A Secret About Cigar Storage

Here at Renegade, we have a top of the line, medical grade humidification system. It uses reverse-osmosis filtered water and technology similar to what is used in medical manufacturing to ensure an even distribution of millimeter size water droplets to prevent pooling. The walls and shelves of our humidor are also made from real Spanish cedar.

Want to know a secret?

It’s overkill. And maintaining the filters, compressor, and distribution unit is an expensive headache.

And if all of this sounds foreign to you, don’t worry. Storing your cigars doesn’t have to be complicated.

Wooden, Electric, or Tupperdor?

Here’s another secret: the vast majority of people in the cigar industry don’t use traditional wooden humidors to store most of their cigars.

Why? They require more maintenance, are more expensive to purchase, and often don’t hold enough cigars. Most people, myself included, will have one display humidor for a small portion of their collection, while the rest will probably be tucked away in a closet somewhere.

So, electric humidor then?

Electric humidors tend to offer more storage than traditional wooden humidors, along with electric humidification. They can also offer climate control to help keep your cigars at a lower temperature.

The problem? Many lower-end units use cooling systems that remove humidity from the unit. This can create constant fluctuations, which is one of the worst environents to store cigars in.

Cigars don’t like change. They want a steady environment where they can relax.

Higher-end models use cooling systems that don’t affect humidity levels, but these units can cost thousands of dollars just to get started.

Do I need to spend thousands of dollars to store my cigars?

Absolutely not.

For most people, a simple Igloo cooler will work perfectly. For those with smaller collections, a good piece of Tupperware with a solid seal will do the job.

Ideally, you want to keep your humidor at least 50% full of cigars to minimize humidity fluctuations. Toss in a cheap Boveda pack, and you’re good to go for a few months. No need to buy distilled water, beads etc. When the pack is dry, replace it.

What about temperature?

Cigars can handle higher temperatures than most people realize. Most of us keep our air conditioners set low enough that temperature typically won’t be a problem.

Just keep your cigars out of direct sunlight, and you should be fine.

Do I need Spanish Cedar?

If you’re buying a traditional wooden humidor, you should definitely invest in real Spanish cedar. It has antimicrobial properties and can help regulate humidity and protect your cigars.

If you’re going with an electric humidor or an Igloo-style container, Spanish cedar isn’t necessary. If you do want that cedar influence, you can purchase Spanish cedar sheets and add them to your setup.

There’s nothing wrong with high-end display humidors, but they’re definitely not necessary for storing your everyday cigars.

Cigars can be complicated. Storing them doesn’t have to be.