The coolidor is becoming a very popular method of storing one’s cigars because the truth of the matter is that not all cigar enthusiasts can afford the expensive cigar humidors. Cigar humidors are expensive and a lot of enthusiasts are looking for ways to save up on a few bucks without sacrificing the quality of the cigar preservation. The internet offers do it yourself alternatives to cigar humidors, one of which is the coolidor.
The first item you would need in a coolidor is a cooler. The size of the cooler depends on the number of cigars you are planning to store. The size of cooler really doesn’t matter, the most important thing is that you choose a cooler that has a tight seal. An airtight seal ensures that the humidity inside your coolidor will be regulated.
The next item would need to build a coolidor is a device that can control the humidity within the coolidor. Any humidification device can be used to control the humidity. One of the more popular solutions to humidity is humidification beads. There are a lot of stores on the internet that are selling these beads. If you are considering these beads, you must keep in mind that they maintain 65% – 70% humidity in the cooler. To keep the beads at a good level, use only distilled water. The beads are clear when the humidity level are high, if they turn white it means that it is time to you refill it with distilled water. Humidification beads are a cheap and easy way to regulate humidity.
Although humidification beads offer you a way to measure the humidity in the coolidor, these are not enough. You need an accurate measuring device to know the exact level of humidity in your coolidor. This is why you need to buy a good hygrometer. You can buy a hygrometer for around $20.
Once you have these three items, you can now start seasoning your coolidor and, soon enough, storing your cigars. Cigar enthusiasts sometimes keep their lighters matches, cigar cutters and other cigar accessories in the coolidor with their cigars.
Cigar humidors use cedar wood to line the interiors because they absorb moisture well and, as an effect, regulate the humidity in the coolidor. By using cedar wood, you are ensured that excess moisture and humidity will be absorbed by the wood and will keep your cigars preserved. You can buy empty cigar boxes made of cedar wood from your local tobacco shop.
Once you have all your equipment, then it’s time to start preparing your coolidor. The first step is to clean your cooler. It is best that you avoid strong chemicals when cleaning the cooler as they may leave residue and smells that can leave an unwanted taste in the cigar. Once you have cleaned the cooler, then you can start placing your cigar boxes in the cooler. Remember to save a space where you can put a small dish that contains your humidification beads. Place the beads at two sides of the cooler to ensure that the moisture is evenly spread within the cooler. Check the humidity after two days and ensure that the hygrometer reading is at around 65-70%. The temperatures should preferably be under 70 or low 70s max.
Once you have ensured that the humidity levels in the cooler are regulated, you can now start storing your cigars in the boxes. By making your own coolidor you can save a lot of money from spending on expensive cigar humidors.
The author is a cigar enthusiast and has written extensive guides on such products as the , an inexpensive way to store cigars, and tips on making the best . Also, see some of his latest guides on the
