Best Cigar Humidors for This Year – Full 2023 Buyer’s Guide & Reviews!

Cigars have been around for centuries and ever since they were first invented, there was a particular need for storing them properly. To age well, stogies need to stay in the right humidity and temperature. That way, they can enhance their flavor, age properly, and develop plume. One way you can ensure proper storage for your premium cigars is by getting a good cigar humidor. Nowadays, however, the market is over-saturated with countless models, each very oddly similar to the other.

To find the best cigar humidors, you will need to know more about their features, what they are made of, and how they work. That is why, in this guide, we will do a deep dive into each of the features that set the good models from the bad and talk about the various materials that modern cigar humidors use.

On top of that, we will go through some of the best models for this year and see what their most notable pros and cons are.

Cigar Humidors Comparison Chart

Product	Materials	Maximum Capacity	Hygrometer Type	Our Rating
Quality Importers Gangway Check On Famous Smoke Shop!	Spanish Cedar	150	Analog
Capri Humidor Check On Famous Smoke Shop!	Spanish Cedar	50	Not included
Case Elegance Humidor Shop On Amazon!	Spanish Cedar Glass	50	Digital
Mantello Royal Humidor Shop On Amazon!	Spanish Cedar Glass	50	Analog
Bald Eagle Cedar Humidor Shop On Amazon!	Spanish Cedar	25	Analog
Case Elegance Octodor Shop On Amazon!	Spanish Cedar Glass	100	Digital
MEGACRA Leather Humidor Shop On Amazon!	Cedar	20	Analog
Mantello Magnetic Humidor Shop On Amazon!	Spanish Cedar	25	Analog
Old World 50 Count Humidor Check On Famous Smoke!	Spanish Cedar	50	Analog

1. Best Premium – Quality Importers Deauville 100 Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Quality Importers’ Deauville Cigar Humidor is a well-built and decently priced model that sticks out from the rest of its competition by having a unique design. Another thing that it is really good for is the long-term storage of a lot of cigars.

Apart from having a storage capacity of up to 150 cigars (depending on the ring gauge), it also uses the brand’s SureSeal technology that uses a combination of features to close the lid tightly and not let any moisture go in or out. Thanks to the kiln-dried Spanish Cedar, you also have a consistent internal temperature without a lot of fluctuations which may ruin the cigars.

The inside of this humidor is divided into two parts. The top part features a drawer and is removable. Both the drawer and the bottom of the box have middle dividers that further let you customize how you order your cigars inside. On the inside of the lid, you have a built-in humidifier and a brass-framed analog hygrometer.

While this keeps the exterior of the humidor clean, I always prefer having the hygrometer on the inside to avoid having to open the whole box in order to check the RH levels. Still, this clean exterior is one of the nicest in the industry. The cherry finish along with the tobacco leaf inlay on the lid is very recognizable and very unique in a sea of similarily-looking humidors. As a whole, this is one of the cheaper medium-sized models, and thanks to its decent practicality I have no issues recommending it to anyone that looks for something a bit bigger.

Summary

The Quality Importers’ Deauville Cigar Humidor is anything but small, allowing you to house up to 150 cigars at a time. Its high-quality construction and premium artisan-quality craftsmanship ensure you get a good deal. It is an easy-to-use storage solution with an integrated hygrometer and internal dividers.

2. Best Starter Humidor – Capri Mahogany 

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

At first glance, it looks like Quality Importers’ Capri Humidor does not have much to offer. It doesn’t have a glass top like most humidors on this list, nor does it have a luxurious golden handle. That said, its simplicity is perhaps what draws people to it. It’s also why I tagged it as the ideal pick for those looking for a minimalist-style cigar humidor.

It is made of wood veneer and boasts a handsome, dark-colored mahogany finish. It also won’t set you back by the hundreds, so it’s perfect for beginner cigar smokers. I’m sure you will also appreciate the gold-plated quadrant hinges, which stay out of sight when you close the lid.

Despite its clean and classic appearance, this humidor has a lot going on underneath. How many cigars can fit inside depends on the size of your preferred brand. However, at 9.63 x 8 x 3.5 inches, it is a medium-size humidor that can hold anywhere from 25 to 50 cigars.

