Is a DIGITAL HYGROMETER necessary?

[blazingazn]

I was wondering if it was worth fronting the extra $20 for a digital hygrometer when my humidor will already come with an analog one.

Please a yes or no and why?

Thanks.

[rab1957]

I'm still pretty new at this cigar thing myself, but from what I've been told and discovered so far the analog hygrometer are notoriously inaccurate. It is best to buy a digital one that can be adjusted and calibrate it by doing a salt test. This involves mixing a small amount of salt and water together to make a paste. Do this in a bottle cap or something similar, you don’t need a lot. Place it and your hygrometer in a small zip lock bag or Tupperware container and let it sit for 24 hours. The salt and water mix gives off a humidity level of 75%, do a search on the forum, someone has explained why. After 24 hours check the reading on the hygrometer and make to adjustment so it reads 75%. You can do this with and analog and just do the math if you like. As I said, I’m no expert and will defer to more experienced members of the forum.

[madurolover]

Pretty much what Bob said. Except I would do the salt test for at least 36 hours. You can often times see it change some more after 24.

The biggest problem with adjusting an analog is that today in a 65% environment it may read 62% and tomorrow in a 65% environment it may read 71%.

[Blaylock]

I would buy a good digital hygrometer and then test it for accuracy. With all the money you'll invest in cigars to put in your humidor, it's a small price to pay to keep them stored in the proper humidity environment.

[beezermcd]

Go with the digital...easy to calibrate, easy to read, and generally more accurate.

[ChokeOnSmoke]

In my opinion, an analog hygro is completely useless, it's simply for "show". For less than $15.00, you can get a Caliber III and know what your looking at is in the ball park.

[cp478]

the analog one in my humi has major swings and is completely innacurate!

definately buy a digital one, they can be had pretty cheap.

[Brendo87]

Crap so that means my analog hygro is reading 63 now (finally) which means it could be, what 60 or less?

[cp478]

Originally Posted by Brendo87

Crap so that means my analog hygro is reading 63 now (finally) which means it could be, what 60 or less?

sorry to tell you but from my limited experience with analogs it could be almost anything.
the analog ones seem to be VERY innacurate!

Get a digital one quick. even walmart has some cheap ones!

[rajuabju]

NECESSARY? No. It's not really required to have ANY hygro. You could just use 65% beads or whatever and assume they are working properly, and just refill them as needed.

RECOMMENDED? Yes. Why would you want to risk your cigars? Digital has proven time and time again to be more accurate than Analog. Especially if you're going to have higher end cigars, it would be silly not to have a digital unit monitoring your goods.

[blazingazn]

Appreciate everyones opinions.

I bought a Digital. Just trying to save where I can as I am just starting on serious cigar smoking.

The initial cost is hitting me
(humidor, cutter, cigars, ashtray, accessories.)

Originally Posted by rajuabju

NECESSARY? No. It's not really required to have ANY hygro. You could just use 65% beads or whatever and assume they are working properly, and just refill them as needed.

RECOMMENDED? Yes. Why would you want to risk your cigars? Digital has proven time and time again to be more accurate than Analog. Especially if you're going to have higher end cigars, it would be silly not to have a digital unit monitoring your goods.

[golfermd]

Sounds about right for purchases. Those are good investments...

[Tarks]

Hey Rick, what are you using for your humidification?

[Tarks]

If your not already using Heartfelt beads you should seriously consider purchasing some. I have 2 x 1/2lb bags for 2 x 50 qt coolers and they work like a charm. Humidity stays bang on 65%.

[Yellowfever]

Originally Posted by Brendo87

Crap so that means my analog hygro is reading 63 now (finally) which means it could be, what 60 or less?

Or 70 or more. That's why I would go digital. I bought the one from Heartfelt with the beads. They sold a test kit for a few bucks more. I know you can do it yourself but for 3 bucks why not. Saves me from having to do the work.