Cigar Bar Humidifier question

[mjmac85]

Just went and picked up a few cigars for the weekend and saw a XIKAR Cigar Humidifier Bar 70% RH for about $8. I was looking to get a bar since my humidor just has the cheap sponge humidifier in it. While reading the directions it says use Propylene Glycol Solution to fill it. Can I just use distilled water?

Also managed to walk in right when they came form the back with a giant box of empty cigar boxes. Perfect for the tupperdor I am going to do.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I am thinking that the 70% would be coming from the solution since most are 70/70. Distilled would probably work but not produce the constant 70%. Also, if you're talking about loading up boxes, wouldn't a coolador work better than a tupperdor? I obviously don't know your set-up...just a suggestion.

 

[Cigary43]

When starting out with this hobby we tend to read a lot about different methods of humidification....different types of humidors....easiest way to care for the product...cello on or off...it can really overwhelm you unless you take it slow and easy. Distilled water is something that is in abundance and readily available that works...it's been tested and is pretty much no maintenance except to refresh your type of humidification....beads, kitty litter...foam. Gels work but you have to understand that it has a shelf life of about 2 years....but it does work well. What usually happens is when your hobby gets going and you buy a lot more cigars...and you will...using gels can get a little expensive so you look for a media that will work and not cost you a lot. Cooleradors and Tupperadors are very useful types of humidors and these days you can buy tupperadors that can hold up to 500 cigars very easily and that helps those who just want to supply their addiction w/o spending a ton on wood humidors. Cooleradors can be as cheap as $65 for a 120 quart size...that will house a lot of cigars.

 

[mjmac85]

Ok so coolerador it is. I'm already starting to see how space is going to become an issue. Just to clarify using distilled water will be fine with the bar?

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I think if you're going with a coolador the bar may not be enough. Might want to hit up Heartfelt and get some beads. They are pretty cheap and last a long time...less maintenance than gels as well.

 

[Master Shake]

Ok so coolerador it is. I'm already starting to see how space is going to become an issue. Just to clarify using distilled water will be fine with the bar?

Try it. It's not like you're gonna break the damn thing or something. If you're not achieving the desired results for whatever reason then you can switch how you're doing things. I would think it'll be fine however.

 

[mjmac85]

Don't have a hygrometer yet so don't have a way to really measure effectiveness. Going to give it a try. Good point about shifting to a coolidor and not enough humidification. Can still use this as an upgrade for my humidor for now.

 

[Rupe]

If they are telling you to use PG solution then that is what you should be using to charge it. Just using distilled water will probably not give you the 70% humidity you are looking for and you are going to see fluctuations. Basically the PG solution will "set" the gel at 70% humidity. My guess would be that you can then use distilled water for subsequent recharges.

 

[ciggy]

Your question probably would have been best answered in the storage thread which has alot of info on your question. Just remember if you go with a coolidoor or tuperdoor to let it breath from time to time. If not because of surrounding outside temps can cause mold to grow. I have used both gel containers and Heartfelt beads in all my humidors but wood breaths and plastic doesn't. Just a heads up.

 

[ascrivner]

Get a digital hygrometer as soon as you can, nothing beats knowing exactly what going on with your humidity. I got a pair of these and the price can't be beat http://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WS-HT12-Temperature-Thermo-Hygrometer/dp/B005Y0RFKO/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1369012157&sr=8-19&keywords=hygrometer