A humidor without a hygrometer is like a car without a gauge cluster. It will still drive just fine, but yo
But like a gauge cluster in a car, these simple devices sometimes malfunction, and when they do you are left completely in the dark as to what is happening inside. Humidor hygrometers are the proverbial canary in the coal mine for humidors, as all it takes is a glance and you will know what humidity and temps are like inside.
So if your hygrometer is on the fritz, or not working whatsoever, what do you do? Well, that really depends upon the problem, and what your humidor's needs are at the moment. Luckily, there are a few different paths that can be taken when it comes time to diagnose and/or replace your humidor’s hygrometer.
In this article we will discuss some core humidor care tips, the main factors affecting your hygrometer accuracy (or inaccuracy), the importance of having an accurate hygrometer, and the role all of this plays in maintaining the integrity of your cigar collection. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Understanding Your Hygrometer
When it comes to the garden variety humidor hygrometer, there are generally two types on the market today: Analog and Digital. For those who are into smoking barbecue, this is likely closest akin to using a digital temperature probe or an old-school dial-style probe.
Here at Klaro, we tend to favor digital hygrometers over analog units. Digital hygrometers tend to be more accurate, are easier to read, and don't require recalibration nearly as often. Analog hygrometers, on the other hand, do require calibration on occasion, and due to their layout, usually are more difficult to read at a glance.
Digital hygrometers have also become far more affordable and reliable over the years. However, integrated hygrometers are only as accurate as the airtight seal around the sensor and the humidor lid's ability to remain leak-proof. Even the slightest gap can cause those readings to be way off, so fit and finish matter a ton.
Signs of Hygrometer Inaccuracy
An inaccurate hygrometer is just about as useful as a broken one. Inconsistent humidity readings do little more than leave you guessing and can be quite stressful to discover, especially when you have a 5-pack of curated Klaro Cigars stuffed inside.
If you feel that your hygrometer is providing inaccurate readings, give it a look and see if there is any sign of visible wear or damage to the hygrometer. Additionally, a cigar that has shifted inside can easily cause an inaccurate reading, especially if it is butting right up to the sensor on the hygrometer.
If you have another hygrometer handy, and you know that it is accurate, pop it in and see what it says after an hour or so. By conducting a comparison with a secondary hygrometer you can determine precisely how far off those readings are, and then properly weigh your options for fixing the issue.
Why Hygrometer Accuracy Matters
Inaccurate hygrometer readings can affect, or worse yet, completely ruin a premium cigar collection. In order to guarantee the absolute best cigar aging and storage environment quality possible, one must remove (or at least reduce) the risk of sudden humidity fluctuations. This is why routinely monitoring that hygrometer’s readings is so crucial, and by following some basic humidor best practices will allow you to detect any spikes or drops in moisture inside.
Regular Hygrometer Maintenance Best Practices
If you own a Humidificateur Klaro, you can rest assured in knowing that you have the most advanced humidor hygrometer on the planet. Not only does it read humidity levels to the most extreme deg
There is no need for hygrometer maintenance with a Klaro product, nor is there the need for calibrating one when you unpack your brand-new humidor. Instead, you've got a plug-and-play product that lasts a lifetime that needs little to no care outside of the occasional battery exchange. This has led to numerous cigar collectors outfitting our competitor’s humidors with Klaro hygrometers. They work that well.
For those of you who have yet to upgrade to a Klaro hygrometer, feel free to check out our hygrometer maintenance blog for some choice tips and tricks. There, you’ll find step-by-step installation and upkeep instructions, along with some advice for maintaining optimum humidity levels inside that Cèdre espagnol outfitted cigar humidor.
Environmental Factors That Influence Your Hygrometer
One thing people tend to forget is that humidity (or the lack thereof) is not the only reason why a hygrometer will suddenly start fluctuating. Extreme shifts in temperature can quickly impact humidity readings, and the higher those temps go, the more humid it will become inside. In contrast, a sharp drop in temperature can cause the humidity inside a humidor to plummet, so winter weather can also influence that hygrometer reading.
Additionally, hygromètre placement can make a massive difference in what is perceived from outside the box. A hygrometer that does not stick far enough inside a humidor’s walls, or is tucked too close to the humidity source can cause all manner of misreading to occur. That’s why every Klaro humidor has a hygrometer with sensors that sit well beyond the line of the humidor wall, and in many cases comes silicone gasket sealed for added security.
