanced.

• In any case, the humidor prevents the cigars from acquiring the aromas of the environment or of other types of products that are in the home such as food smells and air fresheners.

• It is an easy device to use. The humidifier, whether natural or electronic, simply needs to be regularly refilled with water. The hygrometer (digital or analog) provides all the necessary information on humidity levels. If the humidor is electronic, it is even simpler! The hygrostat together with a panel of lights, warns you if the humidor needs water.

• It prevents cigars from drying out. A cigar that does not have the proper humidity conditions stops “working”. In other words, its process of expelling aggressive flavors and aromas stops and, if it lasts too long, it eventually spoils completely. Dry cigars cannot be smoked. They give off spicy and unpleasant flavors, plus the coating crumbles like a dry leaf and falls apart. Conversely, excess moisture makes draft and combustion impossible and can even lead to a mold infestation.

• There are humidors in all price ranges, so this is not a luxury device or for super-savvy hobbyists. Humidors can be within the budget of almost everyone’s pocket.

• In addition, the models and finishes of the humidors allow them to match and look great anywhere in the house or retailers, adapting to all kinds of decoration styles.

How do you choose the perfect humidor?

• The amount of cigars. The first thing to keep in mind is the amount of cigars you have, or want to keep in the humidor. The size of the humidor, with greater or lesser capacity, will depend on the volume of cigars you want to store.
• Boxes or loose cigars. You should also choose the model depending on whether you want to store loose cigars, cigar boxes, or both. For example, the Chile model offers the option of keeping eight boxes of cigars and 100 assorted loose cigars.
• Enthusiast or professional. If you are a fan of cigars, it is best to choose one of the smaller models, such as the tabletop ones. Although if you are a regular smoker, you can opt for larger sizes or even a showcase type. However, for this category of humidors, you must have enough space in your home, since they are very large. In the case of being a professional, that is, having a cigar store, everything will depend on the space you have in the tobacconist and the rotation of cigars you have. For smaller spaces, we advise you to choose one of the medium-sized display models or even a tabletop model to put on the counter. If you have a store with a lot of space, you can choose a model from the large display category, a showcase or even a cigar cellar.
• Visible cigars. Another aspect to take into account is if you need the cigars to be visible without opening the humidor. In that case, the perfect thing is a model with a glass top or more parts of the humidor glazed
• Rotation of cigars. You must also consider the rotation of cigars. Meaning, if the cigars that are going to be kept inside will be there for a while or if they are going to be removed to smoke or sell with a certain frequency. For cases in which you want to keep cigars for a longer time, it is advisable to use a larger humidor.
• Natural or electronic humidity. Both options are great for keeping your humidor at 70%. Natural humidity is more recommended for smaller humidors, such as the Nicaragua model. For larger sizes, it is better to opt for electronic humidification systems, such as our HR6 or the CigarSpa.
• Lacquered, varnished or oak root finish. The final aspect to be determined is the exterior finish. This is purely for aesthetics, therefore, it depends on the taste of each individual. It can be laquered in black, white or colour. Another option is natural varnishes, or even a noble root finish .

How to store cigars in a humidor

Storing cigars in the humidor is simple, but it should be done with consideration. That means once you have the humidor set up with the ideal conditions to store cigars, you have to think about how to place them. Everything will depend on the taste of the individual. It will influenced by whether you want to age your cigars for longer, if you consume a lot of cigars or if you do not spend a lot of time in the humidor, among other things…

Key things to keep in mind when placing your cigars:

Mixing different brands

As in everything in life, there are pros and cons of storing cigars of different brands together in the humidor. The most dedicated experts and enthusiasts are reluctant to put cigars from different tobacco companies in a humidor. This is because they argue that keeping them separate ensures that the cigars retain their distinctive aroma. This tends to be a prevailing opinion among many big cigar lovers.

However, today there are many tobacco blends in cigars from different countries that make this idea lose credibility. For example, the famous Connecticut cape is used all over the world: there is Dominican tobacco in cigars made in Honduras or Mexican tobacco in cigars from Nicaragua.

With this knowledge, the defenders of this practice assure that by keeping different cigars in the same humidor, they are actually enriched. How? Older cigars give off their aromas and oils, so in theory they will marry perfectly with the younger ones. Similarly, those cigars that are drier will be able to take advantage of the humidity of the younger cigars.

