What is a Humidor Cabinet? (How To Store Cigars & Enhance Flavor)


Humidor Cabinet

Humidor cabinets come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can typically be custom-made according to the requirements of the owner. The Spanish word “humidor” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as a box, jar, or cabinet for keeping cigars fresh.

So quite simply, a humidor cabinet is a storage unit that is designed to store, preserve, and display a collection of cigars. 

A humidor serves to keep cigars fresh and moist so that they do not become dry, brittle, or develop mold. A humidor is typically made of wood lined with metal or plastic and filled with Spanish cedar (cedarwood).

Many of our humidors come with a hygrometer, which is used to measure humidity levels within the humidor…

Why Is There a Need for Humidor Cabinet?

Cigars are made from tobacco. These tobaccos are grown in various tropical countries as well as several countries in the equatorial regions. Cigars from countries such as Indonesia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and particularly Cuba are the top cigars in the world.

These countries have good weather for cigars. The humidity in these countries keeps cigars moist so they mature perfectly.

But once cigars leave these countries, their quality tends to degrade. This is because they undergo various humid shifts and climate changes when they are shipped from one country to another.

This results in poor maturity that degrades the quality of the cigars as cigars can only properly mature in a controlled environment. That’s why we need humidor cabinets to store cigars.

A humidor cabinet is made from wood that keeps the cigars moist. The relative humidity inside the cabinet is maintained with the help of the humidifier, preserving the cigar’s original flavor.

Using Humidor Cigar Cabinet for the First Time

There are certain things to keep in mind when using the humidor cabinet for the first time. Most individuals make the mistake of putting their cigars right after purchasing the humidor cabinet.

This is wrong because humidor cabinets don’t have the right humidity required upon the first use.

So, if you use the cabinet immediately after purchasing, it will suck down the moisture from your cigars, ruining their taste. To prevent this from happening, you need to re-humidify the wood and set the proper humidity.

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Maintaining the Right Humidity Inside the Humidor Cabinet

Every humidor cabinet has a humidifier. Without it, it would be impossible to control the humidity inside. To maintain the ideal humidity, squirt distilled water or humidification solution into the humidor occasionally.

The amount of humidification solution or distilled water is only needed so as not to overfill the humidor. The ideal frequency of adding humidification solutions is once a month but it depends on how frequently you use it.

It is recommended that you check the hygrometer inside regularly to determine whether there is enough humidity.



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Just like wines, cigars mature. The longer you keep them in a controlled environment, the better their taste will be. Maintaining the temperature below 73°F is extremely important.

The typical range of the humidor’s temperature is between 68-72°F. 70% of humidity and 70°F are ideal conditions. It is recommended that you use the hygrometer to better control the relative humidity and temperature.


How Long Do Cigars Last in a Humidor?

Potentially a cigar can last years in a humidor however there is a lot of variables to consider. First of all, not all humidors are the same so you will need to see the manufacturer’s guidelines for the humidor you want to buy.

Secondly and more unpredictable is the quality of the cigar. How old are the materials the cigar is made from and what about the tobacco? They are all not the same and a cigar made of younger material will age way better than one that is more aged, to begin with.

The best way to find out it is to test it out with your favorite cigars. Put them in your humidor and taste one in 3 days, 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, a year, and so on. Then take note of the difference in taste.

When you consider that a good cigar is likely to only survive 3 days outside of a humidor you can see why it is so worthwhile investing in one that could keep your favorite cigars tasting wonderful for years.

What is a humidor cabinet used for?

A humidor cabinet is a piece of furniture used to store cigars and tobacco products. It’s typically made of wood, but it can also be made of metal.

It’s used to keep cigars at the right humidity level, which is crucial for preserving the flavor and quality of the cigar.




What is a humidor piece of furniture?

A humidor piece of furniture is a humidor that is also a piece of furniture. It’s a box or container that you store your cigars in, but it can also be more than that—it can be used as a display case, as well as an organizational tool.

It keeps your cigars at the right humidity and temperature so they stay fresh and ready to smoke, while also protecting them from damage like mold or sun damage.

What makes a box a humidor?

A box becomes a humidor when it’s built to hold cigars and other tobacco products in an environment with a consistent temperature and humidity level that promotes their longevity.

