Finally part of the wineador club

[bwhyte]

I was having trouble maintaining a acceptable temperature in my humidor so I finally went out and got a Magicchef wine/beverage cooler off craigslist for $80.00. I would guestimate it's around a 25-30 bottle. I would post some pictures but I dont know how to do it. I did it before so I may have to research how to do it again.
The guy didn't have a owners manual and I am not sure of the model so I was having a hard time setting the temp. I set is as far up as 62degrees and after playing with a bit more I got it to 63. That should be alright I suppose, I don't think 2 degrees is going to hurt.
Thanks everyone for the advice on temperature control. I appreciate it.
Once I figure out how to post pictures, I will be sure to put them up.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[maverickdrinker]

very nice. I only use beads for mine. Not even plugged in. Keeps perfect humidity.

 

[bwhyte]

What about temperature?

 

[jjon90]

Is the cooler thermo-electric cooled?

 

[bwhyte]

I actually just found out is a beverage cooler so the temp only goes to 54 degrees. This is a major problem.
Not sure what to do at this point! I just got screwed out of $80 bucks I think.

any suggestions?

 

[tobii3]

uh....duh? BEER FRIDGE!!!!!!!!!

:stretchgr

 

[bwhyte]

Unfortunately I don't drink anymore. I thought about buying a digital timer and have it go on for 30 mins every 2.5 hours. I can just set it to 54 and hope it maintains between 60 and 73 degrees.
My only concern would be if I am doing any damage to my cigars buying having them get hit with cold air for 30s mins and warming up, then cooling down etc...

 

[tobii3]

Unfortunately I don't drink anymore.

oh f*ck me...sorry for the smarta$$ comment B...

the cold/warm will definitely tweak the wrappers on all your sticks.

Remember, cigars are naturally hygroscopic, and cool air contains moisture - now, we're not talking violent temp changes, but enough to warrant worrying about your sticks.

 

[OB-Left]

I actually just found out is a beverage cooler so the temp only goes to 54 degrees. This is a major problem.
Not sure what to do at this point! I just got screwed out of $80 bucks I think.

any suggestions?

Not screwed. You just need an ETC. Check this link.

http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html

 

[bwhyte]

oh f*ck me...sorry for the smarta$$ comment B...

the cold/warm will definitely tweak the wrappers on all your sticks.

Remember, cigars are naturally hygroscopic, and cool air contains moisture - now, we're not talking violent temp changes, but enough to warrant worrying about your sticks.

No worries about the comment! My best friend drinks like a fish!! lol

I thought about the ETC but not sure it's in my budget right now. I may try and sell in on Craigslist unless by some miracle, having cigars at 54 degrees won't harm them! I doubt I am going to be that lucky!!

 

[GolfNut]

Have you checked it yet with a thermometer? You might get lucky. Plug it in and see what it actually does.

 

[bwhyte]

I have. I have shut it off, and my thermometer reads 75. I am going to start it up again and see what it says. Hopefully I was just getting a wrong reading

 

[bwhyte]

Now I read that 54 degrees or so is not bad provided the temp and humidity levels are stable and constant? Is there any truth to that?

 

[Jwrussell]

You can get away with it so long as condensation does not become a problem. Really, I would go with the ETC. Forgo that next box of smokes. It doesn't cost any more than the cooler you just picked up.

 

[MattNJ]

i would spend the $50 and get an ETC asap before all your sticks are screwed. good luck man

 

[bwhyte]

I may just break down and get one!! Does brand matter? Do I need to look for anything in particular?
Also has anyone installed one? How hard they to do. I am not mechanically inclined whatsoever, so it would be a shame for me to get and not be able to install.

Thanks

 

[JNT]

Post some pics

 

[veeref]

As jjon asked earlier, do you know if the unit is thermoelectric or compressor cooled? I would find this out before you went any further. 54 degrees seems a little on the cold side for a thermoelectric since the ones I've used top out at around 60-63 degrees.

If its compressor cooled and you don't need it to maintain a temperature or your place never gets above 70, you could simply leave it unplugged and tell yourself you bought an expensive coolidor. You definitely don't want to run a compressor cooled wineador since it will probably dry out your cigars.

If its a thermoelectric unit, then its pretty easy to regulate with an ETC like the guys here have said. All you need to do is simply plug the ETC module in-between your unit and the wall, stick the temperature probe somewhere in your unit, and set your desired temp.

Let us know what you find out.

Regards,
Randy

 

[orangedog]

You definitely don't want to run a compressor cooled wineador since it will probably dry out your cigars.

Huh? Thermoelectric is far and away better, but a compressor unit will work just fine.

 

[bwhyte]

Well I am no longer part of the wineador club for the present time. I was able to sell it today. I had someone willing to pay 90 (I got for 80) but when he got here I only wanted 80!
I did some research and after I bought the ETC, I would have spent more then just a new one. So now my quest for the wineador is back on! Hopefully I will be purchasing one here within the next week.

I do appreciate everyone's help on the forum!