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Last post 9 years ago by opelmanta1900. 70 replies replies.
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Cooler for Cigar storage
pfk985 Offline
#1 Posted:
Joined: 06-07-2014
Posts: 49
If using a cooler for storage do you add water pillows or beads?
sd72 Offline
#2 Posted:
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 9,600
Beads
denis007 Offline
#3 Posted:
Joined: 05-11-2014
Posts: 287
Heartfelt Beads Herfing
kombat96 Offline
#4 Posted:
Joined: 04-12-2010
Posts: 9,717
Cat litter
Beads
Pillows

Dealers choice
cacman Offline
#5 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
kombat96 wrote:
Cat litter
Beads
Pillows

Dealers choice

No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads. Only a wombat would recommend littler!

Don't be a cheapskate. Invest in the correct tool for the job.
Buy beads.
kombat96 Offline
#6 Posted:
Joined: 04-12-2010
Posts: 9,717
Giving the guy options, ya dink.

And we all know it depends on the color of cooler desides what you use.
KingoftheCove Online
#7 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,600
cacman wrote:
No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads

Popcorn heah!!
getcha popcorn heah!!
dharbolt Offline
#8 Posted:
Joined: 08-03-2013
Posts: 6,931
KingoftheCove wrote:
Popcron heah!!
getcha popcorn heah!!



Ill take a large please
Puffnstuff79 Offline
#9 Posted:
Joined: 02-24-2014
Posts: 4,752
Litter and Boveda packs for regulation. That's all. Recharge Boveda thread here somewhere too. Enjoy
pfk985 Offline
#10 Posted:
Joined: 06-07-2014
Posts: 49
Thanks all for your responses. It is very helpful.
Bur Offline
#11 Posted:
Joined: 07-31-2012
Posts: 5,638
Whatever ya got. Waterpillows? Use 'em

Boveda packets? Use 'em

Got beads? Use 'em

Don't make this hard.
typicaldenimbob 81 Offline
#12 Posted:
Joined: 06-15-2014
Posts: 50
I'm actually putting one together this week. Since joining cbid, I've quickly outgrown my storage. I was considering the large Coleman and buying the racks from wineardor.com . I've also read that the oust fans are a necessity wondering how many boveda packs it'll take to reach proper humidity
reckless Offline
#13 Posted:
Joined: 11-07-2013
Posts: 3,852
typicaldenimbob 81 wrote:
I'm actually putting one together this week. Since joining cbid, I've quickly outgrown my storage. I was considering the large Coleman and buying the racks from wineardor.com . I've also read that the oust fans are a necessity wondering how many boveda packs it'll take to reach proper humidity

Buy the coleman extreme from walmart and buy shelving from homedepot and cut them to length...... yw Beer
Boveda packs..... you will be spending more on those then if you were to just buy beads so save yourself some money but if you really want to then 3-4+ depending on the surrounding environment
ZRX1200 Offline
#14 Posted:
Joined: 07-08-2007
Posts: 60,473
I fill mine with water and season with garlic salt n pepper.
typicaldenimbob 81 Offline
#15 Posted:
Joined: 06-15-2014
Posts: 50
ZRX1200 wrote:
I fill mine with water and season with garlic salt n pepper.

No paprika or cumin? Amateur hour... Pfft
typicaldenimbob 81 Offline
#16 Posted:
Joined: 06-15-2014
Posts: 50
reckless wrote:
Buy the coleman extreme from walmart and buy shelving from homedepot and cut them to length...... yw Beer
Boveda packs..... you will be spending more on those then if you were to just buy beads so save yourself some money but if you really want to then 3-4+ depending on the surrounding environment


Thanks for the info.. I will be looking into the Home Depot shelving. I think someone on here had a post looking to trade for some beads.
Puffnstuff79 Offline
#17 Posted:
Joined: 02-24-2014
Posts: 4,752
DE will fill with vanilla, cherry, chocolate, coffee, etc. Gurkha will fill with cognac. White Owl will fill with Palama
SRH1 Offline
#18 Posted:
Joined: 12-16-2009
Posts: 1,943
cacman wrote:
No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads. Only a wombat would recommend littler!

