What is a Hygrometer?
A hygrometer, or humidity meter, is an instrument that measures relative humidity. It is critical to maintaining the quality of longfiller cigars. Humidity plays a vital role in cigar storage; too low a humidity leads to dehydration, while too high a humidity can cause mold. Accurate moisture measurement is therefore necessary to maintain optimal conditions in your cigar storage.
Chapter 1: History
The first hygrometers date back to the 16th century. Leonardo da Vinci designed an early prototype, but it was Swiss scientist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure who developed the first reliable hygrometer in the 18th century. His model used human hair, which expands and contracts depending on humidity. Over the centuries, technological improvements have been made, resulting in the modern analog and digital hygrometers we know today.
Chapter 2: The Operation of the Hygrometer
The basic principle of moisture measurement relies on the interaction between materials and moisture. There are two main types of hygrometers: analog and digital.
Analog hygrometers:
These work on the basis of materials that respond to changes in humidity.
A commonly used material is an animal’s hair, which expands or shrinks depending on humidity.
Digital hygrometers:
These use electronic sensors that measure humidity and display the results digitally.
Digital humidity meters offer higher accuracy and are easier to read than analog models.
Chapter 3: Relative humidity
Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air can contain at a given temperature. This is an important measurement for cigar storage because it has the direct impact on the humidity of the cigars.
Chapter 4: Applications of the Hygrometer in a cigar store
In addition to cigar storage, the hygrometer is used in many other industries:
Museums and art galleries: protecting works of art from damp or excessively dry air.
Wine Cellars: Maintain optimal humidity levels for home and professional wine aging.
Healthcare: Preventing health problems such as dry eyes and skin irritation.
Agriculture: Regulation of humidity in greenhouses and conservatories for optimal crop growth.
In a humidity cabinet for cigars, the hygrometer is an indispensable tool. It helps you maintain the ideal humidity between 68% and 72%. Humidity is determined by a number of environmental factors and will be easier to achieve during humid periods and summer than in winter with the heating radiator on.
What do I need to pay attention to? Make sure the humidity meter is properly calibrated for an accurate reading.
How do I do this? Most analog hygrometers have a calibration function, but digital hygrometers can also be calibrated.
Why does a cigar store need to be properly sealed? A properly sealed cigar cabinet keeps humidity from escaping and keeps the humidity more constant for good measurement.
Chapter 5: Influence of humidity on cigars
Humidity has a direct effect on the quality of cigars:
Too low humidity (<65%): Cigars dry out, lose aroma and burn unevenly.
Too high humidity (>75%): Cigars become too humid, which can cause mold and difficulty pulling.
Ideal humidity (68%-72% ): Ensures a perfect balance between flavor and combustion.
To measure is to know
The hygrometer is a crucial tool for any cigar enthusiast. It allows you to accurately measure and monitor the humidity in your cigar box. Accurate moisture measurement is essential to maintaining the quality and comfort of your longfiller cigars. When choosing a hygrometer, it is advisable to invest in a digital model because of its higher accuracy and ease of use. Except for a Raching electric humidor, you should manually check the humidity on a weekly basis. Also regularly check the calibration of your hygrometer and place it in a highly visible place in your cigar storage.