Cigar humidifiers are essential for any cigar smoker, as they help maintain the proper humidity levels required for storing and aging cigars. Several types of cigar humidifiers are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of cigar humidifiers, the benefits of Boveda packs, and the importance of seasoning a humidifier.
Types of Cigar Humidifiers
The most common types of cigar humidifiers are beads, gel, and electric. Each of these humidifiers has unique characteristics and is designed to suit different types of humidors and smoking preferences.
Beads: Bead humidifiers are tiny, round beads designed to absorb and release moisture to maintain the humidity levels in a humidor. These humidifiers are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, making them popular among cigar smokers.
Gel: Gel humidifiers are similar to bead humidifiers but use a gel-like substance to absorb and release moisture. These humidifiers are also easy to use and require minimal maintenance.
Electric: Electric humidifiers use a small fan to circulate humidified air throughout the humidor. These humidifiers require a power source and are often more expensive than bead or gel humidifiers.
Boveda Packs
Boveda packs are a popular brand of cigar humidification packs designed to provide a consistent humidity level in a humidor. These packs use a 2-way humidity control system, meaning they can absorb and release moisture to maintain a constant humidity level.
The 2-way humidity control system used by Boveda packs is a unique feature that sets them apart from other brands of humidification packs. This system ensures that the humidity level in the humidor remains constant, which is essential for maintaining the quality of the cigars.
Boveda packs are available in several different humidity levels, ranging from 58% to 84%. For most cigar smokers, a 65-70% humidity level is recommended for storing and aging cigars.
Seasoning a Humidifier
When setting up a new humidor or replacing the humidification system, seasoning the humidor with a higher-rated humidity pack is essential. This helps ensure the humidor is appropriately humidified and ready to store cigars.
Place a higher-rated Boveda pack (such as an 84% pack) in the humidor for two weeks to season a humidor. This will help saturate the humidor with moisture and prepare it to store cigars. After two weeks, the higher-rated pack can be replaced with a pack of the desired humidity level (such as a 65% pack) to maintain the proper humidity levels.
Boveda packs are a popular choice for seasoning humidifiers, as they provide a consistent humidity level and are easy to use. Place the pack in the humidor and allow it to do its job. Boveda packs are also reusable and can last for several months before needing to be replaced.
Recap
In conclusion, cigar humidifiers are an essential tool for any cigar smoker, and several types of humidifiers are available, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Boveda packs are a famous brand of cigar humidification packs that offer a 2-way humidity control system and are recommended as the best option for maintaining the proper humidity levels in a humidor. When setting up a new humidor or replacing the humidification system, it is essential to season the humidor with a higher-rated humidity pack to ensure it is properly humidified and ready to store cigars. By using the correct type of humidifier and maintaining the proper humidity levels, cigar smokers can ensure that their cigars remain fresh and flavorful for years.
