Ever wondered if those fancy cigar boxes are worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive into the world of humidors and figure out if they’re a smart investment or just a lot of hot air.
Table Of Contents
−- What’s the Big Deal with Humidors?
- Types of Humidors: Finding Your Perfect Match
- What to Look for in a Humidor
- The Money Talk: Is It Worth the Investment?
- Who Really Needs a Humidor?
- DIY Alternatives: The Budget-Friendly Route
- Keeping Your Humidor Happy: Maintenance Tips
- Common Pitfalls: Don’t Let These Happen to You
- The Bottom Line: To Buy or Not to Buy?
What’s the Big Deal with Humidors?
Cigars are like divas – they need the right environment to perform at their best. Enter the humidor, a specially designed box that keeps your cigars at the perfect humidity level. Think of it as a spa for your stogies.
But why bother? Well, cigars left out in the open can dry out faster than your sense of humor at a bad comedy club. On the flip side, too much moisture can turn them into a moldy mess. A good humidor keeps your cigars in that sweet spot – around 65-70% relative humidity.
Types of Humidors: Finding Your Perfect Match
Not all humidors are created equal. Let’s break down your options:
- Perfect for casual smokers
- Hold about 20-50 cigars
- Fit nicely on your desk or bookshelf
- Price range: $50-$500
- For serious collectors
- Store hundreds of cigars
- Double as furniture pieces
- Price range: $500-$5000+
Walk-in Humidors:
- The Rolls-Royce of cigar storage
- Store thousands of cigars
- Found in high-end shops or homes of die-hard aficionados
- Price range: $10,000+
- Portable protection for your cigars
- Perfect for weekend trips or outdoor adventures
- Hold 5-20 cigars
- Price range: $20-$200
Choosing the right type depends on your smoking habits, collection size, and budget. Don’t go for a walk-in humidor if you smoke once a month – that’s like buying a Ferrari for grocery runs.
What to Look for in a Humidor
When shopping for a humidor, keep these factors in mind:
- Capacity: How many cigars do you usually have? Add 25% to that number for future growth. Trust me, your collection has a way of expanding when you’re not looking.
- Material: Spanish cedar is the gold standard for humidor interiors. It helps regulate humidity and keeps your cigars smelling great. For the exterior, solid wood looks classy and lasts longer.
- Seal: A tight seal is crucial. Without it, your humidor is just a fancy box. Look for a lid that closes snugly with no gaps.
- Humidity Control: This is the heart of your humidor. Options range from simple sponge systems to high-tech electronic humidifiers. Whatever you choose, make sure it can maintain that crucial 65-70% humidity level.
- Hygrometer: This little gadget measures humidity. Go for a digital one if you can – they’re more accurate and easier to read.
- Brand Reputation: While a brand name isn’t everything, established manufacturers often offer better quality and customer support. Do your homework and read reviews from other cigar enthusiasts.
The Money Talk: Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s get down to brass tacks – are humidors worth the cash?
Initial Cost vs. Long-term Savings:
Quality humidors aren’t cheap. You’re looking at anywhere from $50 for a basic desktop model to several thousand for a high-end cabinet. But compare that to the cost of replacing dried-out or moldy cigars, and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad.
Protecting Your Stash:
Think of your cigars as an investment. Some rare or aged cigars can appreciate in value over time – if they’re stored properly. A good humidor protects this investment, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
The Collector’s Angle:
Here’s a fun fact: some high-end humidors, especially limited editions or those made by renowned craftsmen, can themselves become collector’s items. While it’s not guaranteed, a quality humidor could potentially increase in value over time.
The bottom line? If you’re serious about cigars, a humidor is less of an expense and more of an investment in your smoking experience and the longevity of your collection.
Who Really Needs a Humidor?
Let’s be real – not everyone needs a top-of-the-line humidor. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Casual Smokers:
If you enjoy a cigar once in a blue moon, a small desktop humidor might be overkill. You could get by with a quality ziplock bag and a humidity pack. But if you’re starting to build a small collection, a basic desktop humidor could be a good starting point.
Serious Enthusiasts:
If you find yourself buying cigars by the box or collecting rare smokes, a larger humidor is a must. It’s not just about preservation; it’s about creating the perfect aging environment for your cigars to develop complex flavors over time.
