Ever wondered if those fancy cigar boxes are worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s look at humidors and figure out whether they’re a smart investment or just a lot of hot air.
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Quick answer: If you’re serious about cigars, yes. A humidor protects your cigars and your money. If you only smoke once in a blue moon, a ziplock bag with a humidity pack or a DIY tupperdor may be all you need.
What a Humidor Does for Your Cigars
Cigars are like divas: they need the right environment to perform at their best. A humidor is a specially designed box that keeps them at the right humidity level. Think of it as a spa for your stogies.
Why bother? Cigars left out in the open dry out faster than your sense of humor at a bad comedy club. Too much moisture, on the other hand, turns them into a moldy mess.
A good humidor keeps your cigars in the sweet spot, around 65-70% relative humidity.
Types of Humidors and Who Each One Suits
Not all humidors are created equal. Here’s how the main options compare:
| Type | Capacity | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | 5-20 cigars | $20-$200 | Weekend trips, outdoor adventures |
| Desktop | About 20-50 cigars | $50-$500 | Casual smokers |
| Cabinet | Hundreds of cigars | $500-$5000+ | Serious collectors |
| Walk-in | Thousands of cigars | $10,000+ | High-end shops, die-hard aficionados |
Desktop humidors
See our picks for the best desktop humidors.
- Perfect for casual smokers
- Hold about 20-50 cigars
- Fit nicely on your desk or bookshelf
- Price range: $50-$500
Cabinet humidors
See our picks for the best cabinet humidors.
- 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+
Travel humidors
See our picks for the best travel humidors.
- Portable protection for your cigars
- Perfect for weekend trips or outdoor adventures
- Hold 5-20 cigars
- Price range: $20-$200
The right type depends on your smoking habits, collection size and budget. Don’t buy 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% 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 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, so 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 hold that crucial 65-70% humidity level.
- Hygrometer: This little gadget measures humidity. Go digital if you can, since they’re more accurate and easier to read.
- Brand reputation: A brand name isn’t everything, but established manufacturers often offer better quality and customer support. Do your homework and read reviews from other cigar smokers.
Is a Humidor Worth the Money?
Let’s get down to brass tacks. Are humidors worth the cash?
Initial cost vs. long-term savings
Quality humidors aren’t cheap. Expect anything from $50 for a basic desktop model to several thousand for a high-end cabinet.
Compare that to the cost of replacing dried-out or moldy cigars, though, and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad.
A humidor protects the money you spend on cigars
Think of your cigars as an investment. Some rare or aged cigars can appreciate in value over time, but only if they’re stored properly.
A good humidor protects that investment, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Some humidors gain value as collectibles
Here’s a fun fact: some high-end humidors, especially limited editions or those made by renowned craftsmen, can become collector’s items themselves. It isn’t guaranteed, but a quality humidor could increase in value over time.
The bottom line: If you’re serious about cigars, a humidor is less an expense and more 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, even a small desktop humidor might be overkill. A quality ziplock bag and a humidity pack will do. If you’re starting to build a small collection, a basic desktop humidor is a good first step.
- Serious enthusiasts: If you buy cigars by the box or collect rare smokes, a larger humidor is a must. It’s not just about preservation, but about creating the right aging environment for your cigars to develop complex flavors.
- Collectors: If you see cigars as collectibles, a high-quality humidor is non-negotiable because 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. A walk-in humidor or multiple cabinet humidors are often necessary investments.
The key is to match the humidor to your needs and habits. There’s no point buying a Ferrari if you only drive to the corner store once a week, right?
Cheaper DIY Alternatives to a Humidor
Not ready to drop serious cash on a humidor? No worries. These budget-friendly alternatives work well for many smokers.
Tupperdor
- 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, and consistent humidity can be tricky to maintain
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, and not exactly a conversation piece for your living room
Rent a locker at a local cigar shop
- What it is: Some cigar shops rent lockers in their walk-in humidors
- Pros: Professional-grade storage without the upfront investment, plus the social side of visiting the shop
- Cons: Less convenient than home storage, with ongoing rental costs
What these alternatives lack is the look and potential value appreciation of a traditional humidor.
It’s like keeping vintage wine in a temperature-controlled cellar versus your kitchen fridge. Both work, but one feels a lot more special.
How to Maintain Your Humidor
Buying a humidor is just the beginning. Here’s how to keep it in top shape.
Season a new humidor first
- Before first use, season your humidor to prep the wood.
- The process can take 3-14 days depending on the humidor’s size.
- Patience is key. Rush this step, and you’ll regret it.
Refill humidification devices
- Check your humidification system weekly.
- Use only distilled water or propylene glycol solution.
- Don’t oversaturate. A little goes a long way.
Rotate your cigars
Every month or so, change the position of your cigars to keep humidity even. It’s like turning your mattress, but for cigars.
Clean regularly
- Wipe 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.
Calibrate 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.
Common Humidor Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned cigar smokers make mistakes. Watch out for these:
- Overspending on features: A built-in cigar cutter and LED lighting might look cool, but do you really need them? Focus on the essentials (capacity, seal quality and humidity control) and save your money for what really matters: more cigars!
- Choosing the wrong size: Too small, and you’ll outgrow it quickly. Too large, and you’ll struggle to maintain proper humidity. Aim for your current collection plus about 25% growth.
- Neglecting maintenance: A humidor isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it device. Skipping upkeep leads to swinging humidity levels, which can ruin your cigars faster than you can say “dry draw”.
- Improper placement: Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources and areas with temperature swings. Don’t put it on the floor; raise it slightly for better air circulation.
- Overloading: Cramming in too many cigars restricts airflow, which can cause uneven humidity and mold. When in doubt, less is more.
So, Should You Buy a Humidor?
So, are humidors worth it? If you’re serious about cigars, the answer is probably yes.
A good humidor protects your cigars, improves your smoking experience and can even become a valuable collectible in its own right.
The key is to buy wisely. Choose one that fits your needs and budget, maintain it properly, and it’ll serve you well for years.
At the end of the day, a humidor preserves the craftsmanship and artistry that go into every cigar. It’s an investment in storage, and in your enjoyment 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.