Cigar 101: Hygrometers
In the last installment of Cigar 101 we discussed humidors and the various ways to ensure they are ready to store cigars. Now that the humidor is properly seasoned, it’s time to put some cigars in the humidor and let them age for a while. But how can we be certain that the humidity in the humidor is correct? That is where the hygrometer comes into play.
A hygrometer is a device that measures the relative humidity in an area. For purposes of this post, that area will only be concerned with humidors. There are two types of hygrometers on the market today, analog and digital. Analog hygrometers have a rustic look and rely on a coil system to read humidity. As humidity increases, the coil begins to expand, which makes the humidity readout increase. Digital hygrometers are more sensitive to changes in humidity and are easy to read.
Before any hygrometer can be used, it must be calibrated via the salt test or boveda calibration kit. To perform the salt test, all that is needed is a small plastic cap, some salt, and a sealable plastic bag. The cap will be filled with 2 parts salt and 1 part water; next place the cap and hygrometer into the plastic bag, seal it, and wait 6 hours. After the 6 hour period the hygrometer should read 75%. If the hygrometer can be adjusted, do so accordingly; if it cannot be adjusted, just remember the percentage +/- the hygrometer is reading. The boveda pack has one step; all that has to be done is place the hygrometer into the bag and close it. After 8 hours, if the hygrometer is not reading 75% adjust it to the correct setting.
Adjusting a hygrometer is easy to do. Certain models of analog hygrometers have an adjustment screw on the back. For these models, simply use a screwdriver on the adjustment screw on the back to set it to the right setting. If an analog hygrometer cannot be adjust, simple remember the percentage+/- error of the hygrometer. The Xikar digital hygrometer is even easier to calibrate. Pressing the calibration button at the end of the salt test will reset the hygrometer to the correct reading.
Now that the hygrometer is properly calibrated, it is time to place it inside the humidor. The hygrometer's position in a humidor is vital to getting a true reading of the humidity inside a humidor. For desktop humidors, it is best to place the hygrometer on the inside of the lid. Since there are not many layers of cigars, the humidity read out will be accurate. For larger humidors with multiple layers, a hygrometer placed at each level will ensure that all of the cigars are at the right level of humidity
