A Basic Humidor Buying Guide

[N2Advnture]

Humidor Buying, Simple Guidelines

Buying a humidor is a serious step, so having the best knowledge possible is essential in choosing a humidor that not only fits your needs but doesn't break your bank.

The keys points in choosing a quality humidor:

1.) Size. This is tricky because most places list the size by "Cigar Count". The estimates on how many cigars the humidor they are selling varies greatly. IGNORE the "Cigar Count" and look at the actual dimensions. When comparing two humidors, multiply the L x W x H to get the cubic inches and then compare them. FYI- Typically, "cigar count" when referring to humidors, is based on a Corona size cigar, which is 42 x 5 5/8".

2.) Gauging quality is tough when viewing humidors online but there are a couple of things you can look for.

A.) The first thing to watch out for is using any wood other than Spanish Cedar for the inside lining. You'll be amazed at how many places don't!

B.) The second is the use of acrylic instead of glass for glass top models or screen printing a "wood inlay" instead actually using wood. If the manufacturer skimps on the glass or inlay, they probably skimped somewhere else as well.

C.) Joinery. The best quality humidors use dove tails or splines and are made of exotic woods. An affordable humidor should have at least mitered corners "butt joints" are no good and should be avoided.

D.) The pictures. Look closely at the pictures, you can often tell how "cheap" a humidor is if you look closely at the finish and hardware shown in the pics.

3.) Beware of inflated shipping! Humidors can be pricey to ship depending on the size but a humidor that costs $20 shouldn't have shipping cost of $35. An average desktop humidor (13"x10"x6") shouldn't run more than about $15 shipped within the US via Priority Mail. If someone won't openly list their shipping prices, keep looking. This particularly is important when buying off of Ebay.

4.) Check their return policy! Avoid "no returns if box is open" or "all sale are final".

5.) Also, go bigger! Everyone who gets into cigars eventually ends up buy a larger humidor down the road. You have done the research and are finally making a decision to buy a quality humidor, you might as well buy one that you can "grow into" instead of starting over a few months from now.

If in doubt, ask questions! And don't forget about the coolerdor! It's simply the most cost effective way to get started in the hobby!

It's a weird phenomenon that occurs with we cigar smokers. We will spend a fortune on cigars but when it comes to the two most important aspects of properly maintaining their collection (humidors & humidification, they suddenly turn thrifty. This is DEFINITELY not the time to sacrifice quality for a deal if you intend on storing cigars for any period of time, whether a month, months or years….don't cheap out on your humidor or it's humidification!

I hope this helps and happy smoking!

~Mark


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[marge796]

I just designed my dream humidor and went way bigger than I need now but I wanted this to be the last one I would need for awhile. Having a gentlemen custom build it for me should have it mid-April can't wait.

[longknocker]

Any Recommendations For A Quality Humidor That Holds RH Very well, 200-300 Count for $300 or less? I Have 4 Humidors , None Of Which Hold RH Well at all. Is The Sure Seal Technology Found on Some humidors found in www.cheaphumidors.com A Good Quality? Thanks For Recommendations!

[N2Advnture]

Originally Posted by longknocker

Any Recommendations For A Quality Humidor That Holds RH Very well, 200-300 Count for $300 or less? I Have 4 Humidors , None Of Which Hold RH Well at all. Is The Sure Seal Technology Found on Some humidors found in www.cheahumidors.com A Good Quality? Thanks For Recommendations!

The "Sure Seal" is in all Quality Importers humdiors

In that price range & count requirement, I'd recommend this one:

http://www.cigarmony.com/thetreasuredome250count.aspx

But I'd also recommend reseasoning your humidors, replacing the batteries in your digital hygrometers and calibrating as well as upgrading your humidification to RH Beads if you haven't done so already.

I hope this helps

~Mark

[htown]

Originally Posted by N2Advnture

The "Sure Seal" is in all Quality Importers humdiors

In that price range & count requirement, I'd recommend this one:

http://www.cigarmony.com/thetreasuredome250count.aspx

But I'd also recommend reseasoning your humidors, replacing the batteries in your digital hygrometers and calibrating as well as upgrading your humidification to RH Beads if you haven't done so already.

