Choosing a humidor by capacity
The capacity stated for a humidor is not the number of cigars you will really keep in it. Here is how to estimate your needs, and why to allow a margin.
Stated capacity and usable capacity
According to a specialist buying guide, makers often state capacity for small formats such as coronas. Larger formats, toros or gordos, fit fewer. The humidifier, the hygrometer and the dividers also take up room. A capacity figure is therefore an order of magnitude, not a promise.
Estimating your needs
Ask yourself three questions.
- How many cigars do you smoke per week?
- Do you want to build a reserve, or only keep cigars ready to smoke?
- Which formats do you prefer?
The same buying guide suggests a humidor of about 75 to 150 cigars for a regular smoker, and more for a collection. It is one benchmark among others, not a rule.
Allowing a margin
The same source advises choosing a humidor 10 to 20% larger than your current needs. A humidor that is too full leaves little room for new boxes, and air circulates less well.
Formats and the space they take
A short, thin cigar takes up little space; a large ring gauge takes more. If you mostly smoke large formats, expect a real capacity lower than the stated one.
The Maison LAC range
Maison LAC humidors hold 75, 120 or 150 cigars depending on the model. Above or below that, capacity is defined to order with the workshop. Every humidor has a heart of genuine Spanish cedar (what is a humidor?).
To get started: seasoning a new humidor · humidor humidity.