Does anyone know why the humidification device is hung upside down in most small humidors? Does it work better hanging from the top or is it hung upside down to save space in the humidor?
Cigar humidor question
- Thread starter Laz
- Start date
B
buyandhold2018
to save space and for ease of re-fill. My advice though, don't use the cheap sponge type, they control humidity poorly and mold up. Get yourself some humidity beads... http://www.cigarmony.com/humidification.aspx
In a nutshell they are placed on the top to save space. As long as a device is in there it does not matter where it is locatted inside the box. I use humidification pillows called water pillows. They work fine, are very cheap, and can be reused over and over. The beads also work very well, are cheap, and can reused over and over. 
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the quick replies. I recently started using a XiKAR Crystal 250 humidifier to keep my cigars moist. It is a bit large for the humidor, but it works great. I have waited to install it because I wanted to test it out first. It was sitting in the bottom of the box simply because I have been running low on cigars. I recently purchase some more and that got me thinking about the placement. I thought that the space issue made the most sense, but was wondering if a higher placement actually improved the humidification process.
Boveda paks are the best
I switched over to the Heart Felt beads a little while ago and I'm very happy with the result. They need alot less maintenance than the standard foam type oasis and regulate the humidity significantly better.
I guess it's a space issue as to why it's on the inside of the lid.
I guess it's a space issue as to why it's on the inside of the lid.
- Thread starter
- #9
The beads work great - I wouldn't go back to the old type again. Anyone how any idea about the life expectancy of them?
Laz, I believe the RH beads last indefinately in that they do what they are intended to do. However the problem with beads, as I'm sure you have experienced, is that they break down and you get what is refered to as "bead dust" on the bottom of your humidor. I have bought beads from Viper at Heartfelt and Mark at Cigarmony. With the Viper beads, I bought the plastic tubes that he recommends. Eventually the bead dust will sift through the tubes. With Mark, I have bought three Pucks, and obviously the bead dust can't escape. I do think I will eventually have to replace the beads that I keep in the tubes.
DL
- Thread starter
- #11
The one I am using is similar to the beads, but it uses a polymer gel. I doubt that it reabsorbs the water as effectively as the beads, but I don't think it breaks down to a dust. I imagine to life span isn't as long; I remember using the little tubes when I traveled and the gel becomes less absorbent and dries out more quickly with time.
I have been using the beads in various sized humis for about 4 years without replacing them with no issues at all.
I would tend to think it is so that the cigars, especially unwrapped ones, do not come in contact with it. How would you lay something on the bottom of the humidor and then stack cigars on it. Would'nt the ones in contact with the wet device be soaked.
+1 on Heartfelt beads. They do a great job and over the long haul and are cheaper than Boveda packs. I have two humi's and both are controlled using beads.
What he said.
Those beads appear to be an amazing technology! But how do you choose between 60,65, or 70% RH (I'm really new to this)? I'm using a .5 cubic foot humidor with mostly Monte Cristos and R&J's.
I've been using the beads for awhile now, and my cigars have never been better, and the best is that its pretty much maintenance free! Ive been using the 65%.
Howdy!
The choice between RH levels (60%, 65% or 70% RH) is typically a personal preference.
I will say this though, I have been smoking cigars for over 20 years and participating in the online cigar community. It has been my (and many other's) experience that 65% RH is the ideal humidity level for storing cigars.
The 3 biggest benefits to storing at 65% RH instead of 70% RH are fewer draw problems, fewer burn problems and better long term aging.
Most draw and burn problems can be attributed to over humidification. Since I made the switch 10 years ago, the only draw and burn problems that I run into can directly be attributed to how the cigars were rolled.
I hope this helps and have a great weekend.
Mark Neff
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Hey Mark! How are you?! Great to see you on Badger & Blade!!!
DL
DL
Thanks - that's exactly the sort of advice I was looking for!
