What is the best way to keep your cigars fresh and at an ideal humidity level? Cigar humidity beads are a popular option among cigar enthusiasts, but they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be hard to know which one will work best for you! In this blog post, we’ll answer some common questions about cigar humidification products. We’ll also provide reviews of our favorite products that are available on online retailers for choosing the best humidor humidifier beads.
What Are Cigar Humidity Beads?
Cigar humidity beads are small, pellet-like objects that are designed to regulate the humidity in your cigar humidor. They work by releasing or absorbing moisture as needed, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity levels. Most products come in a small container that can be easily placed in your humidor.
Are Cigar Humidity Beads Necessary?
Cigar humidity beads are not necessary for keeping your cigars fresh, but they can be helpful if you want to maintain a specific humidity level in your humidor. Without them, you’ll need to manually adjust the humidity level by adding or removing water from your humidor.
How Do Cigar Humidity Beads Work
The way cigar humidity beads work is by absorbing or releasing moisture depending on the ambient humidity levels. If it’s too dry, the beads will absorb moisture from the air to help regulate the humidity level in your humidor. If it’s too humid, the beads will release moisture into the air to help bring the humidity level back down to a comfortable level.
Are Cigar Humidity Beads Safe?
Yes, cigar humidity beads are generally safe to use. However, you should always read the product label before using them to make sure they are compatible with your humidor and cigars.
What Types Of Cigars Are Best Suited For Cigar Humidity Beads?
Cigar humidity beads work best with cigars that have a ring gauge of 50 or larger. If you try to use them with smaller cigars, the beads may not be able to release or absorb enough moisture to maintain a consistent humidity level.
Are Cigar Humidity Beads Effective?
Yes, cigar humidity beads are effective at regulating the humidity level in your humidor. They work best when used in conjunction with a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Cigar Humidity Beads?
Seth Lee
Cigar Expert
Pro Tip: The average lifespan of cigar humidity beads varies depending on the type and quality of the product. Most products should last at least 6 months, but some may last up to a year or longer.
Now that we know a little more about cigar humidity beads, let’s take a look at some popular products that are available online.
Humidor Humidifier Beads Buyer’s Guide
Cigar humidity beads are the best way to keep your cigars in top condition. By using a humidor with cigar humidity beads, you can ensure that your cigars remain at the perfect humidity level, keeping them fresh and flavorful. Cigar humidity beads also work to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your cigars. Also, don’t forget that you can have a problem with a leaking humidor -> our guide on how to fix it.
Key Facts For Cigar Humidity Beads
- Humidity beads are the most effective way to maintain their freshness
- Cigar humidity beads can help prevent cigar mold and bacteria growth
- Cigars taste better when stored at the correct relative humidity level
Tips On Using Cigar Humidity Beads
Cigar humidity beads are activated when exposed to moisture. This means that the beads in your humidor will swell up when you place cigars inside. Cigar humidity beads can sometimes cause cigars placed on top of them to become crushed or damaged, so try scooping them into a jar or dish before placing them in your humidor for best results.
Cigar Humidity Beads Vs Boveda Packs
Boveda packs are small pouches filled with a special type of salt that holds moisture. Cigar humidity beads and Boveda packs serve the same purpose but differ in how they work. Cigar humidity beads only release moisture once they have been activated by cigar smoke or water, so you will need to activate them before using them. On the other hand, Boveda packs already contain precise humidity levels set by their manufacturers. You can use these packets as-is or activate them for more control over your humidor’s environment.
Cigar Humidity Beads Vs Propylene Glycol Solution
Propylene glycol solution is a compound made from propylene glycol and distilled water that has a wetting agent added to it. Propylene glycol solution is already made from a 65% solution of PG and DHT blockers, which means that no activation is needed.
How Do Keep Cigar Water Beads From Molding?
We have received the question:
I just got a humidor and I am looking for an ideal way to keep my cigars fresh without affecting its quality. A friend recommended me water beads, but there is something else I want to ask about it. How I can keep the beads from getting mold? And what steps can be taken to prevent it? Please help me with your valuable suggestions.
In short: If your beads are getting mold then we recommend tossing them and getting new RH beads. They should only be 50-60% saturated, not 100%.
Water beads are the latest addition to the world of cigar storage systems. They are small polymers that absorb and retain water with relative ease, which makes them great for keeping humidity levels stable. As a bonus, they don’t require frequent refilling like most devices that hold water do.
How Can Water Beads Prevent Mold?
It’s all about controlling moisture with these beads. When you use their container, the beads are completely dry. When you add distilled water, it is absorbed slowly by each bead until it can no longer absorb anymore… at this point, they are at 100% capacity where excess water will simply sit atop beads until you remove it or it slowly evaporates.
