Wine cooler and a humidor?

[ryan54]

I am living in a trailor im renting untill I get established and buy a house. The trailor does not have central heat and air. So once summer hits my sticks could be exposed to hot temps, so I have to fix this before it happens. Ive read about people converting wine coolers to humidors. I was looking at an inexpencive thermoelectric wine cooler from walmart. Im thinking about buying it and removing the top shelf and sticking my 30ct humidor in it and up to 6 bottles of wine on the bottom rather than a full conversion. Humidity should not be much of an issure because its thermoeletric and the humidor should be perty well sealed up. Is this a feasiable fix to my situation with out spending 5 grand on a temprature controled humidor?

Also how cold can cigars be safely stored? And Ive hurd that the humidity must be adjusted to temprature so that the sticks retain the proper moisture is this true or should you just stick to the 65-75% range?

Thanks

[Paddy]

I have used a wine refrigerator as a humidor for years. Make sure that the temp range is where you want it to be 66-67F. Some don't go that high. I store many boxes in mine and have great results. I also store my desktop humi in it come summer time. A lot of member here use the coolerdor method. Looking back, I would have gone the coolerdor way had I know about it instead of the wine fridge, thus saving myself $600.00 in equipment. Live and learn

[ryan54]

Cool thanks. I was thinking about the coolerdor but temprature is an issue, If I run this silly swamp cooler thing for the trailor all summer my powerbill will be so high that it would be cheaper to replace my cigar collection in the winter!! I retartedly bought a 300 ct humidor to go with my 30 ct before I thought about the temp issue. Ill probably put it away untill I move out to where Ive got no heat issue. Becides the cost of a good quality wine cooler how much would you estimate the conversion would cost, if I was to buy one to covert?

[Paddy]

Cool thanks. I was thinking about the coolerdor but temprature is an issue, If I run this silly swamp cooler thing for the trailor all summer my powerbill will be so high that it would be cheaper to replace my cigar collection in the winter!! I retartedly bought a 300 ct humidor to go with my 30 ct before I thought about the temp issue. Ill probably put it away untill I move out to where Ive got no heat issue. Becides the cost of a good quality wine cooler how much would you estimate the conversion would cost, if I was to buy one to covert?

The cost is relative. I bought a higher end one Vinotemp 32 bottle for $475.00. But you can buy smaller ones for around $200.00
After the wine fridge purchase you really only need Beads. There is already a fan inside the unit. I have two pounds of 65% beads each in the 1lb mesh bags they sell on Heartfelt.com. I hang one right in front of the fan to block any stray condensation. Use oderless silicone to plug the drip hole & I have the other 1lb bag of beads on the floor of the unit pushes up agaist the back wall to absorb any condensation that drips down the back wall.Some people install more fans. I think the internal fan works fine. If you PM me I'll give you a site that will custom make Spanish Cedar shelves for about $18.00 each. I had them make me just the plain Spanish cedar shelves, but the also offer glass enclosed ones.

[Paddy]

By relative I ment what are you doing with the Wine cooler, Just storing your humidor? Then buy a small cheaper one. If you are box aging expensive sticks,then look for a top end model with extra room for your collection to grow.

[Smoked!]

I'm no expert, but I think there may be a less expensive solution. Perhaps you can make a 'coolidor' and use 'blue ice' to maintain a reasonable temp. I think a few of our West Texas brethren use a similar technique. I know to a certainty that it works in Florida. When you're saving to buy a house, you need to pinch your pennies until it makes Abe squeal. Good luck.

Also, I respectfully suggest using the spelling and grammar tools. Most members of this board hold a fairly high standard.