Coolidors

[mukky]

I have done some searching here on threads about coolidors, but I am still slightly confused. I would like to start buyin some boxes, but cant at the moment bc of only havin a desktop humi, so I considered a coolidor. However, from what I have been reading, it seems just way to simple. Buy cooler, buy beads, and then fill with cigars? Is it really that easy, or do I need anything else, like to line it with spanish cedar or anything? Also, once I make this coolidor, I wont be fillin it to the brim with boxes of cigars right away, so there will be a good amount of empty space at first. I will only be buyin a box here or a box there, so is this goin to be a problem? Also, what do you guys do with singles and fivers in the coolidor?

Thanks

[bobarian]

I have done some searching here on threads about coolidors, but I am still slightly confused. I would like to start buyin some boxes, but cant at the moment bc of only havin a desktop humi, so I considered a coolidor. However, from what I have been reading, it seems just way to simple. Buy cooler, buy beads, and then fill with cigars? Is it really that easy, or do I need anything else, like to line it with spanish cedar or anything? Also, once I make this coolidor, I wont be fillin it to the brim with boxes of cigars right away, so there will be a good amount of empty space at first. I will only be buyin a box here or a box there, so is this goin to be a problem? Also, what do you guys do with singles and fivers in the coolidor?

Thanks

That's the program. You can pick up empty boxes from your local shop for singles storage. Also, empty boxes will fill the extra space and help stabilize the Rh but they are not necessary. It will just take a bit longer for the Rh to stabilize without empty boxes.

[stewshi]

Most boxes have spansih cedar in them so if your keeping them in those then you will be fine. Spanish cedar is an aid for keeping humidity but if you buy beads then you should be fine in this area as well as long as there is a tight seal in the cooler.

You can go to a local B&M and get some empty boxes usually for free and keep singles in there. Or you can buy some trays to keep those in.

Most work goes with getting the smell out of the cooler and keeping it at the right humidity and proper place to store. No need to fill the whole thing butthats just wasted space :r

Edit: looks like i just type slow

[icehog3]

That's the program. You can pick up empty boxes from your local shop for singles storage. Also, empty boxes will fill the extra space and help stabilize the Rh but they are not necessary. It will just take a bit longer for the Rh to stabilize without empty boxes.

Yup...it's that simple. :tu

[NCRadioMan]

However, from what I have been reading, it seems just way to simple. Buy cooler, buy beads, and then fill with cigars? Is it really that easy.........

Yep, it's that easy. Be sure to wash the cooler out first to get out the plastic smell. I have never had any rh problems with a partially full cooler.

[mukky]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Any particular brand of coolers you guys recommend?

[NCRadioMan]

Coleman Xtreme, igloo & rubbermaid all work great.

[tsolomon]

It really is that easy. You can buy cedar trays for singles, or as other have suggested get empty boxes from your local B&M. I was given a bunch of the cedar inserts out of old boxes from another BOTL and I keep them in my cooler. I use an open tuperware container for singles when I run out of space in my destop humidors. :2

[mukky]

thanks guys. appreciate all the info

[captain53]

It really is that easy. You can buy cedar trays for singles, or as other have suggested get empty boxes from your local B&M. I was given a bunch of the cedar inserts out of old boxes from another BOTL and I keep them in my cooler. I use an open tuperware container for singles when I run out of space in my destop humidors. :2

:tpd: And don't forget some Shilala Beads available here in the Nut House.:tu

[The Poet]

Any particular brand of coolers you guys recommend?

Some people prefer a model that has slots molded inside, which makes it easier to "build" shelves of cedar by simply sliding properly cut pieces into said slots. Some people get the ones with wheels, which make it easier to take to herfs and whatnot . . . and always insure that, at this herf, you have enough cigars to smoke and share, enough space to pack your "bombs", and, most importantly, always have some place to sit. :r

[mukky]

:tpd: And don't forget some Shilala Beads available here in the Nut House.:tu

Thats what I have been tryin to make a decision on also. I have been using heartfelt beads for about a year in my desktop, and they have performed quite well. However I notice alot of people on here rave about the Shilala beads, thus I have been tryin to determine if it is worth the extra money for the Shilala beads or just stick with heartfelt. Thoughts?

[mukky]

Oh and I have also been wondering if you guys add anything to the lip of the cooler for a better seal, or do these coolers seem to do just fine by themselves?

[Morgue]

Some people use some foam weather seal strips, but most of the coolers I have used seal rather well and didn't need it.

[bobarian]

Some people use some foam weather seal strips, but most of the coolers I have used seal rather well and didn't need it.

