Pro’s and Con’s of various humidor rH media
Pro’s and Con’s of various humidor rH media
Let’s face it, there’s a virtual array of rH controlling media out there. Here we will look at the various kinds and the pro’s and con’s of each. I’ve touched on the major ones that are out there. There may be other types of media that will work that are not discussed below but may work. You’ll also notice this makes no reference to any active rH control systems as used in large cabinet or walk-in humidors. Those are a different beast altogether and would require a separate review by someone with familiarity with them.
Warning: Before making a decision about what type of media to use in your humidor, please conduct research on your own before making a decision on how to control the rH. They are your cigars and it’s only right to look at all the options before settling on what media to use. This is only for basic information purposes and does not encompass and in-depth comparison between different media types. Think of this as a basic starting point.
Floral foam and Propylene Glycol (pg) solution:
One of the oldest modern methods is floral foam. You may remember your Mom, girlfriend or other significant person receiving flowers and, when you went to throw them out there was a green spongy material at the bottom. Usually at that point it was dry and brittle.
Well the rH system in most wooden humidors comes with the same type of foam. It purpose is to release humidity into the humidor so our precious cigars don’t become dry and brittle. Some call for using only distilled water and some for pg solution, while others have you alternate between distilled water and pg solution.
Using just distilled water in the foam allows a rapid release of moisture into a humidor and isn’t the best at regulating the rH. Most switched over to using the pg solution that offered some advantages such as being a mold inhibitor and being hydroscopic, meaning its properties are attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment. Depending on the amount of pg in the solution you can, somewhat, regulate rH based on this principal.
So while foam and distilled water will dump too much humidity into your humidor, the pg solution was used to help moderate the amount. A couple of issues arose from using pg solution in the foam though and the primary was that the foam would become saturated with pg itself after the water component evaporated off. Over time this caused the foam to not work as well and you had to buy a new piece of foam.
The other concern with foam is that it is a harboring place for mold; mold that would like nothing better to use our cigars as a feasting ground for growing. Pg solution is a mold inhibitor to a certain extent but certainly won’t stop mold from growing under high humidity conditions.
Pro’s: cheap, easy to replace, easy to recharge
Con’s: foam: inaccurate rH control, pg solution can get expensive over time, can be a harbor for mold spores
Jells and crystals:
Another modern way of controlling rH is the use of jell jars or crystals in jars. Whether the jells or the crystals they operate in the same manner, by absorbing water and then releasing the water in a controlled manner. They are made using various compounds (salts and other items) that are hydroscopic and slowly allow the release of water.
They are fairly easy to use. Recharge the jells or crystals when either has shrunk down in size. Add water, a little bit at a time and they swell up, letting you know that they are fully charged. Excess water can be poured off or blotted with a towel. You then place it back in the humidor to recharge the rH and keep the cigars at a set point.
One of the biggest drawbacks to the either the jells or crystals is the set point is around 70% rH, which for many of us, it not the ideal rH we prefer our fine cigars at for smoking. Another drawback is the early jells and crystals did a better job of releasing moisture than absorbing it. While there are some two way jells out there they still have an equilibrium point of 70% and feedback has been spotty about how well they actually absorb moisture from inside the humidor.
The other issue seems to be longevity and recharging. Over time the jells and crystals are not as effective at recharging. Compounds break down over time and the ability to hold and release water becomes inconsistent. This means its time to either buy a new jar or new package of crystals to replace the old ones.
Pro’s: easy to use, easy to recharge
Con’s: still really one way, one set point for rH (70%), replacement costs
Heartfelt beads
Who knew something good would come out of protecting historic art. Heartfelt beads are a true two way humidity system available in different rH set points. The basis for Heartfelt beads came out of museums using a silica bead with salts to control humidity in sealed cases for paintings. Heartfelt saw the advantage and started marketing the beads as a way to control humidity in humidors and at different set points of rH so that the cigar smoker could choose what rH was best for them.
The beads themselves are colorless to light white when charged and totally white when needing a recharge. The silica beads and salts at certain concentrations are what regulate the absorption or release of water back into the humidor.
They are a true two way system for maintaining the rH in your humidor. If you have a shipment of wet cigars come in the beads will gradually bring the rH down to their set point. If you have some dry cigars they will gradually bring the rH up to the set point. This is a huge advantage over previous systems and the beads do a solid job of keeping the cigars at their optimum smoking potential.
One issue with Heartfelt beads is the recharging. While not a huge deal they do have to be recharged in one of two manners to keep them operating at their full potential. To recharge you either need to lightly mist them with distilled water or place them in a charging container with high humidity. If you run or pour water over them the beads can either crack or the salts that control rH can be washed away. Both can also happen at the same time.
Heartfelt beads cost more than the simpler methods of controlling rH. This can be especially pricey if you don’t follow Heartfelt’s recommendations on recharging the beads. However, if you are careful with recharging them, they do last for years.
Pro’s: two way humidity control, rH set point of your choice, mold does not grow on them
Con’s: price, recharging methods