Built into the unit is a humidification device, helping ensure your cigars have just the right amount of moisture so that they don’t dry out in storage. However, you’ll have to buy your own hygrometer, as it doesn’t come with one.

To keep your cigars in perfect condition, the inside is lined with kiln-dried Spanish cedar. As you probably already know, this material is scratch-resistant, ensuring not only durability but also overall quality. Made with the same material is a cedar divider you can move when necessary to maximize the humidor’s capacity.

Like other Quality Importers’ humidors, the Capri comes with the brand’s SureSeal technology. Basically, this means that the lid and the lower body fit perfectly to create a proper seal and keep moisture in.

Summary

If you’re new to smoking cigars, you’ll find the Quality Importers’ Capri Humidor a good addition to your starter kit. It has a classic feel to it that will easily blend with any decor. While it comes with a built-in humidifier, you need to purchase a hygrometer separately. Nonetheless, it gets the job done and is definitely easier to use than other humidors.

3. Best Overall – Case Elegance Glass Top Handcrafted Cedar Humidor

Our Rating: (5/5)

One of the highest-rated and best-selling humidors for this year is the Glass Top Handcrafted Cedar Humidor from Case Elegance. The company has been making splashes in the cigar world for a few years now but their newest model definitely took the market by storm. It is a small to medium-sized humidor which is made out of authentic Cedarwood and glass for its top.

Typically, glass-topped humidors have a harder time maintaining their internal temperature since glass doesn’t insulate as well as wood. Still, this magnetically-sealed model proves to do a proper job at that. If you want to keep an eye on its internal humidity and temperature levels, you can use the front digital hygrometer and thermometer. It shows you the RH and the temperature (in Fahrenheit) with smaller numbers next to it.

The Case Elegance humidor can hold up to 50 cigars. For that price, there are far larger sized humidors but they typically struggled to maintain stable humidity and temperature on the inside. There is a wooden tray here which has a hydro tray below it. That hydro tray is used to pour in the cigar humidor solution which keeps the humidity on point. At the top, there is also a hydro stick which also serves as a divider if you want to hold different types of cigars at the same time.

Another cool feature here is the accessories drawer. Despite it eating into the internal space and capacity of the humidor, it gives you room to store your cigar cutter, lighter and other accessories. And if you want your humidor a bit more personalized, you can pay a little extra and have it monogrammed. That just shows you the levels of details the company goes into to make their product feel special.

Summary

When it comes to humidors for sale, you’ll find that the Case Elegance Glass Top Handcrafted Cedar Humidor doesn’t disappoint. It has a luxurious glass-topped design, making it a fabulously styled humidor for cigars. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your cigars are protected, thanks to its magnetic seal.

With customizable temperature and humidity levels, it is one of the most personalized cigar humidors on the market. You need to use the digital controls to access the thermometer and hygrometer. Overall, it’s a decently sized humidor for cigars, allowing you to store up to 50 at a time.

The unique aspects of this unit are its hydro tray and hydro stick. Using these two components, you can keep the humidity inside the unit optimal for long-term storage. You can also divide your storage to help you store two different types of cigars in the same personal humidor. Its iconic styling is also notable, making it one of the more luxurious options you can get your hands on.

4. Best for the Money – Mantello Royal Glass-Top Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

While the Mantello 25-50 cigar humidor can’t store as many cigars as most of the other humidors on this list, it more than makes up with the looks it brings to the table. The Best for the Money rating is further justified with it’s #1 best seller award on Amazon.

With its beautiful wooden design and glass top, it will be an accessory worthy for every office desk. The analog hygrometer does an okay job and the internal cedar divider can separate the space into two zones giving you more storing options.

Where this humidor shines is its overall design and build quality. Everything here is perfectly built and made to match a premium theme. The rosewood finish is complemented by the golden piano-styled hinges. At the bottom, you have felt covering the humidor. This prevents sliding around and scratches on your desk.

