Expert: James Yee - 10/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

New to cigars. Time to get a humidor. Looking for a reliable, long lasting
model which holds about 100 to 150 cigars. Cigar Star, Adorini etc. a lot to
choose from..Any recommendations from personal experience?

How about humidification devices? Foam, acryl polymer or electronic? How
would you keep mold under control with an electric humidifier?

Thanks James..Just looking for something reasonably priced, very easy to
maintain and that will last a long time..

Mark from Canada.

ANSWER: Hi Mark,

From my personal experience, Adorini is an excellent humidor brand.  I also use Diamond Crown, Savinelli, Prometheus and Elie Bleu which are also excellent.  There are literally thousands of humidor designs ranging anywhere in price from $200 to $3000+ so my suggestion is that you visit your local cigar store and find a humidor that fits your needs, budget and style of decor.  When shopping for a humidor, be sure to thoroughly inspect the humidor for any construction flaws or defects.  The corner joints should be seamless and the humidor lid should be heavy and close with a firm seal.  The interior should also be made with Spanish cedar. Avoid humidors with wood laminate, acrylic/plastic or glass/ceramic interiors as they are more susceptible to mold and over-humidification.  Spanish cedar will absorb and regulate the humidity more effectively.  Metal fixtures such as piano hinges should be made from genuine brass so that they do not rust or tarnish.

In regards to a humidification device, I personally use acryl polymer beads/crystals and electronic units.  Foam-based humidifiers are fine if you have a small humidor (25-75 count) but when you have a larger humidor (100+ count), it can be a pain to frequently maintain them.  Humidor beads and crystals are excellent.  They're less susceptible to bacteria and hold a longer charge than foam humidifiers.  

If money is not an issue, the best option is to invest in an electronic humidifier.  Because they have large water resevoirs, these units will perform much longer than foam and polymer-based  humidifiers.  Many of these units also allows you to custom set your desired humidity level and will automatically maintain the humidity level.  If the humidity level drops, a sensor will activate the humidifier until the humidity reaches your desired level again.  A good electronic humidifier brand is Cigar Oasis and their units are about $100.

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

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks James..That helps..

One more thing..If I purchase a 120 to 150 ct humidor with 2 levels, will it be
alright if I regularly only keep it at between 25% and 75% capacity?  

with the electronic humidifiers, how do you control mould? Or is that not a
problem with the electronic humidifiers..

Thanks again, Mark

Answer
Hi Mark,

Yes, it's perfectly fine to not stock your humidor to full capacity.  When buying a humidor, it's always best to buy a humidor that is slightly larger than what you need.  This leaves room for additional cigars that you might pick up later.

With electronic humidifiers, mold really isn't a problem because you can control the humidity level.  Mold typically appears when the humidity is prolonged at 75-80% humidity.  The ideal humidity level for humidors is 70%.  Foam-based humidifiers are generally more problematic with mold since you can't control the humidity output unless you use a propylene glycol/distilled water mixture.  Humidor crystals and beads are also more use friendly.  The package will list how much humidity they generate (ie: 65% beads, 70% beads, etc.) so all you need to do is buy the beads that is ideal for your humidor.

Regards,
James