Expert: James Yee - 7/15/2009

Question
I've been looking into getting a larger humidor, but since they can run
quite high and the fact that I enjoy tinkering around I figured i'd attempt
to build my own.

My plan was to get a small refrigerator and then gut it (removing all of
the electrical stuff) and lining it with broken up cedar cigar boxes. Would
this be a good, long lasting alternative to spending $300+ on a similar
size humidor.

Also what would be a good website to buy cigars from? I don't really have
a good cigar shop around where I live.

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Retro-fitting a small refrigerator into a humidor can definitely work.  Simply remove the wire racks/shelving and add an electronic humidifier such as a Cigar Oasis and it's ready to be used.  For the interior, you can line the refrigerator with whole Spanish cedar board (which you can purchase from a home renovation store such as Lowes or Home Depot) or you can use empty cigar boxes.  For the shelving, you can use either the original wire racks or build your own cedar shelves.  If you choose the latter, be sure to make sure the cedar shelving is slotted so air and humidity can easily circulate between the levels.  (For Spanish cedar, be sure to only use kiln-dried cedar and not air-dried cedar.  Air-dried cedar can warp and bow from the humidity.)

The best and most popular choice for creating a make-shift humidor is to use a wine-fridge.  Wine-fridges are extremely popular because the temperature can be digitally controlled plus most wine-fridges have a full glass-front door which allows you to see your cigars.  Simply line the interior with Spanish cedar and add an electronic humidifier and it's ready to go.

Wine fridges are slightly more expensive than a regular "dorm room" fridge but being able to digitally set the temperature and also see your cigars without opening the door is definitely worth the extra money.  You can probably find a good wine-fridge for about $150-$200.  

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

Regards,
James

For buying non-Cuban cigars online, try JR Cigars (www.jrcigars.com), Tinderbox (www.tinderbox.com) and McCranies (www.mccranies.com).  All three are very reputable companies.