Top 5 Cigar Humidifiers for Perfect Storage
The best way to keep your cigars humidified.
By: Kai Beluso
In today’s era, technology plays a sufficient role in our daily lives, and the cigar industry is no exception. But are electronic humidifiers the way to go? Do they have more value in our beloved pastime than traditional methods? Both provide results in a similar manner, as they should; perhaps the devil is in the details. But what should you incorporate into your cigar preservation?
Maintaining the perfect humidity and temperature level in the cigar industry is crucial for preserving flavor and quality. Regarding cigar humidifiers, two main options dominate the current market: electric and traditional. Let's explore the key points and the compromising factors of these two humidifiers.
Modern Electric Cigar Humidifiers
Electronic humidifiers consist of an electrical circuit that maintains humidity and temperature levels to preserve cigars optimally. They also consist of a water reservoir, a fan, and electronic controls. The device observes humidity levels and releases moisture to ensure the cigars are maintained properly.
Pros:
Consist near precise humidity control
Requires low maintenance for cigar aging
Ideal for larger humidors for a more grand collection
Often include built-in hygrometers for monitoring humidity levels
Cons:
Higher initial cost for all included pieces for accurate precision
Requires a constant power source to remain highly efficient in performance
Potential for mechanical failures. Have a backup alternative in case of failure
Cigar Oasis Ultra 3.0 Electronic Cigar Humidifier.
A great option for an Electric Humidifier for your cigars is the Cigar Oasis Ultra 3.0 Electronic Humidifier. This is the latest Cigar Oasis electronic humidifier. It is newly designed, has a current count of approximately 50-150 cigars, and is designed for desktop humidors. The Ultra 3.0 also has a slimmer profile with a lid-mounted design that ensures its aesthetically appealing appearance in your humidor as the solution for electronic humidors. The Cigar Oasis 3.0 Ultra includes features such as;
Pre-treated water cartridge requires distilled water only (appx 2-6 weeks for refiling)
Powered by a thin but durable electronic ribbon cable that fits through the humidor seal
Backlit display with live humidity & temperature readings
Adjustable humidity percentage setpoints
Built-in Wi-Fi capability for optional use with apps.
Not suggested for use in climate-controlled/“wine-ador” humidors
Supports internal humidor volume up to 1.5 cubic feet.
Traditional Analog Cigar Humidifiers
Traditional Humidifiers rely more on conventional methods of preserving cigars, which requires more attention to detail regarding humidity and temperature. There are several options for humidifying cigars, from foam humidifiers to crystal gel humidifiers or bean-based humidifiers. The most popular option is the Boveda pack, which is a prepackaged two-way humidification option.
Pros:
More affordable and cost-effective (perfect for beginners and aficionados)
No electricity is required, which makes it simple to implement and place
Simple operation and maintenance
Suitable for smaller cigar counts
Elegant and traditional styling
Cons:
Requires more frequent maintenance for the proper cycle in humidity and temperature
Less precise humidity control with more significant percentage swings.
It may need maintenance more often to combat things like mold or plum.
There is an inconsistent rate of humidity consumption, so checking levels more frequently is necessary.
Current Cigar Humidification Options In The Marketplace Today.
1) Foam Humidifier Inserts
Foam humidor insert.
These little foam humidifier inserts are usually supplied with traditional humidors and are the least expensive option. Typically encased in plastic housings with venting, these easy humidifiers boost humidity when distilled water or an activated solution (propylene glycol) is applied inside. This humidifier option is excellent for maintaining cigars for short periods while remaining relatively simple and straightforward.
The major downside is that mold buildup can occur quickly using tap water or non-steam distilled water. Additionally, their function over time; as deposits build up inside the foam, its ability to hold water may lessen with time. Just like anything low-priced, you will run into the issue of humidity distribution, as they are a passive emitter. As easily obtained as they are, they are prone to constant replacement every 6-12 months and refilling every 1-2 weeks, depending on the surrounding environment and how often you open your humidor.
2) Crystal Gel Humidifier
Humidifier bead system.
The bead-based humidifier includes a crystal polymer that releases humidity after soaking in water or a propylene glycol humidor solution. It will release humidity more gradually than other humidifier options and is typically easy to maintain. This one-way humidifier system only releases humidity at a predesignated percentage based on the beads or manufacturer. Crystal gel humidifiers come in various shapes and sizes, making installation easy for all humidor options. This process does not require an activator solution, and the refilling process utilizes steam-distilled water every 2-4 weeks and a replacement rate every 1-2 years.
