Rating Humidors

We will rate any type of box that someone wants to call a humidor. But beware, our standards are high, we won't trust our cigars to any old box. After all, if it doesn't keep your smokes in primo condition, it's just another box.

In the Humidors section of our Cigar Journal you will find a thorough review of cigar humidors. We will try and rate many different types of humidors from inexpensive starter boxes to desktop, travel, cabinet and special editions.

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How we rate humidors

1. LOOK AND FINISH: This is the appearance of the outer box and the quality of the finish. The outer box may be plain or may be enhanced with inlaid pieces that give it dimension and add value or quality. The quality of the finish is related to appearance of wood grain and lacquer and the luster of the finish.
2. HARDWARE AND JOINERY: Quality, look, and durability of hinges, latches, lid supports, locks, and keys. Joinery can refer to the joints that connect the walls of the humidor and/or to the quality of the seal or fit. The joints of a quality humidor must be strong to withstand the test of time. "Box," "Dovetail," and "Tongue and Groove" are common joinery techniques used in humidors. The important thing is the the joints are precise and true.
3. INNER BOX: The quality of materials and workmanship of the inner box, trays, drawers and dividers.
4. FUNCTION: Does the product adequately perform the function it was designed for?
5. VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
6. OVERALL QUALITY = LOOK AND FINISH + HARDWARE AND JOINERY + INNER BOX + FUNCTION + VALUE (averaged)
   
7. RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
   51 - 69 = POOR
   70 - 79 = AVERAGE
   80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
   90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

The next section provides our rating criteria for cigars. Read on.