A humidor is a box that helps keep cigars fresh. The most common type of humidor is made of wood, and it’s lined with Spanish cedar, which is a soft wood that absorbs moisture.

Humidors also have a tight seal, which means that when you close it, the air inside the box can’t escape. This helps to keep the moisture content high.

The main difference between a humidor and other types of boxes that might keep things like cigars or jewelry safe is that humidors are specifically designed to preserve the quality of the cigars inside them.


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What is a humidor stand?

A humidor stand is an accessory that allows you to place your humidor on top of it instead of having it sit on its own legs or feet.

This will help keep dust from collecting on top of your humidor and prevent damage from happening if someone accidentally bumps into it (as well as making it easier to move around).

How long do cigars last without a humidor?

Cigars are delicate creatures, and they’ll dry out in just a few days if you don’t keep them in a humidor. When cigars are kept in a humidor, they can last for months or even years.

But if they’re not stored properly, they’ll dry out very quickly—sometimes within just a few days. If you want your cigars to last as long as possible, here are a few tips:

Keep them in the original packaging. Cigars should be stored in their original packaging until you’re ready to smoke them. This will help keep them from drying out and losing their flavor.

Keep them in an airtight container. If you don’t have a humidor, try storing your cigars in an airtight container like Tupperware or an old cigar box.

You can also wrap your cigars individually in plastic wrap before putting them into the container. If you do this, make sure you use fresh plastic wrap every time—otherwise it could get moldy!

Store them somewhere cool and dry. Humidity and temperature are both important when storing cigars; too much humidity can cause mold or mildew to grow on the tobacco leaves, while too little humidity will dry out the leaves and make them brittle so they break easily when handled (which isn’t good for smoking).

What does humidor smell like?

The smell of a humidor comes from two sources: the cigars themselves and the materials used to make it. Cigars have their own unique aroma, which is why many people enjoy smoking them so much—it’s similar to how wine aficionados enjoy smelling wine.

Cigar smoke also has its own distinct scent, which is why some people don’t like smoking cigars—they think it smells bad or makes them sick!

The materials used to make a cigar humidor will also affect its scent—some woods have stronger scents than others, while metal smells less than wood does but still emits some odor when exposed to air over time (though not as much).

How does a desktop humidor work?

A desktop humidor is really just a box that’s big enough to hold your cigars and keep them from drying out. It’s got a humidifier in the bottom, which you fill with water and then add a sponge or crystals to. The humidifier keeps the humidity at about 70%—ideal for keeping cigars moist.

Desktop humidors work by using a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your humidor, and then maintaining that humidity with a humidifier.

The hygrometer tells the humidifier how much water to add to the air in your humidor, so it always stays at a specific level.

The box is also lined with Spanish cedar, which helps keep your cigars from being damaged by the oils in your skin (we don’t recommend putting them in your pocket).

Finally, there are holes in the lid that allow air to circulate through the box and into the humidifier, so moisture can be added as necessary throughout your cigar-smoking experience.

Can any wooden box be a humidor?

The short answer? Yes, any wooden box can be a humidor!

A humidor is defined as “an airtight container designed to keep cigars, cigarettes and tobacco at a stable humidity.”

It is important to note that not all wooden boxes are created equal. Some boxes are more effective at maintaining humidity than others.

For example, if you put a cigar in a cardboard box with holes in it—and then sealed it shut—the cigar would not stay fresh for long. In fact, that cigar probably wouldn’t last for an hour!

That’s why it is recommend using an oak or mahogany humidor for your cigars. These types of wood have high levels of natural oils, which help keep moisture from escaping from the box and drying out your cigars.

Is a cigar box a humidor?

No, a cigar box is not a humidor.

A humidor is a container that keeps cigars at the right temperature and humidity level to prevent them from drying out or becoming too moist.

It can be made of wood, metal, or plastic. It should also have an airtight seal to keep the humidity in and prevent mold.

You can store your cigars in a cigar box, but it’s not really an official humidor because it doesn’t have any of the features that are necessary for proper storage of your cigars: no airtight seal, no way to keep the temperature steady, and no way to regulate humidity levels.

Is it OK to put cigars in the refrigerator?