The only downside to this system is the risk of over-humidifying your cigars. Since this is an active one-way humidifying system, it would be best to monitor the humidity percentage. Over time, as the beads age, they may start absorbing the cigar oils and ultimately lose their ability to absorb and release moisture. Make sure to keep them saturated to avoid any unwanted issues.
3) Boveda Packs
69% Boveda 2-Way Humidity Control Pack
These humidity packs have a two-way humidity control system that both absorbs and releases humidity. These packets utilize specialized food-grade salt compounds, which retain moisture to maintain humidity levels. Boveda offers various percentage concentration options ranging from 62-85%. Ideally, a small pack for every 25 cigars will preserve humidity for up to 4 months. This ingenious, cost-effective solution is very popular for emitting and absorbing moisture for humidity.
While these are considered the industry standard, their two-way humidity system dries out faster depending on the humidor’s construction material, e.g., plastic vs. wood—quality vs. cheap. So, a frequent check of the packs is recommended, especially for larger collections. Replace Boveda packs every 2-6 months, and when you feel them becoming hard or crunchy, it is time to replace them.
4) Water Pillows
Water Pillows portable cigar humidifier.
I’m sure you have run into these little gems, perhaps in your bag of cigars you purchased from a quality tobacconist. These are, as the name implies, little cotton-like pillows that absorb water and are placed in a zip-top bag with a series of holes in it. They are reusable for anywhere from 2 to 8 months and can be recharged with steam-distilled water. I have not tried using a propylene glycol humidor solution in them, but I have heard great responses from those who do.
There is a small kink in the armor… When recharging the cotton pillow, only soak it for a few minutes. If left unattended, it will swell tremendously with excess water and could leak into your humidor and ruin the wrapper of your cigars. Just take time to follow the directions and there should be no issues.
5) Paper Towel / Bowl Of Tap Water
A gross way to keep your cigars moist.
I should not even mention this method, but it always comes up in the shop. This method is the most Rube Goldberg system out there… Just fill a small bowl or shot glass with tap water, and POW - You’ve Got Mold. Today’s tap water (city water) is filled with massive amounts of chemicals from chlorine to bromine and chloramine to combat mold and other invasive nasties from growing in the pipes. So, if you want to ruin a perfectly good collection of cigars, do this!
A Few Last Points
Over Humidifying
Keep in mind it is best ot know the size of your collection and how much humidification you are adding to your humidor. Over humidifying your cigars can be unpleasant to smoke and just as being dry. This can lead to having more moisture than it should, so stick to a proficient system and maintain a humidity range of 62% to 75%. Remember, cigars are like sponges and will keep absorbing more and more moisture if allowed to.
Water vs. PG Solution
Propylene Glycol Solution (PG Solution) with Crystal Humi Sticks
Not all water is created equal, and as mentioned above, tap water can have mold and chemicals in it that would not be optimum for storing with your cigars. That being said distilled water has also been “watered down.” There are 2 kinds of distilled water, the first being regular distilled water (which is now called Steam Distilled), and the second called distilled water… ??? The second is done with reverse osmosis and has not removed the solids and minerals that can hurt your cigars, so beware of the label and read carefully.
Some folks like the propylene glycol humidor solution; over the years, it has proved reasonably reliable. Some claim this imparts a chemical taste in their cigars, but I have not experienced that nor heard of anyone in the lounge complain about it in the open. Personally, I think this is a great alternative if you are going to use a rechargeable as it will keep down the variables and create a stable environment for your cigars.
Overcrowding
While your collection grows, so should your humidor space. This may be a touchy subject as space requirements lead to marital dispute issues pertaining to you taking up more space for your stinky cigars. But as you start to store more cigars, you need to make sure that there is ample room in your storage device to allow a bit of movement in your collection. Overcrowding your collection will lead to dead, or dry spots in your humidor. So each time you open your container, try to rotate the cigars from top to bottom and side to side. This will ensure that your collection remains in the best possible shape.
I hope this has helped you elevate your cigar experience and you can apply it going forward. I look forward to seeing you in the lounge. Kai-
