How Do Humidors Work?

Humidors are essential accessories for cigar enthusiasts. They are designed to maintain the perfect environment for preserving your cigars’ flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Perfecting a cigar collection takes years and countless hours of trial and error. Keeping your preferred selection of cigars in pristine condition is a must.

A well-maintained humidor ensures that your cigars are stored at optimal humidity levels, preventing them from drying out or becoming too moist. In this article, we’ll delve into how humidors work, the importance of humidity control, and the various components that make up a humidor. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how humidors function and why they are indispensable for any serious cigar collector.

Understanding Humidity Control

Humidity control is the cornerstone of a humidor’s function. Humidors maintain a consistent relative humidity (RH) level, typically between 65% and 70%, which is ideal for cigar storage. But how do humidors work to achieve this balance?

The Science Behind Humidity

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Maintaining the right humidity level for cigars is crucial because it affects the tobacco’s moisture content. Too little humidity can cause cigars to dry out, leading to cracks and the cigar burning hotter than intended, ruining the flavor. Conversely, too much humidity can cause mold growth, a poor smoking experience, and a harsh flavor.

Humidors allow humidity to be controlled through a combination of components, each playing a vital role in the overall system. These components vary from the seal of the humidor to its materials, all ensuring that the environment inside the humidor remains stable, protecting the cigars from external fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

For more detailed information on cigar humidors, you can check out our Cigar Humidors: The Ultimate Guide article.

Components of a Humidor

To understand how humidors work, knowing the primary components that make up these devices is essential. Each part plays a specific role in maintaining the optimal humidity levels necessary for cigar preservation.

Spanish Cedar Construction

While humidors can have many designs and varnishes on the outside, on the inside, they are all lined with Spanish cedar. The only wood able to withstand constant humidity, Spanish cedar is warp- and mold-resistant. Not only is it perfect for maintaining humidity, but it won’t impart any sour or untoward flavors onto the cigars it surrounds.

Seal

A good seal is crucial for a humidor to work effectively. The seal ensures that the internal environment remains consistent by preventing external air from entering and internal air from escaping. This helps maintain the desired humidity level and prevents fluctuations caused by changes in the external environment.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the humidity level inside the humidor. There are two main types of hygrometers: analog and digital. Analog hygrometers use a needle and dial to display humidity levels, while digital hygrometers provide a more accurate and easy-to-read digital display.

Humidifier

The humidifier is the heart of the humidor. It releases moisture into the air to maintain the desired humidity level. Humidifiers come in various forms, including sponge-based, crystal gel, disposable salt gel packs (Boveda), and electronic humidifiers. Each type has a different method of releasing moisture, but all serve the same purpose: to keep the air inside the humidor properly humidified.

Humidification Solution

Depending on the type of humidifier you choose, you’ll likely need to add a humidification solution. Most experts recommend using distilled water, propylene glycol, or a combination of both to fill the humidifier. This solution helps to regulate the release of moisture, ensuring that the humidity level remains stable.

By understanding these components, you can better appreciate how humidors work to create an optimal environment for your cigars.

How to Monitor and Adjust Humidity

Proper monitoring and adjustment are crucial to ensure your humidor maintains the right humidity levels. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively.

Using Hygrometers

Check the hygrometer regularly to monitor the humidity level inside the humidor. Calibrate analog hygrometers periodically to ensure accurate readings. Digital hygrometers, while more precise, should also be checked regularly for any discrepancies.

Using the Pinch Test

If you choose the old-school method and do without a hygrometer, the pinch test is your best friend. You can check the health of your humidor by periodically pinching your cigars to ensure they’re at the perfect RH. 

How to Perform the Pinch Test on a Cigar

• Select and Hold a Cigar: Gently hold the cigar between your thumb and forefinger. Make sure you are holding it lightly to avoid causing any damage.
• Perform the Pinch Test: Lightly pinch the cigar along its length, from the foot (the end you light) to the cap (the end you cut). Gently squeeze and release the cigar in several spots.
• Assess the Resistance: Pay attention to the resistance you feel as you pinch the cigar. A quality cigar should feel firm but have a slight give when pinched. It should not be too hard (overly dry) or too soft (overly moist).
• Check for Consistency: Ensure the resistance is consistent along the entire length of the cigar. There should be no hard or soft spots, which can indicate uneven filling or potential construction issues.
• Listen for Cracking Sounds: While performing the pinch test, listen closely for any cracking or crunching sounds. These sounds may indicate that the cigar is too dry and the wrapper is cracking.
• Final Inspection: After performing the pinch test, give the cigar one last visual inspection to ensure there are no damages or issues that were not initially visible.

Adjusting the Humidifier

Depending on the humidity level the hygrometer indicates, you may need to adjust the humidifier. If the humidity is too low, add more humidification solution to the humidifier. If it’s too high, consider airing out the humidor briefly to allow some moisture to escape.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the humidity level inside your humidor may fluctuate. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Dry Humidor: Try seasoning the wood if the humidity level is consistently low. This can be done by gently rubbing a small amount of distilled water on the Spanish cedar. 

You can check for leaks or gaps in the seal with the dollar bill test. To conduct the dollar bill test, simply: 

• Open the lid and place a bill of your local denomination half inside.
• Close the lid and pull on the bill.
• If the bill doesn’t move the seal is OK, if it comes out easily, there is a seal issue.
• Over-Humidified Humidor: If the humidity level is too high, reduce the amount of humidification solution or air out the humidor. Ensure the cigars are not too tightly packed, as this can restrict airflow and cause uneven humidity distribution.

For cigar enthusiasts who are always on the go, consider investing in one of the best travel humidors to maintain your cigars’ quality wherever you are.

Take Your Humidor To The Next Level

Understanding how humidors work is essential for any cigar aficionado. Humidors are intricate devices designed to maintain the perfect environment for cigars, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful. By mastering the components and mechanisms of your humidor, you can preserve your cigars in optimal condition and enjoy them at their best.

Investing in a quality humidor is wise for anyone serious about cigar preservation. With the right humidor and proper maintenance, your cigars will always be ready for that perfect smoking experience.

Now that you’ve brushed up your humidor knowledge, it’s time to stock your humidor with the finest Cuban cigars on the market — Swiss Cuban cigars! Shop now and experience the finest in cigars from your perfectly balanced humidor!