As far as keeping the taste, scent, and general quality of your cigar collection goes, there is nothing more important than a well-designed humidor. Whether you are a beginner cigar smoker or an old pro, choosing the right humidor can be overwhelming. So you find yourself asking: What qualifies a humidor for me?

In this guidebook, we will walk you through professional guidance to help you choose the most suitable humidor for your lifestyle, budget, and cigar stock.

Why Do I Need a Humidor?

A humidor is not just a box—it's a climate-controlled room that is designed to preserve cigars. Cigars are made of natural tobacco leaves that expand and contract with changes in humidity. If left alone, they dry out, crack, and even mold. The best humidors have a relative humidity setting of 65% to 72%, keeping your cigars in the best shape.

If you've ever wondered about cigar shelf life, our How Long to Store Cigars in a Humidor guide instructs you on exactly how storage conditions influence freshness and taste.

What Size Humidor Should I Buy?

Maybe the very first question most consumers ask is: How big should my humidor be?

The following will help you make this determination:

  • Beginner Cigar Smokers (25–50 cigars): A small desktop humidor is perfect if you’re just starting out. Compact and affordable, it fits easily in your home or office.

  • Regular Smokers (50–150 cigars): Medium-sized humidors are great for those who buy cigars regularly and like to keep a healthy selection on hand.

  • Collectors (more than 200 cigars): When you're building a large collection, consider a cabinet-style or tower humidor. These are not only cigar storage devices but also pieces of decorative furniture.

  • Travelers: Traveling smokers will love travel humidors that store a few cigars fresh and ready to go wherever you travel.

 

Tip of the Expert: Buy a humidor slightly larger than your current collection. Most smokers have trouble estimating how quickly their collection grows.

What Should I Look for in a Humidor?

When you buy humidors, these are the most important things to consider:

1. Spanish Cedar Lining

Spanish cedar is the benchmark against which all other humidors are measured. It controls humidity, resists mold growth, and introduces a subtle aroma that aids in cigar aging.

2. Seal Quality

An excellent humidor should close tight. Try out the seal by dropping the lid slowly—if it closes slowly with a soft "whoosh," it's a quality build.

3. Humidification System

From old sponge-based humidors to sophisticated electronic humidifiers, the proper system maintains steady humidity levels.

4. Hygrometer Accuracy

Select a humidor with a good hygrometer (analog or digital) to read the humidity. Digital hygrometers are more precise and easier to use.

5. Design & Finish

Design is nice, but functionality is essential. Whether you prefer a glass-top humidor for display or a classy wood finish to match your office, the ideal design makes your space look wonderful.

Should I Choose a Desktop, Travel, or Cabinet Humidor?

The right type of humidor depends on your smoking habit and lifestyle:

  • Desktop Humidor: Ideal for occasional smokers who want ease and elegance.

  • Travel Humidor: Suitable for the occasional cigar smoker who likes to carry cigars with them on the move.

  • Cabinet/Tower Humidor: Suitable for serious cigar collectors who need large storage space with precise humidity control.


Don't know what will happen to cigars when they have nowhere to go? Read our blog on Cigars Without a Humidor for the whole story.

Find Out Our Travel & Cabiner Humidor Collection

Cigar Leather Case Humidor Redford Lite Electric Humidor Cabinet;
Travel Humidor Cabinet Humidor

How Much Should I Spend on a Humidor?

Many shoppers wonder: What’s the best humidor for my budget?

  • Many consumers wonder: What is the best humidor for me at my price point?

  • Entry-Level ($50–$150): A solid beginner option, these units will hold up to 50 cigars and provide simple storage.

  • Mid-Range ($150–$500): The best for hobbyists requiring style as well as performance.

  • High-End ($500+): Top-of-the-line cabinet humidors and electronic systems for serious collectors or commercial applications.

Keep in mind, purchasing a great humidor involves purchasing cigars. A poor-quality box can ruin hundreds of dollars' worth of premium cigars.

Pro Tips on How to Purchase the Best Humidor

  • Plan for Growth: Always purchase a size larger in order to provide room for future cigars.

  • Check the Seal: A unit that seals well maintains your humidity.

  • Pick the Best Lining: Spanish cedar provides the optimal outcome.

  • Invest in Accuracy: A digital hygrometer eliminates guesswork.

  • Fit Your Lifestyle: A travel humidor won't be of much use to you if you never leave the house and choose accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right humidor doesn't have to be daunting. Being mindful of size, sealing quality, lining, and humidification system will lead you to find the perfect humidor to store your cigars and provide a great smoking experience. Whether you're an occasional smoker or an aspiring collector, the quality humidor is all you need.

At 1st Class Humidors, we offer a wide selection of top-quality humidors for any level of cigar enthusiast.

Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our humidor collection today and store your cigars with confidence.