Setting up a coolidor

[Kass]

I'm going to be setting up a coolidor eventually and I can't really find an answer to whether it needs to be seasoned or not? The only thing I can think of is that the boxes would compete with the cigars for the water. Would a styrofoam box work well?
Also, would it be best to use beads or a sponge?
Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for the help.

[chefchris]

I'm going to be setting up a coolidor eventually and I can't really find an answer to whether it needs to be seasoned or not? The only thing I can think of is that the boxes would compete with the cigars for the water.

no need for seasoning. when i got my cooler, i just put the beads in there and let em sit for about an hour until the rh leveled out. shouldn't take long. then load it up. no need to add spanish cedar, ecspecially if they're in boxes.

step one: put in beads
step two: put in cigars
step three: walk away

definately go with beads. you just set it .... *group* AND FORGET IT !
i believe you can buy these beads from Rosco.
or from heartfelt industries, either one.

[cls515]

How many quarts is the cooler? I think mine is around 75 and with half a pound of 65% beads, holds the humidity constant better than my desktop humidor. Which is why I just put my humidor in my coolidor. http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=14 The mesh bag to hold the beads in has been working well for me.

Chris is right, there really isn't much to do to set up a coolidor. If you line it with cedar, wipe the wood down with distilled water and activate the beads, and let it sit closed until the rh levels out near 65.

If you don't have any cedar lining, just add the beads inside the cooler. Like stated before, it won't take long for the rh to settle out, maybe an hour or so.

[Kass]

Sounds nice and easy. Thanks.

[Kass]

I picked up a cooler today and a sponge/puck. Also a cheap hygrometer ($1.99, just curious to see how good it is). Is it OK to put any cigar boxes in there? or should they be cedar? I have 1 box in there, its wood, not sure what kind its really light in weight. It came with a CAO sampler.

[heftysmokes]

I think you're fine with whatever cigar boxes. I wouldn't put any singles in to roll around wherever on the bottom of the cooler, but other than that you should be fine.

[chefchris]

I picked up a cooler today and a sponge/puck. Also a cheap hygrometer ($1.99, just curious to see how good it is). Is it OK to put any cigar boxes in there? or should they be cedar? I have 1 box in there, its wood, not sure what kind its really light in weight. It came with a CAO sampler.

if it came with the cigars it should be fine. there are certain kinds of wood that will have a scent, which is not good for your cigars. i would think CAO wouldn't pack something that wasn't safe for cigars.