Does a humidor cabinet need temperature control?

Yes, if the cabinet is in a room that gets hotter than 21 °C in the summer. Cigars are best stored between 16 and 18 °C at 65 to 70% relative humidity (RH). A humidor cabinet without temperature control regulates only the humidity and adopts the temperature of the room in which it is located. In a Dutch or Belgian living room, that temperature can quickly rise to 24 to 26 °C in July and August.

In this article, you’ll learn what happens to cigars at those temperatures, when a cabinet without cooling is sufficient, and what to look for when choosing a temperature-controlled cabinet.

What does a humidor cabinet without temperature control do?

A classic humidor cabinet, also known as a passive humidor, has a humidifier and a hygrometer. The humidifier releases moisture, and the hygrometer displays the humidity level. Often, there is also a thermometer inside, but it only measures temperature—it does not cool or heat the air. As a result, the temperature inside the cabinet is always roughly the same as the room temperature.

A cabinet like this is an excellent choice for a basement, a cool room, or an air-conditioned space that stays below 21 °C year-round. In a typical living room, a south-facing office, or a porch, that’s rarely the case.

What happens to cigars at temperatures above 21 °C?

Dries out faster. Warm air holds more moisture. With the humidifier set to the same level, the relative humidity drops as the temperature rises, and the cigar releases moisture. The wrapper becomes brittle and the draw changes.

Uneven aging. Fluctuations between day and night cause the cigar to expand and contract. This can cause cracks in the wrapper.

The tobacco beetle. Lasioderma serricorne, the tobacco beetle, becomes active at temperatures of approximately 24 °C or higher, combined with high humidity. The eggs are sometimes already present in the tobacco and hatch when conditions are favorable. The larvae bore holes through the cigars and can infest an entire collection. Maintaining a constant temperature below 21 °C is the simplest form of protection.

When is a cabinet without cooling sufficient?

• The room stays between 16 and 21 °C all year round, even during a heat wave.
• You’re storing a small collection that you’ll smoke within a few months.
• You check the cabinet weekly and refill the humidifier yourself.

If any of these conditions do not apply, a temperature-controlled humidor is the safer choice.

How does an electric humidor with temperature control work?

An electric humidor actively cools the air, usually with a compressor, and heats it when the temperature is too low. A controller maintains the set temperature, often between 16 and 22 °C. At the same time, the humidor electronically regulates the humidity between 60 and 75% RH. You set both values on a display, and the humidor maintains them regardless of the season.

There are two types of cooling. With water cooling, as in the Raching MON series, cooling is provided by a water-cooled system that operates quietly and evenly. With air cooling, as in the Raching C series and the MA50, cooled air circulates through the cabinet; this is simpler and more cost-effective.

What should you look for in a temperature-controlled cabinet?

Capacity in liters. Compare humidors based on their internal volume, not on the number of cigars specified by the manufacturer. Read more about this in our article “How Many Cigars Do Actually Fit in a Humidor?”

Range and accuracy. A range of 16 to 22 °C and 60 to 75% RH covers all standard storage recommendations. An accuracy of ±1 °C and ±1 to 2% RH is acceptable.

Ammonia Removal. Fresh cigars give off ammonia. A humidor with an ammonia filter, such as the Raching MON series, prevents that odor from spreading throughout the collection.

Interior. Spanish cedar absorbs moisture and imparts a classic aroma.

Installation and Delivery. An electric humidor requires space behind the cabinet for ventilation. Larger models are delivered on a pallet.

Which cabinet is right for your situation?

For a collection of up to about 400 cigars in a living room, the Raching MA50 (100 liters, compressor cooling) is a compact choice. For those looking for more space, the Raching C150A offers 150 liters with air cooling. If you want water cooling and ammonia removal, choose the Raching MON800A. All models with temperature control can be found in the electric humidors category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best temperature for storing cigars?

Between 16 and 18 °C, with 65 to 70% relative humidity. Slightly higher temperatures, up to 21 °C, are not a problem as long as the temperature remains stable. Above 24 °C, the risk of dehydration and tobacco beetle infestation increases.

Is a thermometer in a humidor the same thing as temperature control?

No. A thermometer only displays the temperature. Temperature control means that the cabinet actively cools and heats to maintain a set temperature. A cabinet with only a thermometer follows the room temperature.

Can I put a regular humidor cabinet in the basement?

Yes, as long as the basement stays between 16 and 21 °C all year round and isn’t too humid. A basement is often the best place for a cabinet that doesn’t require refrigeration.

How can I identify the tobacco beetle?

Make small round holes, about 1 mm in diameter, in the top leaf, and sprinkle fine tobacco dust inside the cabinet. Remove any infested cigars immediately and freeze the rest for two to three days to kill any eggs.

Does an electric humidor use a lot of electricity?

An electric humidor works much like a small refrigerator. Its power consumption depends on its size and the temperature in the room; in a cool room, the compressor runs less frequently.

Can an electric humidor also provide heat?

Most models with temperature control, including those from Raching, continue to heat even when the room is colder than the set temperature—for example, in an unheated garage in the winter.