The cigar smoker is a discerning type, a man – or woman – with taste and an understanding of style. The differences between cigars and cigarettes put the worlds apart, and there is a certain exclusivity to cigars. This applies to the accessories that go with cigars.
For example, if you cherish cigars, you’ll need a humidor.
In a hurry? Here’s my top 3!
As every cigar aficionado knows, a humidor is a must. It’s the only correct way of keeping cigars conditioned and ready for smoking. They come in a range of styles and sizes – and across a wide price range too – but there is no getting away from the fact you need one. Some are also rather beautiful and make a great talking point!
The purpose of a humidor is to keep the cigars within at the right level of humidity. This is done by way of simple evaporation of water inside the humidor itself. But, and here’s the big part, you do need to keep a close eye on the humidity level.
The ideal humidity in a humidor is much discussed and often argued about, yet it is usually quoted as between 70% and 75% humidity. This is measured by a device called a hygrometer, and that’s what we’re here to discuss.
A hygrometer is a simple device that you may find already fitted to your humidor. However, as the humidity is so critical to the condition of your cigars, it is recommended that you purchase and calibrate an accurate model.
These are not expensive and are simple to set up and use. To help you find the right one, we have looked at 10 of the best hygrometers for humidors you can buy right now, so let’s get down to business!
Best Digital Hygrometer for a Humidor: My Top 10
1. Cigar Oasis Caliber 4R Gold
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The first model on this list is from the Cigar Oasis Caliber range, finished in gold. It’s a sensible price – although more expensive than some – and has some neat features.
The gold finish is attractive and will look good in a humidor, and it is designed to fit inside the lid. This one comes already calibrated but can be user-calibrated if the need be, and it features a clear and simple to read LCD display as is the norm.
With accuracy to within +/- 1% humidity, this is one that sits nicely with our requirements. It has a strong magnet and adhesive mount and should be put in a corner away from the reservoir. There is a colour coded bar around the edge for easy reading.
Battery powered as are all of these, it will need regular checks to ensure it is operating correctly, and comes highly rated by many users. If you want to avoid opening the lid, fit it in a section of the base where you can see it through the glass.
- Gold finish
- Circular design
- +/- 1% accuracy
- Magnetic mount
- Quality model
2. Inkbird ITH 10 Digital
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This model follows the usual design by having a digital LCD display. This is the best way to get an accurate reading, hence it is a popular choice. This model is cheaper than the above and comes highly rated by users and displays the temperature in either C or F scale, whichever you select.
The accuracy of this model is +/- 3% humidity, which is of concern to us. That is quite a large range where cigars are concerned and could lead to you believing you are within the right conditioning level when you are under or over.
The hygrometer is powered in the usual way – by a small button battery that will need monitoring in order to ensure it is replaced in time – and while it can be used in a humidor it is clearly not specifically designed for such use.
There is no adhesive backing for mounting it, so it would be placed on the base of the humidor for easy viewing. While not the best of those on this list, this one is very cheap, but we would recommend you check out others if you want a humidor example rather than a general hygrometer.
- Affordable price
- Clear display
- Both C and F temperatures
- +/- 3% humidity
- Not a dedicated humidor hygrometer
3. AcuRite 00613 Hygrometer
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This cheap and compact model is not designed specifically for humidors but we thought it worthy of inclusion mainly due to the price. It’s a simple square design with a large and easy to read display, and measures temperature in both C and F scales.
It’s easy to use and comes with battery included, plus it displays daily high and low information. The design is basic but functional, and it can be mounted by magnet or it has a clip.
There is no information available on the accuracy of this model, so we won’t hazard a guess. If you’re looking for a cheap hygrometer this certainly fits the bill, but we’re unsure as to its suitability for a humidor.
It has been very popular, and many thousands have been sold, but we would perhaps recommend this one for measuring the relative humidity of a room rather than a specialist item such as a humidor.
- Simple design
- Basic features
- Temperature and humidity displayed
- Clip and magnet mount
- Easy to use
4. Prestige Import Group Digital Gold
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This rather attractive model, from Prestige Import, differs from the above in being finished in gold. We like that, as it fits with the luxury aspect of quality cigars, and looks the part!
It’s a circular model for fitting inside the lid and has a clear display showing temperature and humidity. It also has a bar indicator around the edge for quick checks, which is a nice touch. This model can display F or C temperature ranges, and has a simple switch to toggle between.
It arrives out of the box pre-calibrated and is accurate, according to the maker, for +/- 1% – which is what we would expect from a good hygrometer – and is battery powered, so remember to check regularly.
You should check the humidor levels at least once a week and perhaps more often, and check the battery too. Overall, this is a nice hygrometer that we like – as do many of the people who have bought it – and for around $20 is certainly worth putting on your shortlist.
