Do I Need Upgrades
When you upgrade you are not replacing what already comes with the humidor, but rather adding to it. All of our products function without the upgrades, though some people like a little easier handling and less maintenance.
Most of our humidors come with an analog hygrometer and a traditional foam humidifier (the smaller, travel humidors do not come with a hygrometer and the larger cabinet style humidors do not come with humidifiers). These are technically the only things you need to maintain proper humidity in your humidor. The upgrades are available to make the set-up process and maintenance a bit easier.
Humidifier Upgrades: The humidifier that comes with the humidor is made of florists foam. To activate it you fill it with either distilled water or Activator Solution. The HUMI-CARE upgrade is a crystal/gel humidifier that you fill with distilled water. It is easier to use than a traditional foam humidifier because it is clear so you can easily tell when you need to add water. We also offer an upgrade to an electric humidifier. An electric humidifier has a built in hygrometer that will trigger a small fan to come on when the humidity level drops below the set point. It also has a warning light that lets you know when you need to refill it with distilled water.
Hygrometer Upgrades: The hygrometer that comes with the humidor is an analog hygrometer. They are kind of an outdated technology. They will read the humidity just fine but they take a while to respond to changes in humidity. The upgrades are digital hygrometers (round and rectangle). These are much more accurate and quick to respond.
EZ Calibration Kit: When you first receive your humidor you will need to calibrate the hygrometer. You can do this yourself using a zip-lock baggie, distilled water, and a tablespoon of table salt or you can purchase the EZ calibration kit.
EZ Seasoning Kit: When you first receive your humidor it will need to be seasoned (aka humidified). You can do this yourself using a shot glass or small dish of distilled water or you can purchase our seasoning kits. Keep in mind the manufacturer of these kits recommends 1 kit for every 50 cigar capacity.