No. Putting cigars in the refrigerator is not recommended because the cold temperature will cause them to become brittle and break easily.

The main reason why you should not put cigars in the refrigerator is because it will lose its flavor. You need to remember that the cigar is made from tobacco leaves and not fruits.

When you store your cigars in the refrigerator, they will absorb all those smells and flavors from inside, which can really affect how the cigar tastes when you smoke it. So avoid putting them in there if you want them to retain their original flavor!

Cigars are made from tobacco leaves, which are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Put your cigars in the refrigerator and they will absorb moisture from the cold air.

If you take them out of the fridge, they will then heat up too quickly when they’re brought back to room temperature. This can lead to cracking or splitting in your cigars, which is bad news for their taste and aroma.

Another reason not to put cigars in the refrigerator is that it’s difficult to maintain constant temperatures in there.

Cigars need to be kept between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius) at all times. That may sound easy enough until you realize that most refrigerators register temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).

What happens if you don’t put cigars in humidor?

If you don’t store them properly, they can become dry and taste like cardboard. The tobacco leaf that makes up the cigar will crack when it gets too dry and this will ruin the flavor of your cigar.

If you don’t store your cigars in a humidor, they will become dry, brittle and even start to fall apart. If this happens, it can ruin your cigars and make them unsmokeable.


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Do cigars get better with age?

Some people believe that aging cigars is beneficial and makes them taste better. In fact, some people think that aging improves the flavor of nearly everything — from wine to cheese to coffee beans!

However, there’s no evidence that aging improves cigar quality or taste. In fact, if you age your cigars too long they’ll begin to lose their flavors and aromas (and their condition).

How do you know if a cigar is bad?

Cigars can be stored properly for up to two years and still taste great. But how do you know if a cigar is bad? Here are some common signs of a bad cigar:

Smell Your Cigar First

If you smell anything other than sweet tobacco when inspecting your cigar then it probably wasn’t stored properly or was damaged during transportation or storage at your local tobacconist’s shop.

Signs of Mold

Mold is the most common reason people throw away cigars. Mold is dangerous because it can cause allergic reactions or even respiratory problems in some people. The best way to avoid mold is to keep your humidor clean and dry, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.

If you notice mold on your cigars, immediately remove them from their packaging and place them in an airtight container with baking soda. Leave them overnight before trying to smoke them again.

Signs of Cigar Beetles

Cigar beetles are small insects that will eat holes through the leaves of your cigars. The best way to avoid this hassle is by keeping your humidor at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below, which will kill off any eggs that may have been laid there before you purchased the cigars.

If you notice holes in your cigars after buying them, they’re probably infested with beetle larvae (which look like little worms). You’ll need to cut off the affected areas before smoking or else they’ll continue eating away at your precious tobacco leafs!


Discoloration can also be a sign that your cigar has been sitting around too long and needs to be discarded immediately.

Cigars that are discolored may have been exposed to sunlight or high temperatures for too long, which can cause them to dry out or even become stale.

If you notice any kind of discoloration on your cigar, throw it away immediately; otherwise, you risk getting sick from smoking it!

Why does my cigar smell fishy?

Cigars are a lot of fun to smoke, but they don’t always smell good. Sometimes a cigar will have an off-putting odor that can make it difficult to enjoy. If your cigar smells fishy, you may be wondering what’s happened and what you can do about it.

Cigars are made from tobacco leaves that are dried and fermented for months before being rolled into cigars. Unlike cigarettes, which contain additives to enhance their flavor, cigars only have tobacco leaves and the wrapper leaf used to cover them.

The fermentation process causes sugars in the leaves to break down into organic acids, which gives cigars their distinctive aroma.

The longer they ferment, the more favorable they smell — but they also become more pungent as time goes on. This is why some cigars have an unpleasant odor when they’re newly opened and not yet ready for aging.

Why does my cigar taste bitter?

There are many reasons why cigars may taste bitter. Here are some common causes:

The wrapper is too green. If a cigar’s wrapper is too green or immature, it will often taste overly harsh and bitter. This is especially true if the wrapper is too thin or if there are holes in the wrapper (which allow air to reach the filler).

