How to Make a Homemade Cigar Humidor

Building a homemade cigar humidor is a rewarding project that allows you to preserve your cigars in optimal conditions. Here are the main steps for building a cigar humidor at home.

1. Choice of Container

To begin, you'll need a suitable container that can be converted into a humidor. A wooden chest , a metal box , or a cooler are popular options. The crucial element is choosing an airtight container to maintain a stable humidity level. The most effective humidors are often made of Spanish cedar wood, which helps regulate humidity, but it's possible to convert other types of containers if you incorporate cedar.

• Option 1: Use an existing container – A small wooden chest or box can be lined with cedar leaves to make an economical cigar humidor.
• Option 2: Build a chest from scratch – If you are handy, you can build a chest from Spanish cedar wood, although this method requires some carpentry skills.

2. Installation of Cedar Siding

Spanish cedar is recommended for lining the interior of your humidor because it absorbs excess moisture and redistributes it when the air becomes too dry. Cedar also protects cigars from mold and pests.

• Buy Cedar Sheets : Find cedar sheets at woodworking supply stores.
• Cutting and fitting the plates : The sheets must be cut to the inside dimensions of the container. Use an odorless adhesive to secure the plates to the walls of the box.
• Tightness Adjustment : Make sure the cedar boards are snug to prevent air leaks and keep moisture inside.

3. Installation of a Humidification System

The heart of any humidor is the humidification system, which maintains humidity levels between 65% and 75%. There are several options for adding a humidifier to your humidor:

• Passive humidifiers : These systems use sponges or humidification bags filled with distilled water or glycol solution. Simply place these items in the cellar to regulate humidity.
• Active humidifiers : Electric active systems allow for more precise humidity control, although they are more expensive. These devices add or remove humidity as needed.

You'll also need to invest in a hygrometer , a small instrument that measures the humidity inside your cellar. Analog or digital hygrometers are recommended for regularly monitoring humidity.

4. Seal and Test the Cellar

Once you've finished the interior with cedar and installed the humidification system, it's important to test the cellar for leaks.

• Checking for leaks : Close the cellar and check for air leaks. A simple method is to use a sheet of paper. If the paper doesn't slide easily once the cellar is closed, it means it's properly sealed.
• Cedar Saturating : Before storing your cigars, it is recommended to saturate the cedar slabs by letting the humidifier sit for several days. This ensures that the wood absorbs moisture and maintains a stable level.

5. Storing Cigars

Once you've prepared your humidor, you can begin storing your cigars. Be sure to follow a few best practices:

• Organization : It is best to organize cigars by type or date of purchase, using dividers to prevent them from coming into direct contact with each other.
• Cigar Rotation : Every few months, rotate your cigars to ensure even humidification.
• Humidor Maintenance : Check the hygrometer regularly and refill the humidifier as needed. Make sure to keep your humidor temperature between 16 and 20°C to prevent cigars from drying out.

Conclusion

Building a homemade cigar humidor is both a practical and rewarding project for cigar lovers. By following the steps for installing cedar wood, choosing a good humidification system, and ensuring strict humidity management, you will ensure optimal storage of your cigars. This will help you preserve the freshness, flavor, and quality of your precious cigars for many years to come.