Humidor Theory and some basic questions

[luvmysuper]

Hey gents, as is the case with all things B&B, I have embarked upon a quest for upping the ante on my cigar smoking habit.
Typically, I only bought what I could use in a short time period, but I am looking at other options which necessitates a decent Humidor.

The entire purpose of the Humidor being to preserve a specific optimum humidity, and to a small extent to isolate the cigars from temperature swings and light, I have a few questions if you'd be so kind as to indulge me.

The majority of Humidors I see here well spoken of, and from reputable dealers are cedar construction. If the idea is to ultimately control humidity, why aren't metal humidors used rather than wood?

I see many vintage humidors that were lined with copper or tin and even some lined with glass.

Is it merely a compromise of the effectiveness of wood with the warm look and feel of wood over the more effective, yet aesthetically sterile metal or even plastic humidor?

Finally, though I am fairly sure that I know the answer already;

I don't smoke frequently and had considered a 50 count humidor. Reading here indicates that most recommend a 100 count unit as the smallest to go with.
Is there a disadvantage to going with a 200 count over a 100 count if it is very likely that the unit will never hold more than 50 or so?

Thanks for your patience in advance.

[Commander Quan]

Spanish Cedar is the wood of choice because it is slightly aromatic, and the fact that it can absorb moisture, to act as a buffer to the outside. Other containers can be use for humidors, coolers and Tupperware are common, but the issue with non reactive materials is that it's easy for the humidity to get too high and have issues with mold so often it is recommended that pieces of wood from a cigar box be placed inside one off those containers to help regulate the moisture. There are other woods that can be used to line a humidor, mahogany is one that is used if a neutral scent is desired, and it has similar moisture absorbing properties as Spanish Cedar.

When a humidor is rated as a 50 count or 100 count that is usually for corona sized cigars, so if you smoke larger ring gauge cigars you won't fit that many into it. If you are sure 50 cigars is all you will want to keep on hand a 100 count humidor is what you should be considering, if you go with a 200 count there will be a lot of empty space, which also makes it difficult to keep a consistent humidity.

[luvmysuper]

Spanish Cedar is the wood of choice because it is slightly aromatic, and the fact that it can absorb moisture, to act as a buffer to the outside. Other containers can be use for humidors, coolers and Tupperware are common, but the issue with non reactive materials is that it's easy for the humidity to get too high and have issues with mold so often it is recommended that pieces of wood from a cigar box be placed inside one off those containers to help regulate the moisture. There are other woods that can be used to line a humidor, mahogany is one that is used if a neutral scent is desired, and it has similar moisture absorbing properties as Spanish Cedar.

When a humidor is rated as a 50 count or 100 count that is usually for corona sized cigars, so if you smoke larger ring gauge cigars you won't fit that many into it. If you are sure 50 cigars is all you will want to keep on hand a 100 count humidor is what you should be considering, if you go with a 200 count there will be a lot of empty space, which also makes it difficult to keep a consistent humidity.

That's some outstanding information, thank you.

I can see the wood acting as a "buffer" of sorts to avoid humidity swings, hadn't considered that.
I honestly don't see a need to ever have storage for such a large quantity, so it looks like the 100 count is the way to go.

[jwhite]

In addition to Derricks good advise Spanish cedar is also naturally resistant to mold and mildew which is important in a humid environment. Resistant doesn't mean immune but in instances when mold does occur you will see it on the cigars or humidification devise before it spreads to the humidor itself. Spanish Cedar in not the same as that commonly used in closets and blanket chests.

To briefly expand on how the wood acts as a buffer, the unvarnished or stained interior of a cedar humidor takes on moisture as it is seasoned and helps to prevent spikes and troughs in RH as it takes in excess or gives off that moisture. The thicker the cedar the more stable the environment will be.

[Commander Quan]

The first humidor I bought was a 100 count. I still use it, but have long ago outgrown it and opted to expand to a cooler instead of another humidor. I started with a 28qt, cooler and then went to a 64qt, both of which have multiple cigar boxes inside to contain cigars, and to help regulate humidity. I think going with the 100 count is smart, and then you can always expand from there if necessary.

[Kentos]

IMO and experience, if you have a good active humidication like the heartfelt beads, any relatively airtight container will do. Conversely if you have bad humidification you can get mold growth in a cedar lined humidor as well. Both happened to me. I lost a few nice ISOMs early in my cigar career to mold and mildew.

My old man has a temp controlled cabinet humidor that I maintain, and all it has are a couple of pounds of beads in there for humidification. I periodically check the humidity and when it gets low I just recharge the beads with H2O. It was down to 55 yesterday so I had to hydrate. I used to be really anal about the RH, but as long as its around 65 most of the time I am happy. Over 70 for long periods of time worry me though. Here in Hawaii humidity fluctuates a bit, where as in other parts of the world it is dry all the time, or wet all the time. Depending on where you are can influence your humidification choices too.

In end, grabbing a nice cigar out of a gladware container somehow isnt as satisfying as grabbing one out of a nice desktop.

So many get a nice desktop offer the daily smoke, and use a coolidor for aging.

[oc_in_fw]

In end, grabbing a nice cigar out of a gladware container somehow isnt as satisfying as grabbing one out of a nice desktop.

When I smoked cigars, I started with a Tupperdore then moved to a real humidor. It is more aesthetically pleasing to pull a cigar out of a wooden box, IMO. I don't believe in form over function, but function without form doesn't work for me

[luvmysuper]

This all makes perfect sense. I'll have to keep my eyes open, and see what the final decision is.
The perspective here is appreciated.
Though I was curious, I'm glad the answers are what they are, I just can't see me sitting and pulling a smoke out of a rubbermaid box.

[Argonaut]

This all makes perfect sense. I'll have to keep my eyes open, and see what the final decision is.
The perspective here is appreciated.
Though I was curious, I'm glad the answers are what they are, I just can't see me sitting and pulling a smoke out of a rubbermaid box.

It's kind of like drinking a fine Bordeaux out of a mason jar. Technically it should taste the same, it just doesn't feel right.

[DC_MPA]

I wish I had this problem. My cigars never last long enough to own a humidor.

[oc_in_fw]

Though I was curious, I'm glad the answers are what they are, I just can't see me sitting and pulling a smoke out of a rubbermaid box.

containers made by machines from petro chemicals and cigars just don't go hand in hand, IMO

[luvmysuper]

I have to get cracking, my wife just brought back a superb selection of hand rolleds from the Philippines.

Do you guys prefer a digital or a dial hygrometer? I'm sure the digital is more accurate, but there's a certain grace and style to the dial type.

[jwhite]

Do you guys prefer a digital or a dial hygrometer? I'm sure the digital is more accurate, but there's a certain grace and style to the dial type.

You've touched on the issue right there most guys I know use digital for accuracy and reliability. But I have an irrational attachment to brass dials, so that's what I use. I haven't had any trouble with mine but they do need to be calibrated and checked annually for accuracy. The boveda calibration and seasoning kits make things really simple and accurate for getting everything set up.