Refrigerator humidor?
I have a very old general motor refrigerator that finally gave out on me. Thinking about converting it into a humidor. Thinking it will be the same as my coolers. Am I thinking correctly?
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I would say to inspect the seals closely, and wash it out thoroughly to ensure that it's disinfected, and you should be good. But, that's just me thinking it through, I've never done it myself. My neighbor, who died a few years back, had about 3 refrigerators full of cigars. I inherited some of them because his wife and son knew I smoked cigars, they were all in good condition.
I have one remaining Indian Tabac from those, no real idea how old it is. I keep thinking I'll smoke it, but then it's a keepsake. I've moved it up to the top shelf though, so, it's time is coming.
"If you do not read the newspapers you're uninformed. If you do read the newspapers, you're misinformed." -- Mark Twain6 -
Yeah, I agree with what Steve said. As long as there are no lingering odors that can be absorbed and it’s sealed well it’s just a big cooler.
If it don’t bother me, it don’t bother me. Just leave me alone.
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Sounds like a fun project. I like the vertical format, vs. a lying down cooler. It would be cool to open it up and have the light come on. Maybe empty it, clean it, and put a hygrometer in it for a week or two just to see how stable it is; