Expert: Bill Finck Jr. - 5/4/2008

Question
I have a Humidor Supreme 2000 (about 100-150 large ring cigars are in there) with a i xikar 250ct 50/50 element fixed to the hood. My problem is that I have low humidity levels.  I use a diamond crown hygrometer that with the salt test reads 74%. When I place the hygrometer directly underneath the element i get readings of 70/70  on either side on the top shelf I get 62 and on the bottom underneath the removable shelf I get 64.

the cigars directly underneath the element almost feel wet and wrinkly, and those to the sides seem a bit dry...what is wrong? shouldnt the humidity move from high to low concentration?

Answer
Mageij,

Placing the hygrometer directly below the humidifier won't give you a true reading as you are measuring the humidity as it disperses from the humidifier. You are getting 62% and 64% in other areas - those readings are more accurate. Remember that humidity is relative to temperature and as your temperature rises your humidity level falls. At 74 degrees ( the average temperature in a home) you want 62% humidity, so I'd say your humidor is probably working fine. With each degree the temperature rises above 70, you want the humidity to reduce by 2%, so at 71 degrees you want 68%, at 72 degrees you want 66%, and 73 degrees you want 64%...

As for the cigars becoming to moist, they must be too close to the humidifier and are absorbing moisture too fast. Especially when you first fill the humidifier, you need to keep the cigars several inches away from it until the humidity stabilizes.

Hope this helps.

Bill