Step into the world of cigar aficionados, where the aroma of aged tobacco fills the air and the sound of a lit cigar being savored echoes through the room. If you're a cigar smoker, you know that there's nothing quite like the taste of a well-aged, perfectly humidified cigar. If you're serious about your cigars, then you know that a good humidor is an essential tool for preserving their quality. 


A cigar humidor is more than just a box or container. It's a symbol of class and sophistication, a statement of someone who knows how to appreciate the finer things in life. A humidor is where you store your prized possessions, your carefully selected cigars that have been aged to perfection. It's where you go to escape from the world and savor the rich, complex flavors of your favorite smokes. 

 

However, a humidor is more than just a fancy box. It's a carefully designed storage system that maintains the perfect level of humidity to keep your cigars fresh and flavorful. It's where you go to protect your investment, ensuring that your cigars stay in top condition for months or even years. 

 

If you're new to cigar humidors, you might have some questions. What is the ideal humidity level for a humidor? How do you maintain that level? Can you store different types of cigars in the same humidor? And how long can you store your cigars before they start to lose their flavor? 


In this guide, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about cigar humidors, from the basics of maintaining the ideal humidity level to the more advanced topics of cleaning and seasoning your humidor. Sit back, light up your favorite cigar, and dive into the world of cigar humidors together. 

 

What You Need to Know About Cigar Humidors 


What Is a Cigar Humidor? 

A cigar humidor is a specially designed box or container that’s used to store cigars at a certain level of humidity. Moreover, its primary function is to maintain a consistent level of humidity inside the container to prevent the cigars from drying out or becoming too moist. 


Why Do I Need a Cigar Humidor?  

If you're a cigar smoker, a humidor is an essential tool to help preserve the quality of your cigars. Cigars are made from tobacco leaves that require a certain level of moisture to maintain their flavor and aroma. Without proper humidity control, cigars can quickly become dry and brittle, which can ruin their flavor and make them difficult to smoke. 


What Is the Ideal Humidity Level for a Cigar Humidor?  

The ideal humidity level for a cigar humidor is between 65% and 70% relative humidity. This range provides enough moisture to keep the cigars fresh and flavorful without making them too moist or spongy. However, the ideal humidity level may vary depending on the type of cigars you’re storing and your personal preference. 


How Do I Maintain the Humidity Level in My Cigar Humidor?  

To maintain the humidity level in your cigar humidor, you will need to use a humidifier. While humidifiers come in different shapes and sizes, they all work by adding moisture to the air inside the humidor.  


Moreover, you can choose from several types of humidifiers, including sponge-based humidifiers, gel-based humidifiers, and electronic humidifiers. Regardless of the type you choose, it's important to monitor the humidity level regularly and add distilled water or solution to the humidifier as needed. 


How Often Should I Check The Humidity Level in My Cigar Humidor?  

You should check the humidity level in your cigar humidor at least once a week. This will help you ensure that the humidity level remains within the desired range and that your cigars are not drying out or becoming too moist. You should also check the humidor seal regularly to make sure it is airtight. 


Can I Use Tap Water in My Cigar Humidor?  

No, you should not use tap water in your cigar humidor. Tap water contains minerals and other impurities that can damage the humidifier and affect the flavor of your cigars. Instead, use distilled water or a humidification solution designed for use with cigar humidors. 


How Many Cigars Can a Humidor Hold?  

The number of cigars a humidor can hold depends on its size and design. Some small desktop humidors can hold up to 50 cigars, while larger cabinets can hold several hundred or even thousands of cigars. When choosing a humidor, consider how many cigars you plan to store and how much space you have available. 


What Is Seasoning a Humidor, and Why Is It Necessary?  

Seasoning a humidor is the process of preparing the humidor’s interior by adding moisture to the wood. This process helps stabilize the humidity level inside the humidor and prevent the wood from absorbing too much moisture, which can cause the cigars to become too moist.  

 

To season a humidor, wipe the interior with a damp cloth, then add a humidification device and distilled water. Leave the humidification device in the humidor for several days to allow the wood to absorb the moisture before adding your cigars. 


How Do I Clean My Cigar Humidor?  

Cleaning your cigar humidor involves wiping the interior with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid using soap or other cleaning agents because they can leave a residue that can affect the flavor of your cigars. You should also clean the humidifier regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. 


How Long Can I Store Cigars In a Humidor?  

You can store your cigars in a humidor for several months or even years, depending on the type of cigar and how well it has been stored. Premium handmade cigars generally benefit from aging in a well-maintained humidor, which allows the flavors and aromas to develop over time. However, it's important to monitor the humidity level and temperature in the humidor regularly to ensure the cigars are not over- or under-humidified, which can affect their quality. 


Can I Store Different Types of Cigars in the Same Humidor?  

Yes, you can store different types of cigars in the same humidor. However, it's important to keep them separated to prevent the flavors from mingling. You can use dividers or separate trays to keep the cigars organized by brand, size, or type. 


