How important is maintaining a steady temp

[Trackmyer]

Lol, just typed your pm reply before coming here, but I will recap.

Double check to be sure it's a thermoelectric. Data sticker will be on back of unit. N'finity's I've seen my n 170 bottle all run off compressor with r134a refrigerant. Even if it is though, If I could buy it for 1/10 the origin price, I'd be all over it. Even if left unplugged as a cabinet. A PERFECT sealing cabinet I may add. The door seals on these are high quality and would hold rh very well as long as unit is sealed inside.

This last year I've stopped worrying as much about temps since going to a "freeze all incoming sticks" policy. That being said, I do keep my cabinet at around 68'f.

To some other questions you pose. I would smell the wood they used in the unit for sale. I do not believe they are using a strong scented wood like Red Cedar. And as long as the wood used had no strong smells I would have no issue storing cigars in it. All boxed cigars can be kept as is, all singles would have to go into a bin, or tray anyways. The Spanish cedar is mainly used in refriderator or wine cooler style units just for that pleasant aroma and as an RH buffer.
It's not mandatory for good cigar storage by any means.

As to HF beads holding RH, absolutely. Especially if it seals as well as I think it will. My cab. has a so-so seal, but no where near as good as an N.finity. I'm using a couple pounds of HF beads (from the Winador days), along with about a dozen 65 bovedas, and about 10-15lbs of KL (did this for size vs.cost effectiveness). Even with my house hitting the lower winter RH of 35-38 I'm maintaining 62-63rh without issue.


Now as far as cigars handling fluctuation. I am of the belief that they can handle most temps. its RH shock that hurts more than anything. Like said earlier, I'm freezing everything for two days at -9'f . And have had not a single bad experience yet. The freezing route was done since putting all my stash in one location. A beetle issue would be devastating with all the eggs in one basket.

I hope this helps a little, and I look forward to hearing your outcome. And again, for that price, I'd buy it absolutely. Even unplugged its sharper looking than a cooler.

[NeverBend]

Lol, just typed your pm reply before coming here, but I will recap.

Double check to be sure it's a thermoelectric. Data sticker will be on back of unit. N'finity's I've seen my n 170 bottle all run off compressor with r134a refrigerant. Even if it is though, If I could buy it for 1/10 the origin price, I'd be all over it. Even if left unplugged as a cabinet. A PERFECT sealing cabinet I may add. The door seals on these are high quality and would hold rh very well as long as unit is sealed inside.

This last year I've stopped worrying as much about temps since going to a "freeze all incoming sticks" policy. That being said, I do keep my cabinet at around 68'f.

To some other questions you pose. I would smell the wood they used in the unit for sale. I do not believe they are using a strong scented wood like Red Cedar. And as long as the wood used had no strong smells I would have no issue storing cigars in it. All boxed cigars can be kept as is, all singles would have to go into a bin, or tray anyways. The Spanish cedar is mainly used in refriderator or wine cooler style units just for that pleasant aroma and as an RH buffer.
It's not mandatory for good cigar storage by any means.

As to HF beads holding RH, absolutely. Especially if it seals as well as I think it will. My cab. has a so-so seal, but no where near as good as an N.finity. I'm using a couple pounds of HF beads (from the Winador days), along with about a dozen 65 bovedas, and about 10-15lbs of KL (did this for size vs.cost effectiveness). Even with my house hitting the lower winter RH of 35-38 I'm maintaining 62-63rh without issue.


Now as far as cigars handling fluctuation. I am of the belief that they can handle most temps. its RH shock that hurts more than anything. Like said earlier, I'm freezing everything for two days at -9'f . And have had not a single bad experience yet. The freezing route was done since putting all my stash in one location. A beetle issue would be devastating with all the eggs in one basket.

I hope this helps a little, and I look forward to hearing your outcome. And again, for that price, I'd buy it absolutely. Even unplugged its sharper looking than a cooler.

Troy,

Great post, worth re-posting nearer the top of the thread. I'll just comment around the edges.

Steve (@OldSmokey),

Great find, beautiful unit. Hope that it brings you enjoyment and great use for many years.

Counter intuitively, water vapor is lighter than air so it rises. The vapor expands and rises more rapidly as it warms (part of the answer of heat's effect on cigars). A closed environment differs from the atmosphere but it's height may be a factor.

I'd put the hygrometers at top and bottom (you may already have done so) until you understand any variance and then on the individual shelves to get the full picture. I agree with your intention to put beads throughout but be sure to put some at the top and then rotate those beads (as they absorb excess moisture).

From your pictures it appears that your shelves have been lacquered while Spanish Cedar, in humidors, is left unfinished so that the wood can absorb some moisture. Monitor condensation on the shelves. Individual (especially Spanish style or naked) cigars will readily absorb condensation that is in contact with them and it's possible that the underside of the cigars will dry (no moisture in the wood). Something to keep an eye on.

My vote, fwiw, is for evaporating humidity source such as the beads.

Enjoy,

Pete