Buying a Humidor

Even before you walk out the door with all of that money burning a hole in your pocket, you should ask yourself a few key questions. For example, are you looking for a humidor that will match the decor or design scheme of the room in which it will be placed? Humidors are available in a variety of finishes, but the dark mahogany you will soon be admiring might clash with your pine or maple side table. Have you considered buying a lock if you want to keep tabs on your collection? And most importantly, do you know what size of humidor you need and how much money you would like to spend?

Inside and Out: What to Look for When Buying a Humidor Once you've determined what kind of humidor will best suit your particular needs and how much you have to spend, look for a few key features before taking the plunge and making your final purchase. Carefully inspect the exterior. Naturally, you wouldn't want to spend your hard-earned cash on a humidor that's chipped or cracked. There should only be a thin seam in the wood between the upper and lower halves of the box. Always look for a nice glossy sheen. As far as the interior is concerned, thick walls provide a better buffer between the outside temperature and humidity and your cigars. After all, a humidor's goal first and foremost is to maintain a constant internal environment so it should be well insulated against exterior climate changes. Most cigar enthusiasts also prefer an interior made of Spanish Cedar to promote optimal flavor.

The hinges and joints should be sturdy and secure so don't be afraid to handle different humidors before making your final decision. Finally, make sure your humidor includes a quality humidifier and hygrometer. These will both be essential to maintaining the optimal level of internal humidity of your humidor. After carefully considering all of the above, you'll be ready to take home a humidor that's right for you.