The Purpose of Humidors
Humidors come in many sizes and designs to meet the specific needs of owners. Some are inexpensive or small enough to hold only several cigars, while others are costly or as large as a room.
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Function
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Humidors are specially designed to maintain a uniform amount of humidity inside, which keeps cigars appropriately moist. The containers also protect cigars from environmental hazards, such as bugs and dust.
Humidity
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The ideal level of humidity inside a humidor is approximately 70 to 72 percent. Humidification devices help preserve such an environment by generating moisture when properly filled with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Temperature
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The optimal temperature inside a humidor is roughly 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To help maintain that degree of warmth, well-made humidors are carefully crafted with tight seams and a lid that closes securely.
Wood
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Besides humidity and temperature, the type of wood used to construct a humidor affects the aroma and taste of cigars. The best wood absorbs and releases moisture effectively and doesn't have a strong scent, such as Spanish cedar.
Considerations
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Some humidors are equipped with a digital or analog hygrometer. The optional device is supposed to measure the level of humidity inside the container, but they're frequently inaccurate.
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