Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 11/6/2008

Question
can I add a small electronic humidifier to a small desk top humidor?  this sounds like an easier and more effective way to keep it at 70 degrees, with minimal effort

Answer
Liz,

I use a Cigar Oasis electronic humidifier in my 100 cigar desktop humidor and it works great. You can use it in any size because it turns itself on and off and won't over-humidify your cigars if it is set properly. The only problem is that it is big and takes up a lot of space in a small humidor.

Also, you need to know make sure that your target humidity level is correct. You mentioned 70 degrees. The humidifier only regulates humidity, not temperature. What you want to shoot for is the proper relative humidity (RH) which is the humidity relative to the temperature your cigars are stored at. If your humidor is kept at 74 degrees, your ideal humidity is 66%. At 76 degrees, you want 64%, and at 72 degrees you want 68%. In other words, starting off with 70 degrees and 70% RH, you'll want to reduce your target RH by 1% for every degree your temperature rises.

If this is not clear or you'd like more detailed info about humidors and humidifiers, send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a thorough explanation that I have written just for this purpose. b.finck@finckcigarcompany.com

Thanks,
Bill