My humidor could be excellent! It has as tight seal, accurate hydrometer, dividers, glass panels, and an upper tray for my finer smokes. The only problem, my slowly but surely dying humidifier. Of course, a humidifier is essential for making a functional humidor (Who would have thought?).
The unit that came with my humidor was one of those standard, green-foam-style rectangles that you just slap on the roof of your humidor. These units are notorious for becoming nonporous, and in the annual world, are inevitably replaced.
So, it was time to get a new one. I did some searching because I was tired of being patient and letting it soak up the distilled water and then constantly wiping it dry after doing so; Only to find that it would only get my sticks to 70% RH for a few days.
I narrowed my choice down to Xikar’s Crystal Clear Humidifier. It has these gel crystals in a simple clear cup that regulates your humidor to a perfect 70% RH (adds or takes away humidity). I also read somewhere that they are less likely to grow fungus. The only down-fall I have with this new humidifier is that it takes up precious real-estate unlike the one that sticks to the lid. However, I am sure they have ones that do so. I have seen them in cylindrical shapes that you can place anywhere, like a cigar.
The directions are simple enough. “Simply remove the cap and place inside your humidor. When the crystals shrink below the “Add Line” on jar, refill with XIKAR Propylene Glycol Solution.”
click on pics for close-ups
After a week of solid performance, I now have a restored “excellent” humidor. I would highly recommend investing in a crystal clear styled humidifier. I paid 10 bucks for this larger 4 oz that humidifies most large humidors…Well worth it!
honestly, James
