Humidors are used to help maintain the humidity level of your cigars so that they don’t become dried out and stale. But not all humidors are created equal. This means that you need to be very careful when you decide to purchase one.
It’s a no-brainer that you want a humidor that will last for a long time and keep your cigars perfectly fresh and flavorful. By following the tips below, you can learn how to choose the perfect humidor based on your personal tastes and preferences.
Different Types of Humidors
Not all humidors are created equal. The first thing you need to do is figure out what you’re looking for in a humidor and what size and style of humidor best fit your needs. Then, start shopping around. There are three main types of humidors: desktops, travel cases, and wooden cabinets.
Desktop humidors sit on your desk or countertop, and they hold anywhere from 50-100 cigars while traveling case humidors fit up to 25-50 cigars. Some come with locks or clasps, so your precious stash stays safe during travels. Wooden cabinet humidors can hold upwards of 400-600 cigars but can be a hassle to transport since they’re extremely heavy and require some assembly time.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference; only you know exactly what type of smoker you are. And remember that the smaller, the better isn’t always true when it comes to buying storage space for your precious smokes. It’s always better to have too many than not enough. You can never have too much room for those beautiful sticks!
Look at The Exterior
The exterior of a humidor isn’t as important as its interior, but it still matters. Why? Because you don’t want your beautiful cigar collection gathering dust. If you’re buying a humidor online, ensure it has an airtight seal lined with Spanish cedar. These two things will keep your cigars in tip-top shape.
Check out online reviews before making a purchase; sometimes shoddy construction can lead to major problems later on. You might also want to opt for one that has pre-drilled holes so you can mount it on your wall. They look great there and make it easier for you to grab a smoke when you need one.
Consult Your Local Tobacconist
The best way to buy a humidor is by visiting your local tobacconist. They’re well-versed in humidors, and they can help you choose one based on your needs. For example, if you’re someone who travels a lot or likes hosting guests who smoke, ask about travel cases or host trays. Or, if you live in an arid area with high heat and low humidity, there are humidors that use coolers for even more moisture control. Whatever your needs, talk to your tobacconist, and they’ll help recommend something perfect for you.
What Materials Are Used?
A well-made humidor uses kiln-dried Spanish cedar or mahogany as its construction material, which retains humidity while sealing in flavor. Using dry Spanish cedar is especially important in humid climates because it helps prevent mold and other fungi from growing inside your humidor.
Also, consider where you’ll be storing your cigars and how that affects wood choice. For example, cherry wood has aromatic properties that might interfere with stored cigars if used as an exterior material.