building a coolidor

[Boz]

Originally Posted by Wallbright

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.

This is exactly the cooler I have (i got mine from Bass Pro) with 1lbs of 65% heartfelt beads (overkill) and an accurite digital hygrometer from Walmart. I was planning on a nice cabinet but Im more than happy with my cooler setup.

Awesome thank you so much guys! I'm in love with the forum already. The responses are so fast. I can't wait to get this done. And ill be sure to post some pics!

Originally Posted by Boz

This is exactly the cooler I have (i got mine from Bass Pro) with 1lbs of 65% heartfelt beads (overkill) and an accurite digital hygrometer from Walmart. I was planning on a nice cabinet but Im more than happy with my cooler setup.

I think with the dimensions we only need like 4oz. That thing must get back to 65% AS you are closing the lid with that amount of beads. You can never have too many beads on hand though and now if you buy another cooler you can just do 1/2 and 1/2. Wait I think I should probably get some more beads. Hm.....

[BlindedByScience]

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 has been mentioned, 65% vs. 70% beads is personal preference only. Get a hundred experienced cigar smokers and ask them what their preferred RH is. You'll probably get answers from 55% to 75%. Most guys run 65% as their set point, which actually means the box will be 63-63%. My cabinet runs about 68% during the summer months. Honestly I can't tell a whole lot of difference....
• For coolers, I found the type with the "loose" lid, rather than a lid on hinges typically seal better. With these types, if there's a seal issue, you can line the lip of the lid with weatherstripping tape (thin adhesive backed foam) and that will take care of it. I never had to, FWIW.

[Blak Smyth]

I see you guys all referenced the Heartfelt beads, are the Heartfelts better than the Shilalas? Just trying to decide which ones to order when I am ready.

Heartfelt Link

Shilala Link

As far as taping panels to the inside of the coolidor, I would think that the tape may have chemicals on it that we wouldn't want in there with the cigars, prolly doesn't matter but I tend to over think this stuff.

[WittyUserName]

Originally Posted by Blak Smyth

I see you guys all referenced the Heartfelt beads, are the Heartfelts better than the Shilalas? Just trying to decide which ones to order when I am ready.

Heartfelt Link

Shilala Link

As far as taping panels to the inside of the coolidor, I would think that the tape may have chemicals on it that we wouldn't want in there with the cigars, prolly doesn't matter but I tend to over think this stuff.

These are also an alternative to those two choices. I ordered a Puck-ifier 100/65% the other day and will post a review once it comes in.

http://www.cigarmony.com/puck-ifierpuck-10065-1.aspx There is a pull down menu that shows the different options.

[Blak Smyth]

Originally Posted by WittyUserName

These are also an alternative to those two choices. I ordered a Puck-ifier 100/65% the other day and will post a review once it comes in.

http://www.cigarmony.com/puck-ifierpuck-10065-1.aspx There is a pull down menu that shows the different options.

I am blocked from that site at work sorry, dumb censorship in the work place. It's like they think the internet would somehow disrupt my work flow...
Well onto the next thread

I was leaning towards the shilala primarily because they come in their own nice sealed bag.

[WittyUserName]

Originally Posted by Blak Smyth

I am blocked from that site at work sorry, dumb censorship in the work place. It's like they think the internet would somehow disrupt my work flow...
Well onto the next thread

I was leaning towards the shilala primarily because they come in their own nice sealed bag.

I understand being blocked from everything at work.
I just happen to have special permissions and not to many restrictions

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Blak Smyth

I see you guys all referenced the Heartfelt beads, are the Heartfelts better than the Shilalas? Just trying to decide which ones to order when I am ready.

Heartfelt Link

Shilala Link

...

Both websites have a lot of information as to which product is "best". Although I am biased both are good products. There is also a lot of info on Cigar Asylum about these products; Search is your friend

No, some guys prefer one over the other. The only reason I went heartfelt really is the price. I believe there might be a slight difference between the two. I believe there is also a third company that makes beads? The name escapes me.

For heartfelt you can buy their mesh bag for a few bucks or just use a pair of your wife/girlfriend/whatever's old panty hose.

And say I just put a half pound of beads in there does it matter how many cigars i have in there? I'm kinda slowly building my selection up. And will probably only have a box in there with 20 and maybe another cigar box with some random singles.

Awesome guys thank you so much for all the quick responses. I'm pretty excited to do this hopefully ill get the cooler this weekend, and I think I'm going to go with the 65% beads. and just one more question is it okay to use trays like the one in this pic :http://www.cigargadget.com/spanish-cedar-cigar-trays/
And does it matter where the beads are placed?

Trays are perfectly fine and, again in my opinion, actually ideal for singles (most guys use old empty boxes or plastic little bins) but the cedar will probably help with the humidity and add that nice smell. Basically the trays will make it easier, look nicer, and smell better but are not required. Just another add on but I have been thinking of buying some myself. I like seeing my singles as I often forget what I have haha. If they are in old boxes I forget what is in which box and end up taking all of them out and opening them when I go to get a cigar. I recently switched to bins which helps but the ones I have are awkward dimensions for the cooler and don't stack well.

No it doesn't matter too much where the beads are placed really. Some might argue it does but for me it hasn't really changed anything if I move them around inside as I play tetris with the boxes haha. They are on top of the boxes right now though right next to my singles bin and I have had no ill effects.

[WittyUserName]

As I read through this I was getting really excited about this news letter and then as I read on my hopes were and dreams were shot out of the sky. Now I am just a little less confused than I was 5 minutes ago, but it is cool because I am always confused.

Originally Posted by WittyUserName

As I read through this I was getting really excited about this news letter and then as I read on my hopes were and dreams were shot out of the sky. Now I am just a little less confused than I was 5 minutes ago, but it is cool because I am always confused.

It's a rite of passage. Kind of like snipe hunting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt

[WittyUserName]

Originally Posted by Wallbright

It's a rite of passage. Kind of like snipe hunting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt

Oh I am very familiar with the art of snipe hunting. It is a joyous past time of mine, I cannot say my friends feel the same way.

I might try to go look at some today. I'm leaning towards that marine one and 65% beads.

Can we get an update on your project status?

[irratebass]

Gray that hygrometer is the same one I have as well.....it works great! Nice looking cooler.....soon my brothers, soon.