How to Set Up Your New Electric Humidor

A new electric humidor can feel plug and play, but the initial setup is where most long-term humidity issues are either prevented or created. The goal is to condition the interior, confirm your readings are accurate, and allow the unit to stabilize before loading it with cigars.

If you do not have an electric humidor yet and are still comparing models, our guide to the best electronic humidors in 2026 walks through the most popular options and breaks down how their humidity and temperature regulation systems differ.

Quick Setup Checklist

• Clean the interior with distilled water and let it dry.
• Calibrate or verify hygrometer accuracy.
  
• Fill the reservoir with distilled water and set your target humidity.
  
• Allow the unit to stabilize before adding cigars.
  
• Load cigars gradually and keep airflow clear.

How To Set Up Your New Electric Humidor Step-By-Step

Setting up an electric humidor properly from the start helps prevent humidity swings, condensation issues, and inaccurate readings down the line. The steps below walk through the full setup process, from initial delivery to loading your cigars, so your humidor can stabilize and perform as intended.

Step 1: Let the Unit Rest After Delivery

Once your electric humidor arrives, place it upright in its final location and allow it to rest before powering it on. This is especially important for larger units or models that use compressors, but it is still a good habit for thermoelectric designs as well.

Allowing the humidor to come to room temperature helps prevent early humidity swings caused by cold interior surfaces or warm packaging materials.

Step 2: Clean the Interior Properly

Before turning the unit on, wipe down the interior surfaces, shelves, and trays using a clean cloth lightly dampened with distilled water. This removes dust from manufacturing and shipping without introducing minerals or residue.

Do not use scented cleaners, disinfectants, or household wipes. Spanish cedar absorbs odors easily, and those smells can transfer directly into your cigars.

Step 3: Verify Your Hygrometer Readings

Before chasing humidity numbers, confirm that your hygrometer is reading accurately. Even digital hygrometers can drift over time or arrive slightly off from the factory. A simple calibration test using a salt test or calibration kit can help verify accuracy before you begin adjusting settings.

Many owners keep a second hygrometer inside the unit for comparison, placing it near the center of the storage area rather than against the door or vents. This gives a more reliable picture of the actual environment your cigars experience.

Step 4: Season the Unit Using the Built-In Humidification System

Electric humidors are generally designed to be seasoned using their internal humidification system, so you can put those Boveda packs away! First, fill the water reservoir or tray with distilled water only, following the manufacturer’s recommended fill level. Do not overfill. Once filled, close the door, power on the unit, and allow it to begin building humidity naturally.

Set your target humidity, typically around 70 percent, and let the unit run uninterrupted until it reaches that level. To confirm seasoning is complete, many owners remove the water source once the unit reaches the target humidity and leave the door closed for 24 hours. If the humidor holds steady without active moisture input, the interior materials are properly conditioned.

After testing, refill the reservoir, reset your humidity controls to your preferred level, and the unit is ready for cigars. Manufacturers may recommend anywhere from one day to several days, or up to a full week for larger units, to fully stabilize. Always follow the guidance specific to your model.

Step 5: Check Airflow Before Loading

Electric humidors rely on internal airflow to distribute humidity evenly throughout the unit. Before adding cigars, take a moment to identify vents, fans, or humidification outlets and make sure they are not obstructed.

Shelves, drawers, and trays are designed to promote circulation, so avoid placing cigar boxes directly against vents or stacking items tightly in corners. Clear airflow helps prevent uneven humidity zones and keeps the system from working harder than necessary.

Step 6: Load Cigars Gradually

Once the humidor is holding steady, begin loading cigars in stages rather than filling it all at once. Cigars and cigar boxes absorb moisture, especially if they were previously stored in drier conditions, which can temporarily pull humidity down.

Leave space between loose cigars and boxes so air can move freely around them. Overcrowding restricts circulation and can lead to slow recovery times or inconsistent readings across shelves, particularly in larger units.

Step 7: Monitor the First Week of Use

During the first week, check humidity and temperature once or twice per day without making constant adjustments. Minor fluctuations are normal as the humidor balances itself with the added contents inside.

If readings settle and remain consistent, your electric humidor is fully set up and operating as intended. At this point, ongoing maintenance typically involves only occasional reservoir refills and routine checks.

If You Bought Your Electric Humidor From Us

If your electric humidor does not stabilize after proper setup, please reach out. We can help determine whether the issue is related to calibration, airflow, water levels, or a component that needs attention. If your unit is under warranty, we will also help coordinate replacement parts or next steps so your cigars stay protected!