Don't be a cheapskate. Invest in the correct tool for the job.
Buy beads.


^^^^^THIS^^^^^^
sd72 Offline
#19 Posted:
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 9,600
I would leave the cooler flat. Use some boxes for loose and singles. Stack unopened boxes under those. You can go in it often and not lose humidity. I like the upright with shelfs and such, but every time you open it, the heavier humidified air will be replaced with air from the room.

One mans opinion.
spectresquad Offline
#20 Posted:
Joined: 11-23-2005
Posts: 1,061
^^^^^^^
ThumpUp
typicaldenimbob 81 Offline
#21 Posted:
Joined: 06-15-2014
Posts: 50
sd72 wrote:
I would leave the cooler flat. Use some boxes for loose and singles. Stack unopened boxes under those. You can go in it often and not lose humidity. I like the upright with shelfs and such, but every time you open it, the heavier humidified air will be replaced with air from the room.

One mans opinion.

This actually makes a lot of sense... Cheaper too
HabanaHoe Offline
#22 Posted:
Joined: 12-31-2013
Posts: 324
cacman wrote:
No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads. Only a wombat would recommend littler!

Don't be a cheapskate. Invest in the correct tool for the job.
Buy beads.


Hes right! Get a few pounds of Heartfelt beads and do it right the first time waisting money and risking the intègrity of your cigars! Remember, the cost in beads is nothing compared to the cigars you are collecting!
HabanaHoe Offline
#23 Posted:
Joined: 12-31-2013
Posts: 324
sd72 wrote:
I would leave the cooler flat. Use some boxes for loose and singles. Stack unopened boxes under those. You can go in it often and not lose humidity. I like the upright with shelfs and such, but every time you open it, the heavier humidified air will be replaced with air from the room.

One mans opinion.


Dam good advice Steve!
skillett Offline
#24 Posted:
Joined: 05-14-2012
Posts: 156
I personally look at it as common sense.

Litter for sure. Will work just as good and pass on savings to a few more good sticks.
dharbolt Offline
#25 Posted:
Joined: 08-03-2013
Posts: 6,931
cacman wrote:
No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads. Only a wombat would recommend littler!

Don't be a cheapskate. Invest in the correct tool for the job.
Buy beads.

shaun341 Offline
#26 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
I love the kitty litter argument. Just because it is litter doesn't mean it was used as litter and then put in your humi. Secondly for all those that say it doesn't work the same it pretty much does except you have to train it in the beginning if you want lower the 70% rh. Its $20 for 8lbs of litter and HFB would be in the neghborhood of $240 so if you like lighting $100 bills on fire be my guest but I like my money more then that. Why else would I shop for the best deals I can find before I buy my cigars. Oh roasterdudes beads were pretty cheap and good but those are not available at the moment.
pfk985 Offline
#27 Posted:
Joined: 06-07-2014
Posts: 49
How much litter would you use and what do you put it in ? Any kind of cat litter? I have been using Boveda packs in my humidors and cooler. But if cat litter works then I will have to try it. It sure will save money.
opelmanta1900 Offline
#28 Posted:
Joined: 01-10-2012
Posts: 13,954
cacman wrote:
No freakin cat litter - it is not the same silica as Beads. Only a wombat would recommend littler!

Don't be a cheapskate. Invest in the correct tool for the job.
Buy beads.


people spend all their time and money on the hobby and indulgence of collecting, aging, and smoking premium hand made cigars, and then they want to skimp on beads...

penny-wise and dollar foolish my friends...

if you want to save a little money - smoke less, buy less, do less of something - but don't put what is made to absorb cat urine into your expensive cigar collection...
chefjimmy Offline
#29 Posted:
Joined: 12-15-2012
Posts: 2
Noob here,

I think it's funny how buying a cheap cooler from Walmart is advised, rather than purchasing a humidor. But the mention of kl is penny wise and dollar foolish.

