How Humidor Humidifiers Work

A humidor must maintain a constant humidity level between 60 and 80 percent to preserve the flavor of the cigars.

The ideal humidity level ultimately depends on the aficionado's personal preference. Some prefer their cigars a bit drier, meaning a lower humidity level. In such cases, humidity is set at 60 percent.

A general standard is a level between 70 and 72 percent. At 65 percent humidity, premium cigars can be stored for a longer period. Beyond that, they may begin to lose strength and aroma.

The humidor must be airtight to regulate air circulation and internal humidity, preventing the cigars from deteriorating due to mold or drying out and losing their aroma.

Finished cigars should not be exposed directly to sunlight and should not be stored in the refrigerator. Cigars require consistency in storage, both in humidity and temperature.

The optimal temperature ranges between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius.

While cigars can withstand some variation in temperature, frequent climate fluctuations can be very harmful to them over time.

Humidification Systems – Maintaining Humidity Inside the Humidor

We’ve already discussed the importance of humidity. But how do you achieve consistent humidity levels inside the humidor and control them effectively?

There are various humidification systems: active systems like electronic humidifiers and passive systems based on sponges or acrylic polymer crystals.

Among passive humidification systems, there’s the simple sponge system, which is rarely used nowadays. Its drawback is that it releases a lot of humidity in the first three days, which then quickly decreases. For example, the Madelaine Cigar Humidification Systems Schwammbefeuchter .

A more advanced alternative is humidification systems based on acrylic polymer crystals.

When using the right polymer in the correct dosage, this system can self-regulate humidity at a constant 70 to 72 percent, allowing fluctuations to be balanced more quickly. The acrylic polymer crystals need only be refilled with distilled water and should be replaced approximately every two years. Bacteria growth is less likely with polymer humidifiers than with sponge-based ones.

An example of such a humidification element is the Adorini Acrylic Polymer Humidifier .

Active humidification systems include electronic humidifiers like the CigarSpa Electronic Humidifier .

The desired humidity level can be set individually, and water only needs to be refilled every four to six months.

Another recent option is so-called Humidipaks. These pouches contain a saturated solution of salts and water. The Boveda One-Step Calibration Kit (altes Modell) monitor the relative humidity in the humidor and keep it consistent. Through air-permeable membranes on both sides of the pouch, only pure water is released.

Cigars in the humidor can touch the pouches directly without damage. These pouches are available with different humidity levels: 65, 69, 72, 75, and 84 percent from Boveda and 75.5 percent from another company.

The placement of humidification systems is crucial for maintaining constant humidity within the humidor. Humidification elements should always have some distance from the cigars and the wood to avoid over-humidification.

If only one humidification element is in use, it should always be positioned at the top of the humidor. With multiple elements, they should be evenly distributed to prevent areas of excess humidity.

Hygrometers – Monitoring Humidity Inside the Humidor

A hygrometer is essential to monitor the humidity—and possibly temperature—inside the humidor. Hygrometers are available in analog and digital models.

The advantage of digital hygrometers is that they do not require calibration. Recommended options include the .

Another reliable product is the Passatore Electronic Thermo-Hygrometer Electronic Thermo-Hygrometer (596511) .

Analog hygrometers come in three types: metal coil, natural hair, and synthetic hair. They operate with a non-electrical mechanism and should be recalibrated every six months.

Metal coil hygrometers are the most common models. They are affordable but less precise than other options.

Natural hair hygrometers offer greater accuracy but require more maintenance. These models are best suited for outdoor and high-humidity measurements.

Synthetic hair hygrometers offer high accuracy like natural hair models but are easier to maintain. These are generally the most reliable choice for humidor use. A great example is the Adorini Measuring Instruments Haarhygrometer gold - klein (1740-1565) .

For aficionados with large cigar collections, cigar lounges, or retailers, a digital hygrometer from Xikar is recommended.

The Xikar Hygrometer II PuroTemp Digital Hygrometer System Starter Set (Basiseinheit und Sensoreinheit) (1837XI) allows multiple digital hygrometers to be monitored simultaneously through the PuroTemp base station.