To keep the cigars better insulated from the external environment, there is also a lip on the lid which prevents any fluctuations in the internal temperature and humidity. The glass top is made out of tempered glass again to further improve the internal insulation of the cigars. As I mentioned, its analog hygrometer isn’t very precise but is good enough for a humidor that isn’t opened constantly.

As a whole, this Mantello humidor is a good bargain for anyone looking for budget options that don’t compromise on quality. It doesn’t come with a ton of accessories, nor does it include a humidifying solution but it brings plenty of practicality for a smaller and cheaper humidor.

Summary

When you buy the best cigars for the money, you need the best storage to keep them protected over time. The Mantello 25-50 Cigar Humidor is one of our top humidors for sale because of its luxurious styling and features. You’ll have two separate zones for storage, and an interior felt lining for added luxury and protection.

If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy one of the best humidors near me?” you’ll need a unit with many of the same features as this. The glass top is remarkably designed using tempered glass for added insulation. You also benefit from a straightforward design that makes it easy to use.

Instead of investing in modern, digital small humidors, the Mantello 25-50 is upfront about its features. You’ll have an inexpensive humidor paired with standard features, making it a fabulous solution for first-time cigar enthusiasts.

5. Best Cabinet – Prestige Import Group Milano Countertop Display Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

With cigar humidors, design is always among the most important features. These boxes spend most of their time on a desk where everyone can see them, so looking unique is important. This is exactly where the Prestige Import Group Milano Countertop Cigar Humidor does. It is one of the few cabinet-styled humidors on the market that features unique 4 glass sides and an analog hygrometer integrated into the front door.

The four glass sides of this humidor are lined with Spanish Cedar for better protection and a more premium look. The front door has a unique golden handle that allows you to easily open and close the glass door. There is also a lock at the side that allows you to secure what’s inside.

On the inside, you have a storage capacity of around 100-125 cigars. The cigars are divided via three cedar trays that are angled to the front of the humidor for better display of what’s inside. Each tray also has its own divider that allows you to store different cigars properly without mixing their flavors. Lastly, there are two large humidifiers that come with this humidor cabinet. They can be placed at the bottom and will last quite a while before you have to replace them. Make sure you re-calibrate your analog hygrometer before you start storing cigars as it can be a little inaccurate.

One field where this humidor falls short is its sealing capabilities. The front door is lockable but is magnetic but is still quite large and performs worse than most chest-styled humidors out there. This makes it a less-than-ideal option for people looking for long-term storage for their cigars. Rather, it is a countertop model made for cigar aficionados that love seeing and displaying their cigars. Still, even if you strictly see it as a medium-sized humidor with a decent capacity, it does bring a good value to the table, despite its shortcomings.

Summary

Those asking, “Where can I find humidors near me?” will love the Prestige Import Group Milano Countertop Cigar Humidor. One of its most iconic features is its 360-degree glass view, helping you keep an eye on your collection from any angle. You’ll also fall in love with the angled storage trays, effortlessly displaying your most prized possessions.

For added security, this is one of the few cigar humidors with a lockable front door to give you peace of mind. Magnetic sealing and Spanish cedar lining ensure your cigars won’t fall victim to pests or fluctuating temperature and humidity. This is the unit you need if you want to protect the best cigars for the money.

6. Best Glass Top – Bald Eagle Cedar Cigar Desktop Humidor Box

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Glass top humidors are becoming more and more popular these days. Making a good one, however, isn’t as easy as it seems. Luckily, there are brands that specialize in these types of humidors and make superb products that will keep your cigars fresh and let you enjoy them without having to open the humidor itself.

This particular model from the brand can store up to 25 cigars and is one of the best small options you can get on the market right now, even though it is a little bit on the expensive side when compared to other humidors with similar capacity. Unlike all those other cheaper humidors, however, this one boasts premium build quality.

The whole humidor is handmade and its main material of choice is Spanish Cedar Wood. This wood is often used in humidors thanks to its unique insulating capabilities. It separates the cigars well from external sources of heat and moisture and keeps them fresh for longer.

While the lid doesn’t have magnetic closure or a mechanism of sorts, it does have gorgeous piano-styled hinges and a lip that keep it in place when closed. Also, thanks to the external analog hygrometer, you can also check the RH of the humidor without opening it. The bottom portion of this particular model is also lined with felt to protect wooden furniture from scratches.

