The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Electric Humidor for Your Cigars
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to create the perfect electric humidor for your cigars. If you’re a cigar enthusiast, you know that the storage conditions of your precious cigars can have a big impact on their aromas. That’s where an electric cigar humidor comes in. However, there are many different electric humidor cabinets on the market.
In this comprehensive guide, we take you through everything you need to know about electric humidors and how to select the perfect humidor for your needs. At HumiViniQ, we understand the importance of preserving the quality and flavor of your cigars. Our mission is to help you find the ideal electric humidor to meet your specific requirements. After reading this blog, what will you know?
- What are the advantages of an electric humidor?
- What choices should you make regarding key features to buy the right humidor?
- What types of electric cigar storage cabinets are available for sale?
- What is the difference in maintenance between different humidors?
- Why are additional features such as an odor and ammonia remover, cigar sommelier drawer desirable?
Whether you are a seasoned cigar enthusiast or a beginner looking to upgrade your humidor, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We cover the different types of electric humidors available, their capacity, temperature and humidity control, and other essential factors to consider before making a purchase.
Are you ready to find the perfect electric humidor for your cigars? Light your Cuban cigar and let’s dive in!
1. Advantages of using an electric humidor
Using an electric humidor offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your cigar smoking experience. First, it provides precise and consistent humidity control, which is crucial for preserving the flavor and quality of cigars. Traditional humidors mostly use passive humidification to maintain moisture levels. Electric humidors use advanced technology to automatically control humidity to keep your cigars in optimal condition. The cheaper electric humidors feature a P-control system and the Raching MON-series electric humidors feature a PID control system. The difference is the precision between these different models of electric humidors. This precision is essential because fluctuations in humidity can lead to mold growth or dehydration, both of which can ruin your precious collection.
In addition, electric humidors are often equipped with temperature controls, allowing you to maintain the ideal environment for your cigars. Cigars are sensitive not only to humidity, but also to temperature, which can affect their aging process and overall enjoyment. By investing in a quality electric humidor, you will have the opportunity to create a stable environment that promotes the best aging conditions. This will enhance the flavors and aromas of your cigars over time. This feature is especially beneficial for collectors who store cigars for long periods of time. The Raching MON series are able to create the most stable environment. We at HumiViniQ do recommend storing loose cigars in cases as much as possible.
Another key advantage of electric humidors is convenience. Many models are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to check and adjust settings. Most feature digital displays that show current humidity and temperature levels, so you can rest assured that your cigars are well cared for. This level of convenience allows you to enjoy your cigars without having to constantly worry about their storage conditions, allowing you to concentrate on tasting every moment.
2. Factors to consider when choosing an electric cigar humidor
There are several crucial factors to consider when selecting a humidor to ensure that you make the right choice for your collection:
- One of the most important considerations is the capacity of the humidor. Think about how many cigars you want to store. Electric humidors come in different sizes, so it is essential to choose one that meets your needs without being overly large or too small. An electric humidor that is too small may not be suitable for your growing collection.
- Another important factor is the quality of the materials used in the construction of the humidor. We only sell humidors that are truly made with Spanish cedar, because this material not only offers aesthetic appeal, but also helps improve moisture retention. As soon as you pull open the doors of the electric Raching humidors in our Raching showroom, the scent of Spanish cedar meets you.
- The additional features such as odor eliminator and ammonia remover are additional options that are not available with every humidor
- How much maintenance is required on an electric humidor? Many electric humidors are equipped with a membrane to absorb the distilled water. With these types of electric humidors, you still need to perform quarterly maintenance by replacing the membrane and changing the distilled water. The Raching MON series do not have a membrane filter and therefore require such maintenance.
- Finally, consider price and warranty options. Electric humidors can vary greatly in price depending on their features and the reputation of the brand. It is always wise to set a budget before shopping and research manufacturers’ warranties. A good warranty can provide assurance about the durability and longevity of the product, which is especially important for a significant investment. Raching’s electric humidors feature American Embraco compressors with a 6-year warranty. The rest of the electric humidor comes with a 2-year warranty. The Embraco compressors are specifically designed for wine storage. The difference in terms of compressor in traditional refrigerators are the pure copper tubes. These enable the compressor to deliver moderate cooling power with good corrosion and heat resistance.
3. Understanding the different types of electric humidors
Electric humidors come in different shapes and sizes. Each size is designed to meet different preferences and needs. Have you thought about how many cigars you taste per year and how many years your cigars want to age? This math will help you determine what capacity your humidor needs. The most common types are:
- compact electric humidors the size of a small refrigerator
- large electric humidor cabinets
- commercial electric humidors
- humidors combined with wine climate cabinets
3.1 Compact humidors
Compact humidors are smaller units that can usually store up to 500 longfiller cigars (robusto size), making them ideal for occasional smokers or those with modest collections. Novice cigar smokers who are starting to store their favorite cigars often buy a smaller model humidor as a gift. In our experience, these humidors are also often given as gifts.
