Aristocrat -- Temp controlled or regular and ....

[blckthree]

Thinking of an Aristocrat, most likely an end table model. I am trying to decide between the Temp/humidity controlled cabinet and just a standard cabinet with a set and forget humidity system.

My current desktop sits in the house and it is the same temperature as the room within +/- 1 degree. Ranging from 68F in the winter to 75F in the summer. I have had no trouble with my current humidor and wonder if the doubled price of the THC is worth it?

Also is the additional expense of the set and forget humidity system the way to go. From a simplistic point of view it sounds good, but does an Oasis system perform as well?

I am looking for some opinions from owners of Aristocrats. I see nothing but praise for Bob's craftsmanship, that is not in question. The question is do I need to spend $1000 or over $2000.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Mike

[Tidefan73]

I have the Aristocrat M+ with S&F system and LOVE it!!! I don't know much about the Oasis system, but the S&F has worked flawlessly since I got it over a year ago. I think its worth the money for the system.

As for the temperature, I regret not getting the temperature control as the temp swings from low 60s to 70 throughout the year in the basement. The reason why I wish I had gotten it is so I could show off the piece of art Bob built me in my living room, not the basement...it would get way too hot up there.

Just my from a VERY happy Aristocrat and S&F owner!!!

T-

[Blueface]

Do you have to spend $1000 or $2000?
Doesn't matter how much you spend.
Won't be enough.
You will always have wanted the next size up.
That is the only negative thing I can say about my Aristocrat.
I absolutely love it!!!

[pnoon]

I've been toying with the same dilemma for 18 months now. I really want an Aristocrat but have always felt that, if I were to make the plunge, I would go all out and get the THC. Then, I wouldn't have to worry about running the A/C here in southern CA.

[Only Fuentes]

If you can comfortably afford the temp controlled arisocrat then I suggest go with one! I have 2 and couldn't be happier with them but I agree with the rest : you can never go to big with one.

[ca21455]

My suggestion is use the money for a bigger humi. Your temperature range is not a problem. I currently use 3 lbs of beads in a 17 cf humi. This maintains perfect humidity during the summer. During the winter I add a Moist-n-Air to boost the humidity control when the house is super dry.

No question the controls sold by Aristocrat are the best on the market. However it can always be added later. The extra humi space will be much appreciated in the future and helps with sorting your smokes when your inventory is starting to grow.

Unless you have a walk in humi, you will always want more space!

[Ashcan Bill]

You've brought up a couple of issues.

First the Oasis. I think an Oasis II XL would work well. Anything smaller, like an XL, would probably require fairly constant filling. I had an Oasis XL II set up in a wine cooler and was very happy with it. On the other hand, Bob's set and forget system doesn't cost substantially more than an Oasis. If you buy a new car, do you get (and pay for) factory A/C, or take it to an independent shop and have an aftermarket system installed to save some coin? Really, no right or wrong answer.

Now cooling. First, if you do decide to go with the peltier cooling, then I think you'd want Bob's set & forget humidification system as the controls tie into the cooling unit. You set both the temperature and the humidifier using the single digital control keypad. Cleaner and easier.

As far as is it worth it to add cooling in the first place? Only you can judge. If you aren't concerned about temperature now with your current setup, and don't ever anticipate moving to a warmer climate, and don't think global warming will soon bring an end to life as we know it, then you likely don't need the cooling. Are you concerned now? That's really your answer.

I live in a fairly hot and arid climate, and had Bob install double peltiers on my Aristocrat. I couldn't be happier. But they run pretty constant in the hot weather to keep the unit at 68 degrees. I really needed the cooling.

[blckthree]

Originally Posted by pnoon

I've been toying with the same dilemma for 18 months now. I really want an Aristocrat but have always felt that, if I were to make the plunge, I would go all out and get the THC. Then, I wouldn't have to worry about running the A/C here in southern CA.

I have plenty of time to think, judging by your 18 months of pondering.

Running the A/C is not a question in Oklahoma, it is just a question of when you start to run it. The only time of the year you can get along without A/C, allergies are so bad you wouldnt dare open a window and let all that in.

I am trying to figure this one out for the future. Now I have a fairly well packed humidor with just under 100 sticks in it. I can already envision that some point in the future I am going to want more. I suggested the vinotemp route to my wife and that got shot down immediately! She said whenever I feel the need for something bigger, go with the Aristocrat. I have to love her!

Mike

[blckthree]

Originally Posted by Only Fuentes

If you can comfortably afford the temp controlled arisocrat then I suggest go with one! I have 2 and couldn't be happier with them but I agree with the rest : you can never go to big with one.

Sounds like the same advice I got when buying a gun safe, you can never go too small.

Mike

[blckthree]

Thank you all for your thoughts. It always is encouraging to hear from actual owners of Aristocrats and their thoughts. I'm sure you all had the same questions and concerns before you took the jump and purchased yours.

Unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees around here, so I will have plenty of time to research this one. I see a road trip to visit Bob's shop in my future one of these days. Dallas isn't that far from here, I bet it would be an informative and interesting trip. I better bring a towel so I don't drool on his work. I bet he gives you one at the door.

Thanks again to all of you,
Mike

[icehog3]

I bought one with the S&F in April 2007, and regret not spending the extra cash for the temp. control. Do be honest with you, I didn't research it thoroughly enough, and thought the unit I bought did have temp. control. Now, I keep my house at 73* during the warm months, which keeps the room I have my humi in at about 69*.

When I retire and relocate to a warmer state, I will be selling my cabinet locally and buying a new one with the temp controls.

[justinphilly]

I bought the cooled unit and love it.. But in the real humid months, I still have to run an AC unit in the room with the Aristocrat!! Not to cool the room down, but to de-humidify the office.. When i leave the Peltier unit to cool the Aristocrat without any AC running, it just pulls humid air in the cabinet, causing the humidity inside to jump..

[cigarlvr]

If you got the $$ then spend it. I have a end table that I bought from Bob over 8 years ago and was one of the first he made. They are pieces of art and for the price he is giving them away. You will be shocked on how beautiful they are and amazed on how he is able to deliever such a product for the price. I only have the set and forget system for humidity and have been trying to save for a bigger one withthe temp control. The problem I have is I keep buying cigars and spending all the money that I was saving for one. Make sure you buy one that is at least 2 times bigger than you will think you will need.