Buying
Guides
Choosing the Right Type of Humidor
Choosing the right humidor comes down to how many cigars you store, where you keep them, how much maintenance you want, and how you plan to use it. This guide compares the most common humidor types so you can understand the advantages of each and choose the storage setup that best fits your collection, space, and budget.
Buying Guides
Choosing the Right Type of Humidor
Choosing the right humidor comes down to how many cigars you store, where you keep them, how much maintenance you want, and how you plan to use it. This guide compares the most common humidor types so you can understand the advantages of each and choose the storage setup that best fits your collection, space, and budget.
Which One Fits You?
Whether you’re storing a handful of cigars or building a serious collection, choosing the right humidor makes all the difference. The right setup keeps humidity stable, protects flavor, and ensures every cigar smokes the way it should.
This guide breaks down the most common types of humidors and helps you decide which one fits your routine. For most cigar smokers, a quality desktop humidor is the best place to start. If portability, collection size, or lower maintenance matters more, another style may make more sense.
Quick Overview: Types of Humidors
| Travel Humidor | 5–20 cigars | Occasional smokers, trips | High | Low |
| Desktop Humidor | 20–150 cigars | Everyday use | Medium | Moderate |
| Cabinet Humidor | 100–1000+ cigars | Collectors | Low | Moderate |
| Alternative Humidor (Tupperdor, Coolerdor, Bags) | Varies | Budget or simple setups | Medium | Low |
What is a Humidor?
A humidor is a sealed container designed to maintain a consistent level of humidity, typically between 68–72% relative humidity (RH). Many electric humidors also include temperature regulation.
Most humidors include:
An airtight seal to lock in moisture
A humidification system to regulate humidity
An interior lining (usually Spanish cedar) to help stabilize conditions
If you’re new to humidors, think of it as a controlled environment that keeps cigars from drying out or becoming overly moist.
Which One
Fits You?
Whether you’re storing a handful of cigars or building a serious collection, choosing the right humidor makes all the difference. The right setup keeps humidity stable, protects flavor, and ensures every cigar smokes the way it should.
This guide breaks down the most common types of humidors and helps you decide which one fits your routine. For most cigar smokers, a quality desktop humidor is the best place to start. If portability, collection size, or lower maintenance matters more, another style may make more sense.
Quick Overview: Types of Humidors
| Travel Humidor | 5–20 cigars | Occasional smokers, trips | High | Low |
| Desktop Humidor | 20–150 cigars | Everyday use | Medium | Moderate |
| Cabinet Humidor | 100–1000+ cigars | Collectors | Low | Moderate |
| Alternative Humidor (Tupperdor, Coolerdor, Bags) | Varies | Budget or simple setups | Medium | Low |
What is a Humidor?
A humidor is a sealed container designed to maintain a consistent level of humidity, typically between 68–72% relative humidity (RH). Many electric humidors also include temperature regulation.
Most humidors include:
An airtight seal to lock in moisture
A humidification system to regulate humidity
An interior lining (usually Spanish cedar) to help stabilize conditions
If you’re new to humidors, think of it as a controlled environment that keeps cigars from drying out or becoming overly moist.
Before You Choose...
Ask yourself a few questions to help narrow it down.
1.
How many cigars do you actually keep?
Do not shop only for what you own today. Leave enough room for your collection to grow without packing cigars tightly together.
2.
Where will the
humidor live?
A desktop humidor fits naturally into an office, den, or smoking room. Larger electric and cabinet systems require dedicated space.
3.
Will you travel
with it?
If your cigars regularly leave the house, portability may matter more than furniture quality or capacity.
4.
How much maintenance do you want?
Traditional wooden humidors require more setup, while airtight containers and two way humidity systems make storage simpler.
Before You Choose...
Ask yourself a few questions to
help narrow it down.
1.
How many cigars do you actually keep?
Do not shop only for what you own today. Leave enough room for your collection to grow without packing cigars tightly together.
2.
Where will the
humidor live?
A desktop humidor fits naturally into an office, den, or smoking room. Larger electric and cabinet systems require dedicated space.
3.
Will you travel
with it?
If your cigars regularly leave the house, portability may matter more than furniture quality or capacity.
4.
How much maintenance do you want?
Traditional wooden humidors require more setup, while airtight containers and two way humidity systems make storage simpler.
Humidor Styles
Humidor Styles
Desktop Humidor (20-50 cigars)
Best for everyday home storage
Desktop humidors are the most familiar choice for home cigar storage and a good starting point for most smokers. They provide enough capacity for an everyday collection while still fitting comfortably on a desk, shelf, or cabinet.
Use for: Regular smokers with small to medium collections.
Pros:
- Reliable humidity control
- Wide range of styles and sizes
- Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts
Cons:
- Requires occasional monitoring
- Can become overcrowded if undersized
Cabinet Humidor (50-1,000+ cigars)
Best for large collections and long term storage
Cabinet humidors are furniture sized storage systems designed for much larger collections. Shelves, drawers, and increased internal space make them better suited to collectors storing cigars by the box or in significant quantities.
