Humidor Advise for a beginner

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by 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!)

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.