building a coolidor

Well I'm running out of space in my humidor and I'm figuring the cheapest route would be to build a coolidor. I don't want it to be huge. But do I need to tape cigar box panels to the sides to absorb humidity? Or I would like to be able to just put the cigars in cigar boxes and maybe put a shelf on top for any loose singles. Would that be okay? And as far as a humidification device goes can I use maybe one or 2 of these? http://www.tampahumidor.com/accessor...chanic-250.php.
Thanks for the help, I'm still a bit of a newb but I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

[Drez]

Coolers are very simple to set up.

1. Buy coole
2. Air out cooler for a couple days
3. Buy beads (or other humidification device)
4. Put beads in cooler
5. Add boxes and a hygro
6. Sit back and relax

[BlindedByScience]

Most guys tend to overthink this process. I had five coolers up and running before I moved into my cabinet, and this is basically what I did:

Originally Posted by Drez

Coolers are very simple to set up.

1. Buy coole
2. Air out cooler for a couple days
3. Buy beads (or other humidification device)
4. Put beads in cooler
5. Add boxes and a hygro
6. Sit back and relax

A couple of other points;

• I would rinse the cooler out with very hot water to help it outgas the plastic a bit. I found that if you rinse it out and let it stand open for a couple days (in the sun helps too) they pretty much lose the plastic smell. Not that I think the smell would be that big of a deal, but some guys really worry about it. I am one of the guys that do not believe the plastic smell will "permeate" your smokes. I had tons of cigars in more than one cooler for years and never had a problem.
• I would NOT use chlorine bleach to clean out the cooler...!! Some guys recommend using a weak bleach solution, but I think the use of ANY chlorine in a cigar container is a very bad idea. Chlorine is an incredibly powerful oxidizer and just doesn't strike me as the right stuff for the job. Very hot water, a couple of days to outgas, and you will be good.
• I also would NOT line the cooler with any cedar. You'll be occupying valuable humidified space and there is simply no need. Every one of my coolers held humidity flawlessly (and I used Heartfelt beads as well). Use the space for cigars, not linings.
• If your cooler isn't full when you start it up, I always had good luck filling the unoccupied space with bubble wrap. No need to humidify airspace that isn't being occupied by cigars, I think.

A very famous cigar cabinet maker once posted that "....anything other than a cooler is an extravagance...." and I have to agree. Coolers are the best storage for the money there is....period.

Good luck - don't worry.....

N.F.H.

[N2 GOLD]

Originally Posted by Drez

Coolers are very simple to set up.

1. Buy coole
2. Air out cooler for a couple days
3. Buy beads (or other humidification device)
4. Put beads in cooler
5. Add boxes and a hygro
6. Sit back and relax

Originally Posted by NotFromHere

Most guys tend to overthink this process. I had five coolers up and running before I moved into my cabinet, and this is basically what I did:

A couple of other points;

• I would rinse the cooler out with very hot water to help it outgas the plastic a bit. I found that if you rinse it out and let it stand open for a couple days (in the sun helps too) they pretty much lose the plastic smell. Not that I think the smell would be that big of a deal, but some guys really worry about it. I am one of the guys that do not believe the plastic smell will "permeate" your smokes. I had tons of cigars in more than one cooler for years and never had a problem.
• I would NOT use chlorine bleach to clean out the cooler...!! Some guys recommend using a weak bleach solution, but I think the use of ANY chlorine in a cigar container is a very bad idea. Chlorine is an incredibly powerful oxidizer and just doesn't strike me as the right stuff for the job. Very hot water, a couple of days to outgas, and you will be good.
• I also would NOT line the cooler with any cedar. You'll be occupying valuable humidified space and there is simply no need. Every one of my coolers held humidity flawlessly (and I used Heartfelt beads as well). Use the space for cigars, not linings.
• If your cooler isn't full when you start it up, I always had good luck filling the unoccupied space with bubble wrap. No need to humidify airspace that isn't being occupied by cigars, I think.

A very famous cigar cabinet maker once posted that "....anything other than a cooler is an extravagance...." and I have to agree. Coolers are the best storage for the money there is....period.