Cigars with a tube

Cigars that come in tubes can be stored inside them on the interior of the humidor. Although they are intended as protective devices, there are times when they are not well sealed. Therefore, there is a danger that they will dry out. In addition, in the case of having opened the tube to see the cigar, the seal is also broken.

With this information, it only makes sense to store the cigar with the tube in the humidor if you don’t want the cigar to absorb the odors of other cigars or the wooden aromas of the humidor itself. If not, the sensible thing is to remove them from the tube, since the humidor will keep them in perfect condition. In addition, they take up less space without the tube, so more cigars will fit in the humidor without it and will be less crowded.

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This is also true for the cellophane that wraps the cigars. It can be left on to isolate some cigars from others, but the most logical thing is to remove them from the cellophane and place them natural with no seal. This way, the humidity that circulates through the humidor will reach them well and they will remain in perfect condition until the moment they are consumed.

Storing cigars in their boxes

Another great option to maintain order in the humidor is to directly store the boxes of cigars in the device. This is a good solution for those who do not want the mixture of aromas between different cigars. It also makes the cigars look more organized and more easily found.

Are you looking for a new humidor to store your cigar collection in? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cigar smoker, this guide is for you! 

A humidor is a must-have for any cigar lover. Not only does it help keep cigars fresh and tasting great, but it can also be a stylish addition to your home décor. Suppose you're in the market for a humidor or just considering purchasing one. In that case, we will discuss the different types available, what features to look for when buying one, and how to care for your humidor and cigars.

What is a Humidor?

A humidor is a box or room designed to maintain a consistent level of humidity, typically around 70%. This is essential for keeping cigars fresh, as too much or too little moisture can ruin them. Humidors come in all shapes and sizes, from small desktop humidors that can hold a few cigars to large walk-in humidors that store thousands.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Humidor?

If you want to enjoy your cigars at their best, then you need to store them in a humidor! Here’s why:

To protect your cigars from the elements: Cigars are made of tobacco, which is a natural product. Like any other plant material, tobacco can be affected by changes in humidity and temperature. A humidor helps maintain the ideal humidity level for cigars, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle.

To extend cigars shelf life: A properly humidified humidor will keep your smokes fresh for months or even years! This is especially important if you smoke rare or expensive cigars.

To maintain their flavor and aroma: A humidor will help prevent tobacco degradation due to dryness that can ruin the taste of even the finest cigars.

To age cigars: Many cigar aficionados believe that cigars taste better with age. You can slowly age your cigars until they reach their peak flavor by storing them in a humidor.

Types of Humidors

There are three main types of humidors: desktop, travel, and cabinet. The type of humidor you choose will depend on your needs and budget.

Desktop humidors are the most common type. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from various materials, such as wood, glass, or acrylic. Desktop humidors are ideal for storing cigars at home or in the office.

Travel humidors are designed to be carried with you on trips. They are typically small and compact, making them easy to pack in your luggage. Travel humidors come in both wooden and plastic varieties, and some even include built-in hygrometers to help you keep track of the humidity level.

Do you have an extensive cigar collection? If so, a cabinet humidor might be the best option for you. Cabinet humidors are the largest type of humidor available and can hold hundreds or even thousands of cigars, making them ideal for cigar aficionados.

What is a Walk-in Humidor?

A walk-in humidor is a large room specifically designed to store cigars. Cigar shops usually use walk-ins, ranging from small rooms to entire buildings. These humidors often have glass doors so that customers can see the cigars inside.

The main advantage of a walk-in humidor is that it offers plenty of space for storing cigars. This makes it the best choice for collectors who have an extensive collection. Additionally, most walk-ins are climate-controlled, which helps maintain moisture at optimal levels.

Things You Need to Consider When Purchasing a Humidor

With so many different types of humidors on the market, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you. When purchasing a humidor, here are several things you should consider:

Size: How many cigars do you want to store in your humidor?

The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a humidor is the size. You want to make sure that the humidor you purchase is large enough to hold all of your cigars but not so big that it takes up too much space.

