Any type of box or room that can sustain constant humidity (and often temperature as well) is called a humidor. This makes humidors suitable for storing cigars or pipe tobacco. Humidors use hygrometers to measure the level of humidity in the enclosed area. Usually, people have small wooden or glass humidors to store a few dozen cigars. The ideal humidity in this storage unit is about 65-70%, but have in mind that the more empty space, the more readily the humidity will drop.



Storing cigars in humidors sustains the original taste and quality of the cigar, because when the cigars are shipped from one country to another, they undergo several climate changes and humid shifts which does not allow them to grow properly and so they loose their taste. The humidors maintain the relative humidity inside the box and in turn help cigar to maintain its right moisture to preserve its flavor.

Mainly two materials are used for the making of humidors, Spanish-cedar wood or plastic. The Spanish-cedar is especially suitable, because it holds more moisture than most woods, which helps maintain humidity and it imparts its aroma to the cigars.

The maintenance of the humidor is essential. This is done by taking a moist cloth and wiping down the interior to remove any dust. You should never start using the humidor right after buying it, because the initial humidity is not the best one. You should first test it by placing a container with water in it and check it after 12 hours. If the water hasn't evaporated, this means the humidor is good for use.

Cigar humidors are an essential appliance for any serious cigar smoker, and can be priced anywhere from $50 for a simple wood box made to hold a few cigars, up into the thousands for an elegant, handcrafted display case providing maximum preservation and elegance. The development of technology has made an impact on humidors as well. There is a company called Vigilant producing a humidor with integrated system for controlling the climate inside the box as it automatically heats, cool, humidifies or dehumidifies the unit in response to outside conditions.

There are a lot of companies producing humidors at reasonable prices. If you are searching for humidors, you may be able to find one in your local retail or specialty tobacco store. If you are in the market for an antique humidor, consider checking out the local flea market, antique show or local antique shop. But such store have limited number of models, so maybe you should consider checking some of the stores that specialize in humidors and cigars that offer upgraded models of humidors and may even offer specials on cabinet humidors. Of course, the Internet is very good option, because there is no limit to what you can find, you can get lower prices by comparing the offers and there are all sorts of styles, brands, and models available online.