To continue my "off-topic" pages here is a very interesting one which has spawned many hours of conversations. Because of this, I decided to compile a list of things I have done to tweak my humidor and well as what I use. If you are new to cigars, you may find this useful, if you are a seasoned smoker, you may find something new here as well.
I am at times asked what is in the "fridge" behind me during zoom meetings. This usually turns into a conversation about humidors and cigars as the “fridge” behind me in my shack is actually a cooling Newair humidor. Technically, the "fridge" comments are not completely wrong as this unit does cool, but only slightly as you want to keep the 70/70 rule for cigars. 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and 70 percent relative humidity.
I have used other humidors and now would find it hard to go back to a traditional one. Costs more then many other humidors but since we all have invested a small fortune in cigars, let's take care of them. I compare having a cheap humidor for cigars to buying an expensive ham radio transceiver and using a single dipole 10 feet off the ground. In other words, does not make sense.
I figured since many hams (and non-hams) enjoy the occasional cigar, here is some info on things I have done to enhance this unit, on what I like to use, and so on. Some of the links might be affiliate links but I do endorse all products personally as well as use anything I mention here.
The exact Electric cooling Humidor in question is this unit:
NewAir 250 Count Electric Cigar Humidor - This is a sainless steel unit with cooling (within reason). Claims to hold around 300 cigars, which is about right if stored individually.
The unit which also has heating, for those in cooler climates then me is this:
NewAir 250 Count Electric Cigar Humidor with Heating - Same thing but has heating to keep at 70F.
The unit has been working very well but it since I do not store cigars in boxes (space wasted and humidity can not be as well controlled), makes storage a bit awkward. I solved this with Cedar trays.
Here is what I have added (with links) to the humidor to make it more user friendly. Links will open in a new tab so you will not loose your place.
Cedar Humidor Trays - I use 3 of these and fit perfectly. Much easier to sort through and organize collection.
Xikar PuroTemp Rectangular Digital Hygrometer - The included meter is not bad but I am always up for a second opinion. This is one of the BEST ones I found. I returned 3 others, so this is my recommendation.
To calibrate the above I would recommend this:
Boveda One-Step Calibration Kit 75 Percent RH 2-Way Humidity Control
For humidification I use the following:
Joe Cool Cigar Crystal Gel Humidifier for Cigar Humidors - This is a 2 pack and fits nicely next to the trays.
Joe Cool Cigar Propylene Glycol Solution for Cigar Humidifiers - This is what is used to refill the above, 3-pack should last you a LONG time but since it does not go bad, get it cheaper.
I also like to use Boveda packs, my reference is 69% but some like the 72%. I would not go lower or higher.
Boveda 69 Percent RH 2-Way Humidity Control Size 320 - This is good for up to 100 cigars so with the above if you thow in 2 of these you are good for a LONG time. The Crystal gel above will make your Boveda packs last a lot longer.
Other things you may want for your in-between QSO cigar:
Xikar VX2 V-Cut Cigar Cutter - By far my favorite cigar cutter, cuts a V which I feel give a better draw. But not for all cigars.
Xikar Xi1 Cigar Cutter with 440 Stainless Steel Blades - This is one of the best non-V cutters out there, I looked at reviews. Good to have more then one, I have quite a few now. The "free" ones do not stand up these or the one below.
Zertone Cigar Cutter Guillotine Stainless Steel Double Blade - For a more traditional cutter, this company also makes razors so you know it is a good blade! I used this a lot and still super sharp.
Tomolo Torch Lighter Quadruple 4 Jet Flame Refillable Butane - Once cut, you got it light it. Though this beautiful lighter actually has a hole punch also built in.
Xikar PUROFINE Premium Butane Lighter Fuel Refill - When time to refill, do not mess around with poor quality fuel and plug-up your expensive lighter. This is one of the best out there, if not the best.
Xikar Lighter Tune-Up Tool 452BT - This is a super tool for refilling and servicing lighters. The bleeder is especially nice!
PerfecDraw Patented Precision Cigar Draw Enhancer Tool - You will need this eventually, everyone gets a cigar with a bad draw once in a while. No need to toss them now.
100 Packs Spanish Cedar Cigar Lighter Wood Spills - For the Purist! These are used by some to light cigars instead of torch lighters, etc. Work much better then matches, no sulfur smell. Just light and use to light your cigar.
I own and use everything I listed here and have worked well for me. I do not endorse products I do not like or have used personally.
Places to buy cigars online that I recommend are:
- JR Cigars - One of the best places, good prices and selection. My #1 go to place to order. Use This JR Cigars Link to get $10 off.
- Cigars Daily - Smaller online company, check them out on YouTube as well.
- Cigars International - The giant, worth looking at deal of the day here.
If you are still reading, you are a serious cigar smoker. Here are two more things I found useful:
Cigar Journal Blank Cigar Tasting and Review Log Book With Flavor Wheel For Aficionados
And if you like to have a cheat sheet around like me, here is a good one:
Cigar Guide Quick Reference Guide - Even has a guage measuring guide and pretty much all you need to ever reference.
If you find something incorrect, have an update, or if there is something you would like to see added to the site, drop me a line here. I like to keep things as up-to-date and as accurate as possible. Thank you! - Lucas / W6AER
