If you just joined the cigar club well, the hygrometer is one of the few things you need to familiarize yourself with. Cigars inside the humidor need the right levels of humidity, and only the best hygrometer can help you keep an eye.
Most humidors come with an inbuilt hygrometer but we all love extra measures. Which leads most people to acquire additional aftermarket hygrometers.
The aftermarket hygrometers are also known to be more accurate and credible.
What’s the Ideal temperature and humidity for your cigar?
The ideal conditions inside a humidor for the cigar to retain its flavor. Depends on both the temperature and humidity.
The best humidity for cigars is usually quoted at 68% to 71%. Conversely, the temperature to maintain this humidity level is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The 6 Best Hygrometer for Humidor
1) Cigar Oasis Caliber IV Digital Hygrometer
It has a very large number of positive reviews for accuracy. Which has resulted in its inclusion on our list.
Its out of the box calibration is almost perfect. For both humidity and temperature.
Key Features
- Secure magnetic mount
- Fahrenheit/Celsius scale
- updates every 10 secs
- Accurate to ± 1% RH
- Three-day high/low & averages for humidity & temperature
- 1 CR2 batteries required
- Weighs 0.634 Ounces
What we like
- Easy to use
- Good accuracy for both temp and humidity
- Magnetic mount
2) Cigar Oasis Caliber 4R Gold Digital/Analog Hygrometer
We really appreciated the perfect balance between accuracy and price. That this hygrometer presents.
You also wouldn’t fail to recognize how It also utilizes a unique design. With both digital and analog readings.
The hygrometer comes calibrated by the manufacturer. But you can also recalibrate it with ease.
Key Features
- Humidity accuracy to +/- 1%
- Color coded for easy reading
- Dimensions: Diameter: 2.25” Depth: 0.7”
- Fahrenheit/Celsius readings.
- Three day high/low & averages for humidity & temperature
- Gauges between 20-90% Relative humidity (RH)
- Weighs 1.07 oz.
What we like
- Both digital and analog readings
- large display
- You can track humidity and temp for 3 days
3) HygroSet II Round Digital Hygrometer for Humidor
This is another hygrometer with a reputation for accuracy. And with it you are assured that your cigars have the ideal RH levels.
Yet in the case of an accuracy drift, you can easily calibrate it using common household items.
The hygrometer is easy to use with a single line digital display. And Its small size makes it compatible with most humidors.
Key Features
- Humidity accuracy: +/- 2%
- Humidity measuring range: 30%-90%RH
- Temp range: 32-120 Fahrenheit
- 10 second refresh rate
- The 1.75″ diameter makes it fit most cigar humidors
- Weighs 1.44 ounces.
What we like
- Simplicity
- Compatible with most cigar humidors
What we dislike
- Doesn’t come with a magnetic mount
- The display can be small for some people
4) SensorPush HT1 Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer for iPhone/Android
If you are looking for a convenient hygrometer. That you can use to monitor your humidor conditions from anywhere. Then this is the hygrometer for you.
This hygrometer uses an app to integrate into your phone via either Bluetooth or the internet.
It lets you set a limit of both temperature and humidity. And you get alerts if the temp/humidity exceeds a set threshold
The hygrometer also has a small design that lets it fit even in the smallest of spaces.
Key Features
- Updates after every 1 min.
- On-board Data Storage: 20 days
- Dimensions: 1.57″ x 1.57″ x 0.65″
- Weight: 1.4oz
- Battery: CR2477 (user replaceable)
- Over 1 year battery life
- Can be monitored on different devices
- Humidity accuracy +/- 3%
What we like
- Convenient
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Will store data for 20 days
- You can set alerts
What we dislike
- Slightly higher price than the normal hygrometer
- Bluetooth works only up to 325 ft.
5) Anync Round Hygrometer for Cigar Humidor
If you fancy analog hygrometers there’s a very good chance you have come across this masterpiece.
Not only is it good to look at but it backs up the stylish looks. With good accuracy, fair price and a durable aluminum casing.
In rare cases do you need to replace the battery of this hygrometer which adds to its perks. It’s easy to use and ideal even for beginners.
Key Features
- Front dimensions: Front: 2″ x 0.39″ (L x W)
- +/- 0.5% Humidity accuracy
- Materials: aluminum outer ring, plastic lens, metal bottom case.
