How does a humidor work?

A humidification system is used to achieve and maintain a constant relative humidity level of 68 to 75% within the humidor. This is the ideal humidity level for storing cigars. For this to happen, the humidor must close relatively tightly to keep the moisture from escaping.

Ideally, the inner walls of the humidor should be made from a type of wood that can absorb and store moisture. This will, of itself, quickly compensate for small fluctuations in the level of humidity that occur when the humidor is opened briefly. The humidification system, specially selected to match the volume of the humidor, should be able to achieve a humidity level that settles automatically within the desired range.

Short-term deviations in humidity levels, up or down, are no cause for concern and will not result in permanent damage to the cigars. However, allowing the cigars to dry out, outside of the humidor, can bring about irreparable damage after only a few days. Over time the moisture levels inside of the cigars adapt to the ambient humidity. The greater the difference between the ambient humidity level and the humidity inside the cigar, the faster the moisture evaporates from the cigar.

The challenge though is to create uniform climatic conditions in all areas of the humidor. Due to design deficiencies in many humidors, shelves and trays can act as moisture barriers. Reputable manufacturers incorporate sufficient apertures inside of the humidor to allow the air to circulate.

Air circulation plays an important part in the creation of uniform climatic conditions inside the humidor. Electronic humidification systems activate a small fan at regular intervals, moving the air around and guaranteeing similar humidity levels throughout the humidor. Without the use of electronic humidifiers, the air is circulated only when the humidor is opened, so a sporadic use of the humidor can result in a greater variation of the humidity level inside the humidor.

Inevitably, more moisture is present directly at the vents of the humidification system. Careful attention should be given to the cigars located a certain distance from these vents.

Besides keeping your cigars suitably moist, the humidor also fulfils another important function. It protects the cigars from foreign aromas. Cigars easily absorb scents and flavours from their surroundings and should always be stored separately, away from other products with a strong odour. This is also the reason why detergents should never be used inside a humidor. An exception to the rule can be made for Spanish cedar wood whose rather intense odour actually harmonizes extremely well with the natural aromas of the tobacco and can even be beneficial, playing an important role in the flavour development of the cigar.