If a cooler has that bad a seal it should be returned. Testing a cooler is just like testing a humidor. Drop the lid and you should hear the air "whoosh" out from the edges. It should not slam down. Or if you suspect a leak, use a flashlight for a light test. Painters tape can be use to fill the gap, but no cooler should ever need weather strip to seal. :2

[captain53]

Thats what I have been tryin to make a decision on also. I have been using heartfelt beads for about a year in my desktop, and they have performed quite well. However I notice alot of people on here rave about the Shilala beads, thus I have been tryin to determine if it is worth the extra money for the Shilala beads or just stick with heartfelt. Thoughts?

Heartfelt are good beads and good people for sure. Shilala beads seem to take a bit less maintenance and the bagging is very nice. Can't go wrong with either one.:banger

[688sonarmen]

It is easy! Ive been using mine for 5 years now and every time I look into buying a large humidor I think of all the cigars I could buy:D Have fun shopping and remember to get a big one you will fill all that empty space fast!

[mukky]

It is easy! Ive been using mine for 5 years now and every time I look into buying a large humidor I think of all the cigars I could buy:D Have fun shopping and remember to get a big one you will fill all that empty space fast!

Thats what I have been thinkin. I have been usin my desktop for about a year, and I have come to the conclusion that this is something I enjoy very much and want to move further with it. That means more cigars and I want to start buyin boxes. I kept thinkin about a cabinet, but then I think about all the money that could go towards the cigars themselves by goin with a coolidor. I'm a 22 year old electrical engineer and live in an apartment by myself. I have no one I need to impress with a cabinet. Coolidor will be just fine.

[longknocker]

I Have 3 Cooolers & Have Had For 3 years. They Work Great With 1 Of Shilala's Largest Bag Of Beads In Each One; Much Steadier RH Than Any Of My 4 Desktops!:tu

[MikeyRocks]

I got one of these from Walmart to store my singles & 5 packs (only cost about $6). It takes up a bit of room, but helps keep everything organized in my coolidor. Buy boxes if you can, and like others have said, check with a local B&M, usually they're more than willing to give you old boxes. I like to take the tops off mine and let the air circulate.

(Humidity is a little high, but it was a pretty hot and humid day here today)

[tomc3084]

I got one of these from Walmart to store my singles & 5 packs (only cost about $6). It takes up a bit of room, but helps keep everything organized in my coolidor. Buy boxes if you can, and like others have said, check with a local B&M, usually they're more than willing to give you old boxes. I like to take the tops off mine and let the air circulate.

(Humidity is a little high, but it was a pretty hot and humid day here today)

I am really digging that device you have for you singles:)

[OLS]

tryin to determine if it is worth the extra money for the Shilala beads or just stick with heartfelt. Thoughts?Heartfelt all the way. A man needs a bead he can pour water on.

[Bubba - NJ]

While you are single is the best time to get the cabinet . You can budget for it easier now then in 15 years with a wife and kids soaking up your cash . You're only young once , take advantage of it !

[forms]

Hi all,

I recently set-up a coolidor, and I was hoping on some advice...

In my haste to get the thing set-up, I didn't clean the inside of the wine fridge at all. Having done some reading since, I learned that the new plastic smell that coolers and fridges generally have can be pretty bad for you cigars (in terms of them soaking up the odour).

[bobarian]

Hi all,

I recently set-up a coolidor, and I was hoping on some advice...

In my haste to get the thing set-up, I didn't clean the inside of the wine fridge at all. Having done some reading since, I learned that the new plastic smell that coolers and fridges generally have can be pretty bad for you cigars (in terms of them soaking up the odour).

Just take out your smokes and store them in ziplocks or tupperware, they will last up to a week without any need for humidification. Wipe down the inside walls with a new damp sponge and baking soda. Let it dry for a few hours with the door open, then put your smoked back. :2

[forms]

(Sorry about the above, hit enter accidently before I was done...)

Hi all,

I recently set-up a coolidor, and I was hoping for some advice...

In my haste to get the thing set-up, I didn't clean the inside of the wine fridge at all. Having done some reading since, I learned that the new plastic smell that coolers and fridges generally have can be pretty bad for your cigars (in terms of them soaking up the odour).
I opened the coolidor to find that it did have a slight plastically smell. I removed all cigars (which were all in their original boxes), and wiped down the inside of the fridge with a cloth and a little distilled water - the smell still remains, though only very slightly. My cigars are now back in the coolidor.