Collectors:
For those who view cigars as collectibles, a high-quality humidor is non-negotiable. You’re not just storing cigars; you’re preserving potential investments. A cabinet humidor or even a small walk-in might be in your future.
Businesses:
Bars, restaurants, and tobacco shops need reliable, large-capacity storage solutions. A walk-in humidor or multiple cabinet humidors are often necessary investments for these establishments.
The key is to match your humidor to your needs and habits. There’s no point in buying a Ferrari if you only drive to the corner store once a week, right?
DIY Alternatives: The Budget-Friendly Route
Not ready to drop serious cash on a humidor? No worries. Check out these budget-friendly alternatives:
- What you need: A plastic container, Spanish cedar sheets, and a humidity pack
- Pros: Cheap, easy to set up, works surprisingly well
- Cons: Not the prettiest solution, can be tricky to maintain consistent humidity
Coolerdor:
- What you need: A cooler, cedar shelves, and a larger humidity system
- Pros: Can store hundreds of cigars, very cost-effective for large collections
- Cons: Bulky, not exactly a conversation piece for your living room
Storing at a Local Cigar Shop:
- What it is: Some cigar shops offer locker rentals in their walk-in humidors
- Pros: Professional-grade storage without the upfront investment, social aspect of visiting the shop
- Cons: Less convenient than home storage, ongoing rental costs
These alternatives work well for many cigar enthusiasts. However, they lack the aesthetic appeal and potential value appreciation of a traditional humidor. It’s like the difference between keeping your vintage wine in a temperature-controlled cellar versus your kitchen fridge – both work, but one feels a lot more special.
Keeping Your Humidor Happy: Maintenance Tips
Buying a humidor is just the beginning. Here’s how to keep it in top shape:
Regular Cleaning:
- Wipe down the interior with a soft, damp cloth every few months
- Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup
- Never use soap or harsh chemicals – your cigars won’t appreciate the flavor
Calibrating Your Hygrometer:
- Use the salt test or a calibration kit every 6-12 months
- Digital hygrometers are usually more accurate and easier to calibrate
- A poorly calibrated hygrometer is like a broken speedometer – it’ll lead you astray
Refilling Humidification Devices:
- Check your humidification system weekly
- Use only distilled water or propylene glycol solution
- Don’t oversaturate – a little goes a long way
Rotating Your Cigars:
- Every month or so, rotate the position of your cigars
- This ensures even humidity distribution
- It’s like turning your mattress, but for cigars
Seasoning a New Humidor:
- Before first use, season your humidor to prep the wood
- This process can take 3-14 days depending on the humidor size
- Patience is key – rush this step, and you’ll regret it
Common Pitfalls: Don’t Let These Happen to You
Even seasoned cigar aficionados can make mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
Overspending on Features:
- That built-in cigar cutter and LED lighting system might look cool, but do you really need them?
- Focus on the essentials: capacity, seal quality, and humidity control
- Save your money for what really matters – more cigars!
Choosing the Wrong Size:
- Buying too small means outgrowing your humidor quickly
- Too large, and you’ll struggle to maintain proper humidity
- Aim for a size that accommodates your current collection plus about 25% growth
Neglecting Maintenance:
- A humidor isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it device
- Skipping regular maintenance leads to fluctuating humidity levels
- This can ruin your cigars faster than you can say “dry draw”
Improper Placement:
- Keep your humidor away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations
- Don’t put it on the floor – elevate it slightly for better air circulation
Overloading:
- Cramming too many cigars into your humidor restricts air flow
- This can lead to uneven humidity and potential mold growth
- When in doubt, less is more
The Bottom Line: To Buy or Not to Buy?
So, are humidor investments worth it? If you’re serious about cigars, the answer is probably yes. A good humidor protects your cigars, enhances your smoking experience, and can even become a valuable collectible in its own right.
However, the key is to invest wisely. Choose a humidor that fits your needs and budget, maintain it properly, and it’ll serve you well for years to come.
Remember, at the end of the day, a humidor is about preserving the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into every cigar. It’s not just an investment in a storage solution – it’s an investment in your enjoyment of the noble art of cigar smoking.
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.