Cigars arrive wrapped in a haze of ritual and splendor.
More so than anything else, cutting, lighting, and smoking a cigar are matters of etiquette, but these rituals go far beyond the crunchy tobacco leaves.
Even cigar humidors are held to certain standards of decorum, and these indispensable cigar accessories have evolved into status symbols, possibly even more so than the cigar itself.
If you’re a cigar smoker, then you know that proper storage is key to keeping your cigars in great condition.
So are wooden humidors good for storing cigars?
In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of wooden humidors.
Are Wooden Humidors Good for Storing Cigars?
Are wooden humidors good for storing cigars? The answer to this question is both yes and no.
Whether or not wooden humidors are good for storing cigars really depends on the type of wood they are made out of.
If the wooden humidor is made out of cedar, like Spanish cedar humidors, then it’s considered to be a good material for storing cigars.
This is because cedar has natural oils that help to keep cigars fresh.
However, if the humidor is made out of any other type of wood, then it is not recommended for storing cigars.
This is because other types of wood can dry out cigars and make them taste bad.
Read More: How Do I Know if a Cigar is Bad? Here’s what to look for to see if your cigar is still good to smoke!
Types of Wooden Humidors
There are two main types of wooden humidors: desktop and travel.
Desktops are large humidors, heavier, and more expensive than travel humidors.
This is because they’re designed to sit on a table or countertop, and they typically have built-in features like Spanish cedar lining, hygrometers, and cigar humidifiers.
Travel humidors are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. They’re designed to be portable so you can take them with you when you travel.
Most travel humidors don’t have any built-in features, but some come with hygrometers and humidifiers.
Benefits of Wooden Humidors
- Wooden humidors provide the perfect environment and keep cigars fresh by protecting them from fluctuations in humidity and temperature.
- They tend to be much more attractive than other types of humidors. Wood has a natural beauty that many people find appealing, and it can add a touch of elegance to any room.
- Wooden humidors are often much easier to care for than other types of humidors.
- Unlike plastic or metal humidors, wooden humidors do not require special cleaners or treatments to keep them looking their best.
- A simple dusting with a soft cloth is usually all that is needed to keep a wooden humidor in top condition.
The video below further explains some pros and cons of storing your cigars in a wooden humidor:
Read More: Are Electric Humidors Good? See if these modern humidors are better than the classic wood!
Before Getting a Wooden Humidor
Wooden humidors can be great for storing cigars if they are made with quality materials and properly cared for.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering a wooden humidor:
The Type Of Wood Used Is Important
Some woods are better at regulating humidity than others.
As noted above, cedar is a popular choice for cigar humidors because it is good at absorbing and releasing moisture.
Size Of The Humidor
Desktop humidors typically hold between 50 and 100 cigars, while travel humidors usually hold between 10 and 50 cigars.
If you plan on storing a large number of cigars, then you’ll need a larger humidor.
Price
Desktop humidors typically cost between $100 and $300, while travel humidors usually cost between $50 and $150.
If you’re on a budget, then a traveling cigar humidor might be a better option for you.
However, if you have the money to spend, then a desktop humidor will provide you with more features and better quality.
The Construction
A well-made humidor will have tight seams and a good seal to prevent moisture from escaping.
Humidors Need To Be Regularly Maintained
The wood needs to be treated with a humidifier solution and the cigars need to be rotated so they don’t dry out.
If you’re looking for a quality wooden humidor, be sure to do your research and find one that will meet your needs.
With proper care, a wooden humidor can be a great way to store your cigars.
Read More: Can You Put Out a Cigar for Later? Yes! We show you how here.
Tips for Using Your Wooden Humidor
Once you’ve chosen the right wooden humidor for your needs, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it lasts for years to come:
Season Your Humidor
First, make sure to season your humidor before using it.
Seasoning is the process of adding moisture to the wood so it can better absorb in the cigars.
To season your humidor, place a damp sponge or cloth inside of it and close the lid.
Let it sit for 24 hours so the wood can absorb the moisture.
After 24 hours, remove the sponge or cloth and let the humidor air out for 24 hours.
Read our related article, How to Re Season My Humidor, to learn more about how to season your cigar humidor!
Use a Humidifier
Make sure to use a humidifier in your humidor.
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air inside your humidor.
This helps keep cigars fresh and prevents them from drying out.
There are a variety of different types of humidifiers available, so choose one that’s right for you.
Read More: What is a Backwood Made Out Of? See how Backwood cigars are made!
Store in a Dry, Cool Area
Store your cigars in an appropriate environment. Cigars should be stored in a dry, cool place.
Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.
Check the humidity level inside your humidor regularly.
What is the perfect humidity for cigars? The ideal humidity level for cigars is between 65% and 75%.
You can use a hygrometer to check the humidity level inside your humidor and add moisture if necessary.
Shelf Life of Cigars in a Wooden Box
Cigars can stay fresh for up to 6 weeks if the box is still unopened.
Experienced cigar aficionados are aware that premium cigars, whether sealed or not, will last practically indefinitely if stored within specific temperature and humidity ranges.
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