A humidor is any kind of box or room with constant humidity – and often temperature as well – used to store cigars, cigarettes, or pipe tobacco. For private use, small wooden or acrylic glass humidor boxes for a few dozen cigars are used, while cigar shops may have walk-in humidors, sometimes consisting of a whole floor. Humidors can be used to store other goods for which a certain level of humidity is desirable
If you are not an experienced cigar smoker, you may be wondering why cigar aficionados use humidors. Humidors are used to store and protect cigars so that they are kept at their peak flavor. A humidor works by keeping a cigar at a constant temperature, somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70-72% humidity.
Many cigar aficionados claim that the ideal temperature for storing cigars is 70 degree F. Any lower will tend to age the cigar, rather than keep it at a constant level. Humidors are not meant to age, but rather to preserve the integrity, flavor, and color of the cigar.
What should you look for when purchasing a humidor? The good humidor should close completely, with a tight fitting lid that will keep the cigars well kept from the elements and prevent any exchange of moisture. Seams should be smooth and well fitted for cigars. Cedar, especially Spanish cedar is ideal for the interior of the humidor. Of course, make certain your brand of cigars fits well into any humidor you are considering purchasing.
Table humidor
Usually quite heavy and though portable in theory, is usually kept static in one location. Usually can hold 300 to a few thousand cigars. Usually comes in polished wood exterior or marble or leather or combination of exotic elements, and glass tops.
Room humidor
This is usually common in cigar bars or stores. One room is usually converted to a humidor where all the cigars are stored.
Travel humidor
Usually portable and ideal for carrying cigars enough for the outing or event. Usual counts supported are 10 to 40 cigars.
Personal humidor
Casual cigar smokers will sometimes keep a small humidor in their homes for special events, or for the look and feel. They are similar to travel humidors, though they can contain up to 75 (sometimes even more) cigars. However, the average casual smoker will have a humidor that contains about 30 to 100 cigars