Use for: Growing collections and people who prefer additional
monitoring and control.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Better organization and airflow
- Ideal for aging cigars
Cons:
- Increased upfront cost
- Requires dedicated space
Travel Humidor (5-20 cigars)
Best for cigars on the move
Travel humidors prioritize protection and portability. Hard shell models help protect cigars from crushing while a sealed interior helps maintain humidity during trips, golf outings, vacations, or weekends away.
Use for: Travel, golf, events, and carrying a few cigars.
Pros:
- Highly portable
- Durable and impact-resistant
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Not ideal for long-term storage
Alternative Humidors (varies)
Best for budget minded and unique solutions
Desktop humidors are the most common choice and the best starting point for most cigar smokers. They typically hold anywhere from 20 to 150 cigars and balance performance, size, and cost.
Tupperdor (Plastic Container)
An airtight plastic container paired with humidity control.
Best For: Simplicity, budget setups, and reliable everyday storage.
Coolerdor (Standard Cooler or Wine Cooler)
A sealed cooler adapted for cigar storage.
Best For: Larger collections without cabinet humidor pricing.
Humidor Bags
A sealed humidity controlled bag designed for cigars.
Best For: Beginners, temporary storage, travel, and overflow.
(20-50 cigars)
Desktop Humidor
Best for everyday home storage
Desktop humidors are the most familiar choice for home cigar storage and a good starting point for most smokers. They provide enough capacity for an everyday collection while still fitting comfortably on a desk, shelf, or cabinet.
Use for: Regular smokers with small to medium collections.
Pros:
- Reliable humidity control
- Wide range of styles and sizes
- Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts
Cons:
- Requires occasional monitoring
- Can become overcrowded if undersized
(50-1,000+ cigars)
Cabinet Humidor
Best for large collections and long term storage
Cabinet humidors are furniture sized storage systems designed for much larger collections. Shelves, drawers, and increased internal space make them better suited to collectors storing cigars by the box or in significant quantities.
Use for: Growing collections and people who prefer additional
monitoring and control.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Better organization and airflow
- Ideal for aging cigars
Cons:
- Increased upfront cost
- Requires dedicated space
(5-20 cigars)
Travel Humidor
Best for cigars on the move
Travel humidors prioritize protection and portability. Hard shell models help protect cigars from crushing while a sealed interior helps maintain humidity during trips, golf outings, vacations, or weekends away.
Use for: Travel, golf, events, and carrying a few cigars.
Pros:
- Highly portable
- Durable and impact-resistant
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited capacity
- Not ideal for long-term storage
(Varies)
Alternative Humidors
Best for budget minded and unique solutions
Desktop humidors are the most common choice and the best starting point for most cigar smokers. They typically hold anywhere from 20 to 150 cigars and balance performance, size, and cost.
Tupperdor (Plastic Container)
An airtight plastic container paired with humidity control.
Best For: Simplicity, budget setups, and reliable everyday storage.
Coolerdor (Standard Cooler or Wine Cooler)
A sealed cooler adapted for cigar storage.
Best For: Larger collections without cabinet humidor pricing.
Humidor Bags
A sealed humidity controlled bag designed for cigars.
Best For: Beginners, temporary storage, travel, and overflow.
Key Features to Look For
No matter which type you choose, these factors matter most:
Seal Quality
A tight seal is essential for maintaining stable humidity. If air leaks, humidity fluctuates.
Interior Material
Spanish cedar is preferred for its moisture retention and ability to enhance cigar aging.
Humidity System
Options range from humidity packs to refillable humidifiers. Choose based on how hands-on you want to be.
Hygrometer
A digital hygrometer provides more accurate readings than analog models.
Key Features
to Look For
No matter which type you choose, these factors matter most:
Seal Quality
A tight seal is essential for maintaining stable humidity. If air leaks, humidity fluctuates.
Interior Material
Spanish cedar is preferred for its moisture retention and ability to enhance cigar aging.
Humidity System
Options range from humidity packs to refillable humidifiers. Choose based on how hands-on you want to be.
Hygrometer
A digital hygrometer provides more accurate readings than analog models.
How Big Should I Buy?
Give yourself room to grow.
A humidor works best when the cigars have enough room for air to circulate and the collection is easy to organize. Buying a humidor that is already almost full leaves very little room for new boxes, larger ring gauges, or future purchases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a humidor that’s too small
- Ignoring seal quality
- Choosing appearance over function
- Not planning for future growth
Quick Buyer Rules
- Buy slightly larger than your current needs
- Prioritize seal and function over looks
- Keep your setup simple if you’re new
- Match your humidor to how often you smoke
Ready to Pick Your Humidor?
Buying it is only the first step.
A new wooden humidor generally needs to be properly prepared before cigars are added. Learn more about Seasoning a Humidor and How to Store Cigars Properly on Cigars 101
How Big Should I Buy?
Give yourself room to grow.
A humidor works best when the cigars have enough room for air to circulate and the collection is easy to organize. Buying a humidor that is already almost full leaves very little room for new boxes, larger ring gauges, or future purchases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a humidor that’s too small
- Ignoring seal quality
- Choosing appearance over function
- Not planning for future growth
Quick Buyer Rules
- Buy slightly larger than your current needs
- Prioritize seal and function over looks
- Keep your setup simple if you’re new
- Match your humidor to how often you smoke