Bald Eagle also offers a few more versions of this humidor. They all store a different number of cigars, from 10 to 50, but more importantly, they are different colors and are made out of different woods, giving them all a unique feel and aesthetics.

Summary

If you’re searching for an inexpensive humidor to keep large cigar boxes, this Bald Eagle model is one of the top solutions. Not only does it make an iconic gift for a loved one or coworker but also yourself. It has a fabulous felt underside that makes it easy to store on delicate furniture and wood floors.

You’ll find the glass-top design gives you a perfect view of your collection without being too over-the-top. Also, it has a handmade aesthetic that adds to the artisan quality of the general unit. With reasonably stable humidity and temperature levels, it’s a good choice for beginner cigar enthusiasts.

7. Best Large – Prestige Import Group Landmark Chest Style Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

There aren’t many large cigar humidors on the market that bring good value to the table. They are almost always super expensive and just not worth your investment compared to owning two medium-sized ones. The Prestige Import Group Landmark Large Cigar Humidor, however, is everything you need in a bigger humidor and then some. It is a well-built chest-styled humidor that has a really practical and smart design combined with a ton of useful features.

One of the main advantages of the Prestige Import Group Humidor is the fact that it can store a lot of cigars. And by a lot, I mean up to 300. There are 6 small drawers for individual storage as well as a main area with a lock and a removable tray. That tray has three internal dividers allowing for even more storage options.

These removable dividers also help you store cigars with different flavors and characteristics, although I’d advise storing different cigars in their own individual trays. There are two small rectangle humidors attached to the lid which do an okay job but the hygrometer, just like any other analog model, isn’t the most accurate. Still, for the money, there aren’t many large humidors that can rival the capacity and price-to-value ratio of the Prestige Import one.

Summary

There’s no doubt that this personal cigar humidor is one of the largest you’ll find, offering storage for up to 300 cigars. Its fabulous design makes it a unique solution for your most expensive collections, thanks to its dual humidification. You’ll also love the top drawer with three integrated dividers for even more organization.

Regardless of the type of cigars you intend to store, this personal humidor is meant for you. There are six individual drawers, allowing you to keep your flavors and cigar types separate. Also, the luxurious cherry finish has an old-world appeal that’s sure to impress.

8. Best Medium-Sized – Case Elegance Octodor Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Similar to the Case Elegance Glass-top humidor but coming at twice the capacity is the Case Elegance Octodor Large Cedar Cigar Humidor. It features a very similar design to other Case Elegance humidors but with a few key differences. The main one is that this humidor doesn’t come in the traditional wood finish colors but is instead fully black. Its internal lining is still made out of Spanish Cedar but the exterior features a piano black walnut finish that will fit any modern office or living room.

At the top, it has a glass lid that is relatively easy to open and close. At its back, it is supported by custom space grey hardware. There are two more space grey handles embedded into both sides of the humidor which allow for easier moving around. At the bottom front part, you have the classic accessory tray that is typical for Case Elegance humidors. It closes securely thanks to magnets that are embedded at both sides.

The inside of the Octodor can hold up to 100 cigars depending on their ring gauge. It has a removable storage tray that sits on top of the recessed hydro system. The storage tray also has a divider that can be either moved around or removed as a whole. Below the storage tray you also have the plastic hydro trey where you place the humidifying solution. The relative humidity inside is measured by the digital hygrometer that displays it at all times at the front of the humidor right above the accessory drawer.

And while there are quite a lot of unique and practical features on this particular model, the price is quite steep. That is why I couldn’t rank it higher on my list and it doesn’t bring the best value to the table. If you aren’t on a tight budget, however, and want a proper medium-sized humidor, this should definitely be on your shortlist!

Summary

The Case Elegance Octodor Large Cedar Cigar Humidor is beautifully styled with a cedar interior and glass top. You’ll appreciate the built-in accessory drawer paired with its large internal capacity. The stunning piano black walnut finish is the perfect level of contrast that brings the entire unit together.

