Over 17 million U.S. adults smoke cigars, according to a government study.
You may occasionally smoke a stogie with friends after dinner, even if you’re not a regular smoker.
Perhaps you keep a stash of cigars for a special occasion, or maybe you enjoy smoking cigars daily.
Even non-smokers sometimes enjoy an after-dinner cigar.
Regardless of your reasons for keeping cigars at home, you need to store them at the correct temperature. You must also ensure that humidity levels are in check if you want to enjoy your cigars at their best. This is where a cigar humidor comes in.
Many cigars lovers use the 70/70 rule as a guiding principle. Per this rule, you should store cigars in environments with 70% relative humidity and at temperatures of around 70F. To achieve either of these aspects without the proper equipment would be challenging, but to balance humidity and temperature without using the best cigar humidor is practically impossible.
Today’s guide will help you to easily pick the right humidor for your needs. Get this buying decision right and you’ll find that your cigars improve with age. Get it wrong and you could end up confronted by an acrid taste and aroma and a spoiled cigar.
Most new cigars will benefit from at least three months in a humidor before they are smoked. This will let the full flavor and aroma develop.
Focus on these pointers when you’re comparing humidors:
- Humidor type: Cigar coolers allow you to store large cigar collections. Both temperature and humidity levels are automatically controlled. Most cigar coolers are constructed from stainless steel. Trim and shelves are typically made of wood. Many cigar coolers are combo units also allowing you to store wine. A desktop cigar humidor is a more affordable and compact option. These boxes are usually constructed from decorative wood. Humidor jars are small and simple containers with airtight seals capable of accommodating up to 15 cigars.
- Capacity: We list the capacity of all humidors on our shortlist today. Make sure you buy in line with your needs. The total capacity will be impacted by the size (ring gauge) of the cigars you place inside. The larger the cigar, the fewer you can fit inside your humidor.
- Materials: Cedar wood is the most popular material for cigar humidors. The primary benefit of cedar is the way it absorbs moisture and keeps your cigars flavorful and fresh.
- Temperature and humidity control: Cigars need to be stored in environments with humidity levels between 62% and 75%. You should also take steps to ensure that humidity levels are consistently maintained. Humidors equipped with hygrometers allow you to keep a close eye on this. Many of the best cigar humidors also feature integrated thermometers.
- Tightness of seal: The seal is the potential weak point on a cigar humidor so check there is no blowback from customers concerning the seal or the lid.
- Monitoring: Some cigar humidors come with transparent viewing windows. This is useful for minimizing the need to open and close the lid, keeping storage levels as consistent as possible.
- Extra features: Some humidors bundle extras like cigar cutters and ashtrays. Others focus on more worthwhile extras like lockability.
If you keep these elements in mind when you’re shopping cigar humidors, you should have no problem finding one that exactly matches your needs.
Explore the finest humidors in a crowded market segment as we highlight the ten best models.
The 10 Best Cigar Humidors
1.Our Pick: Case Elegance Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 15 cigars
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9 x 8.5 x 5.4 inches
Case Elegance is one of the most well-known brands in the cigar humidor vertical.
This humidor is a small, space-saving model you could put just about anywhere. The maximum stated capacity is 15 cigars. As with all the humidors we review today, this quoted capacity may vary according to the size and shape of your preferred cigars.
Long-term cigar storage is most effective when the relative humidity levels are regulated. This will preserve the flavors in the cigars more fully, leading to the cigars improving with age rather than degrading. This unit is equipped with built-in humidification so RH levels are kept within the recommended band for cigar storage. A digital hygrometer is baked in so you can keep your eye on those levels.
This humidor has a glass top that doubles as a small storage area. You can also see the contents of your humidor without needing to open it, a bonus when it comes to maintaining the consistency of the storage environment.
The shelf inside this unit is made from Spanish cedar, a material loved the world over for its moisture retention qualities and its effectiveness as a material for cigar storage.
If you have accessories like cigar cutters or lighters, pop them inside your humidor on the handy storage drawer. This slides in and out smoothly for your convenience.
A magnetic enclosure completes a winning package from a brand you can trust. Aside from its limited capacity, there is not much to knock about this efficient and cost-effective humidor.
- Digital hygrometer
- Humidifier gel
- Real Spanish cedar
Things We Dislike
- Not the largest capacity
2. Woodronic Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 30 to 50 cigars
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.1 x 4.1 inches
Woodronic’s offering is a sleek and functional humidor that will keep your sticks fresher for longer, while at the same time making a striking visual statement.