Humidors come in various sizes, from small enough to fit in your pocket to large enough to hold several hundred cigars. The size you choose will depend on how many cigars you plan to store and how often you plan to use your humidor.

Construction: What type of material is the humidor made of?

When purchasing a humidor, you should also consider the material it is made from. The most common materials used for humidors are wood and metal, but there are also humidors made from acrylic, glass, and even stone. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the suitable material for your needs is essential.

Wooden humidors are the most popular type of humidor because they offer a classic look and feel. Wood is a porous material that can absorb moisture from the air, so it is important to season your wooden humidor before using it. Spanish cedar is the most popular type of wood used for humidors because it is an excellent conductor of moisture and has a pleasant aroma.

Metal humidors are less porous than wood, so they do not require seasoning. However, metal humidors can be more expensive than wooden humidors, and they may not look as elegant.

If you are looking for a humidor that is easy to care for, acrylic or glass humidors might be a good option. These materials are non-porous and will not absorb moisture from the air, so there is no need to season them. But these humidors are also the most fragile and can easily break if mishandled. 

Stone humidors are the most durable of all the materials used to make humidors, but they are also the heaviest and most expensive.

Type of Humidity Control: Do you want a passive or an active humidifier?

Once you have selected the suitable material and size for your humidor, the next step is to choose the humidification system. There are three main types of humidification systems: passive, active, and electronic. 

Passive humidifiers rely on absorption and evaporation to regulate humidity levels, while active humidifiers use a heating element or water reservoir to add moisture to the air. Electronic humidifiers use a digital thermostat to control the humidity levels in your humidor.

Design: What style and finish do you prefer?

Walnut, mahogany, or cherry are all popular choices for wooden humidors. They come in both matte and glossy finishes. You can also find humidors with carved designs or inlaid marquetry. If you want your humidor to blend in with your décor, consider a model made of wood with a matte finish.

Additionally, if you plan on keeping your humidor in a specific room, like a den or home office, you will want to make sure that it matches the interior of that space. For example, if your humidor is sitting on an antique desk, you may want to look for one made of wood and has a classical design.

On the other hand, if you are going to be placing your humidor in a more casual space, like a living room or man cave, then you can have more fun with the design. Take advantage of models available with different shapes, sizes, and colors!

Location: Where will you be keeping your humidor? 

If you plan to keep your humidor in a humid location, you will want to purchase a unit with a tight seal. This will ensure that the humidity level inside the humidor remains constant and does not fluctuate.

How to Season and Maintain Your Humidor

Once you've found the perfect humidor, it's time to set it up. Humidors can lose moisture quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on the humidity levels. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your cigars are always fresh and ready to smoke.

Start by seasoning the humidor with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and propylene glycol. This will help stabilize the humidity levels inside the humidor. 

Next, add a humidifier and an analog or digital hygrometer. According to the manufacturer's instructions, fill the humidifier with distilled water and propylene glycol solution. Place the humidifier and hygrometer inside the humidor and close it. Allow the humidor to sit for 24 hours to stabilize the moisture levels.

Now it's time to add cigars! The general rule of thumb is to store cigars at 65-70% humidity and 70-75 °F. However, you may need to adjust these numbers depending on the type of cigar you are storing. For example, if you store mainly Maduro wrappers, keep the moisture lower at 63-65%.

With just a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your cigar humidor functions optimally for years to come. Here’s how:

• Use a humidifier or humidifying crystals to keep the moisture level consistent.
• Replace or replenish the humidification system regularly, as it will eventually dry out and lose its ability to hold moisture.
• Keep the humidor clean and free of dust and debris.
• Inspect your cigars now and then, and remove any that are damaged or dried out.

Conclusion

When it comes to humidors, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of humidor you choose should be based on your cigars, budget, and personal preferences. Finding the perfect humidor for your needs can seem daunting with so many options on the market. But with a bit of research and guidance, you can find the ideal humidor for your cigars and ensure that they stay fresh for years to come.

If you are looking for a quality humidor that will last for many years, be sure to buy from a reputable dealer. Many online retailers sell humidors, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Looking for humidors in bulk? Check out our wholesale page!

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We hope this blog post has been helpful in your search for the best humidor. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Until next time, happy smoking!