3.2 Large electric humidor cabinets
Electric humidor cabinets, on the other hand, are larger and designed for serious collectors. They can hold thousands of cigars and often come with additional features such as the sommelier drawer in the Raching MON series. These units are excellent for long-term storage, allowing you to properly age your cigars. Many cabinet humidors feature advanced temperature and humidity control systems with PID control system. This makes them better at maintaining the most stable environment for the cigars compared to their compact counterparts with P control system. If you want to build a collection or store a variety of cigars, an electric cabinet humidor may be the best option.
3.3 Commercial electric humidor cabinets
Commercial humidors like the Raching MON5800a are designed for use in retail environments, such as cigar stores, and are built to handle large quantities of cigars. They are often more robust and feature advanced humidity control systems, making them suitable for maintaining optimal conditions in a business environment. While most casual cigar enthusiasts do not need a commercial humidor, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision based on your needs. Of course, there are collectors of Cuban cigars who do have such electric humidors at home because of their capacity and best features.
3.4 Humidors combined with wine climate cabinets
HumiViniQ’s slogan is “Aging Cuban cigars and vintage wines unique. We therefore believe that pairing vintage wines with Cuban longfiller cigars is the perfect hobby of a true aficionado. Therefore, at HumiViniQ you will find 2 models in Raching’s range where you can perfectly store Cuban cigars and vintage French wines. Wonderful in a beautiful designer kitchen, man cave, pool house and many women also rave about it because of the wine climate closet.
4. Capacity and size considerations.
The capacity and size of an electric humidor are crucial factors that directly affect its functionality and your enjoyment of cigars. In the previous chapter, we asked you to think about your needs. So before making a purchase, assess your current collection and how much you plan to expand it in the future. Electric humidors come in different capacities, usually measured in the number of cigars they can hold. It is advisable to select a humidor that offers some extra space on top of your current collection, allowing growth without compromising humidity control. We at HumiViniQ measure the volume of an electric humidor in number of liters rather than a particular size of cigar.
Another aspect to consider is the physical size of the humidor itself. Where do you plan to place it? Make sure you have enough space in your home or office for the unit. Electric humidors can range from small desktop models to large cabinet-style units that require dedicated spaces. Consider the area required, as well as access to outlets for the electrical components. A good rule of thumb is to measure the intended space before shopping to avoid surprises.
Furthermore, most electric humidors have a door that opens to the right. If you want to build this in, this is possible. But you must take into account the removal of hot air along the back and top. In addition, the door needs up to 1 inch on the side before it can come perpendicular to the humidor cabinet.
Finally, consider the layout and organization of the humidor’s interior. A well-designed interior not only maximizes space but also makes it easier to access your favorite cigars without disturbing others. This organizational feature can greatly enhance your overall experience and ensure that you always know where your precious longfiller cigars are. Larger models such as the Raching MON5800A have 4 drawers to hold loose cigars. In other electric humidors, you can also store loose cigars in cases.
5. Temperature and humidity control
Temperature and humidity control are core to the functionality of an electric cigar air conditioner, and choosing the right features is vital to maintaining the quality of your cigars. All electric humidors are of course equipped with digital hygrometers and thermometers that provide real-time measurements of the internal environment. This feature offers unparalleled convenience, especially for busy individuals who want to ensure their cigars are stored correctly without constant checks. No need to open the door, the display immediately shows all the values. This is an advantage over Adorini’s humidor cabinets. The Adorini brand offers humidors with a lifetime warranty, made with real Spanish cedar wood and with hygrometers to monitor the humidity of the cigars.
Humidity control mechanisms are equally important because maintaining proper humidity levels (generally between 65% and 75%) is essential for cigar storage. The most accurate electric humidors use humidification systems that are very effective at distributing moisture evenly throughout the unit. These electric humidors have less than 1 percent deviation from the displayed humidity. For example, the Raching MON series has a copper membrane that develops 350 cm² of water molecules smaller than 0.4 nanometers. Other models of electric humidors use traditional systems based on membrane filters. When selecting a humidor, it is important to consider the efficiency and reliability of the humidification method, as this will affect how often you need to refill the unit or maintain it such as replacing the membrane filter.
Temperature control is another essential aspect to pay attention to in an electric humidor. Thanks to 7 sensors in Raching MON series electric humidors, there is a maximum deviation of no more than 0.1 degrees Celcius. Cheap budget-friendly electric humidors have 1 to 2 sensors to measure temperature. How important is constant humidity and temperature to you?
