Winner
A good humidor is not just a status symbol--it is a necessity if you are a cigar aficionado. If you have been smoking for some time, you already know that cigars must be stored in an airtight box that maintains just the right temperature and humidity. Humidors are an excellent investment to keep your cigars in premium condition.
The market is flooded with products, from very cheap to very expensive. It becomes really difficult to choose the right product. This buying guide will help you to select the best humidor in accordance with your requirements.
Room/walk-in humidors: This kind of humidor is suitable for shop owners, cigar suppliers or distributors. It is basically a small room with racks and shelves for storing your collection of cigars.
Cabinet and table humidors: These can store up to a few hundred cigars. You can go for these humidors if you own a large connection. They provide convenient racks and small shelves for sorting and storing your collection. However, you should keep in mind that these humidors cannot be moved easily and are more like a small piece of furniture.
Personal and portable humidors: These are small, lightweight, and, as the name suggests, movable. They are small boxes with or without separators. You can carry them around easily in your luggage and store up to a few dozen cigars at a time.
Warranty: If you are spending a significant amount to buy a quality product, the least you can expect from the manufacturer is a warranty for defective parts. Most users insist on a minimum warranty of one month.
Look out for cheap products: After going through thousands of reviews, it is evident that most users warn you against cheap products. Although a low price may be a temptation, a cheap humidor can ruin your valuable collection by not preserving your cigars properly.
Features: Most users stress reliable wooden inner linings, which are more durable and provide the best insulation. For the exterior, veneer polish is considered as good as real wood by most buyers.
Check the size: One of the first considerations is a suitable size, which depends on the collection you own or the number of cigars that you want to store. Buy a size that fits your present collection and has space for a few more.
Check the exteriors: Humidors come in a variety of materials including wood, polished veneers, plastic and a glass top. Some people prefer to match the exterior finish of the humidor with the existing furniture of the room they want to keep it in. Whatever the criteria for your decision, make sure that you select a durable material.
Check the inner lining: A wood lining on the sides and base is important to preserve the characteristic flavor of your cigar. Good cigar humidors use Spanish cedar for the inner lining. This not only preserves humidity but also regulates temperature. Kiln-dried Spanish cedar is, however, the most expensive choice for the inner lining. Other types of wood, such as maple, oak, and mahogany, are also available.
Check the seal: Seals are important for providing an optimum temperature and moisture for your cigars. The seal of your humidor should fit snugly without leaving air pockets.
Look for separators/dividers: Trays or separators allow you the freedom to stack and organize your cigars according to preference. However, they do eat up space inside the humidor. Overall, it is your call whether you want designs that include separators or not.
Check the hinges: Hinges made from brass or other durable metals is the preferred choice, as they secure the lid tightly and do not loosen over time. “Quadrant hinge”, “piano” and “continuous hinge” mechanisms are preferred, as they are more durable.
Decide on the accessories you want: Any cigar aficionado will tell you that you require a thermometer and a hygrometer for your humidor. You may purchase a humidor that has a built-in thermometer and hygrometer, or you can buy these accessories separately.
Cuban Crafters is one of the top names in the cigar industry. They offer premium humidors, which are renowned for their craftsmanship and quality.
Whytner is another well-known name in the humidor section. Their products combine aesthetics with functionality.
Guardsman is a trusted brand for humidors. They provide some of the best humidors in terms of quality and features.