Functions and Benefits of a Cigar Humidifier

Following are some of the potential benefits you will get by using a humidifier to preserve your cigars.

• A cigar humidifier maintains the humidity level that is ideal for cigars. The regulated moisture in the humidor prevents the cigars from getting dried or too damped.
• The cigars remain as fresh as they were on day one. Also, their shelf life increases with the regulated and maintained moisture in the humidor.

• The cigar humidifiers help preserve the natural flavor and aroma of cigars, which might otherwise be lost to humidity fluctuations.
• The persistent humidity level is crucial for its smooth and even burning. It prevents them from relighting or burning too quickly, ensuring the cigar is enjoyed to the fullest.
• The more a cigar is matured, the more flavourful it becomes, provided the humidity level remains ideal throughout. The cigar humidifiers ensure an ideal environment for cigars to age properly.
• Too much humidity not only leads to mold and fungus growth but can also sometimes cause pest infestation. And here comes the cigar humidifier to the rescue, creating a less-than-ideal environment for the pest to thrive.

What is the Working Mechanism of a Cigar Humidifier?

The mechanism by which the cigar humidifiers work is technical but not complicated. The cigar humidifiers contain either foam, gel, or silica beads, depending on the type and model you are using.

A water tank is provided; all you need to do is fill it according to the instructions. The humidifiers work by emitting moisture into the air. Furthermore, certain models are designed to work in two ways. They not only emit moisture but also absorb any excess moisture. These types of humidifiers are considered more efficient at controlling and maintaining the relative humidity level, as they address not only humidity deficiencies but also excess levels.

You can also improve the cigar humidifier’s performance by using a hygrometer. It is a device used to detect the accurate humidity level inside the humidor. It helps with greater accuracy in adjusting and regulating the humidity range on cigar humidifiers.

How to Set Up the Cigar Humidifier?

The first time setting up the cigar humidifiers requires certain criteria to be followed. Given below is the step-by-step setup procedure, which may come in handy while you wonder how to use the humidifier for the first time effectively:

The Very First Cleaning of the Humidifier

After unboxing the humidifier, the first step is not to set it up but to clean it. Take a cloth and dip it in the disinfectant solution. Wipe the entire humidifier with it to remove dust and bacteria, to ensure better hygiene for your cigars.

Fill the Cigar Humidifier with Adequate Water 

Before filling the water tank, read the instruction manual. Check the maximum water level and then fill the tank accordingly. Open the water inlet and pour water. Be careful not to spill or overfill. Close the lid tightly.

Placement of the Humidifier  

Place the cigar humidifier at the specified place. If it’s meant to be used for a cigar cabinet, the cabinet may have an internal socket or a circular hole to run the wire to the wall socket.

Setting the Target Humidity 

Once the humidifier has been cleaned, placed, and installed, the final step is to set the required humidity level. Once it is adjusted and set up, your humidifier is ready to be used.

How to Use a Cigar Humidifier?

The installation and usage of a cigar humidifier is pretty simple. All you need to do is follow the steps and take certain measures to ensure maximum output. The entire process can be simplified in the following steps:

• There is a water tank in the humidifier meant to be filled with water. It also indicates the water level. Just fill the water tank to the recommended mark and cover the lid.
• The next step is to place the humidifier in a suitable location. Once the humidifier is filled, place it in the cigar cabinet or humidor. Plug it into the electric socket.
• Press the power button and switch on the humidifier. The cabinet’s humidity level will be displayed on the LED screen. 
• The up and down buttons on the humidifier are used to set the start and stop ranges. The point where the humidifier stops emitting humidity obviously has to be higher than the starting range.
• After turning on the device, it will show the current humidity level on the humidor or cabinet. It must be noted that the target humidity range is 60-70% and is mostly preset.
• You just need to check and confirm it by pressing and holding the up arrow button for 3 seconds. 
• The screen will flash, showing the starting humidity range. Press the same button again to save the setting. The same procedure applies to setting the ending humidity range using the down arrow button.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Cigar Humidifier

Avoid the Tap Water

It is not recommended to use tap water in humidifiers, as it contains bacteria and other contaminants that can, in turn, cause your cigars to mold. Always prefer distilled water or propylene glycol solution. Also, be cautious never to use hard water.

Follow a Refilling Routine

The cigar humidifier doesn’t need to be refilled daily. On average, it must be refilled every 2-3 weeks based on its size.

Periodic Cleaning and Maintenance

Do not skip the thorough cleaning of your cigar humidifier, once in a while. Wipe the water tank and the humidifier with a cloth and a disinfectant solution. Make sure to check the wire and water inlet during the cleaning.

Set the Relative Humidity level to Less than 80%

Prefer to set the relative humidity less than 80%, ideally 65% to 70%. Any level more than that will, in turn, negatively affect the quality and taste of cigars and may lead to the rotting of cigars. The increased moisture content may cause the cigars to burn unevenly. 

Never Delay the Water Refill If Required

Do not skip refilling the humidifier once it drops to 64%. Also, make sure the humidifier reading is displayed correctly, and the hygrometer is working properly. If the humidifier is foam-based, let it soak in the solution for 15 minutes.

Don’t Overlook the Temperature

For the right balance of humidity, temperature is also crucial. If the temperature is low, it can adversely affect water evaporation, which in turn affects humidity. On the contrary, high temperatures will cause cigars to dry out quickly. The temperature must be around 70°F (21 °C) to maintain a stable humidity level. 

Relocate the Cigars Periodically

Although the latest cigar humidifiers, with their state of the art technology, are equipped with fans so that the humidity is distributed evenly. It also leads to a more consistent humidity level throughout the humidor. Cigars stored for a long time must be rotated and relocated every 1-4 months.

Wrap Up

Cigar humidifiers are an indispensable investment for your cigar’s maximum shelf life and crispness if you are a fan of aromatic cigars. The trick is to learn to operate the humidifier, follow its refilling routine, and monitor the humidity range; you are good to go.

The good news is that GETJOEAIR has a range of versatile humidifiers for almost every category of cigar storage. Be it a humidor, a cabinet, or a walk-in store, we have the most premium, innovative humidifiers to meet your diverse needs.