Just purchased an avanti swc2800m-1

[wutnot]

Being concerned with the hot summer months ahead I just purchased an avanti swc2800m-1 wine fridge.



I am fairly new to the hobby and have not yet gone through a summer in NYC and properly storing cigars.

Currently I am using a $60 50ct humidor and empty casa magna cigar boxes for the extra storage space. I find that the seals on the these extra cases to not hold the RH steady as the ambiant conditions fluxuate.

So with limit space available and the summer approaching, I made the splurge to kill two birds with one stone, hence my new wine fridge.

Everything I read, is that wine fridge will provide the most optimum conditions for my stogies.

I am currently airing out the new fridge due to the new plastic smell.
Wiped it down with mild soap and water and allowing a day or two to air out, as suggested in a wine fridge 101 post.

I have a 1/2 lb of 65RH beads on the way, but will most likely order another lb to make sure I have the 28 bottle space covered as I will probably be opening it often to admire my smokes.

I will just put the cigar boxes in the fridge once ready and never have to worry about temp or humidity every again!! that is great, as I am finding as a beginner I have been anal about RH levels, even though I read everywhere not to try and over manage it.

Now I open it up to any suggestions, comments or to just plan applause.

Cheers and happy smoking.

Wutnot

 

[Danilo]

Suggestion... Get some drawers and a Shelf, at least a pound of beads, and 1 fan! good to go with that!

 

[wutnot]

thanks for the suggestions! Is that how you store your stogies also Danilo?

 

[Danilo]

thanks for the suggestions! Is that how you store your stogies also Danilo?

Same exact unit. 3 drawers in the bottom slots, 1 shelf right above it... the space up top is for boxes (should fit 7-8 snugly)

I use 2 pounds of beads, but most people say you should be ok with 1... I struggle with the 2 right now.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Definately agree with Danilo, you will need/want at least another 1 lb. of beads.

 

[mhlatke]

Definately agree with Danilo, you will need/want at least another 1 lb. of beads.

+1

You can get by with less beads but a little extra keeps the humidity steady and greatly minimizes your maintenance. I only have to add a little water to mine every few months.

Good luck!

 

[MichaelJ]

Congrats on the Avanti!!! When I set up my Edgestar I found the only thing that really worked to get the plastic smell out was activated charcoal. Have fun filling this up!!!

 

[jjon90]

Yes, you must get the smell out before storing the cigars! Michael is absolutely correct! Use the charcoal to absorb the plastic odors.
PM me your addy and I will send you a rubber plug for the inner drain.
If you have condensation issues pull the plug and problem solved!
I also put a small Tupperware with florist foam soaked with distilled to replenish the moisture in the beads when needed. It is very dry here so you may not need do it if you have higher humidity where you live.

 

[wutnot]

Thanks so much for the advice. I ran to 7-11 and got a box of bake soda, will that do the job in your opinion?
Charcoal? Activated Charcoal I am guessing can be purchased at a hardware store or like a home depot. How long would you suggest it be kept in the fridge to get rid of the odor to be safe?

Regarding the rubber Plug, can I just use a paper towel or something to stuff it up?

Thanks so much for the great advice.

wutnot

 

[BesstR]

I like the idea of florist foam may need to try that in mine.

 

[wutnot]

Thanks Jjon, currently the ambient RH is 70% and NYC doesnt have desert like condition, so I am thinking it maybe alright with the basin of extra moisture.

Thanks again!

 

[swat253]

CONGRATS on the purchase! I just acquired a 28 bottle Vinotemp last week and I know how proud (and relieved) you must feel. There are a lot of wine fridge owners here and I'm sure we'll both pick up pointers from a lot of them.

 

[wutnot]

Yes I am very excited on my purchase. It appears it will hold at about 63-64 degrees temp. Although it is not at 70 degrees (ideal) I see no reason the slightly lower temp will adversely effect the cigars.

I like the Vinotemp and everything I hear about it, people mention it is the best.
It was just a bit out of my price range, as it looks to be a bit pricier.

 

[jjon90]

Thanks so much for the advice. I ran to 7-11 and got a box of bake soda, will that do the job in your opinion?
Charcoal? Activated Charcoal I am guessing can be purchased at a hardware store or like a home depot. How long would you suggest it be kept in the fridge to get rid of the odor to be safe?

Regarding the rubber Plug, can I just use a paper towel or something to stuff it up?

Thanks so much for the great advice.

wutnot

Any Pet store that sales fish aquarium supplies should carry it!. The baking soda did not work for me!

 

[wutnot]

Thank you so much Jjon for replying. My wise amazing girlfriend said the same thing about the charcoal (she made me write that).

Off the topic question for anyone. Can I store wine in the same fridge with cigar without compromising either?

Ha, I probably will need the space for just cigars

 

[jjon90]

Thank you so much Jjon for replying. My wise amazing girlfriend said the same thing about the charcoal (she made me write that).

Off the topic question for anyone. Can I store wine in the same fridge with cigar without compromising either?

Ha, I probably will need the space for just cigars

As I have found through experience with all the wonderful cigars available, there will be NO room for wine!

FAILED WINE STORAGE!

 

[jjon90]

My wise amazing girlfriend said the same thing about the charcoal (she made me write that).

She's a keeper!eckkiss:

 

[swat253]

I really wanted a Vino but the price was more than I wanted to spend for literally 3 months of cooling, but I looked high and low until I found [post=734346]the one I just bought[/post] on craigslist.

The seller's daughter had it on her wedding registry, but then never used it after they received it as a gift. Luck was definitely on my side that day!

Enjoy tweaking your new storage toy!

 

[wutnot]

Congratz Swat, great find! I was not willing to spend $350 a wine fridge even though I hear great things regarding that particular unit.

 

[PLUSH]

I really wanted a Vino but the price was more than I wanted to spend for literally 3 months of cooling, but I looked high and low until I found [post=734346]the one I just bought[/post] on craigslist.

The seller's daughter had it on her wedding registry, but then never used it after they received it as a gift. Luck was definitely on my side that day!

Enjoy tweaking your new storage toy!

I've had one for 4 years now, and good luck on that 3 months, I find more like 8- 9 months if you want to keep it under 70.