[Esquire]

Looking to purchase my first humidor. Don't mind paying some extra money for something that will last (a lifetime?)

Something classic looking, don't need a huge count, 30-50 capacity. Hard to find brands in my research, just came across Tampa Humidors-- no idea.

TIA

 

[huskercubfan]

Typically, humidors only hold 70-80% of capacity - depends on if you are fully set on never having more than 25-40 cigars on hand at any time but Savoy are pretty high quality for the price point. You can get a 50 count for the $100-150 range at your local B&M or a little bit cheaper online.

 

[Esquire]

Thanks for the info.

I was reading an article on Savoy in CA, and they said they come with their own humidification system, no sponges and distiller water. Is this alright or better than a sponge system?

Also, anything special to keep in kind with regards to seasoning?

 

[mrmikey32]

That is all up to you...

I use kitty litter crystals(google it)

And Then i use boveda packs and a tupperware container for my infused

 

[huskercubfan]

I personally would not use the sponge that comes with most humidors as it is a breeding ground for mold and not very good at maintaining constant humidty. I have 4 72% boveda packs in my 100 count, a shot glass of water, and a hygrometer. That's it. $15 every 3 months plus $18 up front for the hygrometer.

Other good option is heartfelt beads (amazon) or buying a humidification system with fans and the whole nine yards.

Pick your poison.

 

[Eric.L]

I'm in the process of switching to a coolador and using the kitty liter crystals. My brother has had Brett good luck with this and the boveda packs and tuppaware are awesome for infused.

 

[rotary]

I have a humidification system with fans inside my humidor, other than up front cost the distilled gallon of water I have lasts me all year

 

[Esquire]

Narrowed down to these few. Anything standing out (positive or negative) to anyone?

Prometheus International, Inc. - Home Page

Amazon.com - Adorini Humidor Triest - Deluxe - 75 Cigars

Diamond Crown Exquisite Collection

Cygnus - Humidors by Waxing Moon Wood

Amazon.com - Savoy Large African Teak Humidor - Holds 100 Cigars

 

[mrmikey32]

since you are new, and it is your first humidor.

Take a look at this site.

CheapHumidors.com - Medium Cigar Humidors for Sale

Nothing but positive reviews.

Now some extra notes. Get one that is solid, meaning no plexi or hygrometer on the outside. They are normally inaccurate anyways.


Make sure you order yourself a nice calabri digital hygrometer.

And make sure you season it properly! The key to a successful humidor is the seasoning.

 

[Esquire]

Never wanted a clear top or hygrometer for those reasons either, keep it as pure as possible to avoid inaccurate readings and uneven humidity levels.

Seasoning makes me nervous, heard some bad stories about ruining humis with too much water during the seasoning process.

 

[mrmikey32]

Just order the boveda kit to do it for you.

Its fool proof(unless you are "special")

 

[Esquire]

While I have some knowledgeable people in here, do you have any suggestions for purchasing reputable cigars online? Looking to purchase some Padron 2000, 2-3 cases. Local shop, granted the only one I've checked so far, would only go as low as $8 a stick. I see them for cheaper online, but many of the retailers i've found have bad reputations if you do some due diligence.

 

[huskercubfan]

While I have some knowledgeable people in here, do you have any suggestions for purchasing reputable cigars online? Looking to purchase some Padron 2000, 2-3 cases. Local shop, granted the only one I've checked so far, would only go as low as $8 a stick. I see them for cheaper online, but many of the retailers i've found have bad reputations if you do some due diligence.

I've bought from both Cigars International and Famous Smoke in the past with good luck. I had damaged cigars only once with CI and they replaced the whole bundle for free and told me to keep the damaged ones. Cigarbid.com is owned by cigars international and typically has way better deals if you're patient.

If you go the Famous Smoke route, you can use coupon code "RCIGARS" for 15% off your entire order. That works out to be $4.42 a stick with free shipping.

 

[huskercubfan]

Never wanted a clear top or hygrometer for those reasons either, keep it as pure as possible to avoid inaccurate readings and uneven humidity levels.

Seasoning makes me nervous, heard some bad stories about ruining humis with too much water during the seasoning process.

FWIW ... Seasoning is a necessary evil or else you'll never hold consistent humidity. Get a boveda seasoning pack ($5 on Amazon) and a digital hygrometer (anything decent will do) and you're golden.

 

[Esquire]

Want to keep the thread updated for future lookers.

My fiance gifted me a Prometheus Milano series for V-Day (Prometheus International, Inc. - Home Page). I just un-boxed it, and I'm already impressed with the presentation. Brand has solid reviews online (only complaints I heard were price), and I'm looking forward to using it.

Going to season it with the Boveda seasoning kit. Prometheus comes with a "Hygro-thermometer", which I'll be using to measure the humidity levels. Prometheus issues a "Optima Humidifier" with each of its set-ups; a solution to be combined with distilled water in a foam square, released in its magnetic case. However, I'm going to try and maintain the humidity with Boveda packs because of the low maintenance factor.

I'll be sure to post some pics when I do set everything up.

 

[WIEisME]

boveda seasoning kit, and 72% packs is what i would recommend...

 

[TheYoungConnoisseur]

In my experience the boveda packs hold around 2% less than what they say. My box hovers around 69-70 with 3 72 packs in it.

 

[Esquire]

boveda seasoning kit, and 72% packs is what i would recommend...

In my experience the boveda packs hold around 2% less than what they say. My box hovers around 69-70 with 3 72 packs in it.

Good to know. I ordered the Boveda seasoning kit and 69% packs (Prometheus recommends humidity level at 68-70). If the 69% pack doesn't hold at that level I'll order the 72 in the future.

 

[Esquire]

Pictures as promised. Unbox to seasoning.

 

[mrmikey32]

make sure that hygrometer is calibrated