Cigar cabinet, how does it work?

Even if you're a complete novice, you've probably heard the expression " Cigar Humidor " and you know that it plays a crucial role in preserving your cigars. cigars .

But do you know how it works ?

Firstly, what is it for?

The first answer that comes to mind is simple: a cigar humidor is used to store cigars.

But in fact, it's much more than just a box!

Indeed, a humidor acts as a microcosm, with its own atmosphere and environment, creating an ideal setting for the preservation and storage of your cigars. Control

This is achieved through ultra-precise control of temperature and humidity levels. from inside the box, which will ensure the proper preservation of your cigars.

Maintaining constant humidity levels is important in order to preserve your cigars without over-humidifying or over-drying them.

If the gauge tilts to one side or the other, the taste of the cigar will be negatively affected.

That is why it is important to perform this temperature and humidity control, so that your cigars retain their delicious and unique taste.

The impact of humidity levels on your cigars.

Cigars are made of tobacco leaves. These will be affected by the relative humidity of the air surrounding them.

If they 're too dry , they shrivel up and their flavors and aromas deteriorate. Even worse, this lack of moisture will lead to excessively hot combustion, making them difficult to smoke properly.

Too much humidity will have a twofold impact. Cigars will naturally expand, and this excessive humidity level risks damaging your humidor: mold, rot, or even infestation by tobacco beetles .

A cigar humidor , but with these accessories!

To maintain good storage conditions in your cellar, several components must be present:

• A cellar made of Spanish cedar wood
• A humidifier
• A hygrometer

1.  Spanish Cedar

Most cigar boxes have a lining made of Spanish cedar wood. And this is no coincidence. Indeed, this wood has the unique property of being a natural humidity regulator, thanks to its ability to absorb and slowly release moisture. This is one of the essential components for maintaining the proper humidity level inside the humidor . Thus, if the humidity is too high, the cedar wood will absorb the excess moisture . Conversely, if the environment becomes too dry, it will release moisture. In both cases, the goal is to maintain the correct humidity balance for optimal storage of your cigars.

Therefore, it is very important to season your cigar cellar before storing your cigars in it, otherwise the cedar will absorb the moisture from the cigars themselves.

Since this seasoning process is important, we invite you to consult our dedicated article before your first use: " How to properly prepare a cigar humidor? "

2. What is a humidifier ?

This is the main accessory used to maintain humidity in the humidor. After being properly prepared during the seasoning stage and then filled with cigars, the humidifier will be the moisture supplier main part of your cellar.

Therefore, it will be necessary to regularly check it and refill it as needed with demineralized water so that your cigars remain full-bodied and burn slowly.

There is a wide variety of humidifiers:

• Sponges: This is the "historical" and oldest humidification system. However, it requires more regular maintenance because it increases the risk of bacterial contamination. Therefore, it is essential to moisten it with distilled water or a propylene glycol solution (50% distilled water/50% propylene glycol).
• Floral foam : You've all seen it before; these are the blocks of green foam used to hold flower stems in bouquets. They have the unique ability to retain a lot of water and release it gradually. Be aware that they also absorb cigar aromas, which is why they should be replaced at least once a year.
• Crystal Gel: Presented in the form of small beads, this gel has been specially designed for cigar preservation. Capable of retaining up to 500 times its weight in water and pre-treated with propylene glycol, this water will be released into the air of your humidor to maintain the correct humidity level. Preparing the gel is easy; simply soak it in distilled water to activate it (this should be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks). Shelf life: between one and two years, after which it will need to be replaced.
• Silica beads : It's an everyday product that we hardly even notice anymore. These beads are the ones you find in those little paper bags when you buy shoes, furniture, and so on. Capable of retaining up to 40 times their weight in water, they have properties similar to those of Spanish cedar wood. They can absorb and release moisture. Like all humidifiers, they are activated with distilled water and need to be recharged every 2 to 4 weeks. Extra-long lifespan: between three and six years, after which they will need to be replaced.
• Humidipak: It's the Nespresso-like humidifier capsule; ready-made, it comes in the form of a water and salt mixture encased in a membrane with bidirectional action (rejection and absorption). Like coffee capsules, you can choose your pack based on the desired humidity level.

Shelf life: 2 to 3 months.

• Electronic humidifier: Technology is everywhere, even in the ancient art of cigar preservation. With its humidity sensor that triggers an electronic release of moisture, this is the ultimate humidifier. It needs to be recharged monthly with distilled water. Theoretical lifespan: immortal.

Whichever version you choose, you will need to follow the instructions carefully in order to correctly determine the refill times with distilled water, or complete replacement.

3. What is a hygrometer ?

This is the final essential element of any self-respecting cigar humidor. It complements the humidifier, as it's the one that measures the humidity level . Therefore, it's the humidifier that will tell you exactly when to refill it, thus maintaining optimal humidity (between 65% and 75%).

There are two types of hygrometer:

• Analog: It will take the form of a needle rotating in a dial.
• Digital : in a cellar equipped with an electronic humidifier, it will be connected to the hygrometer.

Some tips for a well-regulated wine cellar:

• Make sure to regularly check your hygrometer display to ensure that the humidity in the air remains at the correct level (between 65% and 75%).
• And to be sure that the rate is correct, calibrate your hygrometer from time to time to maintain good accuracy of your instrument.

Now that you are an expert on cigar humidors, feel free to get one from our wide collection of Cigar Humidors .