Many smokers wonder where to put a humidity-boosting device in their humidor. In this article we’ll cover what to look for in a humidifier, the types available, and which one is best for your tobacco. We’ll also cover Spanish cedar and Silica beads as humidifier materials, as well as what to use with them. Hopefully this article will help you make the right choice.
Placement of a humidifier in a humidor
One of the most important considerations when setting up a new humidor is the humidity level. Humidors should be kept at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and away from direct heat sources. Humidors may come with or without essential accessories, including a humidification unit and hygrometer. You must set up your humidifier before storing it for the first time.
Many specialized trays are available for storing cigars. Some of them feature slots that promote air circulation within the humidor. Slots also decrease the likelihood of base woods and veneer warping. In humidors with slots, placing the humidifier on the bottom of the tray will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of warping. For large humidors, a felt bottom is beneficial to protect the furniture.
Types of humidifiers
Depending on the size of your humidor, you may want to invest in one of the many types of cigar humidifier. Most humidors can hold from 150 to 200 cigars, but larger humidors can store thousands. If your humidor is large, consider an electronic humidifier, as they offer low-maintenance operation and set-and-forget operation. Most electronic humidifiers don’t require re-filling the water reservoir more than every couple of months.
Although entry-level humidifiers are inexpensive, they can’t maintain a constant relative humidity. Depending on your location and the amount of sunlight it receives, relative humidity can vary. For this reason, it’s a good idea to experiment with humidifiers before making a final decision. If you have a smaller humidor, an entry-level humidifier may be perfect for you.
Spanish cedar
You might be wondering if Spanish cedar is worth the expense of adding to your humidor. The wood is quite expensive and is harvested primarily in South America and Africa. Compared to other woods, though, it is much more effective in humidification. This is one reason why Spanish cedar is so expensive. You can find cigar boxes from a Tobacconist, but it is not as important as it seems.
The interior of a humidor needs to contain a humidity level for your cigars to retain the proper flavor. Spanish cedar is the gold standard when it comes to humidification. It absorbs moisture and then releases it to keep the humidity level at a stable level. Its characteristic spicy aroma will keep insects and mold at bay. It is also highly resistant to warping and rotting.
Silica beads
If you have an air humidor that you want to keep more humidity in, then you can add a few glass beads to it. These ‘humibeads’ work by absorbing excess humidity from your cigars. You can place them in your humidor and spray them with distilled water every now and then. The beads will absorb moisture from the air and turn translucent. Once charged, these beads can last for several weeks.
Humidity beads are a great way to keep your cigars at the right humidity level. You can purchase a five-pound bag of silica beads to use in your humidor. They absorb moisture from the air and maintain 70 percent relative humidity. Moreover, these beads are easily and conveniently used. All you have to do is to moisten them with distilled water before storing them in your humidor.
Propylene glycol
The best humidifier for your cigar collection should be filled with the correct propylene glycol solution. This colorless, innocuous liquid will help to maintain the relative humidity of your humidor at around 70%. Propylene glycol works as a bacterial inhibitor and prevents mold and bacteria from growing in the humidor. Propylene glycol can be found in toothpaste, deodorant sticks, and even in over-the-counter pain medication. The recommended level is eight ounces of solution.
If you have a humidifier that uses propylene glycol, it will work as well as distilled water. When you purchase a humidifier, it will have a recommended charging frequency. In addition, propylene glycol for humidifiers in humidors will keep the humidity level constant for months, even during extended storage. Some humidifiers will require distilled water, but make sure you know what the humidification capacity of the model you are planning to buy is.