Can I Store Other Items in My Cigar Humidor?  

No, you should not store other items in your cigar humidor. The interior of a humidor is designed specifically to store cigars and maintain a certain level of humidity. Adding other items, such as tobacco products, liquor, or snacks, can affect the humidity level and alter the flavor of your cigars. 


What Is the Difference Between a Desktop Humidor and a Cabinet Humidor?  

A desktop humidor is a smaller, more compact humidor designed to sit on a desk or tabletop. It usually holds up to 50 cigars and is a good choice for casual cigar smokers who don't need to store a large collection.  


A cabinet humidor, on the other hand, is a larger, more elaborate humidor designed to store hundreds or even thousands of cigars. It is often made of solid wood and features multiple shelves and drawers for organizing cigars. 


How Do I Transport Cigars Without a Humidor?  

If you need to transport cigars without a humidor, you can use a plastic zip-lock bag with a moistened paper towel to keep the cigars fresh for a short period of time. However, this isn’t a long-term solution, and you should transfer the cigars to a humidor as soon as possible. 


Can I Use a Wine Cooler as a Humidor?  

Yes, you can convert a wine cooler into a cigar humidor by adding a humidifier and hygrometer. However, it's important to choose a cooler that has a compressor-based cooling system, as thermoelectric coolers may not provide consistent temperature and humidity control. 


What Are the Different Types of Humidors? 

High-quality humidors are essential for any cigar aficionado who wants to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of their favorite cigars. However, with so many different types of humidors available, how do you choose the right one for your needs?  

 

Let’s take a closer look at your options, including desktop humidors, travel humidors, commercial humidors, glass top humidors, military humidors, imperfect humidors, and large cabinet humidors, to help you make an informed decision. 


Desktop Humidors 

Desktop humidors are one of the most popular types of humidors. These small, compact humidors are designed to fit on a desk or table and are ideal for storing a small collection of cigars.  


Furthermore, desktop humidors are often made from high-quality wood or metal and can be found in a variety of styles and designs. They’re often less expensive than larger humidors, making them a good option if you’re on a budget. 


However, since desktop humidors may not maintain humidity levels as well as larger humidors, they could over-humidify your cigars or cause them to dry out. 


Travel Humidors 

Travel humidors are often made from durable materials, such as leather or metal, and are designed to be portable and easy to carry. For this reason, they’re ideal if you enjoy smoking cigars on the go. They also come in various sizes and designs, allowing you to choose one that meets your needs. Like desktop humidors, travel humidors are usually more affordable than larger humidors. 


However, travel humidors are limited in terms of storage space, typically only able to store a small number of cigars. Using them can lead to dried-out or over-humidified cigars because they don’t maintain humidity levels as well as their larger counterparts. Since travel humidors are usually less durable than other options, they can cause damage to your cigars during transport. 


Commercial Humidors 

Commercial humidors are designed for storing a large number of cigars in cigar shops or other commercial settings. They’re often made from high-quality materials and feature advanced humidification systems, ensuring that cigars remain fresh and flavorful. You can also customize them to meet your business needs.  


Compared to other options, commercial humidors are typically more expensive. Aside from being a significant investment, they may be too large for personal use.  


Glass Top Humidors 

A glass top humidor would make an excellent choice if you want to see your cigars without having to open the lid. Besides being useful for monitoring your cigars’ condition, glass top humidors come in different styles and designs that could match your personal taste. You can find glass top humidors made from high-quality wood, making them a durable and attractive option.  


However, the glass panel on the glass top humidor may not provide a completely airtight seal, leading to fluctuations in humidity levels.  

  

Military Humidors 

Since military humidors are designed to withstand the rigors of military life, they’re extremely durable and sturdy. These humidors are usually made from metal or plastic and are available in various sizes and designs.  


However, military humidors may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other types due to their focus on durability and functionality. Additionally, they may not maintain humidity levels as well as other types of humidors. 

 

Imperfect Humidors 

In most cases, imperfect humidors are sold at a discounted price because they have slight defects. Although they’re often made from high-quality materials and feature various designs and sizes, their imperfections can affect their overall performance.  


Large Cabinet Humidors 

Large cabinet humidors are the ultimate choice for the serious cigar enthusiast. These humidors are designed to store a large collection of cigars and are often made from high-quality wood, such as Spanish cedar, that helps maintain the correct humidity level that enhances the flavor and aroma of your cigars.  


While they typically come with advanced humidification systems to ensure optimal humidity levels, they also have additional features, such as built-in lighting and locking mechanisms. 

 

Looking For High-Quality Cigar Humidors? 

At 1st Class Cigar Humidors, we know that a humidor plays a crucial role in preserving and aging cigars. We have the right one for you if you’re in the market for a high-quality humidor. Whether you’re a cigar enthusiast or buying gifts for a cigar lover, contact us today to learn more about our products!