6. Additional features to watch out for in an electric humidor
When exploring electric humidors, it is crucial to consider additional features that can enhance your experience and make maintenance easier. For us, the very best cigars are the delight in our lives, and how important are good cigars to you?
One such feature is the presence of a built-in odor eliminator. The primary function of an odor eliminator in a Raching electric humidor is to remove unpleasant odors from the humidor. Some odor removers such as those in the Raching MON series use plasma technology to break down odor molecules. An electric field ionizes the air, destroying the odor molecules. An odor eliminator in a Raching electric humidor is a valuable addition that helps maintain the quality of your cigars and enhance your smoking experience. By eliminating unpleasant odors, the odor eliminator ensures that your cigars are protected and retain their unique aromas. A clean and odor-free environment promotes the longevity of your cigars and optimizes the most flavorful smoking experience.
Another desirable function is ammonia removal. The purpose of an ammonia remover in an electric Raching humidor is to remove ammonia odor from the humidor. Ammonia is a gas released during the aging process of cigars and can negatively affect the taste of your cigars. The advantage is that you no longer have to worry about regularly opening the door of your electric humidor.
Lighting is also an important addition. Most electric humidors are produced with built-in LED lighting, which can illuminate your collection without generating excessive heat. Good lighting allows you to admire your cigars and makes it easier to find what you are looking for, especially in low-light environments. Moreover, some models come with lockable doors for added security, which is ideal for protecting valuable collections. All of these features combined can greatly enhance your overall experience with an electric humidor.
7. Maintenance and care of electric humidors
Proper maintenance and care of your electric humidor are vital to ensure the longevity and preservation of your cigars. One of the first steps in maintenance is to regularly check humidity and temperature levels. Although electric humidors are designed for consistent climate control, it is essential to check readings periodically to ensure they remain within the ideal range. If you notice fluctuations, address them immediately by adjusting settings or checking the humidification system.
Cleaning your cigar refrigerator is also crucial. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate inside, potentially affecting the aroma and taste of your cigars. To clean your humidor, turn off the power and remove all cigars and accessories. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to wipe the interior surfaces and avoid harsh chemicals that may leave a residue. In particular, you will need to clean the tanks of electric humidors with a membrane filter more thoroughly. After cleaning, allow the humidor to dry completely before replacing your cigars to avoid moisture-related problems.
Finally, keep an eye on the humidification system. Depending on the type of system used, you may need to refill the water reservoir regularly or replace the humidification element (membrane). Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and do not hesitate to consult the owner’s manual if you are unsure about specific care instructions. By being proactive with maintenance, you can ensure that your electric humidor stays in top condition and keeps your cigars fresh and flavorful for years to come. If you want to know more you can also the quick guide to the maintenance of your humidor here read here.
8. Popular brands and models of electric humidors
When it comes to selecting an electric humidor, several brands are known for their quality and reliability. One of the most renowned names in the industry is Raching. Their models, such as the MON series, feature advanced humidity control technology and are known for their ease of use. Many cigar lovers appreciate the cigar drawer (sommelier drawer) for preparing the best Cuban longfiller cigar to smoke. In the drawer, the humidity of the cigars is brought down to 55 to 60 percent and the temperature up to between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
9. Final tips for buying a cigar storage cabinet
As you have read, choosing the perfect humidor requires careful consideration of several factors, including capacity, maintenance, precision and the additional features. By understanding the benefits of using an electric humidor, you can appreciate the importance of maintaining the ideal environment for your cigars. Whether you are an occasional smoker or a dedicated collector, it is important to make an informed decision. Are you ready to choose the best humidor? Below we would like to give you 2 final tips:
- Always buy a humidor one size larger than you had in mind.
- Our 2nd tip is the electric humidor combination with wine air conditioner so that her or his wines are also well preserved. A saying Hector Luis from Cuba confided to us on the tobacco field, “Happy wife, happy life.” Take advantage of this!
Further, when exploring the market, keep in mind that HumiViniQ has its own European stock of electric Raching humidors with accompanying European warranty. The right electric humidor not only protects your investment, but also improves your overall cigar experience. With proper care and maintenance, your chosen humidor can serve you well and preserve the flavors and aromas of your collection for years to come.
Ultimately, selecting an high-quality electric humidor about finding a unit that matches your personal preferences and lifestyle. A striking gold electric humidor or a wine climate cabinet with humidor made of stainless steel offers a striking, modern look. With the knowledge gained in this guide, you will be well equipped to make a choice that will enhance your enjoyment of cigars. Happy smoking!