9. Best Small – MEGACRA Leather Surface Cedar Wood Cigar Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Not everyone has a large collection of 50-100 cigars and there are quite a lot of people in need of a small office humidor that will keep their favorite cigars fresh. Holding just under 20 cigars, the MEGACRA Leather Surface Cedar Wood Humidor is one of the finest and most superbly luxurious small humidors on the market currently. Yes, it does come at a higher price than other even bigger models but it does bring excellent craftsmanship and unique design to the table.

As I said, depending on the cigar’s ring gauge, the humidor can fit up to 20 cigars. In most cases, this number is closer to 15. The really impressive feature of this model, however, is its exterior and its design as a whole. On the outside, you won’t find the typical wooden surface. Instead, you will see that the humidor is wrapped with polyurethane (synthetic) leather. Underneath it, you have a premium kiln-dried Spanish Cedar, typical for cigar humidors. The lid is held by two piano-style hinges which are quite sturdy and allow for easy opening and closing.

One disadvantage to the clean external look is the fact that the analog hygrometer is located inside and you have to open the humidor in order to check the RH. Next to it, you also have a built-in humidifier that takes care of the constant humidity inside. The lid is magnetically held in place, making it seal better, allowing for good long-term storage properties, although there have been concerns with how well the humidor holds its humidity over a few weeks.

One thing that I really enjoy about this humidor is that it is so small and practical that it can also be used as a travel humidor. If you want a similar build quality again wrapped in leather, you can opt for some of the company’s bigger models that have storage limits of up to 50 cigars. However, they do cost even more, making their value less ideal than the one of the small versions.

Summary

There’s plenty to love about this personal cigar humidor, from its convenient storage to its magnetic lid. With the ability to house up to 20 cigars, it’s one of the best small humidors. You’ll love the interior Spanish cedar lining, helping keep pests at bay and prevent cigar deterioration over time.

10. Best Budget – Mantello Magnetic Cigar Humidor with Cherry Finish

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Last on this list but definitely not least out of all the humidors here is the Mantello Magnetic Cigar Humidor. It is one of the cheapest humidors you can get currently and offers plenty of space for up to 25 cigars. While its design is simplistic, everything is solidly built and does come together nicely.

The exterior features a clean cherry finish with no knobs, handles, or hygrometers. In fact, the hygrometer stays inside the lid right next to the humidifier. This means that you have to open the box to see the humidity levels but that isn’t that big of a concern as most budget models tend to have similar designs.

The top lid seals nicely thanks to the magnets in it. As a result, the humidor tends to hold its humidity relatively stable over the course of weeks. The piano-style hinges that hold the lid in its place are well-designed and are gold-plated in order to suit the cherry finish better.

As a whole, if you’re looking for something for your living room or office to hold your newest cigars, this is an excellent deal for your money and has all the essential ingredients to keep your cigars fresh.

Summary

If you’re looking for a 20 cigar humidor, you’ll find that this option is an excellent solution for the everyday cigar enthusiast. It’s pried well with fabulous finishes, making it a fantastic display for a professional office or cellar. With its high-end magnetic lid, you can guarantee this cigar box can keep your cigars fresher for longer.

11. Best Classic Style – Old World 50 Count Humidor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Old World Humidor is yet another entry from Quality Importers, a trusted company known for its quality smoking accessories. With its world-class products, it is no surprise that beginner and seasoned cigar smokers worldwide adore this brand.

One of the Old World Humidor’s biggest selling features is its exterior. It is made with wood veneer and has an antique walnut finish. Printed on the surface are old maps of the globe, adding to its classic and sophisticated look.

Not everyone needs a large humidor that can hold upwards of 100 cigars. Therefore, those still testing the waters will appreciate this medium-sized humidor’s 25- to 50-cigar capacity. At 12.76 x 10.39 x 5.91 inches, it is the perfect size if you’re looking for a humidor to put on your desktop.

Like any good-quality humidor, the interior boasts a kiln-dried Spanish cedar lining. With this material choice, the moisture stays inside and the cigars’ aroma stays intact. Inside, you will also find a divider made with the same Spanish cedar material not only to separate your cigars but also to fit more by stacking them.