I'm worrying about whether I should again, get the cigars out, but this time clean it down with water and a little washing up liquid. I've read that if I do this, I'll have to then re-wash it with just water to ensure that the smell from the detergent doesn't get into the cigars, and then leave the coolidor off and open for a few hours while it dries fully. Firstly, if I have to use distilled water for all of this, I'm confident that there won't be much left in the bottle , and it was quite hard to come by. I'm also anxious that my heartfelt beads may be affected. If I leave them out in my house, will they absorb impurities from the air? If so, can this be avoided by putting them in a zip-lock bag?

The cigars have only been in the coolidor for about 3 days, I smelled a few of them, and couldn't pick up a scent of the plastic on them, which I'm taking as a good sign - I'm yet to smoke any though...

Sorry if there is already a post on this topic, I have searched, but to no avail.

Any advice will be much appreciated!

Thanks.

[14holestogie]

I believe you can use tap water and detergent to clean the cooler as long as you let it air dry before adding the cigars and beads. :2

[Springsman]

Would maybe an older Coleman metal type cooler be better than say the newer all plastic things?

[forms]

Just take out your smokes and store them in ziplocks or tupperware, they will last up to a week without any need for humidification. Wipe down the inside walls with a new damp sponge and baking soda. Let it dry for a few hours with the door open, then put your smoked back. :2

Thanks for that. So, is detergent a bad idea then? Should I be in a hurry to get the cigars back out of the coolidor, or can I leave them over-night? Will smells be absorbed that quickly by the cigars??

[14holestogie]

Would maybe an older Coleman metal type cooler be better than say the newer all plastic things?

Either will work fine. The metal ones do have a latching system, but most of the newer plastic coolers seal extremely well without.

[bobarian]

Thanks for that. So, is detergent a bad idea then? Should I be in a hurry to get the cigars back out of the coolidor, or can I leave them over-night? Will smells be absorbed that quickly by the cigars??

No rush, overnight is fine. Detergent just adds an extra step as you will need to rinse out the detergent. Be sure and use a new sponge so you dont get any smells from an old sponge. Just sprinkle the damp sponge with baking soda, dont scrub too hard just wipe it down and it should be fine.

[Bill86]

I just used soap and water with mine. Never smelled any plastic in the first place...certainly don't smell it now.

[Zeuceone]

good tips. I'll need this info pretty soon if all goes well.

[Drez]

When I set up my old cooler and vino I just wiped it down with water and soap then Dried it real good and left the door open for a day.

After a day I put 2 boxes of arm and hammer baking soda in there to absorb the smell if by for a few days.

Then removed everything threw beads in waited a day or two and put the smokes in.

Never had a issue ever.

[forms]

OK, I've washed down my fridge with some warm water and some bicarbonate of soda. It still seems to have a faint odour of plastic/rubber - I'm going to let it dry fully over-night, and then put a small plate with some soda on it in the fridge for a few hours. If that doesn't clear the smell, then screw it, it'll have to do!

[bobarian]

OK, I've washed down my fridge with some warm water and some bicarbonate of soda. It still seems to have a faint odour of plastic/rubber - I'm going to let it dry fully over-night, and then put a small plate with some soda on it in the fridge for a few hours. If that doesn't clear the smell, then screw it, it'll have to do!

:tu Sounds like a plan! Its unlikely the faint smell will ever get into your cigars. We are all just a bit anal when it comes to our babies. :banger

[Cornrow_Wallis]

Another fan of the coolidor checking in. Much happier with my igloo than my desktops. if I have to use distilled water for all of this, I'm confident that there won't be much left in the bottle , and it was quite hard to come by.
Have you checked your local grocery store? If you need more it might be worth a shot.

[forms]

I eventually managed to get a litre bottle from from a model-train company. I had tried chemists, hardware/motoring shops, petrol stations, supermarkets (grocery stores as well) with no luck. The bottle I bought ended up being about £9 with postage - would've lasted for ages if I hadn't cleaned my fridge with it, but there's still a fair bit left so it's not the end of the world. I'm not certain, but it seems that distilled water is harder to get hold of in the UK, than in the States...

[Damocles]

Wow, no kidding! We can get distilled water just about anywhere here...

Guys, this is a great thread. I'm not single in an apartment, but am married with kids (read: no money!) so I'm gonna go the coolidor route!

[bobarian]

I eventually managed to get a litre bottle from from a model-train company. I had tried chemists, hardware/motoring shops, petrol stations, supermarkets (grocery stores as well) with no luck. The bottle I bought ended up being about £9 with postage - would've lasted for ages if I hadn't cleaned my fridge with it, but there's still a fair bit left so it's not the end of the world. I'm not certain, but it seems that distilled water is harder to get hold of in the UK, than in the States...

http://www.thedistilledwatercompany.com/

[Drez]

i read somewhere that if you boil filtered water or something along those lines its the same as using distilled. might be able to Google it and find something in case you need water in a bind. for me im not gonna try to make distilled water when i can walk down the street to the store and grab a gallon for under a buck.

