For any cigar aficionado, proper storage is key. When it comes to housing your collection, you might wonder if a humidor is truly necessary or if a simple cigar box will do. Let’s explore the differences to help you decide which option fits your needs best.
The Humble Cigar Box: Rustic Charm, Limited Functionality
Cigar boxes have an undeniable cool factor. They’re steeped in history and give off a rugged vibe. Often made from cedar wood, some believe they add a pleasant aroma to the cigars inside. But their main purpose is transportation, not long-term storage. Here’s why they might not be the best pick for your cigars:
- No Humidity Control: A standard cigar box won’t have a tight seal or a built-in humidifier. This means inconsistent humidity levels, which can dry out your cigars or make them too soggy. Fluctuating humidity can also cause the wrapper to crack, making the cigar unpleasant to look at and tough to smoke properly.
- Zero Insulation: Temperature changes can also mess with your cigars. Quick temperature shifts can make the cigars expand and contract, damaging the delicate wrapper and filler leaves. A basic box won’t shield your cigars from outside temperature swings.
- Small Capacity: Cigar boxes are usually compact, only fitting a handful of cigars. If your collection is growing, a box will quickly become impractical. This can be annoying for cigar lovers who like having a variety on hand to match their mood and taste.
The Humidor: A Haven for Your Cigars
A humidor is a specialized container that creates the ideal environment for your cigars. Here’s what makes it different:
- Precision Control: A humidor has a tight seal and a humidification system, letting you keep a consistent 70% relative humidity (RH) – the perfect level for cigar storage. Most also include a hygrometer to track humidity levels.
- Spanish Cedar Lining: This wood doesn’t just help regulate humidity, it also gives your cigars a nice aroma.
- Temperature Stability: Many humidors are insulated to reduce temperature swings, further improving cigar storage conditions.
- Capacity for Every Collection: Humidors come in many sizes, from desktop models for a small stash to large cabinets for the hardcore collector.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Cigar Box | Humidor |
| Humidity Control | None or minimal. Susceptible to fluctuations | Provides stable 70% RH, ideal for cigar preservation |
| Temperature Stability | Offers little protection against fluctuations | Insulation in some models helps minimize temperature swings |
| Material | Often cedar, but may not be Spanish Cedar | Lined with Spanish cedar for aroma and regulation |
| Capacity | Limited, suitable for just a few cigars | Range of sizes from desktop to large cabinets |
| Aesthetics | Can have a vintage charm | Often elegant, adds a touch of sophistication |
| Cost | Generally inexpensive or free | Varies, from budget-friendly to premium investments |
The choice between a cigar box and a humidor depends on a few key factors. Let’s break them down to help you make the right call:
Your Smoking Frequency
Consider if you smoke occasionally or are a true cigar enthusiast. A few smokes a year and a small collection might make a cigar box sufficient for short-term storage. But regular enjoyment and experimentation with different blends make a humidor a must for proper aging and preservation.
How Much You Care About Optimal Preservation
Determine if pristine cigar condition is a top priority for you. Remember, in a cigar box, your cigars are at the mercy of the environment. A humidor, on the other hand, is like your own personal cigar sanctuary. Consistent humidity, stable temperature, and that hint of cedar aroma all work together to enhance and protect your cigars’ flavors, so they’re at their best when you’re ready to smoke.
Your Budget
Note that humidors come at various price points. While a quality humidor is an investment, affordable options exist for smaller collections. Cigar boxes are generally low-cost or free. If budget is a big factor, a cigar box and cheap alternatives like Tupperware with humidity packs could be your entry point. But remember, this could mean slightly compromising the quality of your smoking experience.
Your Collection Size and Future Plans
Take stock of how many cigars you usually keep on hand. Consider if you see your collection expanding. A cigar box can quickly feel limiting if you start buying more cigars. A humidor offers different capacities to fit your collection now and give room to grow later.
Aesthetics and Presentation
Acknowledge that a well-crafted humidor has a certain elegance. If you enjoy showing off your collection and want your cigar experience to feel refined, a humidor adds a beautiful touch to your space.
Think about coming home after a long day, ready to unwind. If the thought of opening a humidor, with its perfect conditions, to pick out the ideal cigar sounds appealing, then a humidor is worth the investment.
On the flip side, a casual smoker who doesn’t care much about long-term aging and subtle flavors might find a cigar box sufficient for now.
At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that matches your personal smoking habits and how much you appreciate the art of enjoying cigars.
Beyond the Box: Smart Cigar Storage Alternatives
A humidor offers top-notch cigar care, but good alternatives exist if you want something different or budget-friendly:
- The DIY Humidor: A little creativity can yield a working humidor using an airtight container (like Tupperware or an ammo can). Season it with distilled water and toss in a humidification system (like a Boveda pack or a simple sponge and propylene glycol solution) to create a more stable environment for your cigars. This is a great way to test the waters before investing in a traditional humidor.
- Travel Humidors: These sturdy containers are made for portability. They control humidity in a compact size, perfect for taking a few favorite cigars on the go without needing a full-sized humidor.
- Coolidors: A larger DIY option, a cooler (often lined with Spanish cedar) paired with humidification devices can offer plenty of storage space. This works well for those who buy cigars in bulk or have big collections.
Important Considerations:
- Monitoring Matters: No matter your alternative, a hygrometer is key to monitor humidity levels and make adjustments as needed.
- Capacity Counts: Make sure your chosen alternative comfortably fits your current collection with a little extra space to grow.
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Alternatives can work for short-term storage or travel. But serious aging and preservation of your cigars probably necessitates upgrading to a humidor for the best results.
The Choice is Yours!
Cigar storage comes with a range of options. If you’re new to cigars, alternatives let you experiment before making a bigger commitment. For experienced aficionados, a humidor remains the gold standard for guaranteeing the longevity and enjoyment of your prized cigars.
jay
Self proclaimed cigar expert. I've been smoking since 2010. I've practically lived at a cigar lounge from 10am to 10pm and trying every new cigar that came out for years.