I hope this helps

~Mark

I have this humidor and love it. I got it on the devil site for $86.

[longknocker]

Thanks, Mark & Mike!

[bigheadmark]

Originally Posted by htown

I have this humidor and love it. I got it on the devil site for $86.

? what's the devil site?

[bigheadmark]

Thanks!

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by bigheadmark

Thanks!

You Will Soon Know Why They Call It "The Devil's Site", My Friend!

Very good advice. The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the cheap price is forgotten.

i bought my first humidor the other day, i thought i would go with a 20 capacity, but everyone says buy more than what you think you will need so i got the 50 capacity with a glasstop because i know i would always be opening the lid to look inside haha, what do you guys think of this one as far as a beginner goes?
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...text=whitetail

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Pauly Walnuts

i bought my first humidor the other day, i thought i would go with a 20 capacity, but everyone says buy more than what you think you will need so i got the 50 capacity with a glasstop because i know i would always be opening the lid to look inside haha, what do you guys think of this one as far as a beginner goes?
http://www.cigarsinternational.com/p...text=whitetail

That's a nice one. I notice you like Acids. Be sure not to store them and regular cigars together. If you like the Acids enough to buy alot of them, you will need to store them in a separate humidor.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

That's a nice one. I notice you like Acids. Be sure not to store them and regular cigars together. If you like the Acids enough to buy alot of them, you will need to store them in a separate humidor.

Really.... I didnt know that, is it because their aroma is so intense that it will affect the taste of other cigars in the humidor? or something along those lines?

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Pauly Walnuts

Really.... I didnt know that, is it because their aroma is so intense that it will affect the taste of other cigars in the humidor? or something along those lines?

Yep. That goes for any flavored cigar too.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Yep. That goes for any flavored cigar too.

Alright thanks for the info.

Thanks for all the info here. I am looking to buy my first humi soon. After reading through the posts, i realize i have some other things to think about. I never thought about the flavored cigars affecting the other sticks. My wife likes the java and kaluha cigars. Now i know i'll have to take that into account.

Two questions though. I've seen some people commenting on glass top humi's. What's the big deal? It seems like most people are against them.
Second, regarding the flavored cigars and others, what if you have a larger humidor with separate drawers? Will that be enough separation not to worry about the flavors mingling?

Thanks for your help!!

[68TriShield]

My wife enjoys flavored cigars as well.I keep hers in a zip lock bag in my cabinet and have not detected any scent from her smokes.

Keeping them in a separate drawer I don't think is enough to keep their aroma out of your humidor.

As far as glass tops are concerned,most believe the seal around the glass is insufficient.
In a lot of cases that is true.

[Lear31MX]

So I have a 50 count humi and i'm looking at upgrading to a 250 or 300 count. does it matter that I don't have that many cigar YET! but I planing on stocking up over the summer. The 50 is full right now should I just leave it alone until I have enough to fill an 250?

[MortonMilo]

Looking for an upgrade in my humidor...have a smallish one that's worked for the last little bit, but now have found that there isn't enough space!

I've seen the Liebherr XS 200, fallen in love with it, but the $2500 price tag is incredibly prohibitive! Are there any other electronic, stainless steel humidors out there that dont cost a million bucks?!

[Giants85]

Originally Posted by MortonMilo

Looking for an upgrade in my humidor...have a smallish one that's worked for the last little bit, but now have found that there isn't enough space!

I've seen the Liebherr XS 200, fallen in love with it, but the $2500 price tag is incredibly prohibitive! Are there any other electronic, stainless steel humidors out there that dont cost a million bucks?!

I would suggest looking into a wine cooler, vinotemp/edgestar and other options available. Pair that with some Chasden drawers/shelves (www.chasidor.com) and you should be all set!

This should also be wayyy under the $2500 price tag mark.