The Beginner’s Guide to Tupperdors and Budget Cigar Storage

Cigar lovers all face the same early challenge: keeping cigars fresh without spending hundreds on a humidor. Traditional wooden humidors are beautiful and reliable, but for new enthusiasts or casual smokers, the price can be a dealbreaker. Enter the tupperdor: a simple, airtight plastic container that mimics the function of a humidor for a fraction of the cost.

While it’s not perfect, a tupperdor can absolutely keep your cigars in great condition when done right. And with a quick setup using a Boveda pack, you can build a no-fuss cigar storage system that works surprisingly well.

What is a Tupperdor?

A tupperdor is a DIY humidor made from any airtight food-grade plastic container, the kind you’d use for leftovers. Instead of relying on Spanish cedar and built-in humidifiers, a tupperdor uses modern humidity control packs like Boveda to maintain a steady environment for your cigars.

Think of it as the “starter kit” version of a real humidor. It’s easy, affordable, and functional enough to keep your cigars from drying out or getting spongy.

Why People Love Tupperdors

• They’re cheap and easy to set up.
  You can make a tupperdor for under twenty dollars. All you need is a sealable container, a humidity pack, and maybe a small digital hygrometer to monitor the environment.
• They actually work.
  If you use a good humidity pack (the Boveda 65% or 69% works best for most cigars), your cigars will stay fresh for weeks or even months. The airtight seal prevents humidity loss, and maintenance is almost nonexistent.
• They’re low-commitment.
  If you’re still learning about cigars or you don’t smoke often, a tupperdor makes sense. It’s simple, compact, and doesn’t require seasoning like a traditional humidor.

How to Make a Tupperdor (Step-by-Step)

It helps to understand what makes each part of a tupperdor work together to keep your cigars fresh.

Choose Your Container

Look for a BPA-free, airtight plastic box with a good seal. Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or Sistema work well. You can go as small as one that holds ten cigars or as large as a shoebox-sized container for fifty or more.

Add Humidity Control

Place a Boveda pack inside (use one 60-gram pack for every 25 cigars). It automatically regulates moisture with no refilling or guesswork required. You can also use other methods if you already have something on hand, like crystal gel beads or a small refillable humidifier. If you’re going to use a humidifier, always use distilled water or a proper PG solution.

Optional: Add a Hygrometer

A small digital hygrometer helps you monitor humidity. While optional, it gives you peace of mind that your cigars are aging properly.

Let It Stabilize

Before loading your cigars, close the lid and let the humidity level balance out for 24 to 48 hours. Then add your cigars, and you’re good to go.

Tupperdor Tips for Best Results

• Keep it out of direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause temperature swings.
• Avoid opening it too often; every time you do, humidity escapes.
• Don’t overcrowd. Air needs to circulate around each cigar for even aging.
• Check your cigars weekly. If they feel dry, replace the Boveda pack.

The Downside of a Tupperdor

Tupperdors work, but they’re far from perfect. They lack the natural humidity buffering and aroma of Spanish cedar, and they don’t breathe the same way a wooden humidor does. Over time, cigars stored in plastic may develop a duller flavor or age unevenly.

They’re great for beginners, travel, or overflow storage, but if you find yourself collecting more cigars, it’s worth upgrading to something built for the long haul.

That’s where an affordable desktop humidor can make a big difference. A small electric or wooden humidor gives you precise control, a stable environment, and that distinct cedar scent that enhances every cigar. At Refined Traditions, we carry several entry-level models that cost less than most people spend on a night out, yet deliver professional-grade results and peace of mind. 

Common Issues and Solutions

As with wooden humidors, it's normal for humidity to fluctuate from time to time. Maintenance is incredibly important in the cigar storage process. Here's what to look for if you're humidity levels are less than perfect, and the solutions to each problem.

Over-Humidification

If the humidity level exceeds 70%, it can lead to mold growth and damage to your cigars. To lower the humidity:

• Remove Excess Humidification Source: Take out some of the humidification packs or reduce the water in the sponge.
• Increase Air Circulation: Open the tupperdor for a short period to allow excess moisture to escape.

Under-Humidification

If humidity levels drop below 65%, your cigars may dry out. To increase humidity:

• Add More Humidification Source: Introduce additional Boveda packs or a larger sponge.
• Reduce Air Circulation: Ensure the container is sealed tightly and check for any leaks.

Final Thoughts

A tupperdor is a clever and inexpensive way to keep your cigars fresh without a major investment. It’s perfect for beginners who want a low-maintenance solution that simply works.

But once you start building your collection or care about aging cigars to perfection, it’s time to graduate from plastic. A real humidor, even a compact one, provides the stable humidity, cedar aroma, and visual appeal that elevate the experience from DIY to refined.

At Refined Traditions, we carry a variety of small and affordable humidors designed for exactly that step up. They’re reliable, beautifully built, and the perfect next move after you’ve tried your hand at a tupperdor. If you're interested in an upgrade, I recommend you peruse our whole desktop humidor collection to see if one catches your eye! 

Tupperdor FAQs

What’s the best tupperware for cigars?
The best tupperware for cigars is an airtight, BPA-free plastic container with a strong seal. Look for food-grade options like those made by Ziploc or Sistema, with enough space to lay your cigars flat and room for a humidification device. A clear lid is a bonus so you can check your cigars without opening the container.

How do you maintain tupperdor humidity?
To maintain proper humidity in a tupperdor, place a humidity control packet like Boveda inside and ensure the lid stays sealed tightly. Monitor the relative humidity using a digital hygrometer and keep the container in a cool, stable environment away from direct sunlight or temperature swings.

How many Boveda packs do you put in a tupperdor?
A general rule is one 60-gram Boveda pack for every 25 cigars. If your tupperdor holds 50 cigars, use two packs. Using extra won’t hurt, since Boveda only releases as much moisture as needed to maintain your target RH level.