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Analog or Digital
Humidors are generally offered with analog hygrometers.
Three systems of analog hygrometers must be differentiated:
- Analog hygrometers with a metal spring
Hygrometers with a metal spring are used in the majority of all humidors. These hygrometers are less expensive, but are only of limited accuracy.
- Analog natural hair hygrometers
Hygrometers with natural hair are more accurate. Unfortunately, the maintenance work required to maintain the accuracy of these hygrometers is substantial. Therefore, these hygrometers are generally not the first choice for use in humidors.
- Analog synthetic hair hygrometers
Synthetic hair hygrometers are approximately as accurate as natural hair hygrometers. However they do not require any maintenance on the part of the user. Therefore, they should be the first choice for use in humidors.
Alternatively, the humidor can be equipped with a digital hygrometer. Digital hygrometers allow for an easier readability and do not require calibration. Please note that also digital hygrometers need some time to adapt to changes in humidity and will not show changes instantaneously. Digital hygrometers are not necessarily more accurate than analog hygrometers
Measuring accuracy
Analog hygrometers must be calibrated prior to first use. Exceptions to this rule are the adorini hair hygrometers, which are carefully calibrated before shipment. Nevertheless, even the adorini hygrometer may require re-calibration in cases of strong shocks during transport.
As previously mentioned, the accuracy of the prevalent metal spring hygrometers is limited. Higher is the accuracy of the adorini hair hygrometers, which are optimized for the high level of humidity found inside a humidor. Still one should be aware that, in comparison to measuring temperature, measuring humidity is physically less accurate. Even in hygrometers for professional laboratory use at prices of more than $100, manufacturers guarantee an accuracy of only + / - 2%.
Analog hygrometers should be re-calibrated once a year. If a humidor is equipped with a traditional metal spring hygrometer, it is particularly important to pay attention to changes in the humidity level. When using humidifiers based on acryl polymers or sponge-based humidifiers with propylene glycol solution the humidity should automatically stabilize at around 70%. Here one simply needs to refill the distilled water or propylene glycol (for sponge-based humidifiers) as soon as the humidity drops. In the event of doubt, touching the cigars should ascertain whether they are being stored in a suitable climate.
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