New Humidifier.

[CBailey]

For the past 40+ years I have never really had a humidor. I just got one with a gage on top. I have always went by feel and smell, if dry I’d toss in a peel from some fruit to moisten it up and that changes the flavor. What is a good setting for pipe tobacco? My local pipe shop was kinda lost and said they have never been asked that. Internet gave settings from 15 to 80 humidity. Anyone know the real answer?

 

[kcghost]

65% is about right for tobacco.

 

[CBailey]

65% is about right for tobacco.

Great!
Thank you.

 

[woodsroad]

Not to be the Debbie Downer here, but those hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate. Yours may be perfect, but you may wish to get a second one and see if they match. Of course the second one could be way off, too. It’s a bit of a conundrum, unless you spend big bux can get one that’s traceable and calibrated.

A few years back, I bought five different inexpensive hygrometers and none of them were in agreement, but two were very close. Three were way out. Maybe both of the “good” ones were equally wrong, and one of rhe “bad” ones was a good one. So I bought a couple of digital humidity controllers, and rhey came in close to those two cheapie ones.

Either way, I find that the HumiCare type humidification beads keep my display humidor pretty close to what I think is 65%.

 

[OzPiper]

Not to be the Debbie Downer here, but those hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate.

I’m with @woodsroad on this.

How large is your tobacco container ?
If it is not too big, Boveda packs is probably the way to go

 

[CBailey]

Not to be the Debbie Downer here, but those hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate. Yours may be perfect, but you may wish to get a second one and see if they match. Of course the second one could be way off, too. It’s a bit of a conundrum, unless you spend big bux can get one that’s traceable and calibrated.

A few years back, I bought five different inexpensive hygrometers and none of them were in agreement, but two were very close. Three were way out. Maybe both of the “good” ones were equally wrong, and one of rhe “bad” ones was a good one. So I bought a couple of digital humidity controllers, and rhey came in close to those two cheapie ones.

Either way, I find that the HumiCare type humidification beads keep my display humidor pretty close to what I think is 65%.

I do agree with what you’re saying. But just to have an idea of what the humidifier is all I need. I’m figuring if it’s saying 63 to 73 I’m in good safe place and not going by touch.
Not a Debbie downer but great advice giver.
Thanks

 

[CBailey]

I’m with @woodsroad on this.

How large is your tobacco container ?
If it is not too big, Boveda packs is probably the way to go

My container is fairly small. Amazon special. I figure it’s better than what I’ve been doing. The touch and feel method cost me a lot of tobacco due to forgetting the peels are in there and getting moldy causing the tobacco to be moldy.

 

[woodsroad]

Go with the Boveda packs if the humidor is under a cubic foot. The packs can eventually dry out, but if you don’t let them get that far, they can be rehydrated by putting them in a tupperware with a damp sponge. My uses Boveda packs to keep her cello humidified. She always has two or three packs in the case, and two or three rehydrating.

 

[renfield]

Boveda packs for the win. They’re quite accurate as to the humidity provided and are no fuss.

 

[CBailey]

I’m feeling safe with my humidifier
reading between 60-70. Would you all agree with that. I’m an old timer coming to the times!

 

[OzPiper]

I’m feeling safe with my humidifier
reading between 60-70. Would you all agree with that. I’m an old timer coming to the times!

65% is my preferred for cigars

60-65% for pipe tobacco.
Though truth be told, I don't bother with humidity packs as I prefer my tobacco to be on the drier spectrum.
I just jar my tobacco and have had some in jars since 2019 with none that are too crisp or turning to dust.

 

[woodsroad]

65% is my preferred for cigars

60-65% for pipe tobacco.
Though truth be told, I don't bother with humidity packs as I prefer my tobacco to be on the drier spectrum.
I just jar my tobacco and have had some in jars since 2019 with none that are too crisp or turning to dust.

I agree, with a couple if caveats:

-Cigars tend to start growing above 70, especially if it’s warm.

-Pipe tobacco ages/matures better when wet. So I jar it damp and dry it when I’m ready to enjoy it. 65 is too moist to smoke, for me.

-Relative Humidity is not a direct correlation to tobacco water content. There are instruments for measuring that, and they are pricey. They weigh the product, heat it, and weigh it again. I don’t own one, so I don’t worry about it.

 

[eljimmy]

This guy in a airtight container will last a very long time.