Have been reading and checking out what everyone else is using. Thoughts on the following ? Obviously thinking about the budget and trying not to spend too much $$$. Why CI's are soo much cheaper ? Is Aristo & Avallo that much better ?

Feedback would be appreciated.

Aristocrat
Avallo
Pienza
Cheap Humidors
CI
CI
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I don't know if better is the word, but Aristocrats are custom made to your specifications with a boatload of options. At least that's from what I gather. CI's are just premade and you order pretty much "as is". Save for a color choice. Aristocrats also have all the molding and options for a NON glass door. They are VERY legitimate pieces of furniture.

I would say if your budget is around 700-800 to probably just order one from CI/Cheap humidors.

Also the humidors you chose are IMO kind of different. So really it's probably whichever best suites you. Singles - Boxes Ratio, I'm pretty sure they are all very decent humidors.
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I totally understand having to work within a budget, Jay.

The Aristocrats ARE that much better, but they cost a good piece more too. If you can afford it, you will never regret it. If you can't, there are other more cost-friendly options.

If I had it all to do over again, I would have kept everything in coolers until I was ready to buy what I really wanted. That would have saved me from buying numerous large humis and cabinets (including a couple of these http://www.cheaphumidors.com/p_cabin...HUM-LDCAB.html ) before I got the big one.
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+1, good advice! Would use coolers until you have enough to save up for the one you want especially if you're working with a budget. You'll be happy in the end!


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Are Vinotemps and Edgestars out of the picture for this? Do you need more space? A pair of them will run only 400-500 dollars.
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I agree with the cooler idea. You can pick up some massive $150 quart coolers for around $70 each, and get some beads for RH control. From my expierence, many of the lower end cabinets aren't worth the hassle. They aren't well built, the seal on the door isn't that good, and they can be a royal pain in the butt when it comes to maintaining a constant RH.

If you really want a nice cabinet, one that will last a lifetime with no issues, go the cooler route for now and save for a temp and RH controlled Aristocrat. That said, it won't be cheap. Depending on the size and options, you could be talking over $2,000.
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I just bought and Aristocrat and couldn't be happier. That being said, I know some who own Avallo humidors and are just as happy. But for my money, Aristocrat is the way to go. Bob Staebell will work closely with you to ensure you get both what you want and what you need.
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Thanks All ! Great responses.

Brad - your above comment. Was this confirmed ? I have seen a lot of 600-800$ tower humidors in "Show your humidor" thread.
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Check out cigarbid and other auction sites. You'll pay a lot in shipping, but you'll score a better deal overall.
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The part about the seals is definitely truth. Many members here modify the unit to provide a better seal.

Frankly if you aren't opposed to coolidors I completely agree with everyone else in using them. For me it's the only way to go. $140-$160 for the coolidor, beads and hygro. Talk about cheap, durable, very reliable storage. I'm sitting at a rock solid 64 RH every time I check my hygrometer.
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That all depends on what you consider a "better deal".
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+1
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This is true when it comes to the seal. On my tower cabinet I just purchased the sealant rubber and put it all around the edge of the door on the interior. $4 later I have a solid rh.

I purchased my Verona from cBid and got it at an EXCELLENT price.

Overall shop around and continue what you are doing now which is your research and ask questions.
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My dad taught me early on that you get what you pay for.

That said, while expensive indeed, an Aristocrat is an heirloom furniture.
You in fact do get what you pay for.

I would save my money and buy the Aristocrat when I can.

To say I love mine is an understatement.
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Aristocrat (or other brands of similar quality) really are heirloom pieces. Solid hardwood, nice fixtures, top of the line humdification and a proven track record.

If you want cheap and lot of storage, look a for a commerical glass cabinet like used in a tobacco shop. They come up all the time on CraigsList. Obviously, you know they work if you ever bought a cigar out of one of them.

The worst case is almost spending what an Aristocrat and fall short. Outside of an Aristocrat level cabinet, go used...
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One question would be, how many cigars are you planning to store in your ideal humidor? I assume you will want a humidor you can grow into?

As mentioned above, the cooler humidor is the way to go. Solid seal and humi beads keep perfect RH for storage of boxes and loose singles. This way, you can continue saving your money and complete your research for your ultimate wood cabinet humidor. As mentioned above, the Aristocrat is the way to go.

This is coming to you from a user of a cooler humidor and desk top humidor user...:-)
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Another option...

Buy the tools (used) and build your own to the specs you want. You may or may not save money (tool expenses), but if you take your time, you may really enjoy the experience and have exactly what you want.
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