What is a Cigar Humidor?

The humidor is the centerpiece of every cigar aficionado’s setup. This multi-purpose accessory is more than just a storage box for your cigars. It provides your sticks with the exact humidity and temperature they need to remain fresh for many years. Owning a humidor will also allow you to age your cigars, so you can experience them at their very best.

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed answer to the question, ‘what is a humidor?’ We’ll also look at how a humidor works, the different types available, how to choose one, and how to keep it in good condition.

What is a Cigar Humidor?

A cigar humidor is a specialized storage device for cigars. It controls the environment, ensuring a consistent temperature and humidity level. The ideal humidity level for cigars falls between 65-72%. This will prevent your cigars from drying out or becoming too moist, which will ruin their flavor.

Humidors can be made from a variety of materials on the interior and exterior. They will have some consistencies, including the frequent use of Spanish cedar wood. Spanish cedar wood is ideal for humidors, as it absorbs and releases moisture at an ideal rate.

Without a humidor, the lifespan of a cigar will be short. However, with a humidor, your cigars will stay fresh for years.

How Does a Cigar Humidor Work?

A humidor works by holding a small, sealed environment at a steady humidity, and it does this through the interaction of three things: a humidification device, the cedar lining, and an airtight seal.

The humidification device is the moisture source. It holds distilled water or a solution and releases it slowly into the air inside the box. The Spanish cedar lining acts as a buffer, absorbing moisture when there's a surplus and releasing it back when the air dries out, which smooths out the swings and keeps the level stable. The airtight seal holds that regulated air inside and keeps the outside atmosphere from interfering. A hygrometer lets you read the humidity so you know it's sitting where it should.

Together they hold the 65% to 72% range cigars need. For a fuller breakdown of the mechanism, our guide on how cigar humidors work goes deeper.

Why Do You Need a Cigar Humidor?

If stored in a humidor, good cigars can maintain their quality for many years. If left outside of a humidor, they may only stay good for a matter of hours. 

A cigar humidor will ensure that your sticks are kept in a well-regulated environment. Cigars are hygroscopic, meaning that they absorb and release moisture easily. This leaves them vulnerable to drying out or becoming too moist if the environment is wrong. 

Here’s what happens to your cigars if they become too dry:

• Burns too fast: Dry cigars will burn fast and unevenly, creating a hot smoke. This will result in a harsh and bitter taste, and an uncomfortable draw.
• Loss of flavor: The essential oils in a cigar create the complex flavors that cigar smokers know and love. When a cigar dries out, these oils evaporate, taking the flavor with them. 
• Cracking: A dry cigar will be brittle and vulnerable to cracking or splitting. This may result in the cigar falling apart in your hands as you smoke it.

Here’s what happens to your cigars if they become too moist:

• Mold growth: Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions. It will quickly spread on overly moist cigars, ruining an entire box in no time. 
• Difficult to light: Airflow is restricted in moist cigars, making them difficult to light. The draw will also feel restricted, lowering the quality of your experience. 
• Split wrapper: Tobacco expands when it is exposed to moisture. As cigars are tightly filled, the expansion will cause damage to the wrapper.

The temperature and humidity control that humidors offer will prevent the issues above. It will also prevent infestations of tobacco beetles. These small insects thrive in temperatures of over 80°F. Tobacco beetles will burrow through cigars at a rapid rate, causing complete destruction. A well-maintained humidor will prevent such infestations.

To learn how to properly maintain your cigars and prevent them from drying out, watch our video that covers essential tips on humidor setup and seasoning to keep your cigars in top condition:

Key Components of a Humidor

Humidors are made up of components that help them work efficiently. Here’s what you can expect to find in your humidor:

• Humidification device: Humidification devices regulate the moisture content inside the humidor’s environment. They come in multiple forms, including sponges and electrical units. They can even come in the form of gel or beads treated with propylene glycol.
• Hygrometer: Hygrometers are vital, as they allow you to measure the humidity levels in your humidor. Some humidors will contain analog hygrometers, which will need manual calibration. Newer models may contain highly accurate digital hygrometers. 
• Spanish cedar wood lining: Almost all humidors contain a Spanish cedar wood lining. It’s the ideal wood for humidors as it absorbs moisture, helps regulate humidity, and deters pests. Its strong aroma also has a positive influence on the taste of cigars during the aging process.
• Airtight seal: An airtight seal is necessary for humidors. It prevents the outside atmosphere from affecting the humidor’s interior. This keeps temperatures and humidity levels consistent

