Humidors story-Part 2
The 20th Century until Today
The 20th Century: Evolution of Humidors
The innovative changes and new developments of the 20th century, combined with the new behavior and thinking of the consumer as well as the abundance of new tastes and their evolution, had a significant influence to the design and operation of the humidifier.
From a simple container that helped to preserve cigars, it evolved, over the course of the century, into an aesthetically upgraded object with practical and necessary use.
In parallel with the global spread of cigar culture they were significantly influenced by new socio-economic trends, development in technology and new and changing perceptions of luxury and leisure.
I. Humidors at the Turn of the Century
At the beginning of the 20th century humidors were simple wooden boxes made of Spanish cedar wood, whose properties were excellent for retaining moisture and enhancing the aging process. These were primarily designed for cigar count capacity, specifically for homes, clubs or lounges.
These early humidors were functional and elaborately crafted and decorated to showcase the craftsmanship of the maker as well as the owner's culture and love of cigars.
At that time these passive systems were based on a simple dish of water or a wet sponge to maintain humidity.
Although they were simple systems they were effective for a relative humidity of 65-75% ideal for their maintenance.
In private clubs or larger aristocratic houses larger humidors were manufactured, in the form of cabinets or furniture that characterized investment as well as knowledge in the field of cigars.
II. The Influence of Industrialization and Mass Production
Industrial development and the rise of mass production techniques radically changed the production of humidifiers. They became accessible to a larger segment of the population as the middle class grew and income increased, allowing humidifiers to become widely available and more affordable.
This led to the manufacture of different sizes, styles and materials.
Luxury models continued to be produced, but smaller and more economical humidifiers for casual smokers appeared.
These cheaper models were experiments with new affordable materials (veneer) of different types of wood and new metal parts.
The burden of functionality and not using high quality materials (Spanish cedar) led to problems with mold and moisture instability. This brought about the awareness of the consumers regarding the correct use of the materials and the correct construction of the humidifier.
III. World Wars and the Decline in Popularity
The two World Wars interrupted the production of cigars all over the world and at the same time the production and use of humidors. Economic difficulties, inequalities, difficulties and disruptions in the supply chain as well as the constant changes in the socio-political reality put luxury goods such as cigars in second place.
Many tobacco plantations were completely destroyed or re-used and trade between key areas was greatly reduced.
This had a great impact on the use of the humidifier and its evolution and development remained the same and stagnant. Manufacturers and production units stopped their operations, went bankrupt and the industry went through hard times.
From the post-war period onwards, and especially in the 1950s, recovery began at all levels and interest and the world of cigars began to revive again.
Their re-emergence as a symbol of masculinity, affluence and refinement was cemented through media exposure of prominent businessmen and powerful political leaders, such as Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy and General George Patton, all of them famous and avid cigar lovers.
V. Technological evolution and the birth of the modern humidifier
The second half of the 20th century saw new innovations in humidifier technology.
One of them, which was the most important, concerned the development of the active humidification system.
Early ones relied on evaporation and were passive methods, while the new active systems were able to precisely regulate humidity levels using fans, sensors and refillable cartridges.
In the 1970s and 1980s, electronic humidifiers appeared and were designed to work in large cabinet humidifiers.
They had the ability to maintain constant humidity levels regardless of the external conditions of the room, an important parameter for collectors who owned rare and expensive cigars.
Also the ability to fit hygrometers - analog and later digital - gave users accurate incremental readings of the conditions inside the humidifiers.
At the same time, the aesthetics and interior decoration of the humidifiers evolved according to the modern standards and trends of the time.
Polished piano finishes appeared, glass surfaces and digital screens were incorporated inside, reflecting the evolution and new design.
Humidifiers were no longer just a functional solution but became symbols of status and prestige, taking a prominent place in living rooms, offices and private gathering spaces.
VI. Globalization and Cultural Changes
At the end of the 20th century the globalization of the production process and the rapid increase in cigar consumption radically changed the design of the humidor.
High-quality cigars from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras gained international recognition and an even larger audience, so humidors became more essential than ever.