The cigar has gone stale. The longer a cigar sits around, the staler it becomes. A stale cigar will usually have an unpleasant taste and aroma that makes it difficult to enjoy smoking it.

Cigars are often stored improperly after they’ve been rolled. When stored in an environment that’s too hot, humid or dry, cigars will age quickly — leading them to go stale much sooner than normal.

Why do my cigars taste like ammonia?

Cigars are made with tobacco leaves that are fermented in large piles called pilones. After fermentation, the leaves are dried and cured to prepare them for rolling into cigars.

The curing process takes place in rooms filled with warm air that contains ammonia gas. That’s what gives your cigar its unique aroma and flavor!

If you don’t like the smell of ammonia, you can choose not to buy cigars that use this type of curing process. However, it’s worth noting that there are many excellent cigar companies who use this method precisely because it imparts such wonderful flavor into their products.

Do I need a humidor?

If this is your first time buying cigars, or even smoking them, then there’s no reason to get an expensive humidor. You might want to wait until you know more about the hobby before making such an investment.

If you’ve been smoking for years and find yourself spending a lot of money on cigars, then it’s probably time for an upgrade! You’ll be able to store more cigars in a larger model with better temperature regulation and humidity control.

How do you season a desktop humidor?

The process of seasoning a desktop humidor is easy and can help to maintain the proper humidity level in your humidor. This will help to keep your cigars properly stored and ready to smoke at any time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Humidifier

Before you can season your new desktop humidor, you first need to prepare the humidifier by filling it with distilled water and letting it sit for 24 hours before adding it to your humidor. The distilled water helps remove any impurities from tap water before putting it into contact with the wood of your humidifier.

Step 2: Season Your Desktop Humidor

After the 24-hour period has passed, place the humidifier inside of your desktop humidor and close the lid tightly so that no air can escape. Leave it this way for three days before removing it again and opening up the lid once more so that excess moisture can escape from inside of your desktop humidifier.

Repeat this step until all excess moisture has been removed from within both your desktop humidifier as well as within your tabletop cigar storage unit itself. Once you have completed this step, it’s time for final inspection!

Where do you put cigars in a humidor?

The best place for your cigars is in the center of the humidor. This ensures that they are exposed to the humidity from all sides and have plenty of airflow around them.




The only exception to this rule would be if you were storing a very expensive cigar, such as a Cuban or a Cohiba, which may need to be stored separately from other cigars due to their higher value or fragility.

Can cigars be too cold?

The answer is yes. If your cigar is too cold, it will not taste good and you will miss out on all of the wonderful flavors that make cigars so great.

Cigars should be stored at a temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 70% or higher.

The optimum temperature range for most premium cigars is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Cigars stored in these conditions will age very gracefully and develop complex flavors over time.

If your cigars are too cold, they will not burn properly and may even crack due to excessive moisture build up in the tobacco leaves.

Is 72% humidity too high for cigars?

72% humidity is a very high level of humidity. It’s not uncommon for cigar smokers to feel that their cigars are too moist and don’t smoke well. That’s because they’re used to smoking in a more moderate environment.

The ideal humidity level for storing cigars is between 65% and 70%. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to keep your humidor at 68% or 69% if you want your cigars to last longer than a month or two.

Do you remove plastic from cigars before placing in humidor?

The answer is a resounding yes.

The reason is because cigars are made from tobacco, which can absorb moisture from the plastic (unless it’s the expensive kind).

Moisture = Mold = Bad News.

So, how do you remove the plastic? It’s pretty easy: Just take a pair of scissors and slit open the foil covering on the end of each cigar. Then remove the plastic as if you were taking off a band-aid.

Can I use a mason jar as a humidor?

Yes, you can use a mason jar as a humidor. The idea is to take a small portion of your cigar collection and store them in a glass jar that’s filled with distilled water and some Boveda Humidity Packs (or other humidifying solution).

The process is simple. You fill up a mason jar with distilled water, add one Boveda pack per cigar, then seal the jar and shake it up until all of the contents are fully saturated. After that, you just leave it alone until you want to smoke one of those cigars.




You should expect to see some condensation on the outside of your jar when you open it up if you don’t have any circulating air in your humidor. This is perfectly normal — just wipe off the excess moisture before removing your cigars from the jar.

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