When looking to buy a humidor for your collection, you’ll be faced with several options. There are Walk-in humidors, Electric Humidors, and Spanish cedar models. Spanish cedar and Foam sponge humidifiers are both effective in keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful. Which one is best for your tastes? Read on to find out. And don’t forget to ask about their benefits and drawbacks.
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Walk-in Humidors
Designed to display and store fine cigars, Walk-in cigar humidors were first created in 1985. Today, they have expanded to include fine wine and malt whiskies. However, their heritage is still firmly rooted in hand-blended pipe tobaccos. It is important to choose the correct humidification system for your cigar humidor. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs.
When choosing a location for your walk-in humidor, keep in mind that the humidor should be entirely enclosed, with no windows. This is because direct sunlight can cause damage to the cigars, and the room temperature will rise. Generally speaking, the most ideal place for a walk-in humidor is near the center of the house. Basements also provide the most consistent temperature year-round and are easier to maintain than other rooms.
Electric Humidors
Electric cigar humidors can be more expensive than manual ones. Prices range from $300 to $4000 depending on brand, size, and capabilities. A good humidor will allow you to adjust the temperature and humidity levels, so it may be worth investing in a more expensive unit. If you only keep a few cigars, a smaller model may not be sufficient. An electric humidor will save time and effort, but it will cost more.
The electronic humidors are usually self-contained units with built-in fans that are used to control humidity and temperature. These units are easy to use, and many come with LCD displays to show the current temperature and humidity levels. Electric humidifiers use a thermostat or thermoelectric cooling system to maintain the perfect humidity levels for your cigars. Some models feature a freestanding setup and durable internal plastic construction. Many electric cigar humidors come with multiple humidification settings, and some are free-standing and require no electrical connection.
Spanish Cedar
When looking for a quality cigar humidor, Spanish cedar wood is a good choice. Not only is the wood uniquely aromatic, but its aroma also harmonizes with tobacco’s flavor. Spanish cedar is also known to be the perfect material for cigar humidors, as it can store significant amounts of moisture and release it back into the air. This ensures a consistent climate in your humidor, while other tropical woods have varying moisture storage capacity. Other materials, on the other hand, do not absorb moisture, so your cigars will be exposed to larger fluctuations in ambient humidity than Spanish cedar.
The smell of Spanish cedar adds to the taste and aroma of your cigar. This is due to the wood’s oils, which slowly release to the cigars over time and contribute to the complexity of the taste. However, this smell may fade over time, and if you want to restore its scent, you will need to sand the surface with light-grade sandpaper. However, Spanish cedar is expensive due to the insects it attracts.
Foam Sponge Humidifiers
If you are in the market for a cigar humidifier, you have probably come across the foam sponge type. This type uses a fine-pored medical grade sponge that holds water. You can refill the humidifier with either distilled water or a mixture of propylene glycol and water. Foam sponge humidifiers are not recommended for long-term use, and they often develop mold. In addition, they cannot hold as much water as a crystal humidifier.
The foam sponge humidifier is a popular DIY option for many cigar smokers. It works by holding distilled water or propylene glycol in a sponge. Many people have made their own homemade humidifiers, but the solution that seems to work best appears to be green florist foam. You can purchase a large brick of green foam for a relatively inexpensive price from your local florist or craft store. Once you have a large enough piece of foam, you can fill the sponge with a mixture of distilled water and propylene glycol.