Beginners won’t have to worry about anything else because this humidor has all the essentials included in the kit. It already comes with one round humidifier and a glass analog hygrometer to guarantee your cigars don’t lose their quality. Moreover, the lid’s SureSeal technology guarantees a sealed-shut container.

Summary

The Old World Humidor is a convenient cigar storage solution for those new to this hobby. It comes complete with a hygrometer and humidifier, though you’ll want to upgrade to better options after some time. That said, its overall quality craftsmanship will give you peace of mind that your cigars don’t lose their quality over time.

Cigar Humidors Buyer’s Guide

We are all aware of the price of a good box of premium cigars. That’s why we often need to preserve their freshness at all costs. With such an investment, you wouldn’t want your cigars to lose their flavor due to insufficient or excess humidity. That’s why picking the right humidor for your cigars is crucial. But what exactly are humidors, how are they made, and what to look for when buying one? These are all questions that we are going to answer in this part of the article.

What is a Cigar Humidor and Why do I need one?

Cigar humidors are box-shaped devices that maintain a certain level of humidity to store different tobacco products such as cigars. They have been around for more than a century now and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. These humidors started as simple hinged boxes and have evolved into works of art that can precisely control the micro-climate inside them. Nowadays, cigar humidors have all sorts of additional features to them such as magnetic lids, built-in humidifiers, removable wooden dividers, digital or analog hygrometers, thermometers, piano-style hinges, tempered glass tops, and more. All these features add a ton to their functionality but also bulk up their price. That right there is one of the main reasons some models today have their prices quite high.

In general, cigars should be kept at 68-75% humidity to retain their freshness. Such humidity levels also protect the cigars from other issues such as mold and bacterial growth. Moreover, maintaining proper humidity levels also enhance the cigar’s flavor in the long run by helping the development of plume.

To learn more about the difference between cigar plume and cigar mold, click here! Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the actual materials some humidors are made of…

What are Cigar Humidors Made Of?

The materials from which a cigar humidor can be made are:

• Spanish Cedar
• American Red Cedar
• Honduran Mahogany
• Other Materials

Let’s now go through the pros and cons of each of those materials and see why they are so dominant in the humidor industry…

Spanish Cedar

Spanish Cedar is, by far, the most used wood out there. It can be used both on solid and veneer humidors by acting as its internal lining. Cedar is also heavily used to make the humidor’s drawers and dividers. Before it is used to manufacture humidors, most cedarwood is kiln dried to reach its full material potential. One of its greatest advantages is that it protects the tobacco in your cigars from tobacco beetles. On top of that, it also enhances the cigars’ flavor once they spend a few weeks marinating inside the humidor. Not only will it add its notes to the cigars but it will also preserve their flavors for years if they are kept at proper conditions.

Lastly, cedar is also a great thermal and moisture insulator. It isn’t very breathable so it doesn’t let a lot of the inside moisture go out nor does it let the outside moisture go in. This allows the internal humidifier to do its job and maintain the desired humidity levels after you’ve cured the humidor.

American Red Cedar

The American Red Cedar is another famous type of cedarwood that is used in humidors. While Spanish Cedar comes mostly from South America, the American one comes from North America. While it has decent storing capabilities, it does give the cigars a certain “wood” flavor note after they’ve spent some time inside the humidor. It is cheaper, however, bringing the overall price of the humidor way down.

Honduran Mahogany

Honduran Mahogany has very similar characteristics to Spanish Cedar, especially when it comes to its absorption. It also doesn’t give out strong aromas like other wood types, making it ideal for humidors. On the flip side, though, it doesn’t offer as good of protection against tobacco beetles as the Spanish Cedar.

Other Materials

Some other woods that can be used for the interior of the humidor are mahogany, cherry, maple, walnut, and oak. These are good but not as good as Cedar which is why they aren’t as common. Additionally, you can find humidors made out of plastic such as acrylic models. You can also find glass or metal humidors which aren’t as visually appealing but do a decent job at maintaining stable humidity and temperature.

