What would you veterans recommend as a starter type humidor for the occasional smoker? I see all of the different humidification items as well, what types do you prefer?

Just looking for experienced opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Humidification, unless it's a big enough cabined for an active humidifier (hydra, cigar oasis, et. al.) go with beads. Can't post the names here, because it's a competitor reference, but check your PM's in a minute or two.

Another option to consider rather than beads is the Humi-care Chrystal Gel Jars. I use both the Gel and Beads. I live in North Idaho and find that during the winter beads have a hard time keeping the Rh high enough for my tastes (60-63%) due to the very low Rh in my house (about 20-25%) during the heart of winter.

By the way, velkome to the nuthouse

I've kept my cigars this way for longer than I can remember, never had a problem with beetles or mold. As you get more familiar with cigars you should learn to squeeze and feel the humidity/ripeness of the cigar.

This advice is not intended for folks with really large wooden humi's, furniture requires more attention.

I know I'll probably get a storm on this, but it works for me and I feel a lot of new and maybe some old timers get caught up in the "current trend". Standard says 70deg and 70 RH. Well that has never been the norm in Cuba or anywhere else in the world. Not sure what was done in 1700-1800's but I'm sure they didn't have an Oasis for their humidor.

Jojoc, thanks for the information on the beads vs crystals in similar Rh conditions.

GB2, That seems like a good idea for long term storage. I may use that during the winter months, but would like a nice humi to display and keep out.

jojoc, that's true, Humi-care jars are another option and they certainly do work, but I've found that they don't work in all instances, or don't work _well_ in all instances. They can give off a lot of moisture, but they do it slowly. Beads are much faster to adjust to changes and stabilize the environment. Gel also is very slow at reducing excess humidity in humidors, again, beads are very quick about it. Beads are also simpler for those starting out. In light of all that, my beliefs are that if you're only going to have one cigar storage container, and you are going to be smoking out of it, go with beads - either 60% or 65%, and I've found that 65% tends to yield cigars that are more enjoyable to more palates, 60% is more of an acquired taste. If you have coolers for overflow and want to put gel in there, great, go for it. I have gel jars in some of my coolers.

Yup, the 70/70 being ideal is a BS myth propagated by some marketing department somewhere to push the sales of PG/H2O solution and credos. When you mix equal parts by weight of pure water and propylene glycol solution, at 70F it will naturally balance at just under 70RH.

As far as anyone can tell, cigars in the 1700-1800's were very different than what they are today. Different tobaccos, treatments, rolling/bunching preferences, humidities, flavor profiles and there was very little concern for precise humidity in storage. It was what it was. If it was too dry for your tastes, you soaked a brick in a bucket of water and put in the box or cabinet where you had the cigars. If they were too wet, you let them dry a bit. A lot of what I've read tends to indicate that most cigars were stored at very low RHs - like 40-50%.

You guys are a great help.

The above advice is spot on.

Ignore busa! LOL

Chemyst 😎

Thanx

LOL! It's a long standing joke here about people asking about cello on/off so if somebody gives you some strife about asking the question, tell them to kiss your....NAH don't do that...

It's whatever floats your boat....I leave mine on...The cello is porous and it protects the cigars from damage . Others will differ, but thats my story.......

Pretty compelling!!!!!

Reason enough right there....

At least you gave it the ole college effort!

I use a combination of both. I slide the stick to the edge of the cello tube and cut the cello at the tip. This privides protection when handling and allows air circulation along it's length.[gonzo]

Kinda knew I might take a beating with this question , but had to ask anyway. This is the best place to ask !!!

Thanx guys, appreciate it