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If you’re a connoisseur of fine stogies, you probably already have a humidor at home. These small, stoic systems serve to preserve the moist, vibrant tobacco profiles in the sticks they hold. Of course, a humidor may be nothing more than a cedar box with a humidifier. For this reason, we were determined to find the top cigar humidifiers. In the section below, you’ll find five of the most phenomenal products along with answers to FAQs and more.

Boveda 72% RH Two-Way Humidity Control – Editor’s Pick

Topping off our list is the Boveda 72% RH Two-Way Humidity Controls. These brown packs have no trouble maintaining 72% humidity. You don’t even have to activate or fill them at any point.

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Each pack is engineered to release regulated moisture for up to 3 months. The packs just need to be replaced when they become dry and rigid.

Each Boveda pack comes with four two-way humidity control packs. A single pack will moisten the air in a small passive system. You may combine multiple packs to achieve a 72% RH in larger systems.

Boveda 62% RH 2-Way Humidity Control – Customer Favorite

Customers love this 10-pack of 62% RH humidifiers. Each pack comes in a factory-sealed stay-fresh bag. The packs contain 8 grams of two-way humidifying agents. As such, they are perfect for small humidors and travel containers.

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The small packs do not require any activation or maintenance. Their rigidity is a simple indication that they are no longer suitable for use.

The packs are designed to stay fresh for up two 2 years in storage. However, we recommend that you store them in a airtight Tupperware container until you are ready to put them to use. If you don’t have a use for all 10 of these cigar humidifiers, consider using them to improve the quality of foods, herbal medicines, and other moisture-reliant products. They’ll help your items sustain their flavor and texture by adding and taking away moisture.

These 8-gram packs provide 62% RH with a 1% degree of accuracy. Each pack offers enough humidifying agent to sustain a small, portable pack of cigars. You do not need to active the packs nor top them of with humidifying solutions. With Boveda, your cigars will stay perfectly moist. There’s no risk of flucuations during humidity cycles. These packs hold true to their advertising claims.

Drymistat Humidor Humidifier Tubes – Top Budget Pick

The Drymistat Humidor Humidifier Tubes will enable you to create 68 to 70% RH. These crystal-clear humidifier sticks are filled with a charged propylene glycol solution. You may need more than one.

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This depends on the size of your humidor and/or the number of cigars in your collection.

Drymistat releases moisture on demand. The crystals shrink as they release moisture, giving you a clear indication when you need to top them off with more solution. There is even a handy fill line on each tube. This tube is just the right size and shape for most tabletop humidors. It is also worth mentioning that it is made in the U.S.A.

Essential Values Humidifier Solution – Best Liquid Solution

The Essential Values Humidifier Solution enables hassle-free humidifier filling experiences. The formula is proven to increase a humidor’s humidity to around 70%.

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The premixed solution will improve the flavor of your cigars while fending off unwanted bacteria and mold. The solution is made from high-quality propylene glycol and distilled water. This particular pack contains two 16-ounce flip-top bottles. Both bottles are backed by the company’s 60-day money-back guarantee.

Customers rave that the Essential Values kit preserves their stogies for an incredibly low price. You can use this solution to maintain the perfect humidity in your tabletop case. Essential Values offers brand-name quality for a nominal price. Why invest in a label that is going to stay hidden in a box?

Joe Cool Cigar Crystal Gel Humidifier for Cigar Humidors – Best Gel Capsule

The Joe Cool Crystal Gel Humidifier will help you maintain a 70% RH inside your cigar humidor. The gel is 100% biodegradable. It is an anti-fungal, anti-mold formula. Each jar contains 4 ounces of clear moisture-producing crystals.

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That’s enough humidifying agent to maintain 150 cigars.

Unlike one-time-use humidifiers, the Joe Cool containers are refillable. You can simply top them off with PG solution or distilled water. All you need to do is pop off the cover and place the container in your humidor. With the help of Joe Cool, your cigars should be ready to smoke at all times.

Buyer’s Guide

The main type of humidifier that we see in cigar humidors is the traditional foam-based humidifier, and this utilizes a florist foam. And you refill this with either distilled water or activator solution. It is a one-way humidifier, so it will only release moisture. If you refill it with distilled water, you’ll see a very large boost in humidity followed by a quick taper. If you use the activator solution, you’ll see a more steady release over time.

What is the ideal relative humidity for storing cigars?

According to the experts, cigars should be kept at 70% humidity and 70 degrees. Don’t make the conditions in your humidor the subject of a guessing game. Purchase a hygrometer-thermometer, and use it to monitor the conditions daily.