This model delivers the ideal balance between capacity and form factor, allowing you to store up to 50 stogies without eating up too much room.
The wood veneer is robust as well as elegant, and the lining of the box is Spanish cedar, a wood renowned for its ability to retain moisture.
With a super-tight teal, this humidor allows you to lock in the optimum temperature and humidity levels and to remain confident that the environment will be maintained at those levels. If the temperature and humidity levels are right, you can store cigars for years without the flavor or the aroma being impaired.
As with most of the best cigar humidors, this unit features an onboard hygrometer so you can accurately monitor the RH levels.
An acrylic viewing window minimizes the need to open and close the lid.
The base of the humidor is thoughtfully lined with felt so you won’t end up with scratches all over your favorite desk or wine cabinet.
This humidor covers all main bases and delivers aesthetics and performance at a pocket-friendly price – what more could you ask for?
- Spacious humidor
- Tight seal
- Acrylic viewing window
Things We Dislike
- Some issues with temperature maintenance
3. Mantello Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 20 to 50 cigars
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.6 x 4.3 inches
If you want a handcrafted cigar humidor that won’t blow the budget, consider this commanding example from Mantello.
Made from rosewood, the delicate storage box would make the perfect adornment to your desk or wine cabinet. This humidor is also well worth considering as a gift for any cigar lover in your life this coming holiday season.
Like all the most effective cigar humidors, this model is lined with cedar so your stogies stay at the optimum humidity levels for ongoing freshness. At the same time, cedar will repel any bugs or pest attracted to the cigars inside.
This humidor boasts an airtight seal, so not light or air will penetrate and spoil your sticks. A viewing window cuts down on the need to open and close the unit. An integrated hygrometer lets you keep tabs on RH levels.
Capacity falls in the mid-range, with space for between 25 and 50 cigars, depending on the ring gauge.
Gold-plated hinges make a great contrast with the wood. Build quality is high considering the budget-friendly pricing. Overall, this is one of the strongest examples we review today in a glutted market segment.
- Handcrafted from rosewood
- Removable cedar divider
- Keen pricing
Things We Dislike
- Issues with relative humidity
4. XIFEI Humidor Jar
- Capacity: 18 cigars
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 5.2 inches
If you’re prepared to take a chance on a lesser-known brand, this midsized humidor from XIFEI deserves a place on your shortlist.
Although this is a simple, no-nonsense humidor with no frills or extras, the jar is priced to sell and well within anyone’s budget.
Although the maximum stated capacity is 18 cigars, this could be a tight fit, especially if you prefer cigars with a larger ring gauge. You should nevertheless manage to store from 10 to 15 stogies inside this basic humidor.
The container is made from premium acrylic and lined with cedar to promote fresh cigars, even when stored longer-term. The gasket is made from rubber and provides a super-tight seal.
Despite the rudimentary design and limited features, this humidor packs a hygrometer.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to invest in this medium cigar humidor, you can request a quibble-free refund at any stage during the first two months, so what are you waiting for?
- Cedar wood lining
- Integrated hygrometer
- 60-day money back guarantee
Things We Dislike
- Awkward to dial in humidity
5. Bald Eagle Handmade Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 20 to 25 cigars
- Weight: 3.15 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.1 x 4.25 inches
Bald Eagle delivers a cigar humidor that makes a smart bet for small to mid-sized collections, so how does it stand and fall?
The desktop unit comes with a capacity allowing for the storage of between 20 and 25 cigars, size dependent.
Like most of the best desktop models, this humidor has a scratch-resistant velvet lining underneath, minimizing the chance of damage to your desk or wine cabinet.
Inside the unit is a removable divider. Choose to partition your cigars or leave them all in one storage space to suit. You can remove the divider if you prefer.
Both a hygrometer and humidifier help you to regulate RH levels. Several disgruntled users complain about the accuracy and reliability of this area of the humidor, so do your due diligence.
Finished in a glossy walnut, the humidor is long-lasting and very visually appealing.
A glass viewing window lets you monitor your cigar collection without compromising the integrity and consistency of the storage environment.