Most of the humidors that have Spanish cedar lining have another wood type for their exterior finish. Most commonly that is cherry, which looks pretty and preserves the humidor in the long run. The humidors that have a certain type of wood only used in their interior lining can be classified as veneer wood construction humidors. Models that feature a single wood across their wall are known as solid wood cigar humidors. While solid wood humidors are expensive, they aren’t always better in terms of insulation. In fact, certain veneer wood models are much more superior and often cheaper.

Before we go through the different features you need to look for in a good cigar humidor, let’s first discuss the various types you can find out there…

Types of Cigar Humidors

Depending on their size, there are actually quite a lot of humidors out there. They can be all separated in:

• Personal humidors (or humidor boxes)
• Pocket humidors
• Travel humidors
• Furniture humidors
• Walk-in humidors
• Humidor cabinets

The personal humidor boxes which are most commonly used can be divided into small (10-25 cigars), medium (25-100 cigars), and large (100-200 cigars). There are some even larger humidors that can hold up to 300 cigars but they fall in neither category and often have a cabinet shape and functionality.

Based on their materials, you can also divide cigar humidors into acrylic humidors, leather humidors, glass, and metal humidors.

Cigar Humidor Features

When first choosing a cigar humidor, you will have to pay attention to a number of factors. Assuming you’re already set on a certain type of humidor, the rest of the features that you have to look for are:

Materials

As we already discussed, humidors can be made out of a large variety of materials. Most models nowadays feature a two-layer construction that has an interior wood lining and an external shell. The interior lining is most commonly made out of Spanish Cedar. American Red Cedar is also common, although not as much. For the outer layer or shell of the humidor, manufacturers typically pick woods that look pretty. A prime example of that is Cherry and Maple woods.

Whenever you’re picking a humidor with a glass top, make sure that the glass is tempered. The reason for that is because tempered glass tolerates temperature changes much better and doesn’t allow the internal temperature to fluctuate as much. For the locks and hinges, most companies prefer using stainless steel as it is sturdy, lasts long, and doesn’t rust.

Some cigar humidors will have leather wrapping on the outside with handstitched corners. While these boxes will look really premium, the leather doesn’t affect their overall performance in any way. They are also much more expensive and are usually smaller in size.

Capacity

The capacity of the humidor box is one of its most important features. While it is strictly subjective, the size of a humidor also determines how well the cigars age in it. For instance, a large humidor with few cigars in it will allow them to age badly as the relative humidity (RH) will bounce up and down. The same goes for a humidor that is packed to the gills. This is why you need to get a humidor that you will be able to fill to around 75% of its capacity. For most people, these are humidors with a capacity of 25-50 cigars.

When looking at the capacity of a humidor, also look at its dimensions. No matter what the company says, a humidor that fits 50 cigars could fail to fit 20 cigars with a larger ring gauge. So, to determine the right size for your humidor you need to know how many cigars you will store and what their average size will be.

Lastly, if you store multiple cigars that don’t share the same flavors and characteristics, it is good to look for a humidor with shelves, drawers, or large dividers.

Build quality

The build quality is an often overlooked but ever-so-crucial factor that you should pay attention to. When shopping online, you won’t be able to immediately tell how well a product is built. However, a quick glance at the comments will show you what people thought of it and what their first impressions were. Some humidors will look deceptively good until you realize that, in reality, they are poorly constructed, have a bunch of defects, and the wood type isn’t as advertised. Some of the most common issues with humidors are their hinges not being aligned well, MDF floors failing, lids not sealing well, or magnetic humidifiers falling into the box ruining the cigars. Speaking of lids not sealing well…

Seal and Lid

Even if the humidor is plated in gold, if it doesn’t seal well you might as well throw it away as it will be nothing more than a glorified box for your cigars. People fail to realize that for a humidor to actually be a humidor, it has to hold its humidity stable. Some fluctuations are okay and your cigars will handle that but if your humidity constantly jumps from 50 to 80 and back, then your cigars will most likely get ruined in just a few weeks. This is why proper sealing is required. To do that, manufacturers rely on different methods and techniques. Some have a raised wooden lip on their lids that will create a barrier when closed. Others use locks and good hinges.