- Gold finish
- Circular
- +/- 1% accuracy
- Magnetic and adhesive mount
- Clear display and bar indicator
5. Cigar Oasis Caliber IV Digital
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This model is the one from Cigar Oasis, and it is very typical of a digital hygrometer. It’s also a sensible price, so make sure you shop around for the best deal. It comes with an adhesive pad and is designed to be attached to the inside of the lid of your humidor.
The best advice is that it should be in a corner, away from the reservoir that contains the water for humidity. This one has a simple LCD screen that displays the humidity in large and clear figures. It’s very easy to read as a result.
The Caliber IV comes already calibrated, but can be recalibrated should you wish. It is accurate, according to the manufacturer, to +/- 1%, and displays not just the humidity but also the temperature inside the humidor. For the record, this should be no higher than 73F, and should ideally be around 70.
The hygrometer is battery powered – one is supplied with it – and this will need to be monitored as it will eventually need to be replaced. It can also give a three-day average so you can see if your humidity is fluctuating too much. All in all, this is a good model that comes highly rated by many users.
- Pre-calibrated
- +/- 1% accuracy
- Clear screen
- Temperature also
- Secure fixing
6. Hygroset II Round Digital Hygrometer
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This is another interior-mounted hygrometer, but is circular in shape rather than the rectangular of the above models. It comes with a clear digital display showing humidity and temperature, and offers an accuracy of +/- 2% humidity. This is within the limits required but we would prefer greater accuracy.
This model is also cheap – you’ll find it for under $20 if you look around – and comes with high praise from a number of users, and it does have an adhesive back for attaching to the lid.
The Hygroset II needs to be calibrated by the user, it’s easy to do and full instructions are given, and displays both humidity and temperature. It has a 10-second refresh rate which is decent for something of this price.
One problem with interior mounted hygrometers is the need to lift the lid to read them; this will naturally affect the atmosphere within the humidor. Advice is to only leave it open momentarily so as not to have too much of an effect.
- Sensible price
- Circular design
- Adhesive mount
- +/- 2% humidity
- User calibrated
7. ThermoPro Indoor Hygrometer
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This is another model that is not designed specifically for humidors. We recognize that there are other markets to contend with, yet where cigars are concerned, we want the best!
Powered by two batteries, this hygrometer offers both humidity and temperature readings in both scales and is clear and large enough to be read easily at a glance. It’s quite a basic design but does feature a backlight for added versatility.
This one features a 10 second measurement frequency and has a humidity accuracy range of +/- 3%. Once again, while this is acceptable in general terms, it could mean the difference between fresh and damaged cigars, so we’re not sure about it in those terms.
If you want a hygrometer to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity of the room in which you keep your humidor then this is a cheap example that does that job.
- Large and bright display
- Not humidor specific
- Temperature and humidity
- +/- 3% accuracy
- Battery powered
8. Govee Humidity Monitor
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This clever device is Bluetooth compatible so can send alerts to your smartphone. That could be very handy indeed if you are away from home and your humidor drops below your required level.
However, while it is clever and not expensive, it’s designed as an external hygrometer and thermometer, rather than one that you put inside the humidor. We still think it’s worth looking at, as it could be useful for keeping the level right in the room.
Accuracy is not the best – it’s a +/- 3% sensor – but it covers a wide range for temperature so can sense the heat rising when you need to know about it.
The display is clear and large and shows both humidity and temperature, and it’s easy to use and set up. Our only problem is that it’s a general model rather than a specified example, so perhaps you could use this in your wine cellar!
- Bluetooth capability
- Sends notifications to phone
- Not Humidor designed
- +/- 3% accuracy
- Wide temperature sensor
9. Xikar PuroTemp Round
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Back to the models that are specifically designed for humidors, and this example from Xikar is a circular one but finished in brushed steel. If you want a modernist look for your cigar storage there are some humidors that offer that as opposed to the traditional style, and this hygrometer would sit within one of those perfectly well.
It’s not the cheapest model but far from expensive, and it has the usual large display offering a view of both temperature and humidity.
The accuracy of the humidity reading with this example is +/- 2%. We would have preferred 1% but it’s certainly worth looking at.
Battery powered as usual, temperature can be displayed in either scale as you wish, and it comes out of the box calibrated. It’s also compact and comes with a magnetised back fitting, and is from a brand that has a range of cigar accessories that are highly rated. Put it on your shortlist if you have a modern humidor.
- Modern look
- Compact and circular
- Large display
- +/- 2% humidity accuracy
- Ready calibrated
10. Amancy Digital Hygrometer
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The final hygrometer on our list is this one from Amancy. It’s rectangular and has a brushed gold finish that is quite classy but perhaps not as attractive as the earlier gold examples, yet will appeal to many users.
The display is large and clear and shows temperature – in Celsius only with on option – and humidity on an LCD screen. It comes fully calibrated and is very cheap at a touch more than $10, which is less than half some of those on the list. Those are the good bits.
The downside to this one, and it would mean us striking it off a list of possible contenders, is the level of accuracy. This one measures humidity at +/- 5%.
