Electronic humidifiers - opinions please

[mikemorton]

Gents,

I don't know about the US, but British weather is more unpredictable than one of Hugh Hefner's Playmates at the altar.

I'm struggling to keep my cigars within a comfortable humidity range.

At the moment, with the central heating on, it's a task to keep them humidified, while back in the summer I was having to leave the lid of my humidor open overnight to vent the excess moisture.

I use Xikar jar(s) and PG solution, but am wondering whether electronic devices are "fire and forget".

I was ready to buy one last year, but my tobacconist actually talked me out of it (and her profit), saying what I was using was adequate.

What do you think?

 

[jwhite]

In a sense they are as the only kick on when the humidity drops below the set level and shut themselves of when it get a bit above that. There are products like the bovida packs that chemically work to add when necessary and absorb excess when it gets to high. Those are consumable so you have to replace them periodically.

 

[mikemorton]

Thanks James,

If I can ever get out of the habit of spending money on these blessed razors and free up some cash then I think I'll go for one after all.

 

[73mountaineer]

For your situation, it sounds like the boveda packs that James suggested, or beads would be the answer. Both provide 2-way humidity control, adding it when needed and absorbing it when it is too high. Electronic humidifiers are good, but if they are the same type that I have, they can only add humidity, not remove excess.

For what it is worth, beads can be reused over and over, although the initial purchase expense is going to be higher. I have beads in all of my humidors except one, which has the electronic gizmo.

 

[mikemorton]

Hmm, thanks Steve - food for thought - and that would certainly be a cheaper option as well.