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How Does a Cigar Humidor Work?

How Does a Humidor Work

The term "humidor" may be unfamiliar to those new to the cigar world. We all start somewhere. Just curious about what a cigar humidor is and how it works

What Is the Purpose of Cigar Humidors? 

The humidor not only holds your cigars, but also uses a few components to produce the perfect atmosphere for them. To help preserve your cigars, the box's temperature and relative humidity are controlled to keep them from being too wet or too dry. Nobody wants a cigar that tastes bad. You want to preserve your cigars at the ideal temperature and humidity. The Spanish cedar box and the humidifier inside work together to keep your humidor at the proper humidity level.

Spanish cedar

Most humidors feature a Spanish cedar lining. This wood is frequently utilized due to its ability to absorb and release moisture slowly, maintaining an equal humidity. This is also why many humidor cigar trays are constructed of cedar wood. If there is too much moisture outside the wood, it will try to absorb it. If you do not damp the cedar before storing your cigars, the wood will start pulling moisture from your cigars, defeating the purpose of a humidor. 

Humidifier

The humidifier controls the moisture and humidity. Keeping a humidor moist allows the cigars to stay fresh and the cedar to absorb any excess moisture from the humidifier. There are several types of humidifiers on the market, from simple floral foam blocks to complicated pouches or beads or gel-based humidifiers. Whichever type you prefer, make sure to follow the instructions for rehydrating them with distilled water. Also, these humidifiers have a limited lifespan, so replace them as needed.

Using a Hygrometer to Check Humidity

The hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside the humidor, allowing you to monitor when to reload the humidifier and regulate the humidity. The ideal relative humidity is 70%, and the ideal temperature is 70°F. Using a hygrometer (digital or analog) to monitor the humidity and temperature will help you avoid ruining your cigars. Check the hygrometer at least once a week to ensure proper humidity. Calibrate your hygrometer regularly to ensure the most accurate readings.