For people who smoke cigars, it can become something of a preoccupation. As time passes, cigar smokers regularly develop exact rituals that they adhere to each time they smoke a stogie, and can be quite pedantic about how they store their smokes. If you are not familiar with this obsession of smoking the ‘perfect’ cigar, then you also probably don’t understand the necessity for a cigar humidor. The basic purpose of a cigar humidor is to both store and protect cigars. Many cigar fans believe that cigars have to be stored at a particular temperature so as to keep their top flavour. That’s’s exactly what the cigar humidor does – maintains a steady temperature. You do not have to store machine made cigars like your Black and Milds in a humidor. Opinions alter, but it’s’s generally believed that the range between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for cigars. The humidity also needs to be controlled, and kept at a level preferrably 70-72% humidity. Cigar fans have long discussed about the ideal temperature required for the storing of cigars. Some demand that even a slight fluctuation in temperature can prove deleterious to the flavour of their cigars, and insist on a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Others are a touch more flexible and allow a slight amount of temperature fluctuation. Generally they all agree that the lower the temperature, the quicker the cigar will age, which may then result in a reduction in flavour. If you want to maintain the flavour, integrity and color of your fave smokes, then a cigar humidor is critical. What features should you look for when buying a cigar humidor? The one essential feature is that it must be fully closed once the lid is shut. If the lid isn’t snug and secure, then it’s possible that the temperature or humidity within will fluctuate. A lid that’s’s tight also inhibits any other outside elements contaminating the cigars, and inhibits any moisture exchange. It’s beneficial if the inside of the cigar humidor is smooth and seamless, to stop snagging of cigars ( or fingers ). It’s also useful to have fittings inside the humidor to help in the keeping of the smokes.