Suggestions on cheap humidor options?

Hi all, I've decided that I really need to save money in the next year since I'm going back to school, but I do not want to give up cigars. I began buying supplies for a coolidor the other day and realized it adds up quick (cooler, hygrometer, cedar, etc.), especially after shipping. I'm not going to be aging a huge collection, but I'd like to order a 10 or so sticks at a time and keep them fresh for a few weeks/months. So what's my best option?

-One of those humidor jars with some beads or humi-pillows.
-Cheap, china made humidor.
-Stripped down coolidor (maybe just a small cooler w/ some beads).

Thanks for helping a broke again-student stay in the hobby!

[bobarian]

Best option is a cooler.

48qt cooler $18basic, $25 48qt Marine-WalMart
Digital Hygrometer-$10- Wal-Mart
1/2lb Heartfelt beads-$18.24/1lb-$31

You dont need cedar for a cooler. You usually can pick up boxes for free from a local B&M. Use empty boxes for singles storage.

1/2lb of beads is minimum amount, 1lb if you live in an area with very high or very low humidity.

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll have to peruse the local Wally World, I was doing all my shopping online and it wasn't cheap (cheapest digital hygro was ~$20 before shipping).

[pmwz]

if you want to stay real cheap get a couple of ziplock bags and beads. A cooler doesnt make sense if you have just 10 cigars in it. another option wood be a tupperdor.
You dont need a hygrometer if you use good beads. they are so accurate that i trust them in msall "humidor" units. just check when they need more water...

[GreekGodX]

The people have spoken. Tupperware makes a great makeshift humi until you can afford the cooler.

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

The people have spoken. Tupperware makes a great makeshift humi until you can afford the cooler.

[SmokinApe]

If you leave the tupperdoir sealed... Don't keep opening it up...

How many sticks are you planning to stock?

A big piece of tupperware and some beads are fine. You don't even need a hydrometer if you don't open the tupper ware very often.

[poker]

50 bucks and its ready to roll if thats in the right price range for you.
Nice starter humidor.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20461

[Tenor CS]

For a low budget solution, I second a tupperware type thing. I used to use 1-gallon Glad-Lock containers. Small, tight seal, holds about 15 sticks, very convenient.

[poriggity]

I too say go with the cooler option if you are looking to do it on a budget.
Scott

[WyoBob]

Originally Posted by Addiction

A big piece of tupperware and some beads are fine. You don't even need a hydrometer if you don't open the tupper ware very often.

But, you do need to open the tupperware up every once in awhile. I set a friend up with some 65% beads for use with his tupperware and he had the beads too wet (clear) and didn't check on his stash for weeks, evidently. That's right---mold.

I do think a larger storage container with cigar boxes helps stabilize humidity. I use 1/2 lb of 65% beads in both of my 120 quart coolers with plenty of old boxes in them and with a computer fan on a timer and remote humidity sensors in each cooler and my humidity stays at 65%. I open one cooler or the other each day, once or twice to grab a cigar, and the humidity level stays constant. I think the humidity that the boxes "store" helps stabilize things. Also, I no longer spray the beads. I just have a very small bowl in each cooler that I put some distilled water in.

[BlackDog]

If I recall correctly, I paid $7 or $8 for one of my hygrometers. Got it at Wal Mart, in the same area where you would buy outdoor thermometers and barometers. It's roughly a little smaller than a deck of cards.

I bet if you put up a WTB post, someone around here has a 25 stick humi they'd sell.

[BlackDog]

FWIW I see this post is in the "For Sale" area. May be helpful.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20461

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

The people have spoken. Tupperware makes a great makeshift humi until you can afford the cooler.

If you can't afford the humidity beads, you can buy Boveda packets to put in the container. You just have to replace the packets once they dry up.

[Skywalker]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Best option is a cooler.

48qt cooler $18basic, $25 48qt Marine-WalMart
Digital Hygrometer-$10- Wal-Mart
1/2lb Heartfelt beads-$18.24/1lb-$31

You dont need cedar for a cooler. You usually can pick up boxes for free from a local B&M. Use empty boxes for singles storage.

1/2lb of beads is minimum amount, 1lb if you live in an area with very high or very low humidity.

What he said!!!

This has worked for me!!! Bob set me up and this system is fool proof!!!