If a cigar is left to fend for itself, it will almost certainly become too moist or too dry. An excessively dry cigar will burn rapidly. The intensity of the heat and smoke will make it difficult for you to enjoy the cigar’s subtle flavors. An excessively moist cigar will not burn fast enough. You may struggle to keep it burning and may notice the taste is off. A damp cigar may even contain bacteria and mold, making it especially bad for your health.

Quality cigars do not come cheap. As such, it is worth it to invest in their preservation. A cigar stored at a humidity between 60 and 70% is certain to offer a more dynamic, nuanced flavor profile and rich billowy smoke.

Foam-based humidifiers

The florist foam will end up losing its ability to absorb water over time so that you will see a decrease in functionality over that time. They come in all different shapes and sizes. There is a travel humidifier, so it’s for a, basically, 10 to 12 cigar humidor. And it doesn’t mount, and it just sits right in the humidor. The smaller round one is for about 75 cigars, and you can mount it, magnetically, to the lid of your humidor, or you can set it on the tray.

They also come in these larger humidifiers. So, again, you need to replace these every six to 12 months, but they are very cost-effective. They are by far the cheapest method of humidification. But you do run the risk of mold growth over time because these create humid environments, which is great for your cigars, but it’s also really great for mold. The activator solution will help prevent mold, but you still run that risk.

Crystal gel humidifiers

You may choose to upgrade your humidifier to a crystal gel-based humidifier. These types of humidifiers use a crystal polymer that starts as very small, hard crystals, and they’ll expand when you humidify them. They’ll end up looking something like this.

It is a one-way humidifier, so they’ll only release humidity. They won’t absorb any excess humidity. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes. You have the traditional ones that mount to the lid of your humidor, and these will humidify up to about 250 cigars. You have the Xikar Drymistat tube, which will lay down in your humidor like this, alongside your cigars and release humidity. Then you have the jar-based ones, which will sit at the bottom of your humidor without being mounted.

They need to be refilled with only distilled water. You don’t want to use activator solution for these. You need to refill them every two to four weeks, and they need to be replaced every one to two years. The great thing about these is it’s super easy to tell when you need to refill them because the crystals will shrink. However, they are just a one-way humidifier, so you do run the risk of over-humidifying your humidor.

Bead-based humidifiers

These types use a silica bead that will become clear when they’re humidified. They’re typically sold in bags. Some people use nylon stockings, or some people will use a plastic dish. Some companies use them in mounted humidifiers.

These types of humidifiers need to be refilled using distilled water only. You don’t want to use the activator solution. You need to refill them every two to four weeks, and they need to be replaced every three to six years. As the beads will absorb oils from the cigars, they’ll lose their ability to absorb and release moisture.

A lot of people love these because they’re the two-way humidifiers. The only problem is that they do sometimes give off dust. But other than that, they’re very cost-effective, because the upfront cost might be a little higher than a traditional foam humidifier, but they need to be replaced far less often.

Boveda packets

Boveda packets use salt compounds to maintain very accurate humidity levels. They come in 65%, 69%, 72%, and 75% packets. You need about one packet per 25-cigar capacity. They are a two-way humidifier, so they will both release and absorb humidity. Once they reach their set point, they will start absorbing that humidity. You can recharge them every three months, or a lot of people choose to replace them.

One of the great things about Boveda packets is that they’re very accurate so that you can maintain very accurate humidity levels. However, some people find them a bit expensive. There are about $4 per packet. But if you spend the time to recharge them, they can be very economical.

Video Tutorial: How to Maintain A Cigar Humidor With Boveda Humidipak Packs

What are the different types of cigar humidifiers?

There are several different types of cigar humidifiers. All of them are designed to prevent your cigars from drying out. Popular options include:

Absorbant sponges

Traditional humidors typically rely on absorbent sponges. Floral sponges are highly absorbent and release water slowly over a lengthy period. Users may fill these passive systems with polypropylene glycol, distilled water, or a mixture of both. These systems need to be topped off periodically, typically once every couple of weeks. Maintenance requirements vary depending on a humidor’s exterior environment. Floral sponges can be reused for an extended period. However, they eventually need to be replaced.

Gel Containers

Some cigar collectors prefer to use small containers of gel crystals. These containers contain an ample amount of moisture that is released slowly over time. You may refill these containers as the gel inside them becomes dry and rigid. Of course, the shape and size of these containers limit the places that they can be stored.

Two-Way Humidifier Packs

Two-way humidifier packs are another popular option. These packs contain a mixture of porous material, salt, and water. They typically promise to generate a precise level of relative humidity. For example, Bovida offers highly regulated 72% packs. Since these packs offer regulated humidity, they require less maintenance and mess. With that said, some people have expressed concern about the toxicity of the materials inside the packs.

