Alright, really stupid newbie question (well, two of them actually). I am looking into buying my first humidor, figuring on picking up a 100-150 count desktop humidor.
Question 1) Is there any way to assertain which humidors I see online are good and which ones are leaking pieces of crap?
Question 2) Should cigars be stored while still wrapped in celophane? I've seen some peoples humidors where all the cigars were unwrapped, whereas some I have seen were still wrapped and left in boxes.
1. I have purchased from www.cheaphumidors.com and both times was pleased with my purchases. Both humidors hold humidity perfectly. One is a treasure dome 250-300ct and one a 300ct box (the one with the small draws on the bottom for lighters/cutters). Others will recommend brand names. Those are great, but expensive. I paid less than $150 for each of mine and I'm very happy with both.
2. Cellophane is meant to breath. It may trap some humidity and cause mold in extreme cases, but most will agree its preference. Leaving the cellophane on will prevent wrapper damage when moving the smokes around in the humi and will prevent transference of flavors over long periods (Not a concern for me as nothing lasts long in my humi). I prefer to leave the cellophane off as I like opening my humi and seeing cigars, not plastic.
I'm not really sure that you can totally ensure that the humidor you buy online is a good one or not. I mean if its a 100-150 ct with a top shelf then you should expect 85$ plus. that's the price I bought mine at. Its not the best but it works and looks good. you may try cuban crafters or search up sites that sell humi's. of course it should have kiln dried spanish cedar and see if you get a good description of the seal. a good humidification is the beads. you can get them from 'the puck' online place. you dont have to buy the puck just get the beads. they do a good job. better than the passive green sponge that comes with most humi's. get yourself a decent hygrometer. expect 20-40$. diamond crown make a good one. make sure you prime you humi by taking a cloth dampened in distilled water. just wipe down the cedar and let it settle down to a good humidity before placing cigars in it. Im probably giving to much info for you as you may already know this but Im going on your statement of 'newbie'. on to cello. its really your preference. they wont marry in the cello but keep them moist shouldnt be a problem. I take mine out.
Posts: 430 | Location: uniontown , PA | Registered: August 06, 2007
Try going to a local B&M just to see what they have and look at the quality. Then go online and see who's got them and at what price. I've seen many in the store also sold online.
As far as celophane, I've done both. Leave it on and take it off. I've found in my own instance that leaving the celophane on makes mine dry out faster. Therefore, I take it off. I like seeing my cigars and not them wearing condoms.
Posts: 429 | Location: Ft. Worth, TX | Registered: October 17, 2007
Wearing condoms is like washing your feet with your socks on, it just doesnt make any sense. My main concern with removing the wrappers was the cross contamination between different cigars, such as a milder cigar absorbing the odors of a much fuller flavored or cedar wrapped cigar. I guess I'll just have to experiment once the humidor gets in and see what suits me best.
It takes a significant amount of time for flavors to mingle in cigars.
"Baseball? It's just a game. As simple as a ball and a bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business, and sometimes even a religion." -Ernie Harwell
For online purchases--outside wood--get something solid, no partical board crap that you get when you buy a bundle. For the inside wood--look for kiln dried spanish cedar. Other than that don't worry too much with hygrometers or humidifyers b/c the ones they give are garbage.
First step: find the size you want. Second step: buy a humidor at least one size bigger than you think you want. Third step: go to CI and order Humi-care (unless you get up over 150 then get a cigar oasis) Fourth step: buy a good digital hygrometer. Fifth: fill that sum bitch with delicious smokes!
Geauxtigers, I too am really new to cigar smoking and would love to hear what humidor you bought, you're experience with it, and any advice you may have. I'm thinking of buying from CI a 200ct. for only $75 or so(?) and adding a humi-care and electric hygro. Please share your experience with me. I'm wanting to learn. Thanks a bunch.
I don't have much experience with buying humidors, I have only bought 4 in the time I've been smoking. I have always applied the "you get what you pay for" axiom - I usually spend ~$200-$300 on 150-250ct humidors. They all have had 1" walls except one with 3/4".
The best thing to do first is to by something bigger than what you really want. Then You will want to season it. Then build up your inventory. I like to unwrap all my sticks it just looks nice in the humi. And the best way to keep them so they dont mix is to get extra dividers and keep all the wrappers togther.
Posts: 269 | Location: Everett WA | Registered: July 02, 2008
I went through the exact dilemma you are regarding quality of online humidors. Most online shops offer 30 day guarantee and with the dollar bill test, you'll know the minute you open the package whether it's a good box or not. BUT, you have the hassle of shipping back, etc.
If it's your first humidor, meaning especially that you have no backup, I would recommend a local shop. Many Brick & Mortars are having clearance sales now, because new models are coming in soon. I grabbed a 50 count no-name (Abbey) at a local shop for $35. It was a $70 humidor, on sale, and I got another 10% knocked off because a nick the size of a nat. You can probably do a bit better online, but for my first one it made sense. I bought a digital hygrometer from them and they tossed in a few cigars, after I told them the brand that I like. The box tested well at the shop (dollar test) and even better once I seasoned it. I have kitty litter beads in there now and it's holding at 66% RH. The foam humidifior that came with it was too finicky. Litter was a breeze!
Online will save you money, when you know what you want and are reedy to buy cigars in bulk. Until then, make friends with the local shop.
Dollar Test: Open the lid, lay a dollar over one side at a time, close the lid, and try to pull the dollar out. Bill comes out easily, no good. Bill comes out with resistance, good
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Joseywales3,
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