Where to Place a Humidifier Inside a Humidor
Where to Place a Humidifier Inside a Humidor (Glass Top & Traditional)
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Where should I place my humidifier inside my humidor?”—you’re not alone. Proper humidifier placement is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) parts of cigar storage.
Whether you’re using a traditional solid-lid humidor or a modern glass top humidor, correct humidifier placement ensures even humidity, proper airflow, and long-term cigar aging. The good news? There isn’t just one right way to do it.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best humidifier placement options, explain how to adapt when lid mounting isn’t available, and show how Spanish cedar dividers can be used to protect your cigars—no matter your humidor style.
Why Humidifier Placement Matters
Before diving into placement options, it’s important to understand why placement matters so much.
A cigar humidifier’s job isn’t just to add moisture—it’s to distribute humidity evenly throughout the humidor. Poor placement can lead to:
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Uneven humidity levels
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Over-humidified cigars
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Dry spots inside the humidor
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Mold or cracked wrappers
The goal is simple: consistent airflow and indirect humidity, never direct contact with your cigars.
The Golden Rule of Humidifier Placement
No matter what type of humidor you own, there is one rule that never changes:
A humidifier should never directly touch your cigars.
Direct contact can cause:
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Over-saturation
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Swollen wrappers
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Burn issues
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Premature cigar damage
As long as your humidifier is mounted securely and separated from the cigars—your setup is on the right track.
Best Case Scenario: Under the Lid
For traditional solid-lid humidors, mounting the humidifier underneath the lid is widely considered the best option.
Why Under-Lid Placement Works Best
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Promotes even humidity distribution
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Keeps the humidifier away from cigars
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Allows moisture to fall naturally through the humidor
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Keeps the interior organized and clutter-free
Most classic humidors are designed with this placement in mind. However, this option isn’t always available—especially with glass top humidors.

Glass Top Humidor? No Lid Space—No Problem
Glass top humidors look fantastic, but they eliminate the ability to mount a humidifier under the lid. Luckily, there are multiple equally effective alternatives.
Side Wall Placement Using Spanish Cedar Dividers
One of the most versatile and effective solutions for glass top humidors is side wall mounting.
How It Works
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Mount the humidifier against the side wall of the humidor
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Place a Spanish cedar divider between the humidifier and the cigars
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The divider creates a protective barrier while still allowing airflow
Why Spanish Cedar Is Key
Spanish cedar naturally:
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Regulates humidity
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Improves airflow
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Enhances cigar aging
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Prevents direct moisture exposure
Using a divider allows the humidifier to do its job while keeping your cigars perfectly protected.

Back Wall Placement in a Cigar Star Humidor
If you’re using a Cigar Star humidor, back wall placement becomes another excellent option thanks to built-in airflow design.
The Setup
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Mount the humidifier on the back wall
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Position a Spanish cedar divider between the humidifier and the airflow grate
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This creates separation while maintaining full circulation
Why This Works So Well
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Airflow grates distribute humidity evenly
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Spanish cedar prevents direct contact
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Humidity spreads naturally from back to front
This setup is especially effective in larger humidors or those designed for long-term aging.

Using a Pull-Out Tray in Glass Top Humidors
Many glass top humidors include removable or pull-out trays, which open up another clever placement option.
Under-Tray Humidifier Placement
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Attach the humidifier to the bottom of the removable tray
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Humidity rises naturally through the humidor
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Cigars remain fully protected
Benefits of This Method
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Hidden and clean appearance
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No wasted space
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Excellent airflow
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Ideal for glass top designs
This is a favorite option for collectors who want a minimalist interior while still maintaining perfect humidity.

Can a Humidifier Be Placed Anywhere Inside a Humidor?
In short—yes, with one important condition.
A humidifier can be placed almost anywhere inside a humidor as long as:
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It does not touch cigars
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Airflow is not blocked
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Humidity can circulate evenly
Side walls, back walls, under trays, and lid mounting can all work when done correctly.

The Role of Airflow in Proper Cigar Aging
Airflow is just as important as humidity itself. Without proper airflow:
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Moisture pools in one area
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Cigars age unevenly
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Flavors develop inconsistently
Spanish cedar dividers, airflow grates, and thoughtful humidifier placement all work together to create a stable environment where cigars can age gracefully over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cigar smokers make these mistakes:
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Letting the humidifier touch cigars directly
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Blocking airflow with overpacked shelves
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Using only one placement method without adapting to humidor design
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Ignoring Spanish cedar’s role in humidity control
Avoid these issues, and your cigars will reward you with better flavor, better burns, and longer life.
Final Thoughts: Smart Placement Equals Better Cigars
There’s no single “perfect” spot for every humidor—but there is a perfect setup for your humidor.
Whether you’re mounting under the lid, on the side wall, along the back wall, or beneath a pull-out tray, the principles remain the same:
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Maintain airflow
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Use Spanish cedar for separation
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Never allow direct contact
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Adapt to your humidor’s design
When done correctly, proper humidifier placement ensures your cigars age evenly, burn perfectly, and taste exactly the way they were meant to.
If you’re serious about cigar care, thoughtful humidifier placement isn’t optional—it’s essential.
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