Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The Core Science Behind The Cigar Humidor Technology
A lot of people purchase cigar humidors without understanding how they work. I believe, getting the most value out of your purchase is only possible if you understand exactly how a cigar humidor works.
A humidor maintains 65-75% relative humidity through hygroscopic equilibrium. High-quality cigars naturally balance their moisture content with the surrounding air. They are hygroscopic, so they naturally absorb and release moisture from the surrounding environment.
Without this controlled environment, cigars either dry out (becoming brittle) or absorb excess moisture (causing mold and poor burning). So, if you don’t want maggots to enjoy your cigars, investing in a humidor is essential.
Essential Components
The Airtight Seal System:
A humidor needs a tight seal, which stops air and moisture from escaping, and this creates an environment for everything else to work properly without any hiccups.
Modern humidors achieve this through well-engineered joints, rubber gaskets, or magnetic seals that stop external air from disrupting the internal environment. Without the seal, your humidity control system would be fighting a losing battle against outside air conditions.
Spanish Cedar Lining and Its Role: Most quality humidors have Spanish cedar lining, and i speak from experience when i say it’s not just for good looks. Cedar naturally absorbs and releases moisture, acting as a buffer that keeps humidity fluctuations stable.
It also infuses a subtle, complementary aroma to your cigars while providing natural anti-insect properties. The wood’s structure helps it to act as a secondary humidity reservoir. It slowly releases stored moisture when levels drop and absorbs excess when levels rise.
Modern Humidity Control Systems: The latest and greatest cigar humidors in 2025 utilize sophisticated humidity management that goes beyond the traditional sponge-based systems available in cheaper options. High-quality modern models have an air-closed loop circulation and a built-in fan to maintain ideal humidity levels and airflow, ensuring even distribution throughout the storage space.
Humidity Control Systems
Before we talk humidity control systems, let’s talk about humidity levels. So, what is too dry and what is too humid? As a rule of thumb, remember below 65% RH is too dry and above 72% RH is too humid.
let me explain why;
when it’s too dry, the cigar becomes brittle and breaks into chunks easily within the cigar. It also loses the loses the essential oils that give the cigar its flavor and the entire smoking experience becomes harsh. Worst case scenario? The wrapper cracks and the whole thing becomes un-smokeable.
when it’s too humid is a different set of problems. The tobacco leaves become oversaturated first thing, which results in inconsistent burns when you light it up. After that, the cigars start to have very tight draws and a weird musty taste. But the worst-case scenario will always be the mold that develops. Why is that a problem? The bacteria from one cigar mold might affect another and cause a whole other deal of mold infestation problems.
Two-Way Technology:
Boveda packs contain natural salt, purified water, and food-grade thickener in a leak-proof membrane that monitors ambient RH and adds or removes moisture automatically. This entire system is revolutionary because it both adds and removes moisture as needed.
Electronic Systems:
Electronic systems automatically measure humidity and add moisture, protecting against neglect and environmental changes. Passive systems use a 50/50 propylene glycol and distilled water solution, releasing humidity through evaporation.
Passive Systems:
Most humidifying elements are passive, releasing stored humidity through evaporation and diffusion. The use of a 50/50 solution of propylene glycol and distilled water is recommended for replenishing the passive humidification elements.
Temperature Integration
Temperature changes affect humidity levels because warm air holds more moisture. which means the relative humidity percentage drops even if the absolute moisture content remains the same. Most people overlook this simple fact. Humidors should be kept at a steady temperature, as changes in temperature affect humidity levels. The relationship between temperature and relative humidity follows physical laws that humidor designers must account for to ensure a premium experience.
Equipped with a digital hygrometer with an adjustable humidity range of 65% to 75%, large humidors can help store and age cigars at optimal room temperatures.
Air Circulation
It might not sound like rocket science, but air circulation is very important for the longevity of cigars in the long run.
Advanced systems use sensors, fans, and water reservoirs to prevent stagnant pockets and ensure uniform conditions throughout the storage space. The fan systems in modern electric humidors create gentle air movement that doesn’t disturb the cigars but ensures consistent environmental conditions throughout the storage space.
The Preservation Process
It’s the humidification system that keeps cigars plump, ensures easy burning, and retains essential oils for aroma and flavor. Proper conditions also enable controlled aging, where tobacco continues the fermenting process slowly, developing the complex flavors that we love.
