Humidor Advise for a beginner

[MHat]

I have previously bought one to two cigars at a time, but have recently decided to purchase a humidor. It's a little overwhelming. I thought that I had is narrowed down to the Art Deco -
http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product/CIGAR-HUMIDORS/MEDIUM-HUMIDORS/ART-DECO-60-COUNT-HUMIDOR/75192/sc/8392/c/8392/pc/8389.uts
However, I just read a review that said the Hygrometer didn't work properly and that it got worse over time. Does anyone know anything about this humidor?

It has everything I want. I want a dark wood, glass top, external hygrometer, with a lock that will hold anywhere between 50-150 cigars. If you think this is a bad decision, what is a good buy with a budget of 100-150?

Thanks so much for your help!!!

[Montano]

Visit the devil site ;) or Cheaphumidors.com

Buy the biggest one you can afford. You're welcome !

[Wharf Rat]

Welcome aboard!

You may want to check through some of the sticky threads for humidor suggestions. A few "conventional wisdom" comments about your particular humidor:

1. Generally, analog hygrometers (with hands) are so innaccurate as to be useless. But, if you want one hanging off your 'dor, its OK with me!

2. Thompson's is not usually regarded as the best place to do business with. They are very aggresive in their after-marketing.

3. If you ever have a problem with a leak, the glass top will be one of your first suspects.

There are many sources of 'dors to be found by searching in the forums.

[captain53]

Welcome aboard!

You may want to check through some of the sticky threads for humidor suggestions. A few "conventional wisdom" comments about your particular humidor:

1. Generally, analog hygrometers (with hands) are so innaccurate as to be useless. But, if you want one hanging off your 'dor, its OK with me!

2. Thompson's is not usually regarded as the best place to do business with. They are very aggresive in their after-marketing.

3. If you ever have a problem with a leak, the glass top will be one of your first suspects.

There are many sources of 'dors to be found by searching in the forums.


:tpd:

[BC-Axeman]

Visit the devil site ;) or Cheaphumidors.com

Buy the biggest one you can afford. You're welcome !
Toss the foam type humidifier that comes with most humidors and get beads. Search around here for the beads. Shilala here has some good ones. Make sure your humidor seals tight. A leaky humidor is a constant fight.

[druturn]

Analog hygrometers are nothing more than a pretty shiny piece of brass and glass in my opinion! Invest in a xikar or caliber III digital hygrometer, they will never fail you!(But if by some chance they do, they come with generous warranties!)

[MHat]

Thanks for the advise. I am not married to the Glass top idea. If they often are the cause of leaks I would prefer to stay away. My thoughts on a glass top where that I would not have to open it and let the moisture out to look at my stogies. :)

I would rather buy a better quality humi that will hold 50 cigars for $150, rather than a middle of the road humi that holds 150 for the same price. I may smoke 1-2 cigars a week. Any thoughts on the best qaulity box that will hold around 50?

Also, what is the devil site?

Thanks again for the advise. It is a lot of help.

[NCRadioMan]

Thanks for the advise. I am not married to the Glass top idea. If they often are the cause of leaks I would prefer to stay away. My thoughts on a glass top where that I would not have to open it and let the moisture out to look at my stogies. :)

I would rather buy a better quality humi that will hold 50 cigars for $150, rather than a middle of the road humi that holds 150 for the same price. I may smoke 1-2 cigars a week. Any thoughts on the best qaulity box that will hold around 50?

Also, what is the devil site?

Thanks again for the advise. It is a lot of help.

Here is a good glass-top 150 count. http://www.cheaphumidors.com/HUM-150G.html and upgrade to a digital hygro for $20 more. I have several of it's 500 count bigger brother that they don't make anymore and I love 'em. I would advise to go as big as you can afford. If you stick around here, you will acquire many more cigars than you think you will. :D

Lord forgive me, the devil site is cigarbid.com. In advance.... ;s

[yourchoice]

2. Thompson's is not usually regarded as the best place to do business with. They are very aggresive in their after-marketing.

:tpd::tpd:

Here's a good thread to help point you in the right direction (it's a sticky):

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=621

[joeobx]

do your self a favor and by a cooler for about 20-30 $ and let your fund grow, you'll out grow a 150 count way to fast, at least if you hang around here much you will ....oh dam just got out bid gotta go

[bobarian]

Analog hygrometers are nothing more than a pretty shiny piece of brass and glass in my opinion! Invest in a xikar or caliber III digital hygrometer, they will never fail you!(But if by some chance they do, they come with generous warranties!)

I am not sure how this misconception arose. Analog hygrometers have been used for over 100 years. Once properly calibrated an analog hygrometer is just as accurate as any digital device. An uncalibrated digital hygrometer is just as likely to be inaccurate as an uncalibrated analog piece.