Now I'll have some popcorn and watch me get flamed.
zitotczito Offline
#30 Posted:
Joined: 08-21-2006
Posts: 6,441
I have 18 coolers and I have been using 2-3 4oz jars of the Humi-Care beads in each one. I replace them when the blue color starts to fade and they last around a year to a year and a half.

http://www.cigarsinterna...humidification/#p-19706

I have been doing this for about 7 years and no problems. I pick these up on auction for $3.00 for little expense and they do a great job. Open the coolers each month to make sure they are filled and let in some fresh air. The beads are a little more work and I am lazy.

shaun341 Offline
#31 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
opelmanta1900 wrote:
people spend all their time and money on the hobby and indulgence of collecting, aging, and smoking premium hand made cigars, and then they want to skimp on beads...

penny-wise and dollar foolish my friends...

if you want to save a little money - smoke less, buy less, do less of something - but don't put what is made to absorb cat urine into your expensive cigar collection...



Just because they were created to absorb cat urine does not mean they will not work properly. Like I said it is not like you took them out of a kitty litter box and shoved them in your humi.

For the question above you must use silica litter and fragrance free. Other then that brand does not matter.

Also agree with the other statement that coolers are suggested to save money but using a humidifacation device with the word litter in it is just frowned on. I buy what I can afford and for the most part I have to shop for the lowest price possible on everything or wait for the right sale. If I can't get it at its lowest price then I pass. I try not to get caught up in the hype of the name on the label rather the quality of the product and that is what the argument against using kl feels like a name thing and not a quality thing. If you haven't used it how can you frown on it?
shaun341 Offline
#32 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
zitotczito wrote:
I have 18 coolers and I have been using 2-3 4oz jars of the Humi-Care beads in each one. I replace them when the blue color starts to fade and they last around a year to a year and a half.

http://www.cigarsinterna...humidification/#p-19706

I have been doing this for about 7 years and no problems. I pick these up on auction for $3.00 for little expense and they do a great job. Open the coolers each month to make sure they are filled and let in some fresh air. The beads are a little more work and I am lazy.




I also have a couple of these I use to and will say they work well and are at a decent price to.
opelmanta1900 Offline
#33 Posted:
Joined: 01-10-2012
Posts: 13,954
chefjimmy wrote:
Noob here,

I think it's funny how buying a cheap cooler from Walmart is advised, rather than purchasing a humidor. But the mention of kl is penny wise and dollar foolish.

Now I'll have some popcorn and watch me get flamed.


your argument would be valid if coolers were specifically designed to absorb cat urine but also happened to regulate temperature and humidity...

coolers are specifically designed to regulate temperature and humidity... they do not absorb cat urine...
opelmanta1900 Offline
#34 Posted:
Joined: 01-10-2012
Posts: 13,954
zitotczito wrote:
I have 18 coolers and I have been using 2-3 4oz jars of the Humi-Care beads in each one. I replace them when the blue color starts to fade and they last around a year to a year and a half.

http://www.cigarsinterna...humidification/#p-19706

I have been doing this for about 7 years and no problems. I pick these up on auction for $3.00 for little expense and they do a great job. Open the coolers each month to make sure they are filled and let in some fresh air. The beads are a little more work and I am lazy.




PG? No thanks... hate the stuff...
shaun341 Offline
#35 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
opelmanta1900 wrote:
your argument would be valid if coolers were specifically designed to absorb cat urine but also happened to regulate temperature and humidity...

coolers are specifically designed to regulate temperature and humidity... they do not absorb cat urine...



They were specifically designed to keep you food and drinks cool not to store cigars so the argument is valid imo.
zitotczito Offline
#36 Posted:
Joined: 08-21-2006
Posts: 6,441
opelmanta1900 wrote:
PG? No thanks... hate the stuff...


To each his own. I also have 2 600 count humi's, 3 300 count and 4 100's for working stock. So with 27 humi's and coolers, the HF expense is too great, not even considering the work of checking all the bead containers which is the reason I use the jars. One or two humi's fine, a TOP sure and nothing wrong with beads or the proper litter, I have tried both and they work fine. But for me, the jars are my best and easiest option.
cacman Offline
#37 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216

KITTY LITTER SUCKS!!!

It is engineered to absorb moisture and odor! PERIOD!
It is not engineered to offer 2-way humidification control like HF beads are, or the silica beads Roaster Dude offer.
I freakin hate that people recommend and use this sh|t to store their cigars! And why I don't trade.
Don't be a tightwad penny-pinching cheapskate! You don't see your local B&M using KL in their humidor!
horse

Saving a few bucks to buy a cooler vs a humi is NOT a fair comparison.
Both are boxes that will hold humidity, and a cooler can be lined with cedar.
opelmanta1900 Offline
#38 Posted:
Joined: 01-10-2012
Posts: 13,954
zitotczito wrote:
To each his own. I also have 2 600 count humi's, 3 300 count and 4 100's for working stock. So with 27 humi's and coolers, the HF expense is too great, not even considering the work of checking all the bead containers which is the reason I use the jars. One or two humi's fine, a TOP sure and nothing wrong with beads or the proper litter, I have tried both and they work fine. But for me, the jars are my best and easiest option.


if I had that many cigars, I'd likely go the easy route too Herfing
shaun341 Offline
#39 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
This argument can go on and on and to take it to such heart as to try and insult people that use it is ridiculous. If your so smart then why does it work, many people have and will use it without any problems. People that call others cheapskates cause they found an option that is cheaper makes you look snobbish and close minded. I had a cooler but I wanted something that looked better so I use a wineador now but I don't run around saying people with coolers are cheapskates and they look like dog crap, why keep such an investment in a piece of crap looking cooler. That would sound like I was bragging and a snob now wouldn't it.

Its a choice and if you choose to not use KL then so be it nothing wrong with that but do not try insult people that do use it that is childish.
cacman Offline
#40 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
shaun341 wrote:
This argument can go on and on and to take it to such heart as to try and insult people that use it is ridiculous. If your so smart then why does it work, many people have and will use it without any problems. People that call others cheapskates cause they found an option that is cheaper makes you look snobbish and close minded. I had a cooler but I wanted something that looked better so I use a wineador now but I don't run around saying people with coolers are cheapskates and they look like dog crap, why keep such an investment in a piece of crap looking cooler. That would sound like I was bragging and a snob now wouldn't it.

Its a choice and if you choose to not use KL then so be it nothing wrong with that but do not try insult people that do use it that is childish.

Duct tape works for a lot of things too. Doesn't mean it's the right tool for the job.
Maybe KL "works" for folks that live in high-humidity areas where all it needs to do is absorb the excess moisture, but not provide any back. Properly storing cigars is not about the vanity of what it looks like.
You ask for an opinion on a public forum… you got one!
pfk985 Offline
#41 Posted:
Joined: 06-07-2014
Posts: 49
Where do you get beads and how much do you put in cooler and humidors ? Do you put them in some kind of container?
opelmanta1900 Offline
#42 Posted:
Joined: 01-10-2012
Posts: 13,954
pfk985 wrote:
Where do you get beads and how much do you put in cooler and humidors ? Do you put them in some kind of container?


I don't think anyone here uses beads...
cacman Offline
#43 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
opelmanta1900 wrote:
I don't think anyone here uses beads...

LMAO!! Kitty litter & green foam all the way!

pfk985 - Most cigar retailers sell a variety of brand name beads or crystal humidification. The HF site offers a calculator to determine how much beads you need for your space. Some folks put the beads in stockings, or they can be stored in a glass or plastic containers. I use plastic sandwich containers which hold a pound of beads nicely and offers a lot of bead exposure. Good luck.
KingoftheCove Online
#44 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,600
cacman wrote:
LMAO!! Kitty litter & green foam all the way!


yep.......
and us pros take bigger pieces on KL and shove it inside the foam bars for the ultimate in cigar humidification....

cacman Offline
#45 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
KingoftheCove wrote:
yep.......
and us pros take bigger pieces on KL and shove it inside the foam bars for the ultimate in cigar humidification....


