Newb checking in...humidor suggestions requested.

[magz]

Hello,

First off, I've browsed through this forum a bit and I like what I see in regards to layout, content, aesthetics, etc. So definitely keep up the good work!

A bit about me...I've been smoking cigars occasionally off-and-on for the last 15 years or so. However, I never really thought about purchasing a humidor until recently. I live within a mile or so of a pretty good tobacco shop in Minneapolis (Golden Leaf, for any locals on the board), and I have traditionally just purchased single sticks at the store in person. However, I've started thinking about buying different sampler packs and specials online in order to help broaden my horizons a bit while avoiding paying full retail prices. In order to do this, I'll need a humidor.

I know a bit about the basics:

-I need a Spanish cedar wood interior.
-A good seal is critical. Glass tops look cool, but I am ruling them out in the name of function-over-form.
-I'll ditch the analog hydrometer and pick up a digital replacement.
-I'll properly season the humidor over the course of a week or two.

Now, my question to you, is what humidor suggestions do you have for a first timer? Ideally I'd like something that is:

-Under $100.
-75 count minimum. 100 or maybe 125 count preferable. I won't have many cigars initially, but I'd like to have room to expand a bit as my tastes grow.
-Constructed decently. No eBay crap that will break immediately.

That's it. Type of exterior wood doesn't matter. Bells and whistles don't matter. I just want a functional, solid humidor that won't break the bank and will hold a desired Rh without too much hassle.

Any suggestions? So far I have come up with these as possible purchases...

-Cuban Crafters 120 count for $70. Seems to be the best value, but then again I don't know how realistic the quoted retail price of $199 is.

-CI's 75-100 count Bally Rosewood. $70. Has a lock, but that's not a real selling point to me. My buddy's dad used to buy from CI's catalog so based on that experience, it sounds like a reputable shop.

-Cheap Humidor's 100-120 count Tuscany. $60. Has Sure Seal, which I gather is good(?).

So what say you, old wise ones? Are there any better suggestions for me?

Thanks for the input!

[kelmac07]

Welcome to the MADHOUSE!! The best advice you will receive here in regards to purchasing your first humi...is to buy big. Trust me on this one.

[Ogre]

I agree with Mac. Go with twice the size you think you will need. It would have saved me some time a money if I had know this in the beginning.

[TJarv]

If you're looking to save money, buy a nice cooler and call it a day

[363]

Welcome, I got my first humi couple months ago and now have 3 with a wineador Also so buy bigger than you think you need

[oooo35980]

Get a cooler and throw some beads or boveda packs in it. You can get alot of storage for 100 bucks if you go that route.

[icehog3]

Regardless of whether you go humidor or cooler, ditch any humidification device that comes with your purchase. Like Isaiah says above, get some humidification beads (Heartfelt Industries, or shilala beads from member "CigarNut" are most popular.). Most important purchase outside the actual storage container.

[lenguamor]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Regardless of whether you go humidor or cooler, ditch any humidification device that comes with your purchase. Like Isaiah says above, get some humidification beads (Heartfelt Industries, or shilala beads from member "CigarNut" are most popular.). Most important purchase outside the actual storage container.

This cannot be overstated. Get beads!

[magz]

Originally Posted by mkarnold1

It was a decent wine fridge with temp and humidity on the readout. Not sure on the size but it looked like it would hold quite a few smokes. Mattso probably bought it.

Damn. Oh well, I don't really have room for another fridge at the moment, so the fact that it got picked up is probably a good thing.

Originally Posted by lenguamor

This cannot be overstated. Get beads!

I read up on them a bit earlier today, and was pretty impressed. They seem pretty low maintenance, and supposedly last a very long time, correct? Beads and a digital hygrometer are definitely on the list.

Regarding the three humidors I posted on the last page, does the Sure Seal thing really work? Or is it just marketing lingo that doesn't actually do anything the other humidors don't?

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by magz

Damn. Oh well, I don't really have room for another fridge at the moment, so the fact that it got picked up is probably a good thing.


I read up on them a bit earlier today, and was pretty impressed. They seem pretty low maintenance, and supposedly last a very long time, correct? Beads and a digital hygrometer are definitely on the list.

Regarding the three humidors I posted on the last page, does the Sure Seal thing really work? Or is it just marketing lingo that doesn't actually do anything the other humidors don't?

I've Had Several "Sure Seal" Humidors. They're Not Completely Air Tight, But Definitely Better Than The "El Cheapos"! If I Could Only Buy One "Cigar Container" Right Now, Though, I Would Definitely Buy A Cooler & Fill It With Shilala Beads From Cigarnut Here On The Forum.

