Do You Need an Electric Humidor? Pros and Cons

For anyone who has invested in cigars, one question eventually comes up: should you get an electric humidor? A traditional cedar humidor works fine if you maintain it carefully, but electric humidors promise convenience, precision, and consistent performance. Before you decide, let’s break down the pros, cons, and everything you need to know about how these units work.

What Is an Electric Humidor?

An electric humidor is a climate-controlled storage unit designed to keep cigars at the perfect humidity and temperature with very little manual effort. Unlike a traditional wood box humidor, which relies on sponges or Boveda packs, electric humidors use built-in humidifiers, fans, and thermostats to regulate the environment.

In simple terms, it’s a “set it and forget it” system that maintains your collection without the constant monitoring required by traditional models.

How Do Electric Humidors Work?

Electric humidors use electronic sensors and fans to circulate air evenly throughout the cabinet. The integrated humidifier typically has a water reservoir or tray that keeps humidity at your target level. Many models also feature digital hygrometers and thermostats so you can fine-tune the settings.

Instead of relying on cedar’s natural absorbency, electric humidors create a consistent microclimate, preventing hot spots, dryness, or excess moisture. That precision is why collectors often prefer them for larger or more valuable cigar collections.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Electric Humidor?

The main benefits of electric humidors are convenience, precision, and stability.

• Convenience: No more weekly refilling of sponges or rotating cigars to avoid uneven humidity. You simply fill the water reservoir when needed and let the machine do the work.
• Precision: Built-in sensors hold humidity within a few percentage points and temperature within a degree or two. That means no wild swings that could crack wrappers or dull flavors.
• Capacity & Design: Electric models are available in everything from compact desktop units to full cabinet humidors that look like furniture.
• Troubleshooting: Issues like humidity swings, fan problems, or a low water tray are easy to spot thanks to digital displays and alerts. Traditional humidors rarely warn you when something is off.

Pros of Electric Humidors

1. Set-It-and-Forget-It Control – Once you dial in your preferred humidity and temperature, the system runs itself.
2. Large Storage Options – Perfect for collections of 200–1,000 cigars, depending on the model.
3. Dual Control (Temp + Humidity) – Ideal for cigar aging or for homes with fluctuating climates.
4. Digital Precision – Less guesswork compared to analog hygrometers.
5. Low Maintenance – Occasional water refills and basic cleaning are all that’s required.

Cons of Electric Humidors

1. Higher Cost – Electric models can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.
2. Power Dependency – A power outage means your humidor stops regulating conditions.
3. Mechanical Parts – Fans and seals can eventually wear out, requiring maintenance or replacement.
4. Noise & Space – Some models hum like a mini-fridge and may not suit every room.
5. Less Traditional Feel – Purists argue that nothing beats cedar’s natural interaction with cigars.

What Is the Optimum Temperature for a Home Electric Humidor?

Most cigar experts recommend keeping cigars at 65–70% relative humidity and a temperature around 65–70°F (18–21°C). Electric humidors allow you to adjust these settings precisely. Many smokers set the temperature closer to 68°F for consistency and to minimize the risk of tobacco beetles.

Traditional vs. Electric Humidors

Traditional humidors are charming, timeless, and inexpensive at entry level. But they require seasoning, regular monitoring, and a steady environment.

Electric humidors, on the other hand, excel in climates with seasonal swings, or for collectors who don’t want the hassle of constant upkeep. They’re more of an investment, but they safeguard your cigars with accuracy that wood boxes simply can’t match.

Final Verdict: Do You Need an Electric Humidor?

If you smoke occasionally and only keep a handful of sticks, a small cedar humidor will serve you just fine. But if your collection is growing, or you value precision and convenience, then an electric humidor is well worth it.

For serious cigar enthusiasts, electric humidors offer the best balance of technology, protection, and peace of mind. With options ranging from desktop to full cabinet models, there’s one that can fit your space and your collection.