- Variety of sizes and finishes
- Movable partition board
- Non-scratch base
Things We Dislike
- Some issues with hygrometer
6. Scotte Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 12 to 16 cigars
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.7 x 9 inches
Not everyone wants a colossal humidor for storing hundreds of cigars. If you want a travel container or the ability to keep a few cigars properly stored at home, this offering from Scotte is worth considering.
The container is made from leather that looks great without hurting your pocketbook.
Inside the container is a cedar lining just like you would find in an expensive and upscale humidor. This material is highly absorbent and helps to preserve the flavor and aroma of your cigars. Avoid dry and desiccated stogies by investing in this travel humidor.
If you smoke smaller, thinner cigars, you will accommodate up to 16 inside this container. Adjust your expectations of capacity if you are partial to more substantial stogies.
You can monitor RH levels thanks to the onboard hygrometer, something you don’t necessarily expect on a cheaper humidor.
The gift packaging, sleek looks, and affordable pricing combine to make this Scotte model a great gift idea of the forthcoming holiday season.
Aside from the limited capacity, this is one of the best humidors you’ll find in this size range, and it also works well as a travel solution.
- Ideal travel humidor
- Finished in supple leather
- Integrated hygrometer
Things We Dislike
- Limited capacity
7. Pardo Travel Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 5 cigars
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.2 x 1.6 inches
The Pardo travel humidor is a niche product for those looking to enjoy stogies on the go.
Unlike most travel humidors that are little but mason jars or containers, this rugged box is built to withstand some serious punishment. Made from a waterproof and crushproof plastic, this box would work well on a boat, in the RV, or anywhere else it may get battered around.
Perhaps the key selling point of this model is the onboard humidifier disc. All you need to do is add some distilled water – go easy, you only need a few drops – and you should ensure that none of the moisture is sucked out of your stogies, even if you keep them inside the humidor long-term.
The removable lining means you won’t be faced with any tasky cleanup or maintenance. The foam lining also serves as added protection if you end up dropping the humidor.
Two locking clasps and an airtight seal ensure that the cigars you put inside this thing stay fresher for longer.
While the design and execution of this humidor is outstanding, we can’t say the same for its capacity. there is only room inside for a handful of stogies, so make sure this meshes with your requirements before committing to purchase.
Easy to use, just as simple to keep clean, and almost impossible to break, this travel cigar storage solution is one of the finest options at your disposal.
- Crushproof and waterproof container
- Inbuilt humidifier disc
- Easy to keep clean
Things We Dislike
-
- Very limited capacity
8. AMAMCY Travel Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 5 cigars
- Weight: 0.44 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 8.7 x 3.5 inches
Next up is a compact and travel-friendly cigar storage solution from AMAMCY, so what do you get for your money?
The first thing that stands out is the construction. Shaped in a form that’s easy to carry, the humidor is made from a soft but long-lasting faux-leather, giving you the appearance of the real thing without the vulnerability or the upkeep.
Inside the humidor, a cedar lining helps to keep any cigars you pop inside fresh, even if you plan to store them long-term.
The primary drawback here is the very limited capacity. as with all humidors, total capacity is contingent on the ring gauge of the cigars in questions, but you will only have room inside this model for a bare handful of sticks.
You should also bear in mind that you can’t keep cigars longer than 6.5 inches or with larger ring gauges than 52 inside the AMANCY humidor.
The lid is equipped with a hygrometer that allows you to keep a close eye on relative humidity levels, key to maintaining the flavor and aroma in your cigars, especially when stored long-term.
As with most travel models we review today, you’ll need to compromise on capacity to achieve portability and convenience. This model is a keenly-priced option worthy of shortlisting.
- Attractive and eye-catching design
- Ideal for a handful of stogies
- Made from supple and durable PU leather
Things We Dislike
- Some reported issues with temperature maintenance
9. Scotte Cigar Humidor
- Capacity: 4 to 5 cigars
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 3.5 x 3 inches
As we near the end of our cigar humidor reviews, we have another entry from the Scotte stable, so how does this model shape up?
The premium build of this unit gives you everything you want in a small humidor for much less than you might imagine.
The chassis is made from borosilicate glass, a material renowned for its durability. The sealing cover is wooden for a great contrast and excellent moisture-retention qualities.
An integrated hygrometer provides a quick and easy way of ensuring that relative humidity levels are in check.
If you don’t like the idea of this humidor for yourself, why not pick one up for a cigar lover in your life and make a start on your festive shopping early?
