If you've just purchased an electric humidor from Refined Traditions, you're about to experience a whole new level of cigar storage and preservation. To ensure your cigars stay fresh, you need to season your electric humidor properly before storing your collection. Seasoning adjusts the interior humidity, so your cigars don’t dry out or get too moist. Here, we’ll guide you through two proven methods: the traditional sponge method and the hassle-free Boveda pack method.
Traditional Method for Seasoning Your Electric Humidor
For cigar aficionados who prefer to stick with a more hands-on approach, the traditional method for seasoning an electric humidor is tried and true. Here's how to do it:
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Unpack and Position Your Humidor
Start by unboxing your electric humidor and placing it in your desired spot. Make sure it's in a location with stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Models like Raching, Humidor Supreme, and Prestige Import Group offer various sizes, so choose your placement wisely.
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Prepare the Sponge
Grab a clean sponge and soak it with distilled water or a propylene glycol solution. These solutions ensure consistent humidity levels and prevent mold growth. Wring out the sponge so it’s damp but not dripping.
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Place the Sponge in the Humidor
Lay a plastic bag on one of the shelves or the bottom of the humidor. Then, place the damp sponge on top of the plastic bag. This prevents direct contact between the sponge and the wood, which could cause warping or damage over time.
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Calibrate and Insert Your Humidification Device
Calibrate your humidification device and place it inside the humidor. Most of our models come with built-in temperature and humidity regulation systems, but some, like the Humidor Supreme Cigar Lockers, may require an additional device, like our Large Hydra Kits, for maintaining optimal conditions.
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Close the Door and Wait
Shut the humidor door and let it sit for at least 24 hours. During this time, the wood will absorb the moisture, slowly raising the humidity level inside.
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Check the Humidity Levels
After 24 hours, open the humidor and check the humidity level using your hygrometer. You're aiming for a humidity level of about 70%. If the levels are not quite there yet, close the door and let it sit for another 24 hours. Since these humidors can be quite large, don't sweat it if you're not there yet: this process can take up to a week!
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Remove the Sponge and Plastic Bag
Once your desired humidity level is reached, remove the sponge and plastic bag. Your electric humidor is now seasoned and ready to store your cigars!
This traditional method can take a bit more elbow grease, but it’s a great way to ensure your humidor is perfectly prepped.
Boveda Pack Method: A Hassle-Free Alternative
If you're looking for a less time-consuming option, the Boveda pack method is a convenient alternative. Boveda packs are specially designed to regulate humidity and are easy to use. Here’s how to season your electric humidor using Boveda packs:
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Place the Boveda 84% Packs Inside
Begin by placing Boveda 84% seasoning packs inside your empty, unplugged electric humidor. These packs work quickly to adjust the humidity to ideal levels.
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Close the Door and Wait
Shut the humidor door and leave it unopened for 7 full days. The Boveda packs will regulate the internal environment without any extra effort on your part.
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Remove the Boveda Packs
After 7 days, open your humidor and remove the Boveda seasoning packs. Discard them, as they aren’t reusable for future seasoning.
This method requires less hands-on work and guarantees consistent humidity, making it perfect for those who want a quick, easy solution.
A word of caution: Only use 84% packs for seasoning! Stick with either the 72% or the 69% Boveda packs for maintenance purposes. Otherwise, your humidor will become too humid and it will risk ruining your cigars with mold growth and the potential appearance of tobacco beetles. Trust me, you don't want that to happen.
Maintaining Humidity in Your Electric Humidor
Once your electric humidor is seasoned, it’s essential to maintain the right humidity levels. Most of our electric humidors from brands like Raching and Prestige Import Group come with built-in temperature and humidity regulation systems, ensuring your cigars are kept at optimal conditions year-round. However, for models like the Humidor Supreme Cigar Locker, you may need to install your own electric humidifier, such as our Large Hydra Kits, to keep things running smoothly.
Monitoring the humidity is crucial. Aim to keep levels around 70% to preserve your cigars' flavor and freshness. Regularly check your hygrometer to ensure everything is in balance. If the humidity dips below 65%, you may need to add distilled water to your humidification device or place additional Boveda packs inside to stabilize the levels.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're using the traditional method or the Boveda pack approach, seasoning your electric humidor is a key step to maintaining the longevity and quality of your cigars. At Refined Traditions, we take pride in offering a wide selection of electric humidors, from sleek, stainless steel models to classic mahogany finishes. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your cigars are stored in the perfect environment, ready to be enjoyed whenever you choose.
For more information on keeping your humidor at peak performance, explore our other guides or reach out to our customer support team for personalized advice.
