Expert: James Yee - 4/7/2011

Question
Hi James,

I'm currently juggling my cigar collection between two humidors (about 50-60 cigars in total).  Unfortunately, I live in a very dry climate so my passive humidifiers (sponges) never seem to be able to get my humidity near 80%.  I've wondered if it's a fault of the humidors themselves, but having two quality humidors with the same problem seems unlikely.  I've tried propylene Glycol solutions to no avail and so I'm now considering an electronic system.
I've read an answer of yours about the LaVeil digital humidification System, but have read a lot of reviews that make me weary of it.  So here are my questions:

Is there an electronic system that controls humidity and Temperature, and if so which would you recommend?

If an electronic system for a 50 count humidor is too much, any ideas to get my passive system to function better?

Thanks,

Kyle

Answer
Hi Kyle,

First, if you're using analog hygrometers, you should salt test them for accuracy.  Sometimes analog hygrometers can lose sync over time and give off false readings.  The slightest bump or jolt can also cause the hygrometer needle to be knocked out of sync so it's best to salt test your hygrometers once a year or when they begin to show bizarre readings.  If they are out of sync, calibrate them.  (If you need step-by-step salt test instructions, just let me know and I will repost them for you.)  Digital hygrometers are usually extremely accurate so they do not need calibration.  However, if you're using digital hygrometers, you should check if the battery needs replacing as old and weak batteries can also contribute to an incorrect reading.

Secondly, 80% humidity is actually too much humidity for cigars.  Even though you live in a very dry climate area, your humidors should not exceed 74% humidity.  When cigars are exposed to 80% humidity, they will grow mold and become soggy.  If the dry environment that you live in is rapidly depleting the humidity in your humidor, you should re-charge the passive humidifiers more frequently or re-season your humidor.  Re-seasoning your humidor will help it absorb and regulate humidity more effectively.  (Because you live in a very dry environment, you should re-season your humidor at least once every 12 to 24 months.)  Also, if you're trying to acheive a higher humidity level, Propylene Glycol is not necessary.  PG should only be used if you already have a high humidity level and want to lower the humidity to a more reasonable level.  Using PG may actually prevent your humidor's humidity level from increasing.

As for electronic humidifiers, thermo-electric humidifiers (these are units with both humidity and temperature control) are fairly large and usually intended for humidor cabinets and large humidors.  The smallest unit that I've seen is in a large 100-count thermo-electric desktop humidor made by vinotemp (Model: VT-Humidor8).

There are regular electronic humidifiers that can fit in a 50-count humidor.  Cigar Oasis makes the "Cigar Oasis Ultra" and "Cigar Oasis XL" humidifiers which are designed for small humidors.  The Ultra will fit in 50-count humidors and the XL model can accomodate small humidors up to 300-count in size.  Both will work in your humidors but I suggest you try re-seasoning your humidors first and see if that helps.  You should also flush your sponges clean with distilled water to remove the Propylene Glycol and just charge them with distilled water.  If the humidity level still doesn't increase, you should then upgrade to an electronic humidifier.

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