If you’re new to cigars, there comes a moment when you realise that keeping your prized sticks in a desk drawer or cupboard just won’t do. Maybe you’ve reached for a cigar only to find it dried out, cracked, or worse—mouldy. Cigars are living, breathing things; they react to their environment. Without proper care, they lose flavour, aroma, and burn quality.
That’s why every cigar lover eventually invests in a humidor. Far from being just a box, a humidor is a climate-controlled home for your cigars, designed to keep them at their best. Think of it as an investment in preserving enjoyment and saving money—because every ruined cigar is money wasted.
Types of Humidors
Not all humidors are created equal. The right one depends on how deep you are in your cigar journey.
Room Humidor
The holy grail of humidors. A walk-in humidor is essentially an entire room designed for storage, typically reserved for serious collectors or cigar shops. Unless you’ve suddenly become a distributor, you probably don’t need one—yet.
Cabinet Humidors
Ideal for storing hundreds (or even thousands) of cigars. Cabinet humidors are freestanding furniture pieces, sometimes combined with wine storage. They’re perfect for the collector who’s outgrown smaller boxes.
Personal Humidors
For most smokers, this is the sweet spot. A personal humidor holds a few dozen to a hundred cigars, takes up little space, and keeps your collection in perfect condition.
Travel Humidors
Compact and practical, travel humidors usually hold up to a dozen cigars—perfect for holidays, business trips, or weekends away.
Humidor Materials
The exterior of a humidor can be crafted from wood, acrylic, metal, or even leather. Glass-top designs are popular because they double as display cases. But the real magic lies inside:
- Spanish Cedar is the gold standard. It resists warping in humidity, repels tobacco beetles, enhances cigar ageing, and gives off a subtle, pleasing aroma.
- Other woods or linings can’t match cedar’s ability to protect and season cigars, which is why it’s the preferred choice for quality humidors.
How Much Space Do You Need?
A single box of cigars holds about 25 cigars. Count how many boxes you own (or expect to soon) and use that as your guide.
Pro tip: Buy bigger than you think you need. Most cigar smokers underestimate how quickly their collection grows. Today’s “occasional” stash often becomes tomorrow’s passion.
How Much Will It Cost?
You don’t need to spend a fortune:
- Humidifed bag with a Boveda Humidifier for £3
- Starter humidors begin around £55, and portable jars as little as £25.
- Mid-range humidors with solid cedar interiors and stylish finishes such as the Apsley and Arundel which cost around a few hundred pounds.
- Luxury humidors, like bespoke David Linley creations or the Bentley Linley Edition, can run into the thousands—true collector’s pieces.
The cost depends on size, materials, and craftsmanship, but there’s a humidor for every budget.
Setting Up Your Humidor
Once you’ve bought your first humidor, there are a few essentials to get started:
- Hygrometer & thermometer – For monitoring humidity and temperature. Digital versions are more precise than analog.
- Humidification solution – A 50/50 mix of distilled water and propylene glycol helps regulate moisture and prevents mould.
- Seasoning – Before storing cigars, “season” your humidor to stabilise humidity.
- Storage tip – Remove cigars from cardboard boxes and cellophane where possible. Bare cigars age better, and boxes can trap moisture and promote mould.
Final Word
A humidor isn’t just a box—it’s a safeguard for your collection and an essential part of the cigar lifestyle. Whether you’re storing ten cigars for the weekend or curating a thousand for the future, the right humidor keeps them alive, flavourful, and ready for the perfect moment.
Explore our full range of cigar humidors, travel cases, and humidification solutions to keep your cigars in perfect smoking condition.