Custom humidor

Types of custom humidors

A custom humidor is a wooden box designed to store cigars. They are made with a special type of wood that keeps humidity at a constant level. This makes it easier for cigars to stay fresh and taste good. Some custom humidors even have machines to help control the humidity better. Here are some of the types.

• Desktop/custom cigar humidors

  Desktop humidors are the most popular type of humidors. They are small and portable, so they can be placed on a desk or table. They are usually made of wood and have a glass top or window to display the cigars. Desktop humidors typically come with one or two shelves and can hold up to 50 cigars.

• Cabinet/custom cigar humidors

  Cabinet humidors are larger than desktop humidors and are designed to be stored in a cupboard or cabinet. They have more storage capacity, so they're ideal for people who have a lot of cigars. Cabinet humidors usually come with three or four shelves and can hold up to 200 cigars.

• Walk-in/custom cigar humidors

  As the name suggests, walk-in humidors are big enough for someone to walk into. They are typically built into a wall or corner of a room and can hold thousands of cigars. Walk-in humidors are perfect for serious collectors or businesses that need to store large quantities of cigars.

• Wineador/custom cigar humidors

  Wineador humidors are a combination of a humidifier and a wine cooler. They are designed to store both cigars and wine. Wineador humidors usually have a glass front so people can see the cigars and wine inside. They come in different sizes, from small to large.

• Electronic/custom cigar humidors

  Electronic humidors use electricity to maintain the humidity level. They have an electronic humidification system that automatically adds or removes moisture as needed. Electronic humidors are great for people who want a hassle-free way to keep their cigars fresh.

• Humidor cabinets

  Humidor cabinets are large, furniture-like units designed to store a significant quantity of cigars. They often feature multiple compartments or shelves, each acting as a separate humidor. This allows for organized storage of different cigar brands or collections. Humidor cabinets are ideal for avid cigar enthusiasts who maintain a vast inventory.

• Portable humidors

  Portable humidors are compact, lightweight designs meant for on-the-go use. These can include travel humidors, which are small enough to carry while traveling, and portable desktop humidors, which can be moved between locations. Both types are designed to provide cigar protection and proper humidity control while away from home. They often feature secure closures and durable constructions to withstand the rigors of travel.

• Custom-built humidors

  Custom-built humidors refer to humidors specifically designed and constructed to meet the owner's needs. This can include anything from altering the appearance to changing the style, size, or features. For example, a person might want their custom humidor to fit in a specific space in their home or to have unique design elements that match their decor. Custom-built humidors can also include specialized features, such as advanced humidity and temperature controls, lighting, and security systems.

Designs of Custom humidors

• Desktop humidors

  These are smaller and can easily be placed on a desk or shelf. They are suitable for individuals who have a limited cigar collection. They come in different designs, some sleek and modern, and others vintage with wood finish.

• Cabinet humidors

  These are larger and intended for people with extensive collections. They often have multiple shelves and can accommodate hundreds or thousands of cigars. The style is usually elegant to fit into a home office or dedicated cigar room.

• Wall-mounted humidors

  For those who want to save space, a wall-mounted option might be perfect. These humidors come in various sizes and can hold several dozen cigars. Design-wise, they can be simple cabinets or more decorative pieces with glass fronts.

• Travel humidors

  Known for their portability, travel humidors are compact and designed to hold a small number of cigars (usually 2-10). They come in various materials, including sturdy plastic and leather, and are designed to withstand the rigors of travel while keeping cigars safe and humidified.

• Custom-built humidors

  As the name suggests, these are custom-built humidors designed for specific needs. It could be a walk-in humidor or a custom-made cabinet integrated into existing furniture. These designs often incorporate the owner's preferred elements, such as specific wood types, colors, or features.

• Wineador

  A Wineador is a hybrid between a wine cooler and a humidor. People use it to store cigars at a higher rate due to its temperature control. When a wine cooler is converted into a humidor, it's called a Wineador. They have similar designs to traditional humidors but with the added functionality of controlling temperature.

• Creatively repurposed humidors

  Some enthusiasts take old or unique pieces and turn them into humidors. This could be anything from a vintage briefcase to a larger furniture piece. Such humidors have a story and a unique appeal.

