Cigar Weekly

Bob Staebell · 12-02-2002, 06:11 AM

Tim,
There are several home humidifiers that have the appropriate airflow capacity to handle a cabinet in the 25-35 cubic foot range. Duracraft 830, 805, 807, & the smaller Bemis units.

The difficulty you will run into is getting a narrow enough RH range from the built in humidistat. They use a tape type sensor that can vary up to plus or minus 5-10% which is fine for a home, not so great for cigars as ChuckW pointed out. That's not to say that you can't "fine tune" one, much like the MoistNaire's that have been around forever can sometimes be dialed in to a fairly narrow range. It's just a bit of an electronic "lottery" as to whether you get one that will maintain a "tight" enough RH band.

We do use the Habitat (Set & Forget) controls in conjunction with the Duracraft & Bemis units in walkins & large cabinets to eliminate the inaccuracy issue.

Here is a link to an RH controller made by Control Company that can also be interfaced with a home type humidifier. http://www.control3.com/4190p.htm
I have played with several in my shop & found that they are within the plus or minus 5% specs-but are easily adjusted. Installation/use is a bit cumbersome with more cords running around than a Set & Forget, but it is a lower cost alternative.

Cheers,

Bob Staebell
www.aristocrathumidors.com

12-02-2002, 06:11 AM	#5
Bob Staebell Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: TX Posts: 122	Tim, There are several home humidifiers that have the appropriate airflow capacity to handle a cabinet in the 25-35 cubic foot range. Duracraft 830, 805, 807, & the smaller Bemis units. The difficulty you will run into is getting a narrow enough RH range from the built in humidistat. They use a tape type sensor that can vary up to plus or minus 5-10% which is fine for a home, not so great for cigars as ChuckW pointed out. That's not to say that you can't "fine tune" one, much like the MoistNaire's that have been around forever can sometimes be dialed in to a fairly narrow range. It's just a bit of an electronic "lottery" as to whether you get one that will maintain a "tight" enough RH band. We do use the Habitat (Set & Forget) controls in conjunction with the Duracraft & Bemis units in walkins & large cabinets to eliminate the inaccuracy issue. Here is a link to an RH controller made by Control Company that can also be interfaced with a home type humidifier. http://www.control3.com/4190p.htm I have played with several in my shop & found that they are within the plus or minus 5% specs-but are easily adjusted. Installation/use is a bit cumbersome with more cords running around than a Set & Forget, but it is a lower cost alternative. Cheers, Bob Staebell www.aristocrathumidors.com