A humidor is nothing more than a simple box, more or less aesthetic and made of wood. Thus, to ensure the good preservation of your cigars, it is important to integrate a humidifier for an optimal humidity rate. But do you know how to choose one? Here are some tips for you to explore before buying or changing yours.
The openings and closings, the mixture of scrolls, but also the wood, which remains a living and porous element, are elements that favor the fluctuation of humidity in the humidor. To keep it at an ideal level, a humidifier is more than recommended. Depending on your budget and the size of your cellar, certain models are preferable. Here is an overview of the different humidifiers and which one to choose according to your needs.
Floral foam humidifiers
This is the oldest and most common absorption technique, as this type of humidifier is affordable. They are easy to use and require only a small priming operation before placing them in the cellar.
However, floral foam humidifiers must be refilled every two weeks or so, and it is important to check the humidity level regularly. So, it's a reliable solution, but quite restrictive if you're outside often. It should be noted that, being very porous, floral foam will also tend to absorb certain molecular by-products of cigars, such as ammonia. This system should be changed every year, but is still ideal for starting your cigar collection.
Glass or silica bead humidifiers
Silica gel is very absorbent and can hold up to 500 times its weight. Priming is similar to floral foam humidifiers. They are more efficient and only need to be refilled every 2-4 weeks and the gel replacement needs to be changed every year. However, it is a little more expensive than the floral foam humidifier, but gives you a little more freedom as the humidity level is regulated a little more efficiently. They also work much better when the outdoor environment is regularly ventilated.
Silica Bead Humidifier
Silica beads are ultra-absorbent and pre-treated with propylene glycol. Like the previous ones, they need to be pre-primed and water will need to be added every 2 to 4 weeks. However, the refill has a shelf life of about 5 years By buying a pack, you will be able to keep the same humidifier for your whole life! So it's a really effective and inexpensive humidifier in terms of its durability. On the other hand, if you are going to be away for a long period of time, you will have to fill your device just before you leave. It should also be noted that this type of product does not release moisture when the rate drops. Also, if the beads are exposed to heat or air conditioning, they will lose their effectiveness. It is best used in a small to medium humidor.
Electronic humidifiers
These are the most expensive humidifiers on the market, but also the safest. They are active, i.e. they continuously monitor the humidity level for you via sensors. As soon as the humidity level drops, the humidifier automatically releases moisture. The cartridge must be refilled every month and replaced once a year.
These devices are usually plugged into the mains or run on batteries. Cables can be a negative point in the aesthetics of a luxury humidor, depending on the location and your point of view. They are also equipped with thermometers to know the temperature of your humidor, as well as hygrometers. Some have alarms that alert you when the water needs to be changed or the battery needs to be replaced. These products are not suitable for all budgets and are best purchased when you have a large cellar, but they are an easy solution to live with.
Bag humidifiers
The gel and water release steam and this is precisely the model with which pouch humidifiers work. This makes it possible to achieve a very precise rate, as the contents of the sachets are specifically designed to maintain it for weeks at a time.
It is possible to find a range from 69 to 75% humidity to meet all needs. A single pack can humidify about 25 cigars. If you have more, you will need to increase the number of bags in your humidor. Even if you exceed the number of bags, this will have no effect, but it will also prolong the life of your cigars! This ultra-practical and inexpensive solution is a real revolution in the world of smoking, but the bags must be replaced often, i.e. every 2 or 3 months. It is a good solution for small humidors, as the price of these humidifier bags remains high.
Now that you know the best humidor options for your cigar, don't miss the opportunity to acquire yours for a better care of your product.
By: www.humidor-station.com
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