Usage scenarios of custom humidors

Custom humidors are used in different industries that require a specific humidity level to preserve products.

• In the tobacco industry:

  Tobacco businesses and premium cigar shops require custom humidors to store cigars. The humidors supply a constant humidity of 65 to 75 percent, which prevents the cigars from drying out or becoming soggy. The humidors are also used to store premium chewing tobacco, snuff, and pipe tobacco.

• In the pharmaceutical industry:

  Pharmaceutical companies and drug stores use custom humidors to keep humidity-sensitive medicines and health products like insulin, hormones, and moisture-sensitive oral medicines. These humidors maintain a humidity level of 30-50% that these medicines require to remain effective. It also lengthens the shelf-life of drugs.

• In the photography industry:

  Photography businesses and professional photographers use custom humidors to protect camera film and other moisture-sensitive accessories from humidity. The humidors ensure that the film and other accessories like batteries and camera lenses last longer and work effectively.

• In the electronics industry:

  With the increase in humidity, the performance of electronic devices like mobile phones, tablets, and cameras can be affected. Custom humidors are used by electronics businesses to store these devices and moisture-sensitive accessories like batteries and circuit boards. The humidors protect the devices from water damage and corrosion that can lead to device failure.

• In the food industry:

  Custom humidors are used in the food industry by businesses that sell dried fruits and jerky. The humidors maintain an optimum humidity level that prevents the food from becoming soggy and retaining their original texture and taste. It also increases the shelf-life of the food.

How to choose a custom humidor

Some factors that must be considered when choosing a custom humidor are as follows.

• The number of cigars

  Humidors come in different sizes and hold a specific number of cigars. The custom humidor design will depend on the existing cigar collection and the desire to expand it. A larger humidor will be needed if a bigger cigar collection or if more people will be storing cigars in the same humidor comes to mind. Otherwise, a smaller humidor will suffice. Ideally, a bigger humidor should be fitted with a smaller cigar count as it can be adjusted with the relative humidity. Also, it will not be a bad idea to add some extra money for an electric humidor that auto-regulates the humidity.

• Materials used

  Custom humidors are primarily made of wood and glass. Wood is a good and popular material choice for humidors, as it can retain humidity and regulate it well. But not all types of woods are used. The inside of a custom humidor is typically lined with Spanish cedar wood, which is great for humidity regulation, odor-free, and pest-resistant. It also offers a bit of seasoning for the cigars. Glass is a good choice for those who want to see their cigar collection and the humidity inside the custom humidor. The only downside to glass humidors is that they cannot retain humidity as much as wooden humidors. Hence, the need for constant monitoring with a good and calibrated hygrometer.

• Design and aesthetics

  The custom humidor design should match the personal style and home decor. Some designs to think about are a walk-in humidor, a tabletop humidor, a cabinet humidor, and a wine refrigerator humidor. A tabletop humidor is a small custom humidor designed to sit on a table. It's best for those with limited space or a smaller cigar collection. It can come in many designs and be a beautiful addition to any room. Cabinet humidors are large, freestanding units with multiple drawers or shelves for storing cigars. It's great for those with a large collection or who want to store cigars with others. On the other hand, a wine refrigerator humidor integrates a cigar humidor into a wine refrigerator. This design is suitable for those who want to store both wine and cigars in the same place. No matter the choice of design, it's best to have the custom humidor designed to fit the space where it will be placed.

Q&A

Q1: Why are glass doors used in some humidors?

A1: Glass doors allow for an unobstructed view of the cigars and the internal design of the humidor while maintaining humidity levels.

Q2: What is the role of the humidifier in a custom humidor?

A2: The humidifier generates the desired humidity level, essential for keeping cigars fresh and preserving their flavor.

Q3: Can a custom humidor regulate temperature as well?

A3: Some models come with temperature control features, ensuring an even climate for cigar storage.

Q4: What design styles are available for custom humidors?

A4: They can have anything from modern minimalist looks to vintage-inspired designs to match personal preferences.

Q5: What kind of wood is used in custom humidors?

A5: Many use Spanish cedar because it is good at holding moisture and protects against pests; other types may also be used.