humidor humidity advice

[blee]

I was given a humidor, did some research on proper ways to season it and keep humidity. However still having issues.

seasoned the humidor twice with a sponge and distilled water. Purchased a Xikar puro temp hygrometer, no cailbration needed. Also bought a Xikar 4oz crystal humidifier jar.

I have about 15 cigars in thehumidor, the humidity is staying at a consistent 61%. It has been 2 weeks. Any thoughts? Should I leave some distilled water in a cup in the humidor?

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Avvatar]

What size humi? I've got a 100 count with about 15-20 sticks in it. I use 2 boveda 65's and seasoned it twice. With that small amount in it, it wouldn't keep near 65. I now keep a shot glass of distilled water in it and it stays between 65 and 67. That's my $.02. I hope it helps.

 

[ichett]

Even though the hygrometer is a non calibration hygrometer, you might still want to get a kit to make sure it's reading correctly. How long did you get the humidor rest before you added in your cigars?

I like to leave a shot glass full of distilled water until the hygrometer reads 70%, then i'll start adding cigars along with heartfelt beads.

 

[blee]

Thanks for the info, I am not sure exactly the count but I don't think its more than a 100 count humidor. Ill try leaving some water in it.

 

[blee]

Even though the hygrometer is a non calibration hygrometer, you might still want to get a kit to make sure it's reading correctly. How long did you get the humidor rest before you added in your cigars?

I like to leave a shot glass full of distilled water until the hygrometer reads 70%, then i'll start adding cigars along with heartfelt beads.

I actually did not let the humidor sit without cigars after I seasoned it. I seasoned it and then added the cigars in right away.

 

[apnutter]

The xikar hygro I just bought calibrated 2 less than the 75% boveda kit. I'd calibrate it. It's a 4 dollar kit that is being used to calibrate a hygro that is responsible for sticks worth more than that. Just me .02

 

[jonesry09]

I bought 4 of those Xikar hygro's the other day. Not one of them was correct. In fact, one was 7% low. I was/am pissed.

 

[jeremyk]

Those hydros suck. Bought one the other day 6% off humidity n 3* degrees off temp piece of junk. Get a hydroset u can adjust after using the boveda kit

 

[rdomfoto]

So, as a few others have noted, drop the $5 on the calibration kit from Boveda. You can't calibrate the hygro but at least you'll know if it is off and by how much.

Also, make sure when you leave a bowl of water in the humi that it's distilled water!

One question - what kind of humidor? Does it have a glass top? It could be an issue with the humidor not sealing properly. Even if the hygro is not correct, I can't imagine it being off by 10% or so. Sounds like your humi is leaking air.

Have you tried the paper test?

 

[apnutter]

Easy solution=cooler or wineadore.

 

[blee]

So, as a few others have noted, drop the $5 on the calibration kit from Boveda. You can't calibrate the hygro but at least you'll know if it is off and by how much.

Also, make sure when you leave a bowl of water in the humi that it's distilled water!

One question - what kind of humidor? Does it have a glass top? It could be an issue with the humidor not sealing properly. Even if the hygro is not correct, I can't imagine it being off by 10% or so. Sounds like your humi is leaking air.

Have you tried the paper test?

I just bought a calibration kit. I also put a cup of distilled water in it. I closed the humidor with a piece of paper sticking out, very good seal. The humidor looks to be solid. But I will do all things mentioned and see where the humidity is at.

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[blee]

On a side note - does anyone have experience with the paradigm humidifier?

 

[rdomfoto]

I don't suppose the humidor has a glass top?

 

[blee]

I don't suppose the humidor has a glass top?

sorry, no glass top.

 

[rdomfoto]

Hmmm....

Okay, so the humi is sealing well, there's no glass top (the usual culprit for air leaks) and the Xikar gel, although rated for 70%, is often a bit higher than that.

I am really thinking, at this point, that the hygrometer is way off. If it is, you don't necessarily need to replace it, but I'd put a note inside the humidor to remind myself to add/subtract from the hygro reading.

Another suggestion, once you figure out the issue, would be to not use the gel and switch to either Boveda packs, kitty litter, or Heartfelt beads since they, unlike the gel canisters, pull excess moisture out of the air inside the humi.

Just a suggestion though.

 

[The EVP]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's because you have so few cigars in there. Humidors work best when they're at least 2/3rds full. Also, go with humidification beads from Heartfelt Industries. Once you get more cigars in there, it should level off to where you want it to be.

 

[blee]

Hmmm....

Okay, so the humi is sealing well, there's no glass top (the usual culprit for air leaks) and the Xikar gel, although rated for 70%, is often a bit higher than that.

I am really thinking, at this point, that the hygrometer is way off. If it is, you don't necessarily need to replace it, but I'd put a note inside the humidor to remind myself to add/subtract from the hygro reading.

Another suggestion, once you figure out the issue, would be to not use the gel and switch to either Boveda packs, kitty litter, or Heartfelt beads since they, unlike the gel canisters, pull excess moisture out of the air inside the humi.

Just a suggestion though.

Thanks for the suggestion, what about buying a humidification device vs. boveda/ beads?

 

[plumber1965]

Thanks for the suggestion, what about buying a humidification device vs. boveda/ beads?

I feel that would be overkill for that small of a humidor. My .02

 

[herfdog]

Have you tried the paper test?

I am curious as to what is this paper test you are talking about

 

[rdomfoto]

Thanks for the suggestion, what about buying a humidification device vs. boveda/ beads?

I feel that would be overkill for that small of a humidor. My .02

FWIW, I agree. KL, beads, or Boveda packs would be plenty