What do I need to consider when purchasing a tupperware box?

[amir11950]

So I don't have the money to spend on an expensive humidor just yet. I would rather spend the extra money on some good sticks and trying new ones.

I plan on getting a tupperware or pyrex container. Preferrably glass. What do I need to consider? For example, should it be all glass? Would a plastic top give off an odor that could damage cigars? Should I line it with cedar spills?

Should I use the crystal packs like the xikar ones or boveda packs?

I guess these kinds of questions or if you know something from experience that I would never think about, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[Smoqman]

Get this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ziploc-4-Piece-Large-Deep-Weathertight-Storage-Box-Set/37299945

It's inexpensive, holds humidity very well and will keep your smokes happy!

Drop a few Boveda in there along with maybe a sock of kitty litter and you're golden!

 

[atbat82]

Honestly, it's hard to beat a cooler. I'm not sure what's available where you live (I think you're in UAE, right?) but a decent cooler around here can be had for pretty cheap. Then spend some time getting the smell out (packing it with crumpled up News Papers for a few days did wonders for me). Then just load it with sticks and some Boveda packs and you're good to go.

If you want to use Tupperware, it's the same principle. Get rid of the new plastic smell. You can probably run tupperware through a dishwasher a few times and that should do it. Then it's the same concept. load it with sticks, spread some Boveda around and you're good to go.

 

[ZippoGeek]

+1 what all the guys are saying about Boveda. Those things work like a charm brother. 65% is right in my wheelhouse, but some guys prefer the 62s.

 

[CVAC085]

Not to de-rail, but research the threads for humidors here also before buying one. All too often I see threads about the cheap humidors and they're not functioning right etc. Nothing wrong with the tupperdor's either. Just want to make sure you get something that will last a lifetime and then some.

 

[eastcoast paul]

I am so glad i went with tupperware instead of a cheap humidore. I have about 40 sticks and 2 65% rh bovedas and my sticks are perfectly maintained.

 

[xjsnake]

I have the small version of the Ziplock container that was linked to above. It holds humidity really well. Too well in fact, I'm having to get a different humidification device (going for boveda) because my sticks are over humidified.

 

[bdc30]

Page sent out to @sofc . Hopefully he'll be by shortly.

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

These are very good too, and really cheap. Great seal like the Ziplock above.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10026213&N=&Ntt=watertight

 

[Lezanstar]

All of these are good suggestions and you would not go wrong choosing either option. I would do as noted above and use boveda as a worry free method of maintaining your sticks and they are rechargeable if you buy the brown ones. Smoqman has a very good method for recharging them and with a little searching you can find it.
As far as the vessel is concerned, it depends on your needs. Number of cigars, are you concerned about temperature and cost. If you have a Pyrex container at home and it's airtight, throw a couple bovedas and a hygrometer in there and let it sit a day. If the hygrometer reads what % the bovedas are the next day, your good to go. They have many locking lid glass jars and plastic containers at Wally World to choose from if you need something to start out.
If you are going to spend close to $100 I would strongly recommend searching sale sites/garage sales/fleabay for used or scratch and dent wine bottle chillers. They can usually be had for very cheap though you may have to search for quite some time to find a great deal. Even if the cooling unit doesn't work, with little effort they can be made air tight and are an attractive long term solution for storage and aging cigars. These units will require a bit more humidification but can be done extremely in expensively using methods found elsewhere on this site.
You hit the nail on the head; trying new cigars is far more important than the aesthetics of storing them.
Let us know what you decide on and post some pics! Always happy to help someone getting started!

 

[Sydgar]

The largest, most airtight, least plastic smelling you can find.
Incidentally, you can use weather stripping to make a tuppedore airtight. Just make sure you buy a one that does not smell so much of rubber.

 

[StogieNinja]

Literally any airtight, food-safe container will work.

Lining with Spanish cedar is optional, but not a requirement.

Use a twoway media for rh control... do NOT use crystals or gel or the pucks. Those only release rh, and will not absorb extra. You want something that will both release rh when it gets low, and absorb extra rh when it gets high. A Boveda pack is plenty for a Tupperware and will last a very long time.

 

[herfdog]

My wood humidor has a new life as storage for my accessories...
When you get to upgrade from the tupperdore, go wine fridge. Its very rewarding.

 

[Dick Leighton]

http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-air-tight-storage-tote-transparent-with-aquarium-blue-latch-20qt/-/A-15066036#prodSlot=_1_9

I just purchased this tote from Target and am having a lot of difficulty trying to remove the plastic smell. I didn't really notice it in store but once I got home, it was strong.
I've had it sitting with baking soda for 3 days.

If not, going to try washing it out and sitting it in the sunshine for a few days.

Any others ideas? Heard plain charcoal might help.

 

[sofc]

http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-air-tight-storage-tote-transparent-with-aquarium-blue-latch-20qt/-/A-15066036#prodSlot=_1_9

I just purchased this tote from Target and am having a lot of difficulty trying to remove the plastic smell. I didn't really notice it in store but once I got home, it was strong.
I've had it sitting with baking soda for 3 days.

If not, going to try washing it out and sitting it in the sunshine for a few days.

Any others ideas? Heard plain charcoal might help.

I just put cigars in there.

 

[Sydgar]

http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-air-tight-storage-tote-transparent-with-aquarium-blue-latch-20qt/-/A-15066036#prodSlot=_1_9

I just purchased this tote from Target and am having a lot of difficulty trying to remove the plastic smell. I didn't really notice it in store but once I got home, it was strong.
I've had it sitting with baking soda for 3 days.

If not, going to try washing it out and sitting it in the sunshine for a few days.

Any others ideas? Heard plain charcoal might help.

Don't skimp on the tupper. Even the food grade ones are cheap enough. Those don't have the plastic smell.

 

[bostoneo]

I've used these with success for 3yrs, but a bit more expensive then some of the other options i see here.

http://www.petsmart.com/supplies-training/storage-scoops/top-paw-airtight-pet-food-storage-container-zid36-6696/cat-36-catid-100071?var_id=36-6696&_t=pfm=search

Allows about 120 loose cigars per container with room for a crystal jar at the bottom. I use boveda throughout to.

 

[Dick Leighton]

Don't skimp on the tupper. Even the food grade ones are cheap enough. Those don't have the plastic smell.

Good point.
I'll look into it and just "repurpose" the sterilite.

 

[Sydgar]

Good point.
I'll look into it and just "repurpose" the sterilite.

Oh and BTW. DO NOT use crystals or gels. Those only give out rh. You will get wet cigars. Use a two way media Like Boveda. I use a combination of Boveda and Beads at the same rating. The beads react faster, the Boveda maintains longer.

 

[amir11950]

I just found out what I should have considered. It's best to get tupperware with the vent hole. I have only about 5 cigars in my tupperdore with a Boveda 72 and my Bolivar is so moist, you'd think it fell in the water. But I left the top open and about 1-2 hours later, it felt much better. More like how a well humidified cigar should feel.