[688sonarmen]

i read somewhere that if you boil filtered water or something along those lines its the same as using distilled. might be able to Google it and find something in case you need water in a bind. for me im not gonna try to make distilled water when i can walk down the street to the store and grab a gallon for under a buck.

Agreed, why would anyone want to short cut? Unless you are MacGyver.

[forms]

http://www.thedistilledwatercompany.com/

Only had a brief look, but it seems really expensive. I like the idea of getting an 'at home' distallation kit, but for 150 quid I think I'll pass. £9 every couple of years seems fine to me... Who knows, in 16 years I might be kicking myself for not having splashed out on the kit. :)

[bobarian]

The cost per 10 litre plastic container is £10.99 + VAT – but we offer discounts for customers purchasing more than four containers.

They may sell smaller bottles as well, give them a call.

[T.G]

I eventually managed to get a litre bottle from from a model-train company. I had tried chemists, hardware/motoring shops, petrol stations, supermarkets (grocery stores as well) with no luck. The bottle I bought ended up being about £9 with postage - would've lasted for ages if I hadn't cleaned my fridge with it, but there's still a fair bit left so it's not the end of the world. I'm not certain, but it seems that distilled water is harder to get hold of in the UK, than in the States...

Can you get De-Ionized water? It's similar in purity.

In a pinch, you can use reverse osmosis purified water, but the problem is that the purity of RO water can vary greatly by the equipment used to produce it. Some of the larger, higher pressure systems are very close to distilled in purity, but some of the lower pressure or poorly maintained rigs can leave quite a bit of impurities in the water. Another thing to watch for is bottled RO water that states "Minerals added for taste", while I doubt that these minerals will affect your cigars in anything but an extremely long exposure (many, many years), they might plate out on your humidifier.

[forms]

Can you get De-Ionized water? It's similar in purity.

In a pinch, you can use reverse osmosis purified water, but the problem is that the purity of RO water can vary greatly by the equipment used to produce it. Some of the larger, higher pressure systems are very close to distilled in purity, but some of the lower pressure or poorly maintained rigs can leave quite a bit of impurities in the water. Another thing to watch for is bottled RO water that states "Minerals added for taste", while I doubt that these minerals will affect your cigars in anything but an extremely long exposure (many, many years), they might plate out on your humidifier.

According to the guys at Heartfelt, purified water isn't good for their beads. You can pick up purified water from pretty much any chemist in London, but it's not guarenteed to have it's trace elements (like calcium etc.) removed...

[irratebass]

I got one of these from Walmart to store my singles & 5 packs (only cost about $6). It takes up a bit of room, but helps keep everything organized in my coolidor. Buy boxes if you can, and like others have said, check with a local B&M, usually they're more than willing to give you old boxes. I like to take the tops off mine and let the air circulate.

(Humidity is a little high, but it was a pretty hot and humid day here today)

Resurrecting this thread from the dead.....Mike that 1st pic, it looks like your smokes are in baggies...is this true, and I am surprised this actually works and no one blasted you.....anyone else wanna chime in, is this a good one to use for singles? If yes, I'm getting one...and I think I am def gonna go the coolidor route.

[Brutus2600]

FYI Wal-Mart is having a sale on their 120qt coleman coolers right now

Coleman 120qt cooler (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=14574678&sourceid=14717564931940435593&wmlspartner=lw9MynSeamY)

[NCRadioMan]

Resurrecting this thread from the dead.....Mike that 1st pic, it looks like your smokes are in baggies...is this true, and I am surprised this actually works and no one blasted you.....anyone else wanna chime in, is this a good one to use for singles? If yes, I'm getting one...and I think I am def gonna go the coolidor route.

Don't look like they are in baggies to me. Just their own cello. However, there is nothing wrong with storing your cigars in baggies in a cooler. Common practice, really.

[irratebass]

Don't look like they are in baggies to me. Just their own cello. However, there is nothing wrong with storing your cigars in baggies in a cooler. Common practice, really.

And with this container? Would you advise to store singles in there?

[NCRadioMan]

And with this container? Would you advise to store singles in there?

Sure, looks like it works.

[tedrodgerscpa]

And with this container? Would you advise to store singles in there?

I'm with Brother Radio on this one... I don't see ANY concern for keeping them in the bin, as long as it doesnt' have any overly-plasticy smells to it.