- Superb gift set
- Made from rugged borosilicate glass
- Robust aftercare
Things We Dislike
- Some durability concerns
10. Whyntner Freestanding Cigar Humidor
- 250 cigars
- 7 pounds
- 20 x 18 x 13.5 inches
Whynter’s freestanding cigar humidor provides you with one of the best cigar storage solutions available, assuming you have the space to house this hulking unit. Check the measurements above and make sure you have the room.
Inside, storage space totals 1.2 cubic feet. You could even upgrade to the largest version of this freestanding beast if you have a small commercial premises or a really large cigar collection at home. This iteration lets you keep as many as 250 cigars inside. If you smoke longer, thicker stogies, you can expect this capacity to be reduced significantly.
There is a drawer inside lined with Spanish cedar. This is ideal for lighters, cigar cutters, or anything else you need to keep close at hand. This shelving is both adjustable and removable.
Thermoelectric cooling gives you a storage environment between 50F and 66F, giving you the opportunity to create the perfect storage solution for your cigar collection. The humidor doesn’t make too much noise in operation either.
A hygrometer drawer inside this thing means you can ensure that humidity levels are in check as well as the temperature.
For an impressive cigar storage and presentation case that’s ideal for home or commercial use, the Whynter is one of the strongest humidors you’ll find, as long as you have enough space for its substantial footprint.
- Quiet thermoelectric cooling
- No vibration
- Enormous capacity
Things We Dislike
- Bulky and pricey
FAQ
1) Do I really need a cigar humidor?
If you only smoke the occasional cigar, you do not necessarily need to invest in a humidor. Anyone intending to store cigars long-term, though, should invest in a box or cooler. If properly stored, cigars will improve with age.
2) How long is it safe to keep cigars in my humidor?
If the temperature and humidity levels are right, you could keep cigars in a humidor for years. You should start by placing any new cigars into the humidor for at least three months. After this point, the stogies will have developed all the flavor they are likely to develop. Unlike wine, you will not necessarily improve the profile of cigars by storing them for longer than three months.
3) Is it necessary to leave my cigars wrapped when I put them in my humidor?
There is no fixed answer to this question. Wrappers are intended to help cigars stay as fresh as possible. Bearing this in mind, it seems futile to remove the wrapper until you are ready to smoke the stick. Also, if you have a larger collection of cigars, you may find that removing the wrappers introduces an element of unwanted confusion.
4) Do I need a cigar cutter?
Yes. If you smoke cigars with rounded ends – torpedo ends – you will need to cut the cigar so it smokes properly. Some cigar humidors come with cutters thrown in. If you do not find a cutter bundled with the humidor you buy, you can pick one up at a reasonable cost. Do not skip this step.
5) Is it OK to store cigars in a refrigerator?
No. a refrigerator is too cool for cigar storage and the humidity levels are also much too low.
6) What is the result of storing cigars at high humidity levels?
At 72%, a cigar will start absorbing moisture. When this occurs, it will negatively impact the aroma and the flavor. If you store cigars at high levels of humidity, this can be just as damaging as storing them in the fridge.
7) How can I tell if a cigar is spoiled?
Pick up the cigar. If it feels hard or crunchy, this suggests that the cigar is dried out and past its finest. If the cigar feels spongy, this indicates that it is too wet.
8) Can I salvage a dried-out cigar?
If the wrapper is still in place, this might be possible – it is also one more reason why you should leave the wrappers on stored cigars. It can take several weeks to rehydrate a cigar, though, so pack plenty of patience.
9) Do cigars really improve with age?
Yes. Full-bodied cigars will taste and smell better the longer you store them – assuming, of course, that temperature and humidity levels are right.
Conclusion
If you arrived here today at Slow Wine Magazine without the first idea about how to effectively store your cigars long-term, that should no longer be the case.
Once you scythe through the initial confusion, finding the best cigar humidor for your needs shouldn’t be too tough. If you stick with any humidors on our shortlist, you’ll be able to proceed with a clear idea of their benefits as well as their drawbacks. We like you to buy with your eyes wide open.
We’re also aware you may encounter a humidor we didn’t review. Just refer to the buying guidance up above and you’ll be able to readily establish the worth of any humidors you find.
Take a second to bookmark our blog before you leave today. We have a large volume of entertaining content coming your way over the next few months. Pop back any time you need some advice on kitting out your home bar in style ready for the looming holiday season. We’ll see you very soon!