How Does a Humidor Work?

By Home & Garden Last updated Wednesday, August/28/2024

Humidity and Temperature Regulation

Dials on a humidor

Humidors are storage containers designed specifically to maintain humidity and temperature levels and to allow controlled airflow. They come in all sizes, from travel-sized boxes to large, room-sized storage units equipped to store thousands of cigar boxes.
The interior of a cigar humidor is a carefully controlled environment. Cedar humidors are generally the best, as they retain humidity while enhancing the natural taste and aroma of the cigar. Keeping your cigars at the proper temperature and humidity level is essential. Ideally, humidity levels in a humidor should be between 70 percent and 72 percent in order to keep cigars fresh and hydrated. The temperature inside a humidor needs to be maintained between 68 and 70 degrees F. A digital hygrometer attached to your humidor can assist in keeping the humidity at the correct levels. Cigars stored without sufficient humidity will dry out and lose flavor.

Cigars that have dried out can be restored by placing them inside a cigar humidor. However, the restoration process is long, and only time and proper hydration can save a cigar that has been left out in dry conditions. Restoring cigars requires placing them inside the humidor and gradually increasing the level of humidity inside. Often, several weeks are required before the cigar is fully restored. Increasing the level of humidity too quickly can cause the outer wrapper of the cigar to break or crack open.

Ideal levels of humidity and proper temperatures ensure that tobacco plants grow well and taste delicious. Humidors mimic the conditions under which tobacco plants grow, ensuring the best possible taste when smoked. Cigars that are allowed to age inside a humidor are typically better tasting than those smoked fresh. Some cigar manufacturers age their cigars before shipping, but others ship them fresh straight to the point of purchase. Fresh cigars should always be aged a minimum of 6 months inside a properly maintained humidor. The aging process allows cigars to breathe, ridding themselves of odors and gases that have built up during and after rolling.