As for humidors, I would avoid anything that has a hygrometer mounted to the front or top of the box. An extra hole has to be cut to allow these access and is a possible location for a future leak. This is also why most say to avoid glass top units. As the wood shrinks and contracts it can allow air inside. But in high quality glass top humidor this should not be a problem. I prefer a simple box humidor, not as pretty but less likely to have issues. Eventually you will also need box storage, plastic coolers and wine refrigerators are less expensive than a large cabinet humidor.

[Wharf Rat]

I am not sure how this misconception arose. Analog hygrometers have been used for over 100 years. Once properly calibrated an analog hygrometer is just as accurate as any digital device. An uncalibrated digital hygrometer is just as likely to be inaccurate as an uncalibrated analog piece.

<snip>



I need to carefully add some caveats to this. It is certainly true that hygrometers predate the digital age and were in use for a long time. As an aside, they often used horse hair as the element that changed length in relation to the RH, causing the needle to move. And they can be calibrated and accurate as you suggest. This said, I have yet to find one on an $150 humidor that can be reasonably calibrated in the first place. So, as a practical matter, folks are better off with a cheap digital model.

[sofaman]

I have would avoid anything with a glass top every one I have had had leaked bad :2

[Joseywales]

I think we are similar, in that this is NOT a huge hobby for me. Still, once I found a couple reasonably priced (varies b budget) cigars I liked, I wanted to buy a box of each. So, just like that, I'm at 50. Then, there are those that I really like, but are expensive, so I have only a couple of each. Bang, I'm at 75. Then there are the testers. These are cigars I'm trying, which I'm convinced will never end. Shazam, I'm at 100. So that's a 40 count desktop and a smaller Igloo cooler. Then Christmas came and the inlaws gave me a gift certificate for the local cigar shop. So...guess what else I got for Christmas...an Avanti 28 bottle wine cooler.... I know others might disagree, but I doubt I'll ever outgrow that. again, I have other hobbies that draw too much cash for this one to get huge.

[captain53]

I have would avoid anything with a glass top every one I have had had leaked bad :2

Glass tops just make it that much more difficult to hold a temperature also. Fun to sit and "watch the collection grow" but I would sure avoid any glass. Beads or Pillows are definitely the two best ways to humidify all but the largest cabinet style units where there are practical (and expensive) active options.:2

[NCRadioMan]

Glass tops just make it that much more difficult to hold a temperature also.

Totally disagree. I have three glasstops and the temp doesn't change anymore than my non-glass models.

[MHat]

Thanks again for the advise. Does anyone know anything about the Romeo y Julieta Wine Rack Humidors? They have one at my local Corona Cigar Store for 299.99. See the link - http://www.coronacigar.com/img/img_pid656_cid11.html

[gettysburgfreak]

Thanks again for the advise. Does anyone know anything about the Romeo y Julieta Wine Rack Humidors? They have one at my local Corona Cigar Store for 299.99. See the link - http://www.coronacigar.com/img/img_pid656_cid11.html


You can find just a way better humidor for way cheaper. You can find a vinotemp wine fridge online and shipped to your house cheaper than that. I wouldnt waste the money, my :2

[MrOneEyedBoh]

I have my glass humidor that is leaking bad. I can get it to 65% and then it drops. Im getting sick of messing with it. I have 1lb of beads in there, and it only needs like 5oz or so.

[bobarian]

I think we are similar, in that this is NOT a huge hobby for me. Still, once I found a couple reasonably priced (varies b budget) cigars I liked, I wanted to buy a box of each. So, just like that, I'm at 50. Then, there are those that I really like, but are expensive, so I have only a couple of each. Bang, I'm at 75. Then there are the testers. These are cigars I'm trying, which I'm convinced will never end. Shazam, I'm at 100. So that's a 40 count desktop and a smaller Igloo cooler. Then Christmas came and the inlaws gave me a gift certificate for the local cigar shop. So...guess what else I got for Christmas...an Avanti 28 bottle wine cooler.... I know others might disagree, but I doubt I'll ever outgrow that. again, I have other hobbies that draw too much cash for this one to get huge.

This is why its called the slope! Its so easy to underestimate your passion. Especially once you start refining your tastes and find that different cigars are better for different situations. Some evenings you may feel like a strong peppery cigar like a Tatuaje or other times something with a little less bit like a DPG Black may suit your mood. Your collection will also start to grow as you find cigars to gift to friends or participate in trades.

If you are looking for a furniture piece the RyJ Anniversary wine/humidor combos are a nice unit. But a more economical way to go is a nice 100count desktop for singles and coolers for bulk storage. :2

[NCRadioMan]

I have my glass humidor that is leaking bad. I can get it to 65% and then it drops. Im getting sick of messing with it. I have 1lb of beads in there, and it only needs like 5oz or so.

A nice bead of silicon around the glass would prevent the leak.