Collectors and everyday cigar lovers and smokers have sought storage and preservation solutions, so that they can age under different conditions the various and often complex and varied choices and flavors in their cigars.
The 1990's saw an explosion in the production and consumption of cigars, especially in the United States resulting in their proliferation as an iconic lifestyle accessory.
Celebrities, athletes and artists were often seen with a cigar, playing a key role in their dissemination and readability.
Luxury brands such as Davidoff, Dunhill and Elie Ble decided to create handmade personalized humidifiers from special and expensive materials. They were decorated with precious metals, exotic woods or adorned with mother-of-pearl.
Their rising price has further cemented the humidifier as a necessary and practical luxury living accessory.
At the same time, humidor kits and travel humidors appeared as a practical everyday solution for cigar lovers who wanted an additional alternative to their favorite cigar collections.
They were constructed from durable plastics or metals providing comfort and mobility, a new solution that was ideal for the new on-the-go lifestyle which was rapidly changing.
VII. Perfection of New Materials and Sustainable Practice
Sustainable practices began to make their appearance in the humidifier industry as, by the turn of the century, environmental consciousness had begun to become an integral part of consumerism.
In addition to the Spanish cedar that remained the priority, as the main material choice for the inner lining of the humidor, new alternative materials were used, such as mahogany, bamboo and treated woods.
This reduced the dependence on slow-growing hardwoods.
At the same time the use of acrylic polymer crystals and silica gel beads as humectants offered sponges and foam a cleaner and longer-lasting alternative. These materials had the ability to simplify the maintenance of the humidifier, absorb and release moisture more efficiently.
Better quality sealing mechanisms - magnetic or elastic flange closures - harmonized and improved internal stability and reduced the frequency of refilling greatly.
Digital hygrometers became the primary choice as they were more affordable due to their accuracy, thus displacing the older analog dials.
These typically contained temperature sensors and battery-powered alarms, giving the user precision and control over the storage environment.
VIII. Customization and the Rise of the Collector Market
Towards the end of the 20th century the adaptation to the manufacture of the humidor – according to the clients needs and taste – developed and evolved, creating a new category for cigar lovers.
The category of collectibles, with many of them having the logic of numbering or limited pieces, gaining great value to the point of being considered desirable investment pieces.
They initially began ordering humidifiers with monograms, family and historical features, or designs that resonated with their personal interests.
Some collectors sought out and built large controlled humidors in their homes, with wine cellar-like capacities.
Then the demand for limited edition humidors began, combined with the release of cigars from rare blends.
Many of them were unique works of art or collaborations with well-known artists, leading to the collaboration of fine art and functionality.
Big Brands like Cohiba and Arturo Fuente have developed this concept with great success.
This period also saw an increased collaboration between humidifier manufacturers and designers. The union of the two worlds of this tobacco storage and that of industrial design led to a high standard result.
Visual and impressive designs with quality finishes and colors, high-performance constructions both in raw materials and in functionality and performance,which covered a new generation of sophisticated consumers.
Conclusion: A Timeless Guardian
The history of the cigar humidor during the 20th century is a reflection of all the new changes in a wide field in technology, taste and culture.
From its humble beginnings as a simple wooden container the humidifier has evolved into something bigger than just a container.
It began as a necessity for cigar preservation and has grown and evolved into a dynamic and diverse industry that follows and is being shaped by global trends and personal passions.
A high-tech storage and preservation solution that expresses lifestyle, art, identity.
It protects and preserves so that every cigar we enjoy - as its creator wishes - is rich in taste, aroma and character.
It is not just a maintenance tool but a symbol of dedication to the cigar lover, a symbol of elegance, perfection and tradition for the finer things in life, in a world that is constantly changing rapidly.
A story of evolution, high craftsmanship, passion and true worship.
Important Notice
"This article features names, historical events, external links and additional references about the humidors story from the 20th Century until Today - Part 2.
If any of the prominent figures mentioned in this article do not wish to be included, please contact via email
Edited by
Marios Krokos
Industrial Designer