We can’t stress how critical that could be in the enclosed environment of a humidor. Cigars are fine items that need perfect care, and if your reading is 70% – which is fine – but could actually be 65% then there is a problem. On that alone we can’t recommend it, but if you want a cheap one for travel use, for example, it may be worth a look.
- Gold finish
- Clear and easy to read
- Celsius only
- +/- 5% humidity reading
- Very cheap
That’s our selection of hygrometers for humidors, and we’ll get to the bottom of which we think is the best one shortly. First, let’s have a look at what you need to think about when buying one of these, as it’s a decision that could mean the difference between perfect or ruined cigars.
Buying Guide
With all precision items, accuracy and reliability are paramount. The humidor hygrometer is, without any doubt, a precision item. We cannot stress how important it is to keep cigars not only at the right humidity, but also at the right temperature (and we will cover both of those again at the foot of this article). The slightest degrees over or under the recommended humidity can render cigars tasteless and ruined, so there are certain things that we suggest you should look for in a hygrometer, and they are as follows:
Humidor Specific
Around half of those on the list above are there because they are hygrometers that, if the need be, could be used in a humidor. They tend to be designed for external use and while great for keeping an eye on the humidity and temperature in a room – which can have an effect on what is happening in a humidor – we strongly recommend that you look at one of the examples that is designed for a humidor. These will offer greater accuracy and will be suitable for mounting inside the box.
Humidity Accuracy
Humidity is not as easy to measure as temperature, but some of the humidor hygrometers above have an accuracy level as good as +/- 1%. We recommend that these are the models you consider, as that level of accuracy means you will always have a reading that is a true as possible. With an accuracy of 3%, a reading of, say, 68% which is bordering acceptable may actually be 65%, which may leave your cigars too dry and tasteless. The price difference between the accurate models on the list and the less accurate is negligible.
Temperature Accuracy
Temperature is also an important factor in keeping cigars. Ideally, a mix of 70% and 70F is the preferred joint level, and any minor variation on this can be monitored. The temperature accuracy of those on the list tends to be around +/- 1%, which is perfectly acceptable and standard.
Easy to Read
You need a hygrometer that can be read at a glance when you open the humidor. Having the door open for more than mere minutes will unbalance both humidity and temperature, so ensure you find a model that has a clear and easy to read screen that you can take a quick look at. All of the internal hygrometers on this list are easy to read.
Calibration
A hygrometer will likely come out of the box pre-calibrated, but if you want to make doubly sure it is accurate there will be a method of calibration explained to you. We recommend you follow this in your humidor as it will ensure the best levels of accuracy.
Here’s a great video from CigarAdvisorMagazine going in-depth on calibrating your hygrometer, a great watch!
The above are features you should consider – what the hygrometer looks like is not as important as the way it works, although we do like the two gold circular models on the list for a traditional humidor – when choosing a hygrometer for your humidor. But it doesn’t end there! You need to follow the rules below to make sure your humidor keeps your cigars safe and perfect:
- Always close the door and make sure it is sealed as quickly as you can. Pick a cigar and shut the box, and have a glance at the hygrometer as you do.
- Check the humidity and temperature once a week at least – more often is possible – and act as we explain in our article on how to refresh the humidor if you see the humidity falling.
- Make sure the humidor is placed in a room that is not too hot or cold, as it needs to operate at an internal temperature of around 70F.
- Always season your humidor before use – we have an article on that too so it’s worth a read – and when advised at intervals.
- Don’t overfill a humidor or the humidity will suffer.
That should keep your cigars as fine as possible for the longest time. Before we move on to a few of the questions we’ve found get asked around the subject of hygrometers, is there one from the above list that we prefer to the rest?
Our advice is this: look for a hygrometer that has been designed for internal use in a humidor and that provides accuracy in humidity measurement of +/- 1%, and you have the ideal choice. For the record, both models from the Cigar Oasis Caliber range meet these requirements, and come from a brand that has a strong reputation in the cigar world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Ideal Humidity in a Humidor?
This is very important so we will cover it once more: the general rule is between 70% and 75%, with a little leeway either side. When you first season and set up your humidor you may see it fall below this, and this is normal as the wood will absorb the moisture. Simply top up until you get back to where you need to be.
What Temperature Should My Humidor Be?
Once again, this is an important point when considering cigars. The usual rule of thumb is the ideal temperature of 70F, with a few degrees either side being fine. Be careful not to place the humidor in a room where the temperature fluctuates greatly as this will affect the atmosphere inside the box.
Do I Need a Humidor?
You can enjoy cigars without a humidor, but you will find they taste much better and last far longer when kept in the environment that is designed to protect them. If you really care about fine cigars, a humidor is a necessary investment, and there are perfectly good examples that are far from expensive.
That’s us done for now and we hope you’ve taken all you need from this article, so have another read through and buy a hygrometer that is as accurate as possible, and most of all, enjoy your cigars at leisure!