[irratebass]

I'm with Brother Radio on this one... I don't see ANY concern for keeping them in the bin, as long as it doesnt' have any overly-plasticy smells to it.

Hmmmm, maybe I am just over-thinking or being too paranoid, but wouldn't have one of these defeat the purpose of having a humi? It doesn't look like it seals well and if it's only $6 why isn't everyone using these.

I'm not trying to nitpick, I am just trying to wrap my mind around this, I think it's an awesome idea, it just seems too easy for it to work correctly.

[Blak Smyth]

Hmmmm, maybe I am just over-thinking or being too paranoid, but wouldn't have one of these defeat the purpose of having a humi? It doesn't look like it seals well and if it's only $6 why isn't everyone using these.

I'm not trying to nitpick, I am just trying to wrap my mind around this, I think it's an awesome idea, it just seems too easy for it to work correctly.

It is inside of his coolidor so it only functions as a shelving unit, his coolidor keeps the RH around it.

[jonumberone]

Hmmmm, maybe I am just over-thinking or being too paranoid, but wouldn't have one of these defeat the purpose of having a humi? It doesn't look like it seals well and if it's only $6 why isn't everyone using these.

I'm not trying to nitpick, I am just trying to wrap my mind around this, I think it's an awesome idea, it just seems too easy for it to work correctly.

I think you are missing the part where the $6 drawer contraption is placed inside of the coolerdor.
It is simply a storage solution.
Others use empty boxes and some use trays.
Whatever works for you! :tu

[tedrodgerscpa]

It is inside of his coolidor so it only functions as a shelving unit, his coolidor keeps the RH around it.

I think you are missing the part where the $6 drawer contraption is placed inside of the coolerdor.
It is simply a storage solution.
Others use empty boxes and some use trays.
Whatever works for you! :tu

What they said...

Hmmmm, maybe I am just over-thinking or being too paranoid, but wouldn't have one of these defeat the purpose of having a humi? It doesn't look like it seals well and if it's only $6 why isn't everyone using these.

I'm not trying to nitpick, I am just trying to wrap my mind around this, I think it's an awesome idea, it just seems too easy for it to work correctly.

Mr. Bass,

we've ALL been there... countless hours spent staring at a hygrometer, hoping our precious babies will be O.K.... Before long, you'll be checking it once a month to make sure everything is O.K. and just how you left it.

I find that having empty cigar boxes (easily and readily available at your local B&M) will do wonders for storage as long as you put them inside a coolidor, vinotemp, or huge tupperware container. Mike chose to put his in a 'cosmetics drawer' (at least that's what my wife uses that exact rig for), and the entire contraption inside the cooler.

It takes a lot less due diligence than you think. I've been at this hobby for quite a while, and after time it seems like a piece of cake. But, we all remember starting down the slope and the precious investment.

Until you get comfortable, we'll be here to answer your questions.

[CigarSquid]

What do people have the beads in.. What kind of sack are you using?

[CigarNut]

What do people have the beads in.. What kind of sack are you using?Depends on the beads. You can buy tubes (http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=Empty+Tubes), special bags (http://www.cigarmony.com/8ouncemeshbagholder.aspx) or use (tied off) panty-hose for Heartfelt or similar beads. My HCM beads come prepackaged in bags.

[icehog3]

Depends on the beads. You can buy bags or use (tied off) panty-host for Heartfelt or similar beads. My HCM beads come prepackaged in bags.

I was a panty host in college, but usually tied up rather than tied off.

[CigarSquid]

I have the beads, just trying to see what to put them in.

[bobarian]

Ankle high nylons are perfect. About $2 from the grocery or drug store. :banger

[Bill86]

What bob said, even though I'll admit I like the Heartfelt mesh bags and use those. They are so easy.

[Boz]

What bob said, even though I'll admit I like the Heartfelt mesh bags and use those. They are so easy.


This is what I have in my cooler. :tu

[Blak Smyth]

I have the shilala HCMs and they work flawless so far

[WittyUserName]

I have the shilala HCMs and they work flawless so far

X2 I have these is 2/3 humis and they work flawlessly.

I also have a puck-ifier in a third and it works flawlessly as well.

[Angry_Pirate]

I'm sold on a coolidor! I was thinking of going the wine cooler route but the expense and space are an issue. Many reviews I have read on wine coolers have sad they have a high failure rate after a year of use. I am out growing my 2 humidors and have a brand new extreme cooler in the garage. Plus this will give me the option of putting the cooler in the basement during the summer to regulate the temp better. Great thread here full of valuable info!