Humidors come in all shapes and sizes from the humble Tupperware container to the proud wooden humidor proudly displayed on a desk to the majestic walk-in humidor. Humidors can be made from plastic, wood, glass, and can be as simple as a container or advanced with electronic sensors and humidification devices. So what’s the difference, if any, between wood and plastic or glass humidors?

Function versus Fashion

The differences can be summed up in two words: function versus fashion. Wooden humidors tell a story, impart a feeling of Old World nostalgia, and accent any piece of furniture that they rest on. Wooden containers also require conditioning (seasoning), constant care, and a hands-on approach to humidity. Plastic humidors, on the other hand, work extremely well, are ready to go after a thorough cleaning, require minimal oversight or maintenance, yet are an eye sore in every room.

Price

There’s a lot of versatility in wooden humidors, so estimating the price can be a tricky business. But a plastic Tupperware container with an airtight seal will only set you back ~$15 at Wal-Mart for a humidor large enough to store 10-15 boxes of cigars.

Plastic humidors not only cost less for the price of admission, they also save money in operation as the years go. Since the types of plastic or glass containers that we’ll be using are air tight, you’ll use significantly fewer Boveda packs or water to humidify your cigars.

Which one is the best?

Like everything else cigar related, you’re the only person that can decide what’s the best for you. We can tell you that plastic humidors are more user friendly, require less work, and cost less to operate. But there’s something special about laying your cigars to rest in a cedar humidor that isn’t easily dismissed.  Some enthusiasts also achieve equilibrium by stacking cedar shelves in their plastic humidors, combining the best of both worlds. 

Tell us! Which do you own and what do you prefer?