Expert: James Yee - 11/23/2009

Question
I have been smoking cigars, enjoyably, for the past four years.  I've purchased a couple of box humidifiers - both cedar lined - but don't really know how to use them. They both hold about 50 cigars.   I'd like to begin collecting really good cigars - and caring for them over time - as well as upgrading my daily cigar selection.  From what I've read, I'll need to get both a humidifying device and a Hydrometer.  What should I purchase?  How do I properly install the items?  I see a reference to "seasoning" the box.  Any comprehensive instructions you might have or know about would be appreciated.  Thanks Bill Reeder

Answer
Hi Bill,

First, "seasoning" is the process of preparing your humidor's interior so that it can absorb and regulate humidity more effectively.  It's possible for you to use an unseasoned humidor but unseasoned humidors may have erratic performance and require more frequent humidifier refills.  For detailed, step-by-step seasoning instructions, please keyword search "seasoning a humidor" here on Allexperts and you should see my previous discussions about humidor seasoning.

Here's a previous discussion I had on seasoning a humidor:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cigars-2143/2009/2/Humidity-level-low-1.htm

As an easier alternative, many cigar stores sell "seasoning bricks" and what you can do is just add one of these bricks to your humidor and it will automatically season your humidor overnight.  These bricks are usually designed to season a humidor of a certain size so if you decide to use this method, you will need to check the packaging’s fine print and make sure it’s right for your humidor.  (Otherwise, you may need to use two or more seasoning bricks.)

Yes, to properly maintain your cigars, your humidor will require a humidification device and a hygrometer.  An ideal humidor environment should have approximately 70% humidity (67-74% is acceptable) so you will need to install a humidification device in your humidor(s) and use 100% distilled water in it on a regular basis.  To use the humidification device, simply fill it with distilled water and let it sit in your humidor.  Most humidifiers will generate 70% humidity without any problems.  When the humidity level begins to drop (or the humidification device feels slightly dry), simply add more distilled water to keep it moist.

These humidification devices can range from inexpensive sponge-based units to more expensive electronic units so the type of humidifier that you use is entirely up to you.  Another method is to use humidor "crystals" as they can also maintain an ideal humidity level for a longer amount of time and are less susceptible to bacteria.  

A hygrometer is required for each humidor because it will read and display the current humidity level inside your humidor(s) and this is important for maintaining cigars.  If the humidity is too high (greater than 75%), mold can form on your cigars.  If the humidity is too low (less than 66%), the cigars may be too dry and this can cause your cigars to taste bland/stale and burn too quickly.  Hygrometers are available in analog and digital models and I would recommend you invest in digital hygrometers as they are more accurate and require little or no calibration.  Analog hygrometers are less expensive but will require periodic testing and calibration to ensure that they are accurate.

Both the hygrometer and humidification device (if you are using a small sponge-based model) can be installed underneath the lid using velcro.  They can also rest at the base of your humidor in an unobstructed location.  Most hygrometers and humidification devices will have instructions and materials to properly install them.

There are literally hundreds of hygrometer and humidifier models so what I suggest is that you visit your local cigar shop and find a hygrometer and humidification unit that fits your budget and your humidor(s).

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

Regards,
James