A humidor is a place to store fresh cigars, preventing them from drying out and growing moldy. Humidors come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and capacities. Some are basic Spanish cedar models, while others are custom-made, collectible humidors. I've seen many first-time cigar enthusiasts ruin their premium cigars due to improper storage. They often store them in a drawer or wrapped in cellophane, which is a mistake. Cigars are very sensitive to storage conditions and require approximately 70 degrees Celsius and 70% relative humidity (RH) to age properly. This is why cigars need humidors.
What is a humidor?
What is the purpose of a humidor? A humidor is more than just a storage container for cigars. Typically made of breathable and insect-resistant Spanish cedar, it mimics the tropical climate of cigars' origins, maintaining the desired humidity and temperature. The seal of the humidor is also specially treated to maintain humidity within the box.
Why do cigars need a humidor for storage?
Before you buy a humidor, you need to understand how a humidor works. Let's take a moment to understand how it works. For optimal cigar storage, ideal conditions require a stable environment with a humidity level of 65%–72% and a temperature of 18–21°C. Almost all humidors come with a hygrometer and humidification mechanism to monitor the humidity and temperature balance.
You can't use your humidor right after purchase. It's important to be aware of some common mistakes when using a humidor for the first time to avoid damaging your cigars. Each humidor may be slightly different, but the basic steps are similar. Use distilled water or a high-relative-humidity Boveda bag to allow the wood to absorb moisture. Gently wipe the inside of the humidor with a damp cloth until the humidity stabilizes at the target level (e.g., 75%). This typically takes about a week.
Once humidification is complete, remove the cellophane wrapping from the cigars before storing. Otherwise, moisture from rubbing the inside of the cellophane wrapping can cause mold.
How to Choose a Good Humidor?
If you need a custom humidor for your brand, there are several factors to consider. How much does a humidor cost? What size should I buy? What brands are recommended? What types of humidors are there? Let's take a look.
Choosing the Right Size
Most humidors are available with capacities of 12, 25, 50, 75, and 100 cigars. Larger cigars can be stored in custom electronic humidors. Humidors are commonly found in cigar bars and private clubs, often housing larger cigars.When purchasing, it's recommended to purchase a box larger than your current capacity to allow for future collections.
Choosing Reliable Materials
Humidors are typically constructed with hardwood and composite veneers, and the interior is lined with Spanish cedar, a widely recognized material for cigar linings. This is true for high-end brands like Elie Bleu, S.T. Dupont, Davidoff, and Dunhill. Unlike woods like oak or mahogany, this wood has excellent moisture absorption and breathability, making it a good breeding ground for cigar beetles.
Check the Seals
The seal of the humidor directly impacts the humidification of your cigars. Humidors often feature exquisite hardware. Checking the seal is simple: gently close the lid and feel for even resistance. You should hear a slight hissing sound when opening. Also, remember that when the humidor is activated, the wood expands when exposed to water, so check for any gaps between the lid and the humidor.
Humidification System
Cigar humidors generally come with a humidifier or reservoir, but not all do, depending on the price. There are many types of humidification systems, from simple sponge humidifiers to electronic constant humidity systems.
How Much Should You Spend?
Humidor prices vary widely depending on capacity, materials, and humidification systems. Entry-level models (holding 10–30 cigars) range from around $20–$60; mid-range models (30–100 cigars) cost $60–$200, often lined with Spanish cedar; high-end collector's models (100–300 cigars) cost $200–$1000, offer excellent sealing and customizability; and luxury or electronically controlled cabinets can cost thousands of dollars.
Generally speaking, $100–$300 offers the best balance of quality and price, ensuring cigars maintain humidity while remaining collectible and displayable.
How to Choose Based on Your Budget
If you're a beginner or have a limited budget: Start with an entry-level desktop humidor with a moderate capacity. The key is to ensure it has basic sealing and humidification features so you can develop a solid foundation in cigar care.
If you're an experienced cigar enthusiast with a substantial collection: Investing in a high-quality, large humidor or a well-crafted desktop humidor is worthwhile. They provide a long-term, stable aging environment for your precious cigars.
If you're seeking a luxurious experience or gifting: high-end custom or limited-edition humidors can satisfy your pursuit of both aesthetics and quality.
Finally, remember that buying a humidor is a long-term investment. A high-quality humidor not only protects your precious cigar collection but can also become a truly appreciative work of art in its own right.
