As a cigar enthusiast, I’ve often found myself weighing the options between using a Tupperdor vs a Humidor for storing my cigars. Both storage methods have their own set of pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which is best. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed decision.
A Tupperdor is essentially a plastic, airtight container with a humidity control system in place. They have become increasingly popular in the cigar community, especially among those looking for a cost-effective and low maintenance solution. Go here to learn how to build a Tupperdor On the other hand, a Humidor is a wooden box specifically designed to store cigars in optimal conditions, with built-in humidity control and cedar lining to help maintain the cigars’ flavor and freshness. Some can have a very elegant design, while others are more simple.
In comparing these two options, it’s important to consider factors such as initial investment, maintenance requirements, and the overall effectiveness in preserving the quality of your cigars. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of Tupperdors vs Humidors to determine which is the better fit for your cigar storage needs.
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Understanding Tupperdors and Humidors
As a cigar enthusiast, I have spent some time exploring various methods of cigar storage. Two popular options are the Tupperdor and the Humidor. Both have their pros and cons, which I will discuss in this section.
A Tupperdor is essentially an airtight plastic container with a humidity source, such as a Boveda pack, inside it. Tupperdors are an affordable option for those who want effective cigar preservation without investing in a more expensive humidor. Some benefits I have found with Tupperdors include:
- Low cost
- Easy to set up
- Highly portable
- Consistently maintains stable humidity
However, there are some drawbacks to using a Tupperdor:
- Limited aesthetic appeal (compared to humidors)
- May not provide adequate air circulation
- Possible plastic odor transfer
On the other hand, Humidors are specially designed wooden boxes for cigar storage. They typically use Spanish cedar, which offers natural humidity regulation properties and a pleasant aroma. Some positive aspects I have experienced with Humidors are:
- Elegant design and craftsmanship
- Natural cedar aroma, good for cigar aging
However, Humidors also have their downsides:
- Higher cost
- Need for regular maintenance
- Possible humidity fluctuations
In the following sections, I will dive deeper into the pros and cons of Tupperdors and Humidors, as well as tips for setup and maintenance.
Pros of Using a Tupperdor
As a cigar enthusiast, I’ve discovered some notable advantages to using a Tupperdor over a traditional Humidor. These benefits include:
Affordability
From my experience, one of the most significant benefits of using a Tupperdor is the cost. Quality humidors can be expensive, especially for beginners or casual smokers. By using a Tupperdor, I find that I can maintain a proper environment for my cigars, without breaking the bank. A quality container and humidification system costs only a fraction of a comparable humidor.
Ease of Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining a consistent humidity level within a cigar storage system, I noticed that Tupperdors tend to be much easier to manage. The airtight seal of the container effectively locks in the humidity, allowing me to achieve the desired 62-65% relative humidity with minimal effort. This contrasts with traditional humidors, which often don’t have a good seal and may require frequent monitoring and adjustments to ensure they maintain the proper environment.
Versatility
Lastly, I appreciate the flexibility of using a Tupperdor. With the myriad of container sizes and shapes available, I can customize my storage to fit my growing collection. Additionally, I can easily stack and organize multiple Tupperdors, which comes in handy as a collector.
Through the use of dividers, trays, or even layering my cigars, I have been able to keep my smokes separated and neatly arranged. This adaptability has made managing my collection even more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Cons of Using a Tupperdor
Aesthetics
In my experience, one of the main drawbacks of using a tupperdor is the lack of visual appeal. Unlike traditional humidors, which are often beautifully crafted from wood and have elegant designs, tupperdors are typically made from clear plastic containers. While they may be functional, they just don’t have the same prestigious appearance as a high-quality humidor.
Limited Customization
Another issue I’ve encountered with tupperdors is the limited customization options. With a humidor, I can choose from a wide range of materials, sizes, and styles to suit my personal preferences and match my home décor. However, tupperdors are less customizable, mainly consisting of plastic containers with a few basic designs.
In addition, while I can often organize cigars in a humidor using separators or trays, tupperdors are generally more limited in terms of cigar organization. Though it is possible to add dividers or use smaller containers within the tupperdor, it’s usually not as seamless or visually appealing as it would be with a humidor.
