The Beginner Guide to Tupperdors and Budget Cigar Storage
Cigar lovers all face the same early challenge: keeping cigars fresh without spending hundreds of dollars on a humidor. I still remember my early days in the hobby when I was too broke for a mahogany box but had a growing pile of premium sticks.
My first "humidor" was actually a glass Pyrex dish I liberated from my wife’s stash. I’ll be honest, the cigars stayed fresh, but I learned the hard way that if you don't de-scent the plastic lid first, your favorite Robusto might end up tasting slightly like Sunday’s leftover lasagna.
Traditional wooden humidors are beautiful, but for new enthusiasts, a "tupperdor" is a high-performance, low-cost alternative. With a quick setup and a Boveda pack, you can build a no-fuss storage system that works brilliantly.
What is a Tupperdor?
A tupperdor is a DIY humidor made from an airtight, food-grade plastic container. Instead of relying on the traditional moisture-wicking properties of a wooden box, a tupperdor uses an airtight seal and modern humidity control packs to maintain a steady environment.
Think of it as the "starter kit" that performs like a pro. It is affordable, functional, and requires almost zero maintenance compared to a wooden unit.
Why People Love Tupperdors
- They are incredibly affordable: You can build a professional-grade tupperdor for under twenty dollars.
- The airtight seal is perfect: Unlike some cheap wooden boxes, a high-quality plastic seal prevents any humidity from escaping, making it a "set-it-and-forget-it" solution.
- No seasoning required: You do not need to prepare the walls with distilled water. Just add your cigars and your humidity source.
- Transparent Monitoring: Most containers allow you to see your calibrated hygrometer without ever opening the lid.
How to Make a Tupperdor: The Step-by-Step Build
To ensure your cigars do not end up smelling like plastic or developing cigar mold, follow these specific steps.
1. Choose the Right Container
Look for a BPA-free, food-grade plastic box with a silicone gasket seal and locking clips. Brands like Sistema or Rubbermaid Brilliance are the standard. Ensure it is large enough to hold your cigars without crushing them.
2. Wash and De-Scent (The Lasagna Lesson)
Brand new plastic often has a chemical smell. Wash the container with mild dish soap and warm water, then let it air dry completely. If the smell persists, place a small bowl of baking soda inside for 24 hours to absorb the odor before adding tobacco.
3. Add Your Humidity Control
In an airtight environment, you must use a two-way humidity control system like Boveda. Because plastic does not "breathe," I recommend using a 62 percent or 65 percent Boveda pack. Standard 70 percent packs often lead to over-humidified cigars in plastic. Use one 60-gram pack for every 25 cigars.
The Expert Upgrade: The biggest downside to plastic is the lack of aroma. Place a thin slab of Spanish cedar or an empty cedar cigar box tray inside. This provides the classic scent and acts as a moisture buffer, helping your cigar humidity levels stay stable when the lid is opened.
4. Add a Digital Hygrometer
Even though Boveda is reliable, an airtight box can trap heat. A small digital hygrometer is essential. Ensure you follow a Hygrometer Calibration Guide before trusting the readout.
Maintenance and Best Practices
- Avoid Temperature Spikes: Plastic is a poor insulator. Keep your tupperdor in a cool, dark place to avoid mold in your humidor.
- The Burping Method: Since there is zero air exchange, open your tupperdor for one minute once a week to let fresh air circulate and prevent stagnation.
- Check the Packs: When Boveda packs lose their gel-like feel and become crunchy, it is time to replace them.
The Downside: When to Graduate to a Real Humidor
Tupperdors are great for beginners, travel, or overflow, but they lack the aging benefits of a dedicated unit. Over time, cigars aged in plastic may not develop the same complexity as those aged in a high-quality Spanish cedar desktop humidor.
Tupperdor FAQ
What is the best tupperware for cigars?
The best container has a silicone gasket and locking latches. It must be BPA-free and large enough to fit a 7-inch Churchill comfortably.
Why is my tupperdor humidity too high?
Because plastic is 100 percent airtight, moisture from your cigars has nowhere to go. If RH exceeds 70 percent, swap for a 62 percent Boveda pack.
Can I use a sponge in a tupperdor?
No. In a sealed plastic environment, sponges often lead to moisture spikes that cause cigar mold. Stick to two-way humidity packs.