[MrOneEyedBoh]

I have 4 sides with glass.. I bought the display case because where it was before I moved things around the house it looked nice. I think now, I'll be onto getting something else and I'll have this one up for sale on here soon. Cheap, for some new people.

[Bubba - NJ]

Avoid Thompsons at all cost . I was gifted a Thompson humidor and am very grateful for the gesture . However it doesn't hold humidity at all . I bought a Savoy at a local shop and it has been great for a long time now . http://www.holts.com/category.html?id=86677 . I have the Savoy Large Bubinga . Worth every penny . Check one out . Welcome to the Asylum . And as others have said , I have 2 big coolers that work very well also . :tu

[SilverFox]

Hmmmm

Seems to me that a lot of folks are giving opinions based on their run down the slope forgetting how much fun they had and how much they learned along the way.

In my opinion you don't need;

a cooler
a winefridge
a digital hygro
silicone beads

Oh wait there it is again, my opinion on all the things you didn't ask.

I say this. Find a good humidor for 100 to 150 sticks, there are many many sites that have quality products and plenty of inmates to help point you in the direction of those. Maybe before you do that go see your local tobacconist (B&M ~ Bricks and Mortor) and look at a few of his boxes get an idea for the size and feel of the ones you are thinking of. It is likely they are more expensive in the B&M but take some time and shop them a little, that way you will have a better idea of what you are looking at when you see them online.

As for humidification the floral foam that is included and some distilled water and propylene glycol will work great, there are other humidification alternatives out there but get your new box all up and running before you leap down the accessories slope. Use the hygrometer that comes with the box and calibrate it using a salt test ( LINK TO SALT TEST (http://www.cigarmony.com/calibratinghygrometers.aspx)) look up how to season your new humidor (WIKI LINK (http://www.wikihow.com/Season-a-Humidor)) fill up your humidor with some smokes and fire one up and read the many threads here on how we all launched ourselves down the slope. My story started with a little 50ct desktop and I now have a rather full 4000 stick cabinet. But there are as many different stories and opinions as there are inmates on this board. What one does may not fit your idea of cigar smoking, or your budget or your climate who knows best way is to proceed down the slope at your own pace, I suspect it will be quicker than you think but then thats the great thing about opinions mine is just as likely to be wrong as the next guys.

Its a great little obsession we have going here and it brings me hours and hours of enjoyment..............hopefully it will for you too.

[cort]

Hmmmm

Seems to me that a lot of folks are giving opinions based on their run down the slope forgetting how much fun they had and how much they learned along the way.

In my opinion you don't need;

a cooler
a winefridge
a digital hygro
silicone beads

Oh wait there it is again, my opinion on all the things you didn't ask.

I say this. Find a good humidor for 100 to 150 sticks, there are many many sites that have quality products and plenty of inmates to help point you in the direction of those. Maybe before you do that go see your local tobacconist (B&M ~ Bricks and Mortor) and look at a few of his boxes get an idea for the size and feel of the ones you are thinking of. It is likely they are more expensive in the B&M but take some time and shop them a little, that way you will have a better idea of what you are looking at when you see them online.

As for humidification the floral foam that is included and some distilled water and propylene glycol will work great, there are other humidification alternatives out there but get your new box all up and running before you leap down the accessories slope. Use the hygrometer that comes with the box and calibrate it using a salt test ( LINK TO SALT TEST (http://www.cigarmony.com/calibratinghygrometers.aspx)) look up how to season your new humidor (WIKI LINK (http://www.wikihow.com/Season-a-Humidor)) fill up your humidor with some smokes and fire one up and read the many threads here on how we all launched ourselves down the slope. My story started with a little 50ct desktop and I now have a rather full 4000 stick cabinet. But there are as many different stories and opinions as there are inmates on this board. What one does may not fit your idea of cigar smoking, or your budget or your climate who knows best way is to proceed down the slope at your own pace, I suspect it will be quicker than you think but then thats the great thing about opinions mine is just as likely to be wrong as the next guys.

Its a great little obsession we have going here and it brings me hours and hours of enjoyment..............hopefully it will for you too.

:tpd: Very well said Fox.

[shilala]

I have would avoid anything with a glass top every one I have had had leaked bad :2
Amen to that.
Scott's is sitting in my workshop getting it's second round of fixes right now, along with three other glass junkidors. The glass is never properly selaed in inexpensive humis, and they leak like a sieve.

[htown]

I have this humidor and bought it on auction for $86 and I love it.

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/lot.cfm?lotID=826805

[nayslayer]

I have this humidor and bought it on auction for $86 and I love it.

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/lot.cfm?lotID=826805

Got the same one last week, even CA magizine gave it a decent revew. Don't worry, after you join cigarbid.com to get the humidor, you'll have that thing filled soon enough..I know mine will