Good luck - don't worry.....

N.F.H.

Personally, I think this would be the best way to execute your ultimate goal. Which would be keeping your cigars FRESH... I have two cabinets that are filled & 5 desk tops. But, now I'm looking toget the BIGGEST bang for my buck so I'm leaning towards Koolers now. It will do the exact same thing for alot LESS. Sure, it may not be as PRETTY but the ultimate goal is FRESH cigars not pretty storage.

Smoke on...

[Drez]

Also the humidifier you posted would work but depending on the size of the cooler you will need multiple.

Look into heartfelt beads.

Taping cigar box panels to the sides is not necessary but some do it. I just have the cigar boxes in the cooler and then a small plastic tub on top of those that I keep singles in.

For humidification I go with Heartfelt Industries beads. I use a 1/2 pound of 65% beads in my 48QT cooler. The cooler is a 48QT Coleman that I picked up for $16 from the local Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Half pound of beads is at the bottom of the page. $18 plus shipping. You might want to get a small mesh bag to put the beads in. You just spray the beads till they are around 60% clear and then put them in and you are done. This way the whole setup is around $40. You can also get a hygrometer if you wish.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/p...Humidity+Beads

They have a tool that tells you how many beads you will need for your space.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/calculator.asp

Good luck bro and be sure to show us pictures!

Also, like Frank said, be sure to let the cooler air out for a few days. I also used baking soda and poured it in the inside and then washed it out with distilled water to get the smell out.

[TBone]

Originally Posted by Wallbright

Taping cigar box panels to the sides is not necessary but some do it. I just have the cigar boxes in the cooler and then a small plastic tub on top of those that I keep singles in.

For humidification I go with Heartfelt Industries beads. I use a 1/2 pound of 65% beads in my 48QT cooler. The cooler is a 48QT Coleman that I picked up for $16 from the local Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Half pound of beads is at the bottom of the page. $18 plus shipping. You might want to get a small mesh bag to put the beads in. You just spray the beads till they are around 60% clear and then put them in and you are done. This way the whole setup is around $40. You can also get a hygrometer if you wish.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/p...Humidity+Beads

They have a tool that tells you how many beads you will need for your space.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/calculator.asp

Good luck bro and be sure to show us pictures!

Also, like Frank said, be sure to let the cooler air out for a few days. I also used baking soda and poured it in the inside and then washed it out with distilled water to get the smell out.

When taping the panels do you cover the whole thing or just put a few here or there?

[Jbailey]

Originally Posted by gray8188

When taping the panels do you cover the whole thing or just put a few here or there?

I wouldn't worry about taping panels in there. Just storing boxes in there will do the trick.

AAnd yea I'm aware of the beads I was thinking thats what I would have to get. But if I have say a 28qt cooler would 2 of those cigar mechanics work? There just very convenient.

Originally Posted by gray8188

AAnd yea I'm aware of the beads I was thinking thats what I would have to get. But if I have say a 28qt cooler would 2 of those cigar mechanics work? There just very convenient.

Well in all actuality I believe beads would be easier for you. The other ones work fine I guess but the beads stay at a constant humidity. I believe you would only need like a quarter pound for the 28QT based on the dimensions. Before I didn't use beads and just wrote them off as being the same as the other humidification devices but after switching I now see they are far superior. It is just my opinion but I know some of the other guys would agree that beads are the way to go. They are cheaper than the cigar mechanics too I believe.

[Jbailey]

Originally Posted by gray8188

AAnd yea I'm aware of the beads I was thinking thats what I would have to get. But if I have say a 28qt cooler would 2 of those cigar mechanics work? There just very convenient.

With a 28qt cooler you would need roughly 3oz of beads. You can use more which wouldn't hurt just help stabilize.

[Ranger_B]

Ive never taped. That would be users preference I am sure. In my opinion no real need to put scaps in your cooler. Leave more room for boxes. No experience with the humidifier you posted but like others have said beads make it simple. Dont forget a good digital hygrometer.

