Cory Carnley takes a closer look at cigar humidors and which one is needed based on consumer preferences.

June 6, 2022 — Cory Carnley is a certified tobacconist with an appreciation for a good cigar and the proper care of a collection. When many are first starting with a cigar hobby, a common question that pops up is how to choose a humidor.

With a vast array of options available, Cory Carnley reports the average consumer will want to assess individual smoking habits as well as budget, commitment to the art of collecting, and the overall environment of a smoking room.

Cory Carnley reviews humidor basics

Size

For the cigar lover, a collection is always evolving, but many have a firm idea of how many cigars are kept on hand at any one time based on smoking habits and purchase history. When planning to purchase a first or new humidor, Carnley recommends sizing up.

Ideal cigar storage means leaving room for airflow in the humidor, so consider approximately doubling the capacity of a humidor over the number of cigars. For example, for the smoker who wants to keep 50 cigars — roughly — at all times, look for a 100-cigar unit. If a manufacturer does not specify the cigar capacity, a rule of thumb is that 100 cigars can be stored in 700 cubic inches.

Smoking habits

For different cigar types, it may be necessary to have multiple humidors or a humidor with separate storage areas to keep more powerful flavors from overwhelming their milder relatives. A tight seal for the entire humidor and between areas is also necessary to maintain quality.

Science

For the cigar collection that includes exclusive options that improve with age and keen storage, ensuring proper humidity levels long-term is important, so investing in a box with built-in humidifiers and external monitoring options helps limit the number of times the box needs to be opened to smoking sessions. According to Cory Carnley, many options feature humidity and temperature monitoring dials on the outside versus the inside lid, and these are great for more exclusive blends.

Portability

How a smoker enjoys cigars is also important for determining the best storage options. Many cigar humidors are – to some degree –  portable due to their size, but specific options are designed for travel or portability. When cigars are enjoyed at a smoking club or a rotating house party, consider investing in a travel humidor that looks sharp on the desk with a small selection of favorites and is easily carried to the next lounge setting.

Deluxe care

True aficionados may also appreciate the added ambiance of a statement piece with a glass top for viewing, exclusive finishes, digital monitoring, and additional storage for key accessories, such as a cigar cutter and lighter. Cory Carnley advises the sky is really the limit for higher-end humidors with many larger options offering the chic, streamlined appearance of wine coolers and high-end storage centers. There is always the option to start small and work up to more exclusive offerings as a personal cigar collection grows.