Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Hi - I am a new member here - have been lurking for a long time - This is a great place with great people.

I have been doing my homework regarding setting up a Vinotemp and understand all the basics.

But I still am not sure which electric humidification system to use + beads.

APPROX. PRICES

Hydra system+ fans -$90 + $65 for x3 fans

Oasis XL - $100
Oasis + 1-3 CPU fans connected to a timer to activate hourly

Humicare Elec. system + Fans - $80 + $32 for x3 fans

Avallo Accumonitor + x1fan + Timer - $300



It seems based on what I have read - all systems will work. But I havent come across a thread about comparing these options based on quality/effect/costs. I tend to invest in better quality items because in the long run they are better and last longer - regarding cigars - this is all about protecting the investment. But at the same time, I dont want to go too overboard. Just something I can trust to work.


Thank you all in advance for any advice.

Mark

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Electronic humidification is totally unnecessary in a 28btl Vinotemp or equivalent. I have been using 1lb of Heartfelt 65% beads in two bags(one at top and one bottom) for the past 2 years. I have two Oust fans but got tired of changing batteries so I do without. Never had an issue with Rh using beads. :2

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

In my opinion...if you just got enough beads you would achieve your desired RH and save all the money that an active humidification devices would cost.

Is there a specific reason you want to do both? Also, how big a vinotemp are you looking at?

P.S. Welcome to the forums :)

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

unless it is a big humidor, an active system isn't really necessary, as bobarian mentioned.

I have a 35 ct unit and a pound and a half of kitty litter and the thing holds very well. I don't even have the fans running because the humidity readings at each sensor are showing well

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Thanks for the replies.

Right now, I am thinking a 18-28 bottle unit.


So perhaps figuring out a way for CPU fan + timer set up + 2lb of beads will work well enough....

I saw many other people were using active humidification systems so I assumed there was a major benefit doing so in addition to the beads...

I do want to use the oust fan because of the battery issue and I would like to find the best way to incorporate a fan + timer system...

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Agree with the rest. Have 2 28 bottle ones full to the gills. Been running them 2 years with 1.5 pounds of beads and no fans. No issues at all. It is in the basement where the temp is pretty constant at 65 so I don't even have them plugged in.

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Go with the 28, it's the largest you can get while having the thermoeletric system.

Also, I wouldn't worry too much about fans. I calculated it would take a little under 1.5lbs of heartfelt beads for a 28 count cooler, so I got 1.5 lbs. I'll put a half a pound at the bottom, middle, and top of the cooler and I'm sure that will be plenty of stability without needing fans. Other people might disagree, but that's just my :2 :D

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

A fan is also not necessary. Rh will be stable in such a small space, it all balances in the long run. I dont use fans any more in either of my 28btl Vino's.
You can run the fan wires down through the drainhole in the back to a timer.
A few ppl have mounted CPU fans in empty cigar cab's.

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Wise man says wise things.

Re: Vinotemp electric humidification options - which is better?
 

Only one I have tried on your list is Oasis and it was junk that now lives in a landfill somewhere.:td

I have a 28 bottle with 2# of Shilala Beads (you can buy them right here in the Nuthouse) and could not be much happier.:tu:2