Alrite well beads it is i guess. And im trying to get this done as soon as possible thats the only reason i was second guessing the beads is cause i would have to wait for shipping and all that. And the box of cigars i want are on sale and i need to get them soon before they run out. And i have no place to keep them. But are these beads the same thing? http://www.tampahumidor.com/accessor...-1/2-pound.php Reason for these is there at my local B&M. Lol sorry for all the questions guys, just trying to make sure i have all things covered before i jump into this.

[WittyUserName]

Originally Posted by gray8188

Alrite well beads it is i guess. And im trying to get this done as soon as possible thats the only reason i was second guessing the beads is cause i would have to wait for shipping and all that. And the box of cigars i want are on sale and i need to get them soon before they run out. And i have no place to keep them. But are these beads the same thing? http://www.tampahumidor.com/accessor...-1/2-pound.php Reason for these is there at my local B&M. Lol sorry for all the questions guys, just trying to make sure i have all things covered before i jump into this.

If the picture of the product that you posted is correct then they do appear to the Heartfelt Beads. But the product description does not mention the brand...I would just double check.

[Jbailey]

The only ones I've used were heartfelt and never had one problem with them. If I needed to get some more beads its what I would buy again.

Those appear to be the 70% Heartfelt beads.

I'd go with the 65% beads over the 70% but some people like their cigars better around 70% so it is all personal preference. If you want the 70% just go with what your local B&M has as they do appear to be the exact same. If you want 65% just order online. They are shipped in a padded envelope priority mail and only take a few days. In all honesty the box would be fine in the cooler without beads while the beads are in transit for a few days. Just don't open the box or if you do just put a moist sponge in the coolidor. This is not really good for long term storage but for the 3 days it takes for the beads to get to you it is no problem.

Originally Posted by Wallbright

Those appear to be the 70% Heartfelt beads.

I'd go with the 65% beads over the 70% but some people like their cigars better around 70% so it is all personal preference. If you want the 70% just go with what your local B&M has as they do appear to be the exact same. If you want 65% just order online. They are shipped in a padded envelope priority mail and only take a few days. In all honesty the box would be fine in the cooler without beads while the beads are in transit for a few days. Just don't open the box or if you do just put a moist sponge in the coolidor. This is not really good for long term storage but for the 3 days it takes for the beads to get to you it is no problem.

Excuse my ignorance I'm still learning lol. But what would the advantages be with the 65% over the 70% beads? And anybody recommend a good cooler brand that tends to have a good seal?

[WittyUserName]

Originally Posted by gray8188

Excuse my ignorance I'm still learning lol. But what would the advantages be with the 65% over the 70% beads? And anybody recommend a good cooler brand that tends to have a good seal?

From what I have gathered based on other responses in this forum it is personal preference.

Originally Posted by gray8188

Excuse my ignorance I'm still learning lol. But what would the advantages be with the 65% over the 70% beads? And anybody recommend a good cooler brand that tends to have a good seal?

As far as a coolers go I have a Coleman and am really pleased. Like I believe I said before it was $16 for this 48QT. In all honesty just go ahead and buy one like this because a) it is dirt cheap b) you will need a bigger one before you realize. I thought I would never fill this one up and I am almost at maximum capacity.

I have the red but they also make it in the blue as shown here.


If you buy your cooler in person let the lid drop shut from like half way open. If you hear a swoosh when it closes or feel it push air when it shuts closed then it has a good seal. You can also do a dollar bill test I guess but that is more for wooden humidors.


As far as the beads go, the benefit is that with the 65% beads your cigars stay around 63-65% versus the 68-70%. (The ranges are as the beads start to need recharging but in my experience they hold about dead on for a while). Now this next part is just my opinion and I am sure some others agree and some disagree. In my opinion anything above 67% makes my cigars too moist for how I like to smoke them. I prefer around 63% to be honest. So the benefit of 65% beads is that they keep your humidor at a slightly lower humidity. It comes down to personal preference, like I keep repeating like a broken record haha, on how moist you prefer your cigars. Like anything in life people may tell you that one way is the sure way to go and others tell you the exact opposite is the way to go. It ultimately comes down to your preference really. It also isn't that big of a deal as all this makes it seem. Just buy a cooler and some beads and you are set.