It is this reason that they can tolerate more water than other humidification products that absorb and hold onto excess water, like gel beads or crystals (which can likewise cause mold if allowed to get too moist), because even when they’re full of water the exterior of each bead is just a dry shell with no place for it to go.
Humidor Humidifier Beads In 2023: Comparison Table
Image Product
BEST CHOICE
HUMI-CARE Humidifier
Humidifies up to 150 cigars
Reusable: Yes
Preset 65-70%
Better than Boveda packs
No leak or smell
CHECK PRICE
ALSO GREAT
Rock Solid Humidity Beads
Humidifies up to 150 cigars
Reusable: Yes
Preset 70%
Money-back guarantee
CHECK PRICE
LOW PRICE
Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Beads
Jagged structure
Reusable: Yes
Preset 70%
Low cost
CHECK PRICE
How Much Beads To Use
The general guideline is to add one ounce of humidity beads for every 500 cubic inches of humidor capacity.
Example: Your humidor measures 12″ x 26″ x 38″ = 11,856 cubic inches. Divide cubic inches by 500 and you’ll see you need roughly 24 ounces of beads.
This will be even easier. Here’s a rough guideline on how many beads to use for various humidor sizes. Remember, one bead pouch is roughly the size of a lime.
Humidors
1 – 20 count travel humidor Small, half-sized bead pouch
20 – 100 count humidor 1 bead pouch
100 – 300 count humidor 2 bead pouches OR 1 half-pouch on each shelf
500 count humidor 3 – 4 bead pouches
1,000 count humidor 3 – 4 double-filled bead pouches OR 3 cigar boxes filled with 10 ounces of beads
Coolidors
25 quart 1 pouch
70 quart 2.5 pouches
150 quart 2 cigar boxes filled with 9 ounces of beads
Cigar Wineadors come in a wide range of sizes, so you’ll need to figure out the interior dimensions yourself by measuring.
HUMI-CARE Humidification – Best Humidity Beads For Humidor
What Is HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier?
HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier is a solution for humidifying up to 150 cigars. It comes in two sizes, perfect for any cigar lover with a smaller or larger humidor capacity. The HUMI-CARE jar contains specially formulated beads that provide a balanced moisture solution and can be reused.
This system is passive and does not require power like an electric unit which saves you money on energy bills and provides excellent performance! Its round shape makes it easy to stack other items on top of, as well as raised lettering, provides an excellent grip. Plus there are no worries about leaks or smells!
Top Benefits Of HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier
- specially formulated beads that provide a balanced moisture solution.
- no leak or smell
- It is perfect for smaller humidors with up to 150 capacity!
Best Features Of HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier
- Humidifies up to 150 cigars
- Reusable: Yes
- System: Passive
- Size: 4 oz
What I Like About HUMI-CARE Humidification
If you are looking for a humidifier that does not require electricity or batteries then look no further! HUMI-CARE takes up less space than other traditional humidifiers and offers better performance. The 4-ounce jar can hold around 75 cigar capacity and is great for smaller cigars.
The gel beads provide the ultimate humidity solution by evenly distributing moisture throughout your humidor. This means it won’t just be on the top shelf but also the lower ones as well. No more worrying about moldy cigars! You can expect to use this product for years to come since they do not expire and will not leak.
The blue color is perfect for any humidor and will easily blend in. The raised lettering makes it easy to grip when filling up with distilled water or cigar juice.
Overall, the HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier is a great product that I highly recommend for those who want an easy and efficient way to keep their cigars fresh!
HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier Pros And Cons
Pros
- Humidifies up to 150 cigars
- Reusable: Yes
- System: Passive
Cons
- It offers less power than a traditional humidifier
- Only for small humidors
Should You Buy HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier?
If you’ve been looking for a way to keep your cigars fresh, the HUMI-CARE Humidification – Gel Bead Humidifier is perfect. This humidifier won’t require power and will last long while keeping your cigar stash at optimal humidity levels. Don’t let moldy cigars stop you from enjoying them!
Humidor Humidity Beads | 8 Oz (1/2 Lb) Bag | Rock Solid 70% Humidity – Rock Solid Does It Again!
What Are Humidor Humidity Beads?
These humidor humidity balls are made with quality-grade beads and come preset at 70% humidity. The best thing about this type of solution is that it requires no maintenance and will not go bad over time.
No more calculations are needed- just set the humidity level to your desired setting using their easy-to-read directions, place it in the jar, close the lid, let sit for 5-7 days, and enjoy! You can also use these beads with cigars or pipes too if you don’t have a humidor.