- Weighs 0.08 lbs.
What we like
- Stylish looks
- Minimal maintenance battery
- High humidity accuracy
- Compact and light
- Fair price
What we Dislike
- Doesn’t give temperature readings
6) Inkbird ITH-10 Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer
This is the hygrometer you go for. If you are looking for something budget. That will also give you reliable readings.
Its readings are accurate just like the class leaders. And it’s small enough to fit even in the tiniest humidor.
The hygrometer is also easy to use with an easy-to-read display.
Key Features
- Humidity measuring range: 30%-90%RH
- Temperature measuring range: 23℉-140℉
- Accuracy：Temperature±1°C; Humidity±3%
- Supports °C/°F modes
- Battery: 1 CR2 batteries required.
- Weighs 0.320 ounces
What we like
- Budget price
- Designed to be used in various applications not just the humidor
Best Hygrometer for Humidor-Buying Guide
Let’s look at important things to consider in a hygrometer.
1. Accuracy
This is the most important factor to look for in a hygrometer. Although not all affordable humidifiers are pinpoint accurate.
Consider a hygrometer with a negligible margin ideally +/- 2 % for the humidity at most. And +/- 1-degree Fahrenheit margin for the temperature.
Remember also that the accuracy of the hygrometer changes over time. Which calls for continuous recalibration.
2. Size
Most humidors are compact in size. Therefore, ensure that your hygrometer is small enough to fit pretty inside your humidor.
3. Remote monitoring
We have some hygrometers which can be monitored remotely by use of a smartphone.
If you want to be extra keen on the humidity of your cigars. You should consider this type of hygrometer.
This type of hygrometer allows you to preset a certain humidity limit. And the phone will alert you once that limit has been reached.
4. Ease of use
The ease of use looks at many aspects of the hygrometer; Is it clear enough to read the display? Is it easy to navigate to the necessary information?
Some hygrometers aren’t straightforward at first glance. But come with very detailed user manuals that make everything easy.
5. Digital vs Analog
The digital hygrometer comes with digital sensors to detect the humidity and temperature levels. The analog hygrometer conversely uses mechanical means to do the same.
Both the analog and digital hygrometers offer accurate readings for humidity and temperature. But we’d give a slight edge to the digital hygrometer.
The digital hygrometer is also easier to read because you have actual figures indicated. Whereas with the analog hygrometer an arrow points to the readings
However, all isn’t lost for the analog hygrometers. Most cigar enthusiasts prefer them for their stylish looks. There is also a large variety of styles available for collectors.
FAQs-Hygrometer for Humidor
Q: How do you adjust the humidity levels in the home?
Some of the methods that can be used to alter the humidity levels include;
-
Using a humidifier
A humidifier is used to increase the humidity levels when the humidity levels are low. This mostly happens during winter.
Most humidifiers work by evaporating water into the atmosphere.
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Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier performs the reverse functions of the humidifier. It uses absorbent material to absorb the excess moisture present in the atmosphere.
The dehumidifier is used when there is excess humidity in the atmosphere.
-
House plants
Plants exhale water vapor into the atmosphere increasing the humidity levels. Having many house plants can greatly contribute to a humid atmosphere.
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Air conditioner
When the air is too humid an air conditioner can be used to eliminate the excess humidity. At the same time proceeding with the cooling process.
Q: How do you calibrate a hygrometer
Although most hygrometer comes calibrated from the manufacturer. The only way you can ascertain its readings is by calibrating it yourself.
It’s recommended that a hygrometer should be recalibrated after every 6 months of use. This is because, with time, the accuracy of a hygrometer tends to gradually drift.
You can also recalibrate it when you have a feeling that you are getting fictitious readings. With tell-tale signs like cigar dryness or the sign of mildew.
Recalibration is mostly done using a specialized kit. The kit includes a bag where you place the hygrometer for a few hours. Until it attains an indicated humidity
Conclusion
If you have invested in a good humidor and a valuable cache of cigars. Do not consider it invaluable to own an aftermarket hygrometer to use with your humidor.
This guide gives you the pre-requisite for owning a good aftermarket hygrometer. Considering the various options available on the market. We have also given you a list of what we consider to offer the best value to you.
Also, do not mind investing in more than one hygrometer. If your cigars are precious to you.