Main Types of Cigar Humidors

Cigar humidors come in a range of shapes and sizes. Some are portable, while some will become a firm fixture in your home. There’s also a broad range of capacities to consider. Some portable humidors will hold between one and three cigars. Larger models can hold up to 5,000. 

Here are the main types of cigar humidors that you can expect to find.

Desktop humidors

Desktop humidors are the most common type of humidor. As the name suggests, they sit comfortably on top of a desk, usually holding up to 500 cigars. Desktop humidors are popular across a range of smokers, from beginners to veterans. 

Due to their convenient size, it’s not uncommon for smokers to own more than one desktop humidor. One will be used for day-to-day smoking and the other for cigar aging.

Travel humidors

If you’re often on the move, a travel humidor will be an essential addition to your setup. They offer the perfect temporary humidor solution. This is because they are usually small enough to fit into a travel bag or suitcase. A minimal size doesn’t mean minimal effectiveness, however. Travel humidors tend to have cedar wood lining, just like their domestic counterparts. 

In terms of capacity, travel humidors vary greatly. For example, there are travel tubes which hold between one to three cigars. A lot of travel humidor cases will hold up to six, while larger travel humidors can house over 40 sticks.

Cabinet humidors

Cabinet humidors are a great option for those with a large cigar collection. Larger models will be capable of holding up to 5,000 cigars. The cigars are kept fresh by electronic humidifiers. 

Cabinet humidors are also revered for their stylish appearance. They are freestanding, reminiscent of a wine fridge, and will slot nicely into any cigar room.

Coolerdors and tupperdors

Humidors can be made out of household objects when you need a temporary storage solution. All you need is a cooler box or Tupperware container and a sponge soaked in distilled water. If you have a Boveda pack spare, the results will be even better.

It’s a more affordable, homemade option, which will keep your cigars fresh for a reasonable amount of time. However, it shouldn’t be a permanent replacement for a traditional humidor.

Selecting the Perfect Cigar Humidor

Finding the perfect cigar humidor will depend on your exact needs. Here are the factors that you should consider.

Humidor Size

The size of your humidor is a hugely important factor in your selection. The capacity of a humidor varies broadly depending on the model. So, if you have a small collection, you’re more suited to a desktop, box-style humidor. Bear in mind, you should only fill your humidor up to 70% of its capacity to allow for adequate airflow.

If you want to collect cigars for long-term storage, you should consider a cabinet humidor. These can hold hundreds to thousands of cigars at one time.

Materials

There’s never been more variety in the materials used to make humidors. You can easily find models with metal, plastic, vinyl, or wooden casing. These materials are great for keeping your cigars damage-free. This is especially important if you’re looking for a travel humidor. 

What you will need to look out for is a cedar wood lining. Cedar wood is vital for moisture retention and release, as well as being a pest deterrent. Without this wooden lining, your humidor will need frequent maintenance. This will ensure your cigars stay healthy.

Electric vs Traditional Humidors

Many modern humidors are electric, constantly monitoring and keeping humidity levels consistent. They tend to be larger, reminiscent of a wine refrigerator. This makes them capable of holding around 250 cigars. The caveat? They’re more expensive and take up a fair bit of room.

Electric humidors are not necessary for casual smokers with a small collection. Traditional humidors will be ideal for keeping your collection fresh. However, electric humidors will give you a lot less to think about if you’re aging your sticks.

Cigar Humidor Maintenance and Care

Cigar humidors require regular maintenance to remain at their best. For a start, they need to be kept in ideal conditions. You should always store your humidor out of direct sunlight. Otherwise, you risk causing temperature and humidity fluctuations. Here are some more maintenance and care tips for looking after your humidor.

Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels

The longevity of your cigars depends on the environment within your humidor. Checking your humidor’s hygrometer will help you spot any humidity fluctuations. If your humidification source is a Boveda pack, your checks won’t have to be as frequent. Checking humidity once every three months should suffice.

Electronic humidification devices will need to be checked according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Lower high humidity

If the humidity levels within your humidor are consistently high, you’ll have to make changes. This can involve leaving your humidor’s lid open for a while. You can also remove the humidification device altogether. High humidity may also be a result of an overfilled humidor. Always ensure you leave at least 20% of the humidor free to allow for correct air circulation.

Use distilled water or solution

When setting up and seasoning your humidor, avoid using unfiltered tap water. It contains minerals that can contaminate the humidor and promote mold growth. Instead, use distilled water or propylene glycol solution. This will help your cigars retain freshness over time.

Recalibrating your hygrometer

After a while, analog hygrometers will need recalibrating. The method for recalibration is simple, requiring a glass, salt, water, and a Tupperware box. Fill the glass with salt and add a few drops of water. Then put it inside the Tupperware along with your hygrometer and shut the lid. 

After around eight hours, humidity should be at 75%. Adjust the hygrometer to 75% with a screwdriver, and it will be fully calibrated. 

Troubleshooting Common Humidor Problems

Even a well-kept humidor has off days. Here's how to read the most common issues.

Humidity Won't Hold Steady

The usual culprit is the seal. Try the dollar-bill test: close a banknote in the lid and pull, if it slides out with no resistance, the seal is loose. A humidor that won't hold humidity is also often under-filled with cigars or sitting somewhere with big temperature swings, so check placement before blaming the device.

Humidity Keeps Climbing Too High

Remove the humidification device for a day, then prop the lid slightly to let the excess escape gradually rather than opening it wide, which shocks the cigars. An overfilled humidor traps damp air, so make sure you've left room for air to move.

You've Spotted Mold

Remove any affected cigars at once, wipe the interior with a cloth dampened in distilled water and a little isopropyl alcohol, let it dry, then re-season before the cigars go back.

The Hygrometer Reading Looks Off

Analog hygrometers drift over time. Run the salt test above to check it, and recalibrate if it doesn't settle at 75%. An inaccurate hygrometer has you chasing a humidity problem that may not exist.

Bottom Line

If you're a frequent smoker, a humidor isn’t an optional extra; it’s a necessity. It will keep your prized cigars fresh for many months, even years, to come. Not only does it provide the perfect environment, but it also keeps your sticks safe from pests. 

But, if you’re going to shell out for a nice humidor, you’ll want to fill it with premium cigars. At Swiss Cuban Cigars, we stock the very best produce to come out of Cuba. Whether you want a mild smoke or a cigar that’s perfect for aging, we have it in stock.

Browse our store today to find your next favorite smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really need a humidor for cigars?

If you smoke regularly or keep more than a handful of cigars, yes. Cigars dry out within days in open air, losing flavor and becoming harsh. For a cigar or two you'll finish within a week, a sealed bag with a humidity pack can bridge the gap, but anything beyond that needs a humidor to stay in good condition.

How many cigars can a humidor hold?

It ranges enormously. Travel tubes hold one to three, desktop humidors typically up to 500, and cabinet humidors up to 5,000. Whatever the stated capacity, only fill to around 70%, since cigars need air to circulate between them for humidity to stay even.

How long do cigars last in a humidor?

Kept at the right humidity and temperature, cigars can last for years and often improve with age. Left outside a humidor, the same cigars may only stay good for a matter of hours to days before drying out.

Can a humidor be too big?

It can be harder to manage. A large humidor holding only a few cigars has a lot of air to regulate, so humidity swings more easily and you'll work harder to keep it stable. Match the humidor roughly to your collection, or expect to run more humidification than the cigar count alone suggests.

How much does a cigar humidor cost?

Prices span a wide range, from inexpensive small desktop boxes to premium cabinet humidors costing many times more. A basic desktop model is enough for most people starting out. The bigger ongoing consideration is what you fill it with, since a good humidor is an investment meant to protect premium cigars.