Top Benefits Of Humidor Humidity Beads
- Never goes bad: Made from quality grade gel beads
- Easy read instructions: Just set the humidity level at home to your desired setting by following our simple directions on how much water to add
- Preset 70%: These pre-sized beads are already set at 70% humidity
- No electronics or batteries: One of the easiest solutions to keeping your cigars fresh. No more worrying about electronic malfunctions or bad batteries
- Different sizes available: Available in various size containers, ranging from 2 oz up to 1/2 pound bags for larger humidor setups
- Money-back guarantee: If you’re not satisfied within 30 days just return it and they’ll refund your money.
Humidor Humidity Beads Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Never goes bad.
- Easy read instructions.
- Preset at 70%.
- No electronics or batteries are needed.
- Different sizes are available to suit your needs.
Cons:
- Not sure it holds at 70%
- You’ll need to monitor it regularly.
- High maintenance is needed for this product.
My Experience Using Humidor Humidity Beads
My first experience using Humidor Humidity Beads was positive and enjoyable. I was able to control the humidity level at my place without any problems. The beads were easy to use and they sat in my jar for over a week without evaporating. I also liked that it has different sizes available for large humidors as well as small jars.
Should You Buy Humidor Humidity Beads?
Rock Solid Humidity Beads are an easy solution for controlling your humidity level without any worries. They’re preset at 70% and never go bad, so you won’t have to worry about them going stale or evaporating over time. With Rock Solid’s money-back guarantee, there isn’t anything else to think about before making this purchase.
Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Humidification Beads – Pros And Cons Of Using Dry Generated Humidity
What Are Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Humidification Beads?
Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Humidification Beads are the perfect addition to any humidor or cooler humidor. You can power them by adding distilled water or if you prefer, your desired solution.
The Jagged texture on these beads is designed to perform better than traditional round smooth beads because it increases the surface area that enables more moisture absorption into each bead. They are rechargeable and reusable with a 4X capacity when compared to conventional humidity devices. Additionally, they look like rock salt when dry until they capture up to 400X their weight in water.
Top Benefits Of Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Humidification Beads
- Captures up to 400 times its weight in water
- A jagged texture increases the surface area, which creates more moisture absorption and performance than round smooth beads
- Rechargeable and reusable
Prestige Import Group Crystal Gel Humidification Beads are great for people who want to take moisture control one step further. These beads are rechargeable and reusable, which means that you can use them over and over again without having to worry about the cost of new ones.
They also have a jagged texture, which increases their surface area so they can absorb more water than regular round beads would be able to do. That makes them an ideal choice for people with larger humidors or places where humidity levels tend to fluctuate. If you’re looking for something simple but effective, these are the perfect solution!
Prestige Import Group Beads Pros And Cons
Pros
- Captures 400x its weight in water
- Jagged texture
- Rechargeable and reusable
- Low price
Cons
- Not as long-lasting
- Need distilled water or solution
My Experience Using Prestige Import Group Beads
I picked up a container of Prestige Import Group Beads from the store and was excited about it. I had been looking for something I could use to keep my humidor at the right humidity but hadn’t been able to find anything affordable. These beads are rechargeable, reusable, and only cost me $4!
There’s not much to this product other than adding distilled water or your solution. The first thing I noticed is that they’re shaped like rock salt when they’re dry. The beads themselves are jagged instead of round, which is supposed to help them absorb more moisture.
I charged my beads for 24 hours before using them. They seem to work well – even though they’re round, they’ve formed into a few different shapes to fill the corners of my humidor. I’m pretty satisfied with these so far.
Should You Buy Prestige Import Group Beads?
Prestige Import Group Beads are a great choice for people with larger humidors or places where humidity levels tend to fluctuate. They also have a jagged texture, which increases their surface area so they can absorb more water than regular round beads would be able to do.
That makes them an ideal choice for people who want the most moisture absorption possible without having to invest in other products that cost even more money. If you’re looking for something simple but effective, these should work just fine!
Conclusion
In summary cigar humidity beads are one of our top picks for humidors because:
- Cigar humidity beads offer superior protection against mold and bacteria
- Cigars taste better when stored at the correct relative humidity level
- Cigar humidity beads can be reused multiple times to save money over other solutions
FAQ Cigar Humidifier Beads Guide
What digital tools are available for monitoring humidity levels in a humidor, and why is accurate tracking crucial?
Digital hygrometers are essential tools for monitoring humidity levels within a humidor, providing precise readings that are crucial for maintaining the proper humidity to preserve the quality of the 50 cigarettes stored within.
