Types of Cigar Humidors

When it comes to keeping your cigars fresh, flavorful, and ready to smoke, the right humidor makes all the difference. But with so many types of cigar humidors on the market, choosing the right one can feel like a chore. Whether you're just starting your cigar journey or you're already deep into your collection, understanding the different types of humidors is key to proper cigar storage.

In this guide, we'll break down every major humidor style—what they're best for, how they work, and which one might suit your needs the most.

Desktop Humidors

The classic choice for most cigar enthusiasts, desktop humidors are compact boxes made to sit on a desk, shelf, or coffee table. They typically hold between 25 to 150 cigars and are lined with Spanish cedar to help retain moisture and repel tobacco beetles.

Best for:

• Casual to intermediate cigar smokers

• Home or office use

• Stylish display

These humidors often come with built-in hygrometers and humidifiers, making them a great middle-ground in both price and performance.

Travel Humidors

For the aficionado on the go, portable humidors are small, portable cases designed to protect cigars during travel. Many are made from crushproof, waterproof materials like ABS plastic, and feature foam inserts to cushion your cigars.

Best for:

• Road trips, vacations, or golf outings

• Keeping cigars safe in unpredictable environments

• Small collections (usually 2 to 15 cigars)

These are the most rugged cigar storage options, and an essential companion if you're lighting up away from home.

Electric Humidors

If you're serious about cigar preservation, an electric humidor offers temperature and humidity control at the push of a button. These units plug into the wall and often include thermoelectric cooling, digital hygrometers, and automatic humidification systems.

Best for:

• Collectors with 100+ cigars

• Long-term aging

• Consistent climate year-round

You'll often see these marketed as cigar humidor electric, electronic humidors, or automatic humidors, depending on the model. They range in size from countertop units to full cabinet-style displays.

Humidor Cabinets

A humidor cigar cabinet is like the walk-in closet of the cigar world. These are large, furniture-style humidors designed to hold hundreds or even thousands of cigars. They often feature multiple shelves, drawers, and built-in humidification systems.

Best for:

• Large collections

• Retail or lounge environments

• Long-term storage and display

Cabinet humidors are ideal if you're running a cigar lounge, building a serious personal stash, or just want your cigars to live in style.

Tupperdors

A tupperdor is a DIY humidor made from a sealed plastic container—usually a Tupperware-style box—with a humidity pack and a hygrometer inside. While not fancy, it's surprisingly effective and affordable.

Best for:

• Beginners on a budget

• Secondary storage

• Temporary solutions

Add a Boveda pack, some Spanish cedar sheets, and you've got a functional humidor without the premium price tag.

Humidor Bags

Also known as cigar storage bags, these are zip-lock style pouches that maintain humidity using built-in moisture control. Some last for months and are pre-charged to specific RH levels.

Best for:

• Short-term storage

• Gifting cigars

• Air travel

They're not as protective as hard cases, but they work in a pinch—especially for new smokers or as a lightweight backup.

Humidor Jars and Tubes

These smaller, often glass or acrylic containers hold a handful of cigars and use mini humidifiers to maintain RH. Great for display, but not ideal for long-term aging.

Best for:

• Aesthetic display

• Limited use or rotation cigars

• Small gift sets

Choosing the Right Cigar Storage Option

Still not sure which type to choose? Here's a quick breakdown:

• Desktop Humidor – Best all-around for home or office use.

• Travel Humidor – For protection and portability on the go.

• Electric Humidor – For precision climate control and aging.

• Cabinet Humidor – For serious collectors and businesses.

• Tupperdor – Great entry-level or backup option.

• Humidor Bag – Short-term and lightweight.

• Jar/Tube – For visual flair or novelty storage.

Conclusion: Find the Humidor That Fits Your Lifestyle

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to cigar humidors. Each type has its strengths, and the best choice depends on how often you smoke, how many cigars you own, and where you plan to store them. Whether you're looking for a rugged travel companion or a climate-controlled showpiece, the right humidor will keep your collection fresh and your smokes flavorful.