Despite these drawbacks, tupperdors do have their benefits, such as affordability and ease of use. They are an effective option for certain situations. However, for those who value aesthetics and customizability, a traditional humidor might be a better choice.
Pros of Using a Humidor
As a cigar enthusiast, I have experienced the benefits of using a humidor firsthand. In this section, I will discuss the advantages of using a humidor over a Tupperdor, focusing on elegance, humidity control, and purpose-built design.
Elegant Design
One of the main attractions of a humidor for me is its elegant design. A well-crafted humidor not only serves as an effective storage solution for my cigars but also adds a touch of sophistication to my home or office. The use of fine wood, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail in many humidors create an aesthetically appealing piece of furniture that complements any decor.
Humidity Control
Humidity control is crucial for maintaining the freshness and taste of my cigars. A good humidor provides excellent humidity control through the use of its hygrometer and humidification system. This helps me to easily monitor and adjust the internal humidity levels, ensuring that my cigars are stored in the optimal conditions for aging and preserving their flavors.
Humidors are lined with Spanish cedar, which not only enhances the humidity control but also imparts a pleasant aroma to my cigars. The cedar’s natural ability to absorb and release moisture enables it to assist with maintaining the perfect environment inside the humidor.
Built for Purpose
One of the reasons I appreciate a quality humidor is the fact that it is purpose-built for cigar storage. Unlike Tupperdors, which are improvised containers, humidors are specifically designed with the needs of cigar storage in mind. This means that they typically have features such as:
- Dividers to organize my cigars easily
- Trays to aid with air circulation
- Tight seals to prevent moisture and air exchange
- A hygrometer and a humidifier for accurate humidity control
All these features contribute to a reliable and effective system for preserving and aging my cigars, giving me peace of mind that they are stored in the best possible conditions.
Cons of Using a Humidor
Price
In my experience, one of the main drawbacks of using a humidor is its price. High-quality humidors can be quite expensive, with many options ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. This investment may not be feasible for everyone, especially if you’re just starting your cigar collection or if you have a limited budget.
Maintenance Requirements
Another disadvantage of using a humidor is the maintenance it requires. Humidors need regular attention to ensure they maintain the correct humidity level for cigar storage. I’ve found that I need to regularly check the humidity level inside my humidor and adjust it as needed, and this can be time-consuming.
Additionally, I’ve discovered that the humidification system inside the humidor needs to be recharged periodically. This usually involves adding distilled water or a special humidor solution to the humidity device. Proper upkeep also requires me to clean and season the humidor occasionally. This maintenance can feel like a chore, especially when compared to the simplicity of using a Tupperdor.
Choosing the Right Option for You
As I weigh the pros and cons of using a Tupperdor vs Humidor, it’s essential to consider my personal preferences, the environment where I’m storing my cigars, and my budget. To help decide which storage method is the best fit, I will think about the following factors:
- Initial cost and long-term investment
- Humidity control and maintenance requirements
- Capacity and space constraints
In terms of cost, a Tupperdor is often the more affordable option, and it might be an ideal choice for me if I’m just starting my cigar collection or have a limited budget. However, I must not forget that some cost savings may come at the expense of aesthetics and durability. Alternatively, a Humidor generally offers a more sophisticated, long-lasting solution and can even enhance the décor of my living space.
When it comes to humidity control and maintenance, Tupperdors can outperform traditional Humidors in terms of keeping a consistent humidity level with fewer adjustments required. However, I need to consider the risks associated with over-humidification if opting for a Tupperdor. On the other hand, Humidors could require more attention and care on my part, but I have the chance to opt for a high-quality Humidor with a good seal and efficient humidification system to minimize these issues.
Lastly, considering capacity and space constraints, a Tupperdor provides flexibility when it comes to size and shape, allowing me to choose the most convenient and space-efficient option. In contrast, Humidors have more standard sizes and shapes that might be more suited for a dedicated cigar storage area. Depending on my requirements and available space, either of these storage systems can be suitable for storing my cigar collection comfortably.