Expert: James Yee - 9/18/2010

Question
Hi James,

I upgraded from my 50 count humidor to a 150 count humidor thinking that would be more than enough room.   Unfortunately, cigars are a pretty fun hobby and now I will be out of room in my new humidor lol.

Anyways, I was thinking of buying a mid sized cooler and using it as a coolerdor.  Ive read what you have said about them in the past, and you said they work fine with some spanish cedar inside.   That was if I was just using a normal humidifier...

but what if I use humidity beads?   would I stil need the cedar?   because unlike gels, I heard that beads give off and absorb humidity.   And theyre preset to whichever you order (65% or 70%).   So couldnt I just have a cooler with nothing but beads inside?

what has been your experience with humidity beads?   I just got some and plan to put them in my humidor along with my cigar oasis.   Any pros and cons you can think of from experience?

biggest problem right now is finding a good sized container for the beads.   Any suggestions?

thanks again for all your help James!

Answer
Hi Andy,

Humidor beads are excellent.  I have some and they work like a charm with no problems at all.  For desktop humidors, I actually prefer beads and crystals more than a humidifier because they're not susceptible to bacteria and they perform longer than the foam-based humidifiers.  In a coolerdor setting, it's not necessary to use cedar but cedar does give off a nice aroma that will compliment your cigars and ward off insects so you may want to add one or two pieces to the cooler.  (Cedar is also good if your brand new cooler has a plastic smell.  The cedar will diffuse the plastic aroma.)

For a bead container, you can use any type of container.  Some bead manufacturers even sell bead containers designed for certain-sized humidors so you may want to check you local tobacconist.  As an inexpensive alternative, I find those disposable Ziploc lunch containers (with the sealable lids) perfect for coolerdors... just punch many holes into the lid.  You can find these at most supermarkets for about $4 for 3.

Regards,
James