How do heartfelt beads, when used as a humidifying agent, compare to traditional methods like foam or silica gel?
Heartfelt beads, unlike traditional foam or silica methods, offer 2-way humidity control, meaning they can both absorb humidity if the RH level is too high and release it if the environment becomes too dry, maintaining a more consistent environment ideal for cigar preservation, often at specific RH levels like 65%, 69%, or 72%.
Why is it essential to soak heartfelt beads if they become dry, and what method should I use?
Soaking dry heartfelt beads is vital to re-charge their ability to regulate humidity effectively. The method I use involves placing the beads in a container full of distilled water, ensuring they absorb water adequately. Please make sure not to use tap water, as it contains minerals that can harm the beads.
Can silica gel be used effectively in a humidor to control humidity, and how does it compare to other types of beads?
Silica gel can absorb humidity, but it doesn’t release it, making it less versatile than 2-way humidity control solutions like heartfelt beads. However, for a dry humidor, silica gel can help raise the internal moisture level.
What are customer reviews saying about the use of heartfelt beads in humidors?
Customer reviews often highlight that heartfelt beads work perfectly for maintaining proper humidity. Their ability to absorb and release moisture as needed, according to the right RH level, makes them a preferred choice for many cigar enthusiasts.
What steps are necessary to hydrate heartfelt beads for use in a desktop humidor?
To hydrate heartfelt beads, place them in a mesh bag and dip it into a container of distilled water or give a few squirts of distilled water using a spray bottle. Allow them to soak until they absorb water, usually until they appear fully translucent.
How does the Humi-Care 65% RH level beads’ performance rate in humidifying systems, especially in desktop versions?
Humi-Care 65% beads are designed to maintain a consistent 65% RH level, ideal for desktop humidors. They are an inexpensive solution that works efficiently, as attested by numerous customer reviews, particularly when filled with distilled water.
Why is it not recommended to use tap water to soak or spray on humidifying beads?
Tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can clog the pores of humidifying beads, reducing their efficiency to absorb and release moisture and potentially introducing contaminants into your humidor.
In what form do Xikar humidity crystals come, and how do they function to maintain the right RH levels?
Xikar humidity crystals usually come in a jar and are pre-activated with propylene glycol solution. They maintain humidity levels by absorbing excess moisture or releasing it when necessary, ensuring a stable environment for cigars.
What is an effective but inexpensive way to maintain proper humidity in a small, desktop humidor?
An effective and inexpensive method is using heartfelt beads or silica gel in a small, breathable container like a shot glass. Place the beads or gel inside the humidor after they’ve been properly hydrated with distilled water. They will work to absorb excess humidity or release it, maintaining the right RH level for your cigars. Remember to re-charge the beads or gel periodically with distilled water for optimal performance.
How do humi beads with a 65% RH level help in maintaining the quality of 50 cigarettes in a humidor?
Humi beads at a 65% RH level are specifically calibrated to release or absorb moisture in the humidor, ensuring a stable environment that is crucial for preserving the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of 50 cigarettes stored within.
Why is it essential to use distilled water, specifically when preparing heartfelt beads at a 69% RH level for humidification?
Using distilled water is critical because it’s free from minerals and other impurities found in tap water. Filling heartfelt beads with distilled water ensures that they function at optimal capacity, maintaining a 69% RH level without introducing potentially harmful substances to the humidor’s interior.
What is the process of rehydrating heartfelt beads to ensure they continue to preserve my priceless cigar collection effectively?
To rehydrate heartfelt beads, you should place them in whatever container is suitable for the size of the beads, then slowly pour distilled water over them until they are fully submerged. Let them soak until they have absorbed enough water to become plump and translucent, indicating they are ready to regulate humidity effectively again.
In the context of cigar storage, why is choosing the correct humidity level, such as 65 % or 69 %, so crucial for maintaining the integrity of a priceless collection?
The correct humidity level is paramount in preventing the cigars from becoming too dry and brittle or too moist and susceptible to mold. A stable environment, like those provided by 65% or 69% RH levels, helps in preserving the cigars’ flavor, burn, and overall experience, which is especially important for a priceless collection.
If I’ve accidentally over-soaked my heartfelt beads and filled it with too much distilled water, what steps should I take to correct this for my humidor’s 50 cigars?
If the heartfelt beads are oversaturated, you should carefully drain the excess water from whatever container they’re in and allow them to dry slightly in an open, airy location. This process will enable them to reach a balanced saturation level, after which they can be reintroduced to the humidor to maintain the optimal environment for the 50 cigarettes.
