I built two large foam bricks back in mid 90s, set them up in tuppeware with large slits cut into lids. Bought a gallon of PG and have been mixing a 50/50 solution since then. With the size of the foam bricks (by design) I have to replenish them about once every 18-20 months. They have been holding very steady at roughly 70/70, all this in a climate that can go from 60F to 100+F daily, and humidity numbers from low teens (as we had this week) to maybe high 30s, low 40s during winter when it rains a lot. Cigars are all in great shape, in fact much better shape than those from my friends' very expensive custom made humidors.
Nothing to replace, nothing to throw out. Low tech and very efficient.
Using this same setup, I used plastic canisters from 35mm camera film for travel (when I don't want/can't to bring a portable humi). Cut the foam to size, inserted it into canisters, punched a bunch of holes in side walls for air/moisture exchange. All I have to do now is replenish with the 50/50 solution if not already setup (I premix and have plenty on hand) and I am ready to go no matter the climate; put cigars in a zip lock bag, throw one or two of these canisters in and that is it. Works for shipping cigars as well and costs nothing. Again, cost is nil and works better than anything out there I've seen so far.
I have been reading about beads for weeks now and still see no reason to switch, sounds like more maintenance for (much more) money when compared to my setup. I do believe in KISS methodology
What am I missing with the beads?
Nothing to replace, nothing to throw out. Low tech and very efficient.
Using this same setup, I used plastic canisters from 35mm camera film for travel (when I don't want/can't to bring a portable humi). Cut the foam to size, inserted it into canisters, punched a bunch of holes in side walls for air/moisture exchange. All I have to do now is replenish with the 50/50 solution if not already setup (I premix and have plenty on hand) and I am ready to go no matter the climate; put cigars in a zip lock bag, throw one or two of these canisters in and that is it. Works for shipping cigars as well and costs nothing. Again, cost is nil and works better than anything out there I've seen so far.
I have been reading about beads for weeks now and still see no reason to switch, sounds like more maintenance for (much more) money when compared to my setup. I do believe in KISS methodology
What am I missing with the beads?
I do not have the beads...yet. When I get home I intend on getting some for the purpose of insurance. It seems to me that this is where the beads will shine, ensuring quick effective control if my humi environment changes throughout the day due to sun/AC/rain/forced hot air heating system.
I don't know if they're really intended to replace a humidification device, but adding them as a means of maintaining a buffer/margin for error seems well worth it to me.
I don't know if they're really intended to replace a humidification device, but adding them as a means of maintaining a buffer/margin for error seems well worth it to me.