How to Find the Right Cigar Hygrometer and Keep Your Stogies in Great Shape

There’s a real art (and science) to storing cigars. You need to keep them in a controlled environment. Temperature and humidity are especially important.

That’s why setting up a humidor is vital. And a cigar hygrometer is a crucial component. It makes it easier to get the humidity level right. Here’s how to find the best cigar hygrometer and use it to its full potential:

What Is a Cigar Hygrometer?

A cigar hygrometer is a device that measures relative humidity (RH) levels in a humidor. RH is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at the same temperature. It’s expressed as a percentage.

Ideally, a humidor will be kept at about 70% humidity. Otherwise, the cigars’ flavor, integrity, and longevity will be at risk. However, no hygrometer is going to be absolutely spot-on with its humidity measurements.

If your humidor’s humidity fluctuates in the region of 65-75%, that’s usually fine for your stogies. It’s only when the humidity veers wildly away from the magic 70% mark (more than 5% away) that you really need to worry.

Some cigar hygrometers can also measure the temperature of your cigar storage. Aim to keep this temperature around 70°F.

Why Is a Hygrometer Important for Your Cigars?

Without a hygrometer, you could impair the quality of your cigars. When your humidor’s humidity is out of balance, your cigars can become either too dry or too moist. When they’re dry, your stogies will:

• Burn unevenly: It’s always a bugbear when you have to keep correcting the burn of a cigar.
• Lose flavor: You can attribute a cigar’s flavor to its essential oils. Unfortunately, these can evaporate in overly dry conditions.
• Crack or split: Imagine smoking a cigar only to then notice it suddenly start falling apart.

You’ve also got cause for concern if your stogies are too moist. That’s a warning sign that they will:

• Go moldy: Excess humidity gives mold the perfect breeding ground. When you do nothing to address this moisture, the cigar mold will further spread.
• Be difficult to ignite: As excess moisture sets in, the cigar’s airflow will narrow. This will make the cigar harder to light. You will also struggle with the draw even if you do get past the ignition stage.
• Fall apart: As water seeps into the tobacco, the leaves will expand. The wrapper will consequently break under this pressure.

It’s also convenient to have a hygrometer capable of measuring temperature. Humidity and temperature are not completely separate, unrelated factors.

Types of Cigar Hygrometers

Many humidors come with hygrometers built in. However, these hygrometers aren’t guaranteed to be reliable.

Consider getting a separate hygrometer. You can then simply insert it into your existing humidor. Here’s how various types of cigar hygrometers compare:

Analog

An analog hygrometer works in a predominantly mechanical (rather than electronic) fashion. It displays the RH on a circular dial or gauge. This is labelled with percentage numbers, while a needle points to the current RH.

An analog hygrometer does not need batteries. On the flip-side, analog hygrometers are not the most renowned for accuracy. Their readings can be as much as 10% out (or even more).

Hence, analog hygrometers usually need to be calibrated more often than digital hygrometers. The calibration process itself isn’t always as straightforward, either.

Digital

A digital hygrometer is so-called as it runs electronically. A digital hygrometer is often the simpler-to-use, more visually streamlined option. The RH itself is usually displayed as a number on a screen. You don’t get a physical dial, though some digital hygrometers do emulate one.

Digital units are generally more accurate than analog alternatives. You are unlikely to see a digital reading further than 5% out.

One drawback of digital hygrometers is their relatively clinical appearance. Digital hygrometers also tend to be pricier than analog units.

Wireless

A wireless hygrometer is an advanced form of digital hygrometer.

To set it up, start by placing a sensor in each humidor you want to monitor. This sensor will send data to a separate external display. You can then simply peer at this screen to check the humidity level.

Smart

These days, you can use your smartphone to remotely control a wide array of smart devices. These include security cameras, alarms, and now hygrometers!

A smart hygrometer connects to an app via Wi-Fi. You can then use this app to monitor your humidor’s humidity level. So, checking the RH is a matter of tapping a few times on a smartphone screen.

How to Check and Calibrate a Cigar Hygrometer

Even the best cigar hygrometer will need calibrating from time to time. The first time to calibrate a hygrometer is the moment you get it out of the box. Many brands boast that their hygrometers are ‘pre-calibrated’. However, don’t take their word for it!

Ideally, you’ll recalibrate the device once a month. Failing that, aim for at least once every quarter of the year. Each meteorological season can pose its own challenges to your cigars.

To find out how to calibrate your hygrometer, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Different types of hygrometers are calibrated in different ways. Typically, though, you will use either a Boveda calibration kit or the ‘salt test method’.

Salt Test Method

This procedure hasn’t been scientifically proven to give exact results. Still, once you’ve used it, you’re likely to remember it. Here are the basic steps:

1. Pour a teaspoon of salt into a small cup.
2. Add a few drops of water to this salt.
3. Place the cup and your hygrometer together in an airtight container.
4. Leave the container undisturbed for six to eight hours.
5. Read the humidity figure on the hygrometer. If you don’t see 75% RH, adjust the hygrometer’s sensor until you do.

Boveda Calibration Kit

Boveda sells a One-Step Hygrometer Calibration Kit. This is routinely used by lab professionals, who can vouch for its accuracy. Here’s how to use it:

1. Place your hygrometer inside the Boveda bag.
2. Close the bag’s zipper.
3. Leave the bag alone for 24 hours.
4. Take an RH reading from the hygrometer. If it doesn’t show 75%, adjust the device’s calibration accordingly.
5. Put the hygrometer back in the bag and wait another 24 hours to see if the recalibration has worked.

Best Cigar Hygrometers to Buy in 2025

Hygrometers can differ significantly in features and cost. Still, each hygrometer must be judged on its own merits. A low price, for example, is not necessarily a sign of a bad hygrometer.

When shopping for a cigar hygrometer, be careful to scrutinize product listings. The best cigar hygrometer for one person can actually be the worst for another. Here are some options especially worth considering:

• Cigar Oasis Analog Hygrometer and Humidity Sensor: This classy-looking hygrometer offers precise humidity tracking.
• Inkbird ITH-10 Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer: The inconspicuous display shows both humidity and temperature.
• Xikar PuroTemp Hygrometer System: Wirelessly monitor up to three humidors within a 60-foot range.
• Govee WiFi Hygrometer Thermometer H5179: You can monitor this smart hygrometer remotely through the Govee app.

Make the Most of Your Cigar Hygrometer

The best cigar hygrometer will enable you to measure humidity levels precisely. The humidity level you need to aim for will depend on the cigar. For example, 65% is ideal for Cuban cigars, which our online store specializes in selling.Start your stogie adventure with Swiss Cuban Cigars today. We serve a truly worldwide customer base!