Lifespan of Different Hygrometer Types
Unlike digital hygrometers, analog hygrometers typically do not require the need for a battery. Therefore, they do tend to have an extremely lengthy lifespan. The only catch is that this design does need occasional recalibration, and may not read as accurately. Analog hygrometers can be a bit finicky too, so be sure to check out our article explaining the ins and outs of calibrating a humidor hygrometer prior to undertaking this task on your own.
As for digital hygrometers, as long as it is of good quality and does not become compromised in any way, the chance of receiving accurate readings for decades on end is easily obtainable. Despite their electronic nature, digital hygrometers are still very simple pieces of tech with little to zero maintenance requirements. If anything, they may require the occasional battery change every other year or so.
Technological Advances in Hygrometers
As with many things in this world, the digital world has strongly influenced the way in which smart hygrometers function. Take the Klaro Valet for instance. This smart hygrometer sends readings over to a Bluetooth bridge, which in turn connects to the cloud via your home WiFi, which then relays all of your humidor stats straight to your smartphone or connected device.
This patented breakthrough from Klaro is the first of its kind, and a revolutionary step forward in hygrometer monitoring, allowing you to see what’s going on inside your humidor anywhere, anytime. It also pops right into the spot where your old Klaro digital hygrometer once sat, and comes in different colors and finishes.
The only downside to this design is that it is cloud-dependent, and therefore must have WiFi at all times and an electrical source to keep the Bluetooth bridge powered. You also must have a modern smart device to connect the included free app to if you want read humidity and temp levels from afar.
However, in-app navigation and first-time setup are super straightforward, and pretty much everything within the app is fully customizable. This means that you can fine-tune notifications, adjust temp and humidity thresholds, track cigar rotation schedules, set reminders, and keep a running list of what premium cigar blends you have on hand.
Common Misconceptions About Hygrometers
The act of debunking myths about humidity readings and accuracy has more to do with what you find tolerable, than what is being forced upon you by social media monkeys and self-proclaimed experts. Just like no car engine operates at its projected power figures all the time, hygrometers also have their moments where they don’t perform at 100%.
So what if your hygrometer happens to be off by a degree or two? Minute shifts in humidity happen all the time and occur regardless of whether or not your humidor's système d'humidification is properly filled. The cigars inside will more than likely still smoke just fine as long as there isn’t some sort of double-digit shift in humidity or temperature inside.
The Cost of Replacing a Hygrometer
If you feel that you do need to replace your hygrometer, either due to it malfunctioning or it being compromised in some way, don’t worry. The average price of the garden variety hygrometer is quite reasonable. That’s not to say that you should opt for the $5 special you found on eBay, but you need not order the $2,000 digital minefield of sensors being offered either.
We offer the Klaro Valet for a modest $50, and that’s the most advanced smart hygrometer on the market. So finding something in this price range, with that much tech and customization is going to be a real challenge. Trust us. We’ve looked.
Steps to Replacing a Hygrometer
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As for properly installing and calibrating a new hygrometer, that process is about as simple as it gets, at least, when it comes to Klaro products.
Merely remove the plastic battery shield from the back of the hygrometer, and pop it into place and you are set! No need for screwdrivers, clips, gaskets, or glue. The silicone gasket and micro-milled tolerances of the unit guarantee an airtight seal every time without being too snug. Being that every one of our hygrometers comes pre-calibrated straight from the factory, there is no need to fiddle with settings or worry about inaccuracies. Just plug and play!
When to Seek Professional Advice
For as simple as they may seem, cigar humidors do occasionally require some professional care. This is especially true when an old hygrometer will not calibrate properly, or cannot be removed prior to replacement. So if you are hesitant about calibrating a humidor hygrometer, know that there is no shame in asking for assistance from the pros, especially when it comes to caring for your prized cigar collection.
Bouffées d'adieu
Hygrometer replacement doesn’t need to be a complicated affair. It also shouldn’t happen often, if ever. But being that this is your first (and oftentimes only) method of calculating humidity levels in your humidor, having a dependable hygrometer is crucial in the preservation of that cigar collection.
That is why every Klaro hygrometer is meticulously crafted for flawless fitment, maximum longevity, and comes with hassle-free calibration instructions. In fact, we have found that the only time our customers replace their hygrometers is when they are looking to upgrade to the Klaro Valet smart hygrometer.
