Cooler V Container

[CooGuru]

Alright, I dont have many sticks to store yet, but I have a few and plans for more. So it has come time to start looking at making a cooler. while looking for the right one, and right price, I saw a bunch of the rubbermaid type containers that we all know and love. Some of the containers have the nice handles and claim to be 100% airtight.

Any thoughts on pros/cons of one or the other?

[Ginseng]

A 48-qt or larger cooler will give you plenty of room as you're starting out. I used to use Rubbermaids but coolers are better for maintaining some temperature stability.

That said, when I need to haul sticks around, I use Lock-n-Lock snap to close tuppers.

Wilkey

[moglman]

I use the Igloo MaxCold coolers because they're very well insulated helping with temp stability and seal well. The lid is recessed too which I like when things get close to the top. Makes it easier to close. Coleman Xtreme are decent too, but I like them less. Any of the coolers that specify ice will last 5 days or longer are good.

Clean the cooler out so there's no plastic smell. A little vinegar and water work for me and then I leave it open outside for a few days. Others use baking soda or other stuff. I don't do anything else to the coolers, just stack boxes in them until full and put in beads. The Rh will stabilize much easier if full, so many people fill empty space with empty cigar boxes, spanish cedar cabs are best. I do have some cigar singles in cedar trays stacked in a cooler too.

I choose to be cheap so I buy the cheapest knee high pantyhose from WalMart @ 4pr/$1 off-white color. I put 1/4 lb of beads in the feet, tie them off with a zip tie and cut off the rest of the hose. Then I charge the beads occasionally with distilled water in a NEW, CLEAN spray bottle and distribute them around the cigars.

[opusfxd]

Moglman knows what he's talking about that's for sure. I think he might actually be getting ready for his second cooler by now.

BTW, I use baking soda.

[CooGuru]

I was reading a lot online about the use of fans. Apparently A lot of people here even swear by the oust fans. So I was thinking of rigging up a nice little fan system with rechargable batteries, fan controls and a Hydrometer.

Is this anywhere near needed in a Coolidor?

[moglman]

Not in your smaller coolers for sure. Fans are usually used if you have a Rh differential between top and bottom shelves (i.e. 68% bottom and 60% top) in a humidor to even things out. For some people, the add fans, active humidification, cedar lining, shelves, etc. to their coolidors. I prefer to keep it simple.

[ethanjhall]

I don't have any boxes... should I put a liner on the bottom of my cooler, or should I put my crappy desktop humi inside (lid open) at least until I get a few (dozen :rofl: ) boxes?

[Ginseng]

I use the Igloo MaxCold coolers because they're very well insulated helping with temp stability and seal well. The lid is recessed too which I like when things get close to the top. Makes it easier to close. Coleman Xtreme are decent too, but I like them less. Any of the coolers that specify ice will last 5 days or longer are good.
I looked at the extreme insulation coolers but the extra thick walls just meant fewer boxes in the same external volume. For me, space in the basement is at a premium but temperature never varies more than 10 degrees from winter to summer. And it never maxes past 67F IIRC.

Choose the style that best fits your constraints and you'll be a happy man.

Wilkey

[moglman]

I looked at the extreme insulation coolers but the extra thick walls just meant fewer boxes in the same external volume. For me, space in the basement is at a premium but temperature never varies more than 10 degrees from winter to summer. And it never maxes past 67F IIRC.

Choose the style that best fits your constraints and you'll be a happy man.

Wilkey
Good point Wilkey. Think about your environment.

[mojo65]

I don't have any boxes... should I put a liner on the bottom of my cooler, or should I put my crappy desktop humi inside (lid open) at least until I get a few (dozen :rofl: ) boxes?

next time your at HMS they have empty boxes in a cabinet, Just ask to see them.

[kburke532]

The Oust fans as you probably know are discontinued and aren't readily available at local stores; I bought mine off Amazon 2 months ago for $5 a pop. I also took the fan apart and modified the front cover with a tiny handsaw. By cutting off the front, airflow is drastically increased for more circulation. I think the fans are a good idea to circulate air and reduce any dead spots in your cooler. I have also seen computer fans rigged to timers but the Oust was the simplest wire free route.

[ethanjhall]

See them? Or have them? Or see them, then have them? :rofl:

[mojo65]

See them? Or have them? Or see them, then have them? :rofl:

:greenchainsaw: There not in plane sight........ :shitunot::spank:

[ethanjhall]

Easy feller, I ain't into that BDSM bullsheit.... :eek:

[opusfxd]

The Oust fans as you probably know are discontinued and aren't readily available at local stores; I bought mine off Amazon 2 months ago for $5 a pop. I also took the fan apart and modified the front cover with a tiny handsaw. By cutting off the front, airflow is drastically increased for more circulation. I think the fans are a good idea to circulate air and reduce any dead spots in your cooler. I have also seen computer fans rigged to timers but the Oust was the simplest wire free route.

just line your humi with beads. that should do it.

[CooGuru]

Thank you all for your tips. I love hearing the variance between do nothing to do it all. I think I may try both....:tea: