Prior to joining this forum I had not heard of a cooler-dor/tupper-dor. (have used quart plastic bag for temp storage) I utilized the six month search and could not find the answer I was looking for.

I would guess that the terms are as implied, a cooler or tupperware container. Are there any modes required or does one just throw in the sticks, beads and seal?

You basically have the concept, but you want to make sure and clean it real well. Even if it is new to quell the plastic smell as much as possible. Let it air for a few days with the lid open should do the trick. Grab some trays, or older boxes and with your beads start bringing it up to RH (your preference) before adding sticks. I always use a salt tested digi hygrometer to verify the RH before committing my sticks to any new storage. Here is a good link to one on Stogie Review.
http://www.stogiereview.com/2006/09/26/how-to-build-a-coolidor/ 

Some get really complicated with their setups. Battery operated Febreeze fans, etc.
The basics are a good clean cooler or storage container. I use a big tupperware type container.
Beads. More than you think you need. The more you have the more stable your box will be. Less fluctiation and recovery from opening and closing.
I have a full pound in 4 4 oz tubes that I attched to each side of the underside of the lid.
A good hygro. I use 65% beads but I generally dont panic over a degree or two.
I live in LI NY and its humid in the summer and with the heat on the house gets dry in the winter.
I add water when it gets below 62% and blow dry the beads if it gets above 67%.
Anything else in between is good.

Great way to go to accommodate your extra inventory. I utilize two large Tupperware containers now. Aside from the beads (Mikey is absolutely correct), I use cedar dividers or sides from an empty cigar box to assist with the humidity level, but hopefully mimic the cedar's effect in a lined humidor.

I set my 52qt. cooledor up like a refrigerator. Removed the handles and use the rubber bumpers from old cue sticks as feet. Made cedar shelves to fit within the divider slots (dado's). Double-face taped the cedar sleeves that come between rows of cigars in boxes to the interior (poor man's veneer). Use a computer fan on each shelf for circulation. Currently using CI's humidity beads but waiting for Gimbel's heart-felt deal to go through. Currently holds 10 boxes and a 50ct humidor inside, with a little room to spare. Wine cooler is next.

I used a mild soap like NixWax Techwash or a super light non-scent liquid soap and rinse well with bottled water and a final rinsing with distilled water. I like the cooler due to temp protection and humidity control, just make sure to let your sticks see the light of day now and then to exchange the air. I always fan the air out to be sure there are not pockets of dead gas. Cigar dutch ovens are stinky.

Thanks for the replies, but............

Now I have a couple of more question:

First, when using the old cigar boxes for storage in the cooler would that be with box lids on or removed?

Would it be worth lining the bottom of the cooler with cedar planks that are used in grilling?

Not sure if this is really on topic, but didn't think it needed a new thread either. . .

I have recently started to run out of space, and have been looking at humidor options. At the same time, my wife has been nagging me about this old chest freezer that doesn't work we have down in the basement. . .

So what I was thinking was maybe I could put some planks of spanish cedar in there. Get me some beads(guessing I'm gonna need a bunch for a container that size) put my cigars in boxes and store them in there.

Will this work? I'd never run out of space again. . . Would I have to find a way to circulate fresh air in?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Damn, got jacked by a freezer!

Just kidding, welcome to the thread.

Not sure what others do but I just leave the lids on. Makes it easier to play cigar box tetris.

Not sure the cedar planks for grilling are spanish cedar. I just used the thin sleeves that come in boxes to line so as not to loose any valuable space with a thick 1/4" lining. Sleeves could probably be had with empty boxes from your local. The large RP Edge crates are great for making shelves/dividers out of because they are so wide. I lined the inside of my cooler door with an Edge crate.

Good luck. Been very happy with my cooler.

Burner02 - If you like the boxes leave the lids. If you prefer to look at them remove the lids. I use older boxes for storage of my loose sticks. Just be sure you do not put any flavored or infused "herbal" items in there. Keep them away in a separate location.

No do not use typical cedar for your stogies. totally different kind and will not be good for your cigars. You can find reasonably pried SPANISH CEDAR at lumber yards if you want it. I keep the Spanish Cedar dividers from my boxes and put them in my ghetto-humi for a little cedar aroma. Your cigar boxes are probably good enough.


illinichaser - Sounds good, but you have to make sure it is squeaky freaky clean. Old food residue in a musty humid freezer sounds like a possible mold trap, you don't want that for your sticks. If it is clean then go for it, but yeah you need to circulate the air and maintain humidity. You could get an active humidifier, but you will still need to pop the top every 6 weeks or so and fan the air out and let it re-acclimate to your preferred humidity level. it's a big space, so you may want to add some Spanish Cedar planks for Aroma. Just make sure the metal inside is not too smelly or corroded as some old stainless gets.

Thanks for the reply Cacman.

Good point on the spanish cedar.

Due to space constraints I decided to go with a 48qt igloo from Walmart. I looked at other brands but this one seemed to have a really good seal when the lid was closed. Ordered the heartfelt beads, followed the thread instructions on setup and it is fully op at this time. Amazing how many sticks can be stored in the 48.

Thanks again for the recommendations!

👍 Cool man... glad it all work out for you!!!
🍺


PS - it will be too small within the year.

This of all of the positives. Cheap good storage, and when you upgrade you can keep your beer ice cold in your old humi.....what could be better?

A little late, but here's two of mine from a couple years ago, with instructions.

http://www.cigarbid.com/FORUM/c/posts/376752/A-Couple-Of-My-Coolers 

Nice! Very organized

^agreed clean and organized; Cacman, sounds like a nice set-up, I am looking at getting a large cooler, need to consider the circulation and wonder if a cigar oasis xl will be enough for the 150 qt marine you can get for $80 at wal-mart. Figured to get some Spanish cedar boards to line the bottom maybe. I don't plan on smoking that much and that should last me for any situation. Like you looking forward to the Hearrtfelt order.

This guy is local for me, sort of, a little over an hour, but he sells single board deals with cheap shipping, bundles, etc. He has his own website, too. I called him but couldn't work out a good ol' boy deal. He migrated from the city, hehe. Still good deals sometimes on Exotic woods.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/57-4-4-SPANISH-CEDAR-/200653085033?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb7db1969 

You should see how many will fit in a 120qt (5 cubic feet). $58 at wally world.

Numi - Gimbel and others could probably answer better on maintaining the larger coolers. Only keep a 52qt and a large desktop myself. But IMHO the cigar oasis XL may be a little overkill for a cooler, especially if you use the proper amount of beads. The Oust fans are popular and cheap for circulation.