If you are in the market for a cigar humidor you are going to have a seemingly endless array of options. You will quickly find boxes of all sizes, and you can even find travel boxes and furniture-style choices too. There are a few things to remember when selecting them however, and these can easily make the difference between success and failure.

A major issue of concern with humidors is the type of wood used to line their interiors. The only realistic option is cedar, and this is for several major reasons. Firstly, cedar is a very aromatic wood that enhances the natural flavors of almost any cigar. Secondly, it is an extremely porous wood that allows the interior of the box to attain a very balanced level of humidity. Lastly, it is a wood that is not prone to the development of mold or mildew, which can often lead to the loss of an entire selection of cigars.

The next area of concern is the way in which the owner can monitor conditions inside of the box. For example, many small desktop models are constructed entirely of wood and do not allow the owner to have a view of the contents inside. These are ideal humidors for short-term storage because they would ask the owner hoping to age their cigars to constantly open and close the box to read the hygrometer (humidity gauge) which would cause destructive fluctuations inside. This means that a major characteristic of a good humidor is that it should provide a good way to check conditions inside without needing to also open the box to do so.

Does this mean that a solid wood box is not a good option? No, it means that anyone aging premium cigars should do so only in those boxes that allow an easy view of the gauge.  A solid box is a great solution for a small collection of cigars that will be smoked in a short period of time after being placed inside, or for those enthusiasts who will keep a high-quality supply within easy reach. The thing to remember is that such boxes shouldn’t be positioned in direct sunlight or anywhere the ambient temperature will fluctuate wildly.

A last factor to consider where humidors are concerned is their exteriors, and these must be easily maintained and have a good finish. This finish is going to help the cedar lining to maintain the optimal conditions inside, and allow the owner to keep the box looking its very best.