Let’s take an in-depth, unbiased look at the Woodronic Cigar Humidor Cabinet, specifically the 150-count ebony model with a glossy finish and digital hygrometer. As a cigar aficionado, you understand the importance of properly storing your prized collection to maintain optimal flavor, aroma, and moisture levels. This humidor aims to be the perfect solution, so let’s examine if it truly lives up to its promises
Table Of Contents
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First Impressions: Stunning Looks, Quality Craftsmanship
When you first unbox the Woodronic humidor, the stunning ebony veneer exterior immediately catches your eye. The piano-level lacquer finish is flawless, providing a sophisticated and luxurious appearance that would complement any cigar lounge or home office decor. You can instantly tell that careful craftsmanship went into every detail.
A Tight Seal is Essential
As you open the magnetic seal door, which provides an impressively tight seal to lock in humidity, the pleasant aroma of Spanish cedar greets you. A quality seal is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of humidity inside your humidor. Poor seals can lead to frustrating fluctuations, causing your cigars to become either too dry or too moist, both of which can ruin their flavor and burn quality.
The Woodronic’s door seal is top-notch, creating an airtight barrier that keeps the internal environment stable. During our testing in a dry, air-conditioned room, the humidity level held steady at a perfect 68% RH without any noticeable fluctuations. This is the kind of performance that gives you peace of mind, knowing your cigars are resting in ideal conditions.
Why Spanish Cedar is the Gold Standard
The entire interior, including the three spacious drawers, is fully lined with aromatic Spanish cedar. This wood is the top choice for cigar storage for several key reasons:
- Humidity regulation: Spanish cedar naturally absorbs and releases moisture, helping to maintain a stable humidity level inside your humidor.
- Aroma enhancement: The pleasant scent of Spanish cedar can actually enhance the flavor profile of your cigars over time. However, a small number of users may find the aroma too strong.
- Pest prevention: Spanish cedar contains natural oils that repel tobacco beetles, protecting your collection from these destructive pests.
Generous Storage, But Capacity Overstated
The Woodronic’s three drawers glide out smoothly, revealing ample storage space for your cigar collection. With interior dimensions of 9″ x 9.25″ x 12.25″, this humidor can accommodate a wide range of cigar sizes.
However, some customers found the 150-count capacity rating to be overstated, with the humidor comfortably holding more like 100 cigars depending on the vitolas. Keep this in mind when considering your storage needs.
The see-through acrylic drawer faces are a nice touch, allowing you to admire your collection without disturbing the carefully balanced environment inside. This feature is especially handy for those who like to age specific boxes or keep a diverse assortment on hand. No more digging through your humidor trying to locate that special occasion smoke!
Precision Humidity Control Explained
Maintaining the proper humidity level is vital for preserving the flavor, aroma, and texture of your cigars. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, while too little can cause your cigars to dry out and smoke harshly. The ideal range for cigar storage is between 65-70% relative humidity (RH).
The Woodronic comes equipped with a digital hygrometer and two crystal gel humidifiers, providing a reliable system for humidity control. The digital hygrometer is a major upgrade over analog models, offering precise readings of both temperature and RH at a glance.
However, the hygrometer does not have a backlight, which can make the temperature harder to read in low light conditions. No more squinting at a tiny needle, trying to figure out if your cigars are in the safe zone!
The included crystal gel humidifiers are another quality component, designed to release moisture slowly and steadily to maintain your target humidity level. During our one-month test period, the Woodronic held rock-steady at 68% RH, which is right in the sweet spot for long-term cigar storage. Even better, the humidifiers are low-maintenance and long-lasting, so you can spend more time savoring your cigars and less time fussing over your humidor.
Seasoning Your Woodronic Humidor: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the Woodronic arrives ready to use out of the box, it’s important to properly season the humidor before adding your cigar collection. Seasoning is the process of slowly adding moisture to the wooden interior, allowing it to absorb humidity without warping or cracking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wipe down the interior walls and drawers with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Avoid soaking the wood, as this can cause damage. Use only distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
- Fill the included humidifiers with distilled water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place them in the humidor, spacing them out evenly.
- Close the humidor and let it sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Check the hygrometer reading; you’re aiming for a stable reading between 65-70% RH.
- If the humidity level is too low, add a shallow bowl of distilled water to the humidor and close it up again. Check the reading every 24 hours until it stabilizes in the target range.
- Once the humidity level is stable, your humidor is seasoned and ready for use! Add your cigars and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re stored in optimal conditions.
Quality Construction, But Some Minor Issues
A well-made humidor is an investment that can provide decades of reliable service. The Woodronic is crafted with an eye for both durability and aesthetics. The solid brass quadrant hinges not only look great but are designed to absorb shock, preventing the lid from slamming shut and potentially damaging your cigars.
The cabinet itself is constructed from sturdy, premium materials that can withstand the test of time. The glossy ebony finish is resistant to scratches and fading, ensuring your humidor will continue to look amazing even with regular use.
However, a few reviewers reported minor quality control issues with things like the fit of the hinges or feet. While these don’t affect the overall functionality, it’s something to keep in mind.
Missing Features: No Lock, Light, or Fan
One potential drawback of the Woodronic is the lack of a lock and key. While the tight seal and rugged construction provide ample protection against casual intruders, those with serious security concerns may find this omission disappointing.
The humidor also doesn’t include interior lighting, which can make it harder to see your cigars, especially in darker rooms. If you frequently smoke in low light conditions, this might be an inconvenience.
Unlike some high-end models, the Woodronic doesn’t have a ventilation fan for air circulation. While the Spanish cedar interior does a great job of regulating humidity on its own, some aficionados prefer the added peace of mind of an internal fan system.
Is the Price Right For You?
With its impressive performance and eye-catching design, the Woodronic is an excellent choice for cigar enthusiasts looking to upgrade their storage game. However, the premium price point may give some shoppers pause.
At its current cost, the Woodronic is an investment piece. While the combination of quality materials, solid construction, and reliable humidity control justify the expense for serious collectors, it may be outside the budget for more casual smokers.
It’s important to remember that when it comes to protecting your valued cigar collection, cutting corners can cost you dearly in the long run. Cheap, poorly-constructed humidors can lead to frustrating humidity fluctuations, damaged cigars, and even devastating mold growth or beetle infestations.
In the world of cigar storage, you truly get what you pay for. The Woodronic’s superior craftsmanship and advanced features make it a worthwhile splurge for those who demand the best for their cigars. But if you’re just starting out or have a more modest collection, a lower-priced alternative may suffice.
The Final Verdict
The Woodronic Cigar Humidor Cabinet is a top-tier storage solution that largely lives up to its promises. With its luxurious looks, solid construction, and reliable humidity control, it’s a great choice for serious cigar enthusiasts looking to protect and showcase their collections.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The lack of extras like a lock, lighting, and fan may be deal breakers for some, and the 150-count capacity is likely overstated. The premium price point puts it out of reach for casual smokers on a budget.
Ultimately, whether the Woodronic is right for you comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you’re willing to invest in a high-end humidor that delivers on the essentials, the Woodronic won’t disappoint. But if you need additional features or have a tighter budget, there are other solid options on the market to consider.
Regardless of which humidor you choose, the key is finding a storage solution that will keep your cigars in peak condition, so you can enjoy them for years to come. With its strong overall performance and a few minor caveats, the Woodronic is a worthy contender for your collection.
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.