What is better: active propylene glycol or distilled water?

It may seem as though cigar aficionados use active propylene glycol and distilled water interchangeably. Active propylene glycol is a two-way humidifying agent, meaning it releases and absorbs moisture. It is also designed to stop releasing moisture around 70% humidity, which just happens to be the perfect RH for cigars. On the other hand, distilled water is a one-way humidifier. Both agents pose as a barrier against mold and bacteria. Both agents are suitable for humidors. On the other hand, regular tap or bottled water is not.

What’s the difference between one- and two-way humidifiers?

One-way humidifiers just add moisture. Whereas, two-way humidifiers can add it or take it away. Most small-scale cigar collectors use passive two-way humidifiers to preserve the quality of their stogies. However, both types of humidifiers are used by home collectors.

Disposable vs. Maintenance

You may opt for one-time use humidifiers, such as Boveda packets, or refillable humidifiers, such as gel packs, crystals, or sponges. Products like Boveda come with precalibrated two-way humidifying agents. Whereas, the other humidifiers must be topped off with distilled water and activated propylene glycol.

Size and Control

Did you know that cigar humidifiers come in different sizes? A humidifier that is too small or too large will detract from rather than preserve the quality of your stogies. Find out how large your cigar humidor is in cubic feet. What’s more, consider how many stogies you’ll be packing into it. These numbers will help you determine the right humidifier for your humidor.

Electronic Humidors

Unlike passive humidors, Electronic humidors feature fans that are connected to digital hygrometers. These meters register a humidor’s relative humidity. If the levels are off, the fan will kick in and send moist air into the closed system. With that said, traditional humidors are just sealed boxes with humidifying agents inside. Both systems are designed to keep cigars from becoming dry and brittle. Electronic humidors are just more active participants along the way.

FAQ

What is the best cigar humidity?

The ideal humidity level for cigars is 70%. At this level, cigars will be neither too wet nor too dry, and will stay fresh for a long time. To achieve 70% relative humidity (RH), you will need to use a cigar humidifier. While 70% is the ideal target, you don’t need to be exact. Cigars can tolerate a range of 65-72% without any problems. However, if the relative humidity falls outside of this range, it’s important to correct this as soon as you can. [1], [2], [3], [4]

What is the best way to humidify cigars?

The best way to humidify cigars is by using a cigar humidor. Cigar humidors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to keep your cigars fresh for months at a time. They do require a regular maintenance schedule, however, to ensure that they continue to work properly. It’s also important to maintain the same humidity as in the climate where the cigar was manufactured to preserve it the best. [1], [2], [3], [5]

Can I use a regular humidifier for cigars?

The short answer is yes, you can use a regular humidifier for cigars. There are many humidifiers on the market, each with their own downsides and advantages but all of them will do the job of controlling humidity well. Just don’t forget to replace them, some need to be replaced once in a few months while others will last only a few weeks! [5], [6]

Is a cigar cooler better than a humidor?

This is a common question with no easy answer. It depends on a variety of factors, such as how often you smoke them, and your budget.

If you are a casual smoker who only smokes a few cigars per month, then a cigar cooler may be a better option for you. They are less expensive than humidors and can keep your cigars fresh for months at a time. But the temperatures within one are harder to control and this can expose your cigars to moisture.

However, if you are a serious cigar aficionado who smokes multiple cigars per week, then a humidor is the better option. Humidors help to maintain the delicate balance of humidity and temperature that is essential for preserving the flavor and quality of your cigars. [7]

Is 73% humidity OK for cigars?

No, 73% humidity can be much for cigars. The ideal humidity level cigars need to be stored at is between 65% and 70%. At 73% humidity, cigars may absorb too much moisture and become soggy. This not only can affect the cigar draw, but also can lead to the cigars developing mold as a result. [3], [4], [8], [9]

Is 62 humidity OK for cigars?

The answer is that it really depends on the cigar. If you’re smoking a dry-cured cigar, it’s going to be just fine at 62% humidity. However, if you’re smoking a more traditionally crafted cigar, it’s going to need a bit more moisture.

Ideally, you want your humidor to be between 65-70% humidity. This is the sweet spot for most cigars. Anything below that and your cigars will start to dry out and lose their flavor. anything above that and they may start to get a bit too moist and develop mold or mildew. [3], [4], [8], [9]

How do you humidify a cigar without a humidor?