[N2 GOLD]

Welcome, light one up...

As for your first humi, just go BIG you will fill & run out of room before you know it... Its a FACT!!!

[bobarian]

All three of the humidors you picked would be a good first choice. You should be able to find a free shipping code for CI which will save you enough money to buy a hygrometer or an ounce or two of beads. I would save a cooler for your next purchase and future box storage. Check the stickies for seasoning tips and instructions on calibrating your hygrometer.

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by bobarian

All three of the humidors you picked would be a good first choice. You should be able to find a free shipping code for CI which will save you enough money to buy a hygrometer or an ounce or two of beads. I would save a cooler for your next purchase and future box storage. Check the stickies for seasoning tips and instructions on calibrating your hygrometer.

[Mattso3000]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...166280093.html

Might be a little more capacity than you're looking for but pretty sweet as a humidor...

And welcome to the Asylum!

[mkarnold1]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...166280093.html

Might be a little more capacity than you're looking for but pretty sweet as a humidor...

And welcome to the Asylum!

I'm surprised you're handing out leads that I KNOW you are interested in bro.

Oh yeah, welcome to the asylum Magz. I went the cooler route and have storage for a lot of smokes for around $20 (igloo 46qt from wallyworld)

[OLS]

I might go against the grain, but I have learned over time that if you are even into cigars for a YEAR,
Buy a humidor of some quality and leave the cheap humidors to the people who spend twice as much
money over 5 times as much time. Cheap humidors, no matter how fancy looking, are just cheap humidors.
Buy a small desktop humidor, as good as you can afford, and also buy a small ice chest with a great seal.
Keep your smoking stash in a small desktop and keep the rest of your cigars in an ice chest. A desktop,
in my experience should be high quality, small and subtle. Something that can go anywhere in the
home and not look out of place. Consider a handmade box from one of our members. It may seem
expensive at first, but in the end its really not excessive in terms of the lack of time and attention and
constant moisture maintenance with a leaky cheapy. You could look for a used model here. Like I said,
people are always selling cheap humis because they don't work so hot.

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by OLS

I might go against the grain, but I have learned over time that if you are even into cigars for a YEAR,
Buy a humidor of some quality and leave the cheap humidors to the people who spend twice as much
money over 5 times as much time. Cheap humidors, no matter how fancy looking, are just cheap humidors.
Buy a small desktop humidor, as good as you can afford, and also buy a small ice chest with a great seal.
Keep your smoking stash in a small desktop and keep the rest of your cigars in an ice chest. A desktop,
in my experience should be high quality, small and subtle. Something that can go anywhere in the
home and not look out of place. Consider a handmade box from one of our members. It may seem
expensive at first, but in the end its really not excessive in terms of the lack of time and attention and
constant moisture maintenance with a leaky cheapy. You could look for a used model here. Like I said,
people are always selling cheap humis because they don't work so hot.

I have two inexpensive Savoy humidors(under $75) that I have been using with no issues for the past 6 years. I've considered a nicer desktop but realistically an Aristocrat is probably my next move.

[magz]

Originally Posted by Mattso3000

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...166280093.html

Might be a little more capacity than you're looking for but pretty sweet as a humidor...

And welcome to the Asylum!

Thanks for the welcome guys! And I am glad to see some other people from MN on here!

Apparently somebody else thought it was a sweet item, because the posting is deleted. What was it out of curiosity?

Originally Posted by bobarian

I have two inexpensive Savoy humidors(under $75) that I have been using with no issues for the past 6 years. I've considered a nicer desktop but realistically an Aristocrat is probably my next move.

I am happy to hear someone here had a positive experience with a cheaper humidor. Down the road I would like to buy a high quality unit, but for now a <$100 unit is all that is in the cards for me. Was the seasoning process a little more finicky compared to a more expensive humidor, or was it pretty straight forward?

[mkarnold1]

Originally Posted by magz

Thanks for the welcome guys! And I am glad to see some other people from MN on here!

Apparently somebody else thought it was a sweet item, because the posting is deleted. What was it out of curiosity?

It was a decent wine fridge with temp and humidity on the readout. Not sure on the size but it looked like it would hold quite a few smokes. Mattso probably bought it.

[OLS]

Originally Posted by bobarian

I have two inexpensive Savoy humidors(under $75) that I have been using with no issues for the past 6 years.

Yes but you forget you are awesome.