(2019 products available)
The hygrometer and humidifier for cigar humidors are tools that check and maintain the moisture content in the humidor. They ensure cigars stay in good condition and preserve their taste. There are a few different kinds of these tools, each with its own good and bad points.
Analog hygrometers:
They measure humidity using metal springs and needles. These analog hygrometers are easy to read and do not need batteries. However, they might not be very accurate, and users need to calibrate them regularly to ensure the readings are correct.
Digital hygrometers:
Digital hygrometers show humidity levels on electronic displays. They are usually more accurate than analog ones and often come with extra features like humidity level alarms and memory for high/low readings. Digital hygrometers need batteries to operate, and some models may require periodic calibration to maintain accuracy.
Combos:
Some combo devices have both a hygrometer and a humidifier. This means one device can measure humidity and also add moisture to the air. These all-in-one solutions are convenient for monitoring and maintaining the ideal conditions in a cigar humidor. However, they can be more expensive and may require more maintenance to ensure both components work correctly.
Passive humidifiers:
Cigar humidors use passive humidifiers to raise humidity without using power. They usually have a special polymer or a sponge that soaks up water and slowly lets it out into the air. Passive humidifiers are simple and easy to take care of, but they may need to be filled with water more often than some active humidifiers.
Active humidifiers:
Active humidifiers for cigar humidors use power to control humidity levels. Some models use fans to circulate air, while others use pumps to automatically add water when needed. Active humidifiers are more hands-off because they can keep the humidity level constant without having to adjust things often. However, they may cost more and use more electricity than passive types.
Gel bead humidifiers:
Gel bead humidifiers use special absorbing beads. These beads soak up moisture from the air and let it out slowly to keep the cigars damp. These humidifiers are small and simple to set up and take care of. They usually last a long time before needing to be refilled with water.
Electronic humidor:
Some humidors have electronic humidifiers that automatically adjust humidity. They use sensors to check humidity and a motor to add or take out moisture. This keeps the cigars always at the right dampness without having to do anything manually. They also usually have a digital display to show the current humidity level.
Analog Design
These designs have a classic look, with round dials and hands to indicate humidity levels. They often use metal or wood accents to match the style of traditional humidors. They usually have a needle that points to the right humidity level on a round scale.
Digital Design
Digital humidors come with digital displays for easy reading of humidity levels. They may also feature touch controls for adjusting settings. These designs are more modern and sleek, with LED displays and minimalist lines. They provide precise measurements and may include additional features like temperature readings and alarms.
Integrated Design
Integrated designs blend the hygrometer and humidifier functions into one unit, saving space and simplifying operations. These designs may come in both analog and digital versions, with built-in humidifiers that automatically maintain the desired humidity level.
Wireless Design
Wireless hygrometers and humidifiers allow for remote monitoring and control of humidor conditions. These designs often feature battery-operated hygrometers that connect to a mobile app or Wi-Fi network, enabling users to check and adjust humidity levels from anywhere. They are convenient and easy to use, especially for large humidors or those located in hard-to-reach areas.
Smart Design
Smart humidors are advanced systems that use sensors, microcontrollers, and other electronic components to automatically regulate humidity levels. These designs can be equipped with automatic humidification and dehumidification systems, making them ideal for long-term storage or those who want the best possible protection for their cigars.
Retail Cigar Shops:
These shops need large humidors known as walk-in humidors to keep many cigars safe. These humidors use industrial humidifiers to keep humidity levels steady, and hygrometers check the humidity.
Cigar Lounge and Bars:
The lounges use smaller humidors with built-in humidifiers and hygrometers so guests can smoke quality cigars in a comfortable, humidified setting.
Home Cigar Storage:
Enthusiasts can use desktop or cabinet-style humidors with electronic humidifiers and digital hygrometers to maintain a personal supply of cigars at the ideal humidity.
Cigar Investment and Aging:
Investors aging valuable cigars in climate-controlled rooms or cabinet humidors with external humidifiers and precise hygrometers to monitor long-term storage conditions.
Traveling with Cigars:
For on-the-go cigars, portable humidors with manual humidity controls and small hygrometers ensure cigars stay fresh during flights or road trips.
Cigar Events and Tastings:
Events using temporary humidors with battery-operated humidifiers and handheld hygrometers to keep cigars suitable for sampling at parties or promotional functions.
Restoring Old Cigars:
People restoring damaged cigars use desktop humidors with adjustable mist levels and sensitive hygrometers to slowly repair the condition of older, dried-out cigars.
Storing Cigar Accessories:
Humidors with built-in humidifiers and hygrometers protect not just cigars but also tools like cutters and lighters from damage by dry air.
For the optimal preservation of cigars, it is advisable to opt for a hybrid humidification system. The hybrid systems offer the best of both worlds by ensuring a steady humidity level that is ideal for cigar preservation. When selecting a hygrometer and humidifier for a cigar humidor, there are several factors to consider:
Size of the humidor
The size of the humidor determines how much humidifying capacity is needed to keep the stored cigars moist. Larger humidors require bigger or more powerful humidifiers, while smaller ones can work well with compact units. It is essential to choose a humidifier that suits the size of the humidor so that all cigars are adequately hydrated.
Type of humidifier
There are three types of humidifiers - passive, active, and electronic. Passive humidifiers absorb water and allow it to evaporate into the air, while active ones use fans or motors to circulate air. Electronic models automatically regulate humidity levels. Each type has its advantages, so choose one that is convenient and suitable for the maintenance of cigars.
Maintenance
Some humidifiers require frequent water replacement or cleaning, while others are more or less maintenance-free. Consider how much time and effort one is willing to spend on humidor maintenance when choosing a humidifier.
Humidity control
The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is usually between 65% and 75%. Some humidifiers have built-in hygrometers that can help maintain this range. An electronic model with a humidity control function will automatically add or remove moisture as needed to keep the humidifier at a constant level.
Power Supply
Consider how the humidifier is powered. Most passive and active humidifiers use water to provide humidity, while electronic humidifiers need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. If choosing an electronic model, make sure there is a suitable power source available.
Price
Prices for hygrometers and humidifiers can vary widely depending on the brand and features. Set a budget and look for a good quality product that meets one needs without overspending.
Q1: What is the ideal humidity level for storing cigars?
A1: The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is usually between 65% and 70%. This range ensures that cigars are neither too dry (which causes them to burn too fast and lose flavor) nor too wet (which can lead to mold growth and poor burn.
Q2: Why is a hygrometer important in a humidor?
A2: A hygrometer measures the relative humidity inside the humidor. It is essential for maintaining the proper environment for cigar storage. Without it, humidors could have inaccurate levels of moisture, either too much or too little, damaging the cigars.
Q3: What are the types of hygrometers in humidors?
A3: The two main types of hygrometers used in humidors are analog and digital. Analog hygrometers use mechanical means to measure humidity and are often considered traditional. Digital hygrometers provide precise humidity readings and may come with additional features like automatic calibration and humidity alerts.
Q4: How often should the humidifier be refilled or replaced?
A4: The frequency of refilling a humidifier depends on its size and the humidity levels of the surrounding environment. Smaller ones may need to be refilled weekly, while larger ones can last up to a month or more. As for replacement, it should be done every six months or annually, depending on usage and the type of element (like foam or gel).
Q5: Can an electronic humidifier maintain humidity better than a passive one?
A5: Yes, an electronic humidifier can maintain humidity more consistently than a passive one. It automatically adjusts the humidity level by releasing water when needed, which is helpful, especially in areas with fluctuating temperatures.