It doesn't make a lot of sense to buy expensive cigars and then trust their care to a not-so-worthy cigar humidor! In this article we will try to convey the most important elements in selecting a quality cigar humidor.

Here is a quick list of some important things to consider when purchasing a cigar humidor:

1. Seal: The most important aspect of a humidor is its ability to hold humidity. The seal will do that. When looking at cigar humidors, check to see how it closes when the lid is dropped from 2-3 inches. If it lands on a cushion of air, the seal is fine. If it "clangs" when the lid is dropped, walk away because that isn't a quality humidor....in fact, "it's just a box". Look to see what hinges are used to close the lid. The best cigar humidors use hidden quadrant hinges and/or piano hinges, as they supply the best seal possible.

2. Exterior Construction: The sidewalls and bottom of the humidor should be at a minimum, ½" thick. The thicker the sidewalls the more resistant the interior will be to external temperature and humidity changes. Large temperature and humidity fluctuations will ruin your cigars. Check to see if the outside bottom of the humidor is lined with felt to prevent scratching of the furniture that you place your humidor on.

3. Interior Construction: It is extremely important that your humidor be lined in Kiln-Dried Spanish Cedar. This is the industry standard when it comes to quality made humidors. Spanish cedar is less aromatic than other woods that are sometimes used in humidors. "You don't want overly aromatic woods in your humidor as it may impart an unwanted flavor to your cigars". Additionally, Spanish cedar is less prone to warping which is imperative when used in a high humidity application such as a cigar humidor. If your interior warps, your seal will be broken and your cigars will be ruined. Having the interior Kiln-Dried gets rid of all the natural moisture that all woods contain. If the humidor you're looking at has trays, make sure that they are ventilated to assure the humidity in your humidor can circulate to all cigars in the humidor.

4. Style: Want something to impress your poker playing buddies or just to have on your desk without being fancy? Matte finish or a multiple layer high gloss finish? One for the golf bag? There are so many styles to choose from it can be pretty confusing. Just make sure the humidor fits your personal style.

5. Quality: Don't let price alone influence your decision as to what is a quality cigar humidor. There are many humidors on the market today that retail for less than $100 that will keep your cigars perfectly fresh for a long time. Look at all the variables discussed in steps 1-4 and you should have an easier time finding a quality humidor.

Avoid mixing too many types of cigars in a single humidor...especially if they come without cellophane wrappers. They will marry their aromas and you will not have the cigars you thought you had. We always advise multiple cigar humidors if they have premium cigars without cellophane wrappers. Many premium cigars, such as La Gloria Cubana Serie line, have no cellophane on their cigars and these should not come in contact with other un-cellophaned cigars in your humidor.

Take your time...follow the 5 steps outlined above and you will have an easier time in finding a quality cigar humidor.