Expert: James Yee - 4/28/2008

Question
Hi James,

I recently purchased a digital hydrogemeter and Paradigm PSH 2 humdifier (50 count) to use in my humidor. I opted not to use the ones icluded with the humidor due the numerous testimonials that they're not accurate and more difficult to set up. So my question is:

1. How would I go about setting up my humidor using these devices?
2. The devices seem to be more advanced than the average humidifier and hydrogemeter, so would I have to monitor it as much? Would there be any need to calibrate the hydrogmeter?
3. Would I have to do go throught the steps of wiping the lining of the humidor with distilled water or leaving a small cup of distilled water in the humidor?
4. Lastly I read that wiping the inner parts of the humidor with distilled water may lead the wood to warp thus causing cracks, is this true?

I apologize if you answered these questions before, I'm relatively new to cigar storage (I would usually buy several cigars and smoke them by weeks end, so I never really needed a humidor)so I'm trying to get a direct answer from you. I really appreciate you taking time to read this and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Christopher,

To answer your questions:

1. Your humidification device (Paradigm PSH2) should be placed in the center of your humidor; either at the base of the humidor or underneath the lid.  This will create even humidity distribution throughout your humidor interior.  With some humidors, placing the humidifier in a corner or to one side may cause an aeration discrepancy.  Your digital hygrometer can be placed anywhere in your humidor as long as it is not crowded or obstructed by cigars, humidor trays, dividers, shelves and/or compartments.  Obstructing the hygrometer may impair its reading.  The hygrometer (specifically digital hygrometers) should also not be placed directly in front of the humidification device.  Common places for the hygrometer is under the lid or on the top shelf/tray where it can be easily seen.

2. Though these devices are considered to be more advanced and sophisticated than generic humidification devices and hygrometers, it's still important that you regularly monitor your humidor to ensure that everything is running properly.  Even with a premium set up, the humidity and/or temperature levels can still dip or peak (for whatever reason), affect the humidor's performance and put your cigars at risk.  It's important that you always keep an eye on your humidor.  Digital hygrometers usually do not require calibration as they are factory calibrated but depending on the brand, some digital hygrometers do require configuration so check your digital hygrometer's documentation (if any) for possible instructions on calibrating.  If your hygrometer did not come with any instructions, you can always compare its performance with another hygrometer to make sure it's working properly.

3. Seasoning your humidor (the process of wiping your humidor interior with distilled water) is important because it prepares the humidor wood so that it can absorb and regulate humidity properly.  Seasoning a humidor will help prolong the humidification device's performance (thus requiring less refills.)  An unseasoned humidor can still function properly but may require more time for the humidity to stabilize and may lose humidity sooner than seasoned humidors.  Mass-produced, low-to-middle end humidors typically require seasoning before use while high-end, custom and designer humidors (specifically expensive brands) come pre-seasoned.  Check your humidor's documentation to see if your humidor requires seasoning or not.  (It should also be noted that seasoning is only required for humidors with a porous wood interior such as Spanish cedar.  Humidors with acrylic/plastic, glass or laminate wood interiors do not require seasoning because they cannot absorb moisture from the seasoning process.)

4. If done properly, seasoning will not warp the wood.  For proper seasoning instructions, check my question archive for topics on seasoning or just e-mail me and I'll be happy to repost seasoning instructions.

Hope this answers your questions. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James