If you don’t have a humidor, the next best way to store your cigars is in a ziplock bag with a moist sponge or paper towel soaked in distilled water. Place the cigars and moisture source in the bag, seal it tightly, and check on the cigars every few days to make sure they’re still fresh. Another option is to use a cigar tube with a humidifier disk. These tubes are airtight and will keep your cigars fresh for up to two weeks. [3], [10]

How long does humidor humidifier last?

The lifespan of a humidor humidifier will depend on the type of humidifier you have. Some need to be replaced every few months, while others can last only for days. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific humidifier to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. In the case of electronic humidifiers, they can last for years. [5], [6]

How do I add humidity to my cigar box?

The best way to add and control humidity in your cigar box is by using the special humidity control packs that are made for this purpose. These packets contain a sponge that is soaked in distilled water. When you’re ready to use them, simply open the packet and place it in your cigar box. The sponge will gradually release moisture, keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful. To maintain humidity, also keep your cigs away from direct sunlight and check on them and refresh them regularly. [2], [11]

Where should a humidifier be placed in a humidor?

The humidifier should be placed on the bottom of the humidor. This will ensure that the humidifier is in contact with the wood, which will help to regulate the humidity levels and allow the humidifier to evenly distribute moisture throughout the humidor.

It is also important to make sure that the humidifier is not too close to any cigars. The cigars should be placed on a shelf above the humidifier so that they are not in direct contact with the moisture. [12], [13]

Why is my cigar humidor not holding humidity?

There are a few reasons your humidor might not be holding humidity. The most common reason is that the humidor isn’t airtight. Check the seal of your humidor and make sure it’s tight. If it’s not, you might need to replace the gasket or get a new humidor altogether.

It also could be because you leave the door open for too long, it shouldn’t be left open for more than a few minutes! Don’t forget to top up your humidor with distilled water from time to time, and keep up with the maintenance as well. This will ensure the humidity level within it will remain stable. [14], [15], [16]

How do I keep my humidor at 70% humidity?

There are a few things you can do to keep your humidor at 70% humidity. Make sure that the humidor is properly seasoned, and use a quality cigar humidifier for that. And for the last measure, check the relative humidity levels regularly. If you do all of these things, you should be able to maintain 70% relative humidity in your humidor with no problem. It’s also important to keep your humidifier away from sunlight or any sort of heaters/air conditioners. [9]

Do Boveda Packs add moisture?

Boveda Packs are designed to add or remove moisture as needed to maintain a relative humidity without much maintenance needed from the user. Boveda will never rise above the humidity stated on the pack, so you will never have to worry about it going overboard. [17]

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our in-depth look at the top five cigar humidifiers. As you can see, these moisture-producing products come in all shapes and sizes. Nevertheless, they are all designed to do one thing and one thing only. If you’re struggling to make a decision, check out the Boveda 72% RH Two-Way Humidity Control Pack. This pack offers four one-time-use humidifying packets that will dramatically improve the quality of your stored stogies. Of course, the Drymistat Humidor Humidifier Tubes are another excellent option for individuals looking to save a buck or two.

If you’re struggling to understand the fundamental differences between cigar humidifiers, you’ve come to the right place. Our goal is to make your smoking experiences better. If you have a cigar humidifier you can’t live without, let us know about it in the comment section below.

References:

1. https://storables.com/storage-ideas/bedroom-storage/bedroom-storage-bench/
2. https://findycigars.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-best-temperature-humidity-for-cigars
3. https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/storage/how-to-store-cigars/
4. https://www.cheaphumidors.com/blogs/humidor-information/what-is-the-best-humidor-humidity-percentage
5. https://www.newair.com/blogs/learn/choosing-the-right-cigar-humidifier-for-your-humidor
6. https://www.cheaphumidors.com/blogs/humidor-information/differences-between-cigar-humidor-humidifiers
7. https://www.stage-v.com/blogs/blog/cigar-cooler-vs-cigar-humidor
8. https://cigarsforbeginners.famous-smoke.com/keeping-your-cigars-fresh/
9. https://www.newair.com/blogs/learn/how-to-keep-humidor-at-70-degrees/
10. https://storables.com/storage-ideas/how-to-store-cigars/
11. https://cigarhombre.com/how-to-increase-humidity-in-your-humidor/
12. https://www.simplycigars.co.uk/guide/guide-to-setting-up-your-humidor-correctly-92/
13. https://www.cigarjournal.com/where-to-place-the-humidification-system-in-your-humidor/#
14. https://cigarcigarinfo.com/humidor-not-holding-humidity/
15. https://cigarcutterexpert.com/humidor-not-holding-humidity/
16. https://mycigarresource.com/why-is-my-humidor-not-holding-humidity/
17. https://www.bovedawholesale.com/how-boveda-works