Expert: James Yee - 6/16/2007

Question
I bought a humidor a couple of months ago it is called The Enthusiast it has two trays that lift out, an area under the trays, and a seperate drawer on the bottom (it too is humified) it is clsified to hold 500 cigars its mesurements are 14in.D X 20in.L X 15in.H. I have had no problem keeping the humidity up, I even took one of the three elements out and it is still keeping the humidity up. My hygrometer seems to be reading higher when it is on the top than it does down farther to the bottom, I have one element on the lid and one at the bottom. My question is, do I need some kind of fan or something to move the air around or am I not letting the hygromerter sit long enough in one spot (about 12 hours). If you could be of some assistance that would be greatly appreciated, Thanks Grant

Answer
Hi Grant,

Typically, larger humidors (400+ capacity) will work best with an electronic humidifier – such as a Cigar Oasis – that has a motorized fan to circulate the humidity.  For larger humidors, the humidity can sometimes become blocked or not circulate in certain areas due to an obstructing compartment, obstructing cigars or an area covered by a tray, shelf or drawer.  This can cause the humidity to be high in some areas and low in others.  An electronic humidifier with a fan can help distribute the humidity evenly.

The acceptable humidity range is between 68 to 73% humidity (with 70% as the perfect, optimal level).  If both humidification elements in your humidor are within this range, then there’s nothing to worry about and your cigars will still be properly humidified.  If the bottom element is producing humidity at less than 68%, you should try to re-add the third element that you previously took out.  Evenly space all three elements (#1 in top area, #2 in middle and #3 in bottom of humidor).  With all three elements equally spaced apart and equally producing humidity, the humidity should be relatively even throughout the entire humidor.  Make sure any cigars or humidor fixtures such as the trays or compartments do not obstruct the elements.  Centering the elements inside the humidor will also help as it provides even humidity aeration.  If after you’ve added the third element and the humidity is still low at the bottom of the humidor, you may want to consider purchasing an electronic humidifier with a motorized fan.

Also, if you're using an analog hygrometer, use the salt test to make sure that it's properly calibrated.

Hope this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be glad to help.

Regards,
James