One of the most secure ways to properly shut a lid, however, is by using a combination of all of those as well as magnets. Magnets are being used more and more in cheap and expensive humidors because they are a simple solution that works. They will always hold the lid as tightly shut as possible and will prevent any outside moisture from going in. Rubberized seals are also okay, although they are quite rare.

Humidity Control

The humidity control inside the humidor is done solely through the wood’s breathability and the humidifier. Almost all humidors nowadays have built-in humidifiers that are stuck onto the inside part of the lid. Others have humidifier trays that are filled with a gel which slowly releases water molecules into the air and keeps the cigars fresh. These are all consumables, so you will have to order more. Crystal gel humidifiers are quite reliable and work great, although some people prefer sponges or other types.

Hygrometer & Thermometer

Having a way to tell what’s the internal humidity and temperature is one of the safest ways to keep your cigars fresh. This is why every single modern humidor comes with a hygrometer. Most hygrometers are analog and are often inaccurate. Nowadays, we see more and more brands using digital hygrometers which are slightly more accurate but are calibrated much faster and easier. They can also show you other stats such as the temperature, while analog hygrometers don’t. Either type will give you the RH in % and the temperature in Fahrenheit next to it if it has it.

Additional Features

There are numerous additional features that you can look for. Make sure to emphasize on those only after you’ve made sure that the humidor is well-built, uses quality materials, and fits your capacity needs. When done with that, look for:

• Additional drawers for your cigars of different types
• Drawers for your accessories (lighter, cutter, etc)
• Magnetic lids with locks
• Glass tops or glass walls
• Digital displays that show you RH, temperature, and more
• Bluetooth connectivity for wireless humidity control
• Additional humidifiers or humidifying liquids

Another additional feature that we haven’t yet touched on is the looks of the humidor. It is impossible to deny that these boxes are meant to complement both the cigars and the room they will stay in. Moreover, as most of them stay in furniture, various cabinets, or on your office desk, they must look the job. That is why some humidors have cherry finishes, piano black finishes, or glass sides or tops that showcase what’s inside. Some humidors even go as far as having black or brown leather wrapped around their outer shell.

Price

Last but not least of all the features, you have to pay attention to the price. Humidors will vary heavily in terms of their price based on their build quality, their capacity, the materials used in them, and their additional features. For small to medium models, you shouldn’t be paying more than a hundred dollars, while bigger humidors can set you back a few hundred dollars.

And while all these features are important to create the perfect humidor for your needs, you can also trust some of the best brands out there with your money. They’ve been specializing in making humidors for decades now and most of them have solid reputations to back their claims up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a good humidor?

There are a couple of important features that should be the center of your attention from the very beginning. The main one is the capacity of the humidor, closely followed by the materials by which it has been made, whether it has a hygrometer and a thermometer, and if there is a good humidifier on the inside. Only after you’re sure that those boxes are checked, you can go on with the rest of the features of any humidor.

How long do cigars last in a cigar humidor?

Typically, cigars can be stored for quite a lot of time in a humidor. That time is even longer if you decide to keep their cellophane wrappers on. If they are “naked”, a good period to store them for is anywhere between 2 and 4 months. That way, they will have time to age and further develop their flavors and characteristics.

Do you really need a humidor for your cigars?

If you only smoke occasionally and the cigars that you buy don’t stay for more than 3-5 days without being smoked, then you most likely don’t need a humidor. However, if you ever want to keep cigars around for longer and want them to be stored in the most optimal conditions possible, then yes – you definitely need a good humidor.

Is it okay to mix different cigars in your humidor?

While generally not recommended, you can keep different types of cigars in the same humidor. If you are set on doing that, though, make sure you at least keep cigars of similar characteristics and taste in the same humidor.

Final Words

Finding the best cigar humidors is not only going to be a matter of personal preference but also a matter of other key factors. The most important of these factors are the materials, build quality, and the ability of the humidor to hold a relatively stable humidity and temperature. Good humidors will come with magnetic locks that will hold the lid in place. They will also come with built-in humidifiers that will keep the humidity around the desired percentage. That will ensure that your cigars age well and enhance their flavors over time. Happy Puffing!