Is A Humidifier Good For Cigars? A Guide To Cigar Storage

Cigars are a delight to smoke, and for enthusiasts, it’s important to preserve their excellent flavor, aroma, and texture. The quality of cigars depends on how well they are stored, that is why proper cigar storage is essential.

A common problem with cigar storage occurs when cigars dry out or lose moisture, which can ruin their flavor and lead to cracking or mold growth.

One of the best solutions to prevent cigars from drying out is to store them in a humidifier. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of using a humidifier for cigar storage, the benefits of using one, and how to choose, set up and maintain the perfect humidifier for your cigars.

What causes cigars to dry out?

When cigars are not stored properly, they can quickly lose moisture and dry out. This can affect their taste, burn consistency, and overall quality.

Cigars need to be kept in an environment that is stable, where humidity levels remain constant, and where they are protected from light, heat, and other potential threats.

The causes of cigar dryness can vary, but most often, it’s because they have been exposed to low humidity levels, or they have been stored in an environment where humidity varies.

If you want to learn more about what humidity you should keep your cigars check out our article on it!

What is a cigar humidor

Cigar humidors are an essential part of the cigar-smoking experience. By regulating humidity levels, these specialized storage devices allow tobacco leaves to expand and contract with the environment for a smooth draw every time.

Keep your cigars at peak freshness and flavor by ensuring each one is kept in its own personal sanctuary - a cigar humidor!

Low humidity levels can cause tobacco leaves to wither, reducing their flavor and aroma. Alternatively, too much of it could spur the unwelcome growth of mold or decay.

How does a humidor work

A cigar humidor is nothing without a dependable humidifier, which provides the necessary moisture required to keep your cigars feeling and tasting as fresh as when you first got them. This essential element not only guards against tobacco leaves drying out, but also helps create an even burning experience from start to finish.

• Sponges: Small and affordable cigar humidors often use a sponge that has been soaked in distilled water to protect your cigars from mineral deposits as well as mold growth.
• Crystal Gel: Crystal gels are the perfect solution for storing cigars and maintaining their optimal condition, as they can withstand high levels of water weight and gradually release moisture into the atmosphere. Distilled water or propylene glycol is typically used to absorb these gels, ensuring a steady flow of humidity in order to retain your cigar’s flavor.
• Silica Beads: Silica beads, composed of silica gel which absorbs moisture extraordinarily well, are the ideal choice for cigar humidors used in tropical or sweltering conditions. This ensures that your cigars will remain fresh and moistened longer than ever before!
• Humidipaks: These cutting-edge humidifiers are encased within a membrane, thereby enabling them to absorb or dispense moisture inside the cigar humidor in order to maintain an optimal humidity level of 70% at all times.
• Electronic Humidifiers: Luxury cigar humidors are fitted with the latest electronic humidifiers; these small devices use distilled water to maintain optimal humidity levels, expertly increasing and decreasing moisture as needed. Electronic cigar humidifiers keep your cigars fresh by maintaining relative humidity.

If you are interested in how long a cigar lasts without a humidor read our article to learn more!

Benefits of using a humidifier for cigar storage:

The use of a cigar humidor and humidifier can help to maintain the proper humidity level for your cigars.

This is essential in preserving the flavor, aroma, and texture of your cigars. A humidifier can prevent cigars from drying out or from getting too moist, which can cause mold or cracking.

With the use of a humidifier, you can ensure that your cigars remain in perfect condition, and that the quality remains consistent over time.

Types of humidifiers for cigar storage:

There are several types of cigar humidifiers to choose from, such as traditional humidors, electronic humidifiers, or small desktop humidifiers.

Each of these humidifiers has its own unique benefits and features. The most popular type of humidifier for cigar storage is the traditional humidor.

Humidors are available in a range of sizes and materials, and they are designed to maintain a consistent humidity level within the box.

How to choose the right humidifier for your cigar collection:

Choosing the right humidifier for your cigar collection depends on several factors, such as size, budget, personal preference, and how many cigars you plan to store.

Electronic humidifiers are ideal for larger collections, while small desktop humidifiers work best for smaller cigar collections.

When choosing a humidifier, consider the size of your cigar collection and how often you plan to smoke your cigars.

Setting up a humidor with a humidifier:

Setting up a humidor with a humidifier is straightforward. First, select a humidor that is large enough to accommodate your cigar collection.

Next, add a humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the humidifier is in place, it’s time to add your cigars.

Make sure to place them evenly within the humidor, and avoid overcrowding. It’s essential to keep your humidor in a cool, dark place, where it’s not at risk of fluctuations in temperature or humidity.

Maintaining proper humidity levels for cigars:

Maintaining proper humidity levels within a humidor is essential to ensure that your cigars remain in good condition.

Most cigars require a humidity level between 65 and 75%, and the temperature should be between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your humidifier regularly, and refill it with distilled water as needed to maintain the appropriate humidity level.

It’s also important to calibrate your humidifier on a regular basis to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Cigar humidifiers are essential tools for preserving the quality of cigars. They come in various types, including a desktop cigar humidor, electronic cigar humidors, and Scotte leather portable humidor.

Electronic cigar humidifiers are particularly ideal for maintaining humidity because they use electronic sensors to detect and adjust humidity levels automatically.

The humidor's humidification device requires regular maintenance to ensure the optimal humidity range of 65-75%. The electronic cigar humidifier does this automatically but still requires maintenance, while the traditional wooden humidors rely on a passive humidification system to maintain humidity levels. All of these humidifiers create a cigar oasis.

Avoiding common mistakes in using a humidifier for cigars:

The two most common mistakes when using a humidifier are over-humidification, and under-humidification.

Over-humidification can cause mold growth or swelling, while under-humidification can cause cigars to dry out.

It’s essential to monitor the humidity level regularly and adjust your humidifier as needed.

How to troubleshoot problems with your humidifier:

Humidifiers can sometimes encounter problems, such as leaks or malfunctions.

If you notice any issues, such as a lack of humidity, mold growth, or an unpleasant odor, it’s important to troubleshoot and rectify the issue as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure how to troubleshoot humidifier problems, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional advice.

Final Thoughts

Using a humidifier for cigar storage is essential to protecting the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of your cigars. Not only does a humidifier prevent cigars from drying out, but it also ensures they remain in good condition and that the quality remains consistent over time. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can choose, set up, and maintain the perfect humidifier for your cigar collection. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or a beginner, using a humidifier is a simple and effective way to ensure you always have the best tasting cigars on hand.