You get what you pay for!
KingoftheCove Online
#46 Posted:
Joined: 10-08-2011
Posts: 7,600
cacman wrote:
You get what you pay for!

I guess........
But explain this to me:

If KL is only one way humidification, how is it that I can take a rather low RH (54rh), empty 100ct humi, and then insert a sushi tray of KL that I spritzed just a bit with distilled water, and 48 hours later, the humi is at 68/69rh, and will stay there.


cacman Offline
#47 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
KingoftheCove wrote:
I guess........
But explain this to me:

If KL is only one way humidification, how is it that I can take a rather low RH (54rh), empty 100ct humi, and then insert a sushi tray of KL that I spritzed just a bit with distilled water, and 48 hours later, the humi is at 68/69rh, and will stay there.

What's the relative humidity & temperature of the room this 100ct Humi is being stored in? Does sunlight enter the room throughout the day and raise the temp & humidity? That ambient environment will directly effect the humi being stored in that room. In general my research has led to to the understanding that you will need to use more KL for the same space compared to beads. So you're giving-up more valuable cigar storage just to use KL???

My elevation does not offer very much humidity (or O2 for that matter), so keeping a 65% humidity where less than 20% is available by the native environment is a problem. I keep my cigars in my garage/office/man cave that stays cool throughout the year, and maintains a fairly consistent temp throughout the year (around 65-68°) regardless of the sun or heat outside. The LAST thing I want to use is a product engineered to absorb more moisture.
cacman Offline
#48 Posted:
Joined: 07-03-2010
Posts: 12,216
shaun341 wrote:
I love the kitty litter argument. Just because it is litter doesn't mean it was used as litter and then put in your humi. Secondly for all those that say it doesn't work the same it pretty much does except you have to train it in the beginning if you want lower the 70% rh. Its $20 for 8lbs of litter and HFB would be in the neghborhood of $240 so if you like lighting $100 bills on fire be my guest but I like my money more then that. Why else would I shop for the best deals I can find before I buy my cigars. Oh roasterdudes beads were pretty cheap and good but those are not available at the moment.

The bigger question is how much is the value of your cigar collection?

If the average 50qt coolidor (24"x12"x14" @ 4320 cu inches) only requires 8oz of beads (or 1/2 pound) but can easily hold 8-10 boxes of cigars (say 250 cigars), then I'd guess that a collection requiring 8lbs of litter would consist of over 4,000 cigars (1lb of beads for 500 cigars). Round down to 3,000 cigars at an average value of $4 each equals at least a $12,000 investment.

So for a potentially $12,000 investment you are not willing to invest less than 2% (or $240) to protect that investment over the long term and would rather use KL?

Phfffft!!!! If all you're storing is Acids than have at it!

Oh, the beads RoasterDude offered at a discount are available to the general public. You just need to do the research and not take the cheap way out at the Pet Dept at WalMart!
shaun341 Offline
#49 Posted:
Joined: 08-02-2012
Posts: 8,826
For starters 8lbs is not needed for my collection but if you don't mind saving the money then thats on you don't try and act like its a product that does not work cause you are wrong and thats fact. I have used all of these different ways for humidification and they have all worked some just require more attention then others. You have just read about it and take peoples word for it.

If by your words you get what you pay for then I guess you only smoke Opus, LE, and HTF cigars cause everything else is to cheap to be good lol.
sd72 Offline
#50 Posted:
Joined: 03-09-2011
Posts: 9,600
You're both overthinking it. Just wet a brand new sponge and toss it in the humi. On a Tupperware lid or bowl or something. Sponge dries out, re-wet it
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