Expert: James Yee - 10/8/2011

Question
James thanks for your answer. Also, now my humidity level in my wine cooler is too high, the oasis has a reading on 80%+ and another digital hydrometer has a reading of 75%+.  This is at 65 degrees, the highest available on my wine cooler. I have my oasis set at 60 percent humidity, and have about 2 pounds of 65% heartfelt beeds. I will try to find some spanish cedar, but not sure if it is available -anything else I can use? I have a lot of empty cohiba boxes, can I use those. I have 15 boxes of madura 5s and siglo 6s and very concerned about them going bad.  As mentioned also, my wine cooler is not a thermoelectric type, but a 134A Refrigerant Sealed system.   Do you know if this type of wine cooler also works as a humidor? Most of the posts I read on the internet mention thermoelectric -- I am thinking maybe I should buy a new wine cooler that is thermoelectric.

Thanks

Son

Answer
Hi Son,

It sounds like your Oasis is being obstructed which is causing the humidity to be too high.  You need to make sure your Cigar Oasis is not being obstructed by cigars or the cigar boxes.  If your Oasis is being crowded, it will prevent the humidity from circulating properly and this will create a high humidity reading near the unit.  If your Oasis is at the bottom of your cooler, arrange your boxes/cigars so that humidity can easily circulate to the top shelves.  Space your boxes evenly so the humidity can flow between them.  Add more beads now to absorb as much of the excess humidity so that your cigars are not in danger.  When the humidity is back to a normal level, remove some of the beads and see if the humidity rises again.

If adding extra beads doesn't work and your humidity continues to be high, your Cigar Oasis may be defective.  Your Cigar Oasis unit should automatically shut off when the humidity is too high.  If it continues to run while the humidity level is high, replace the unit.  

A thermoelectric humidor will definitely be a lot easier and less trouble to operate so you should consider investing in one. I would say this is the best option.  If you're having trouble finding a thermoelectric wine cooler (or humidor) in Viet Nam, you may need to order one online.  One good company that makes thermoelectric humidors and wine coolers is vinotemp.  They are also the only company that makes a thermoelectric desktop humidor.  Their website is www.vinotemp.com.

I hope 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