Cigar Humidor: Are They Worth It?

smoking a cigar by jay | Posted on July 31st, 2024

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.


cigars and humidors

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:

Desktop Humidors:

  • Perfect for casual smokers
  • Hold about 20-50 cigars
  • Fit nicely on your desk or bookshelf
  • Price range: $50-$500

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:

  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Hygrometer: This little gadget measures humidity. Go for a digital one if you can – they’re more accurate and easier to read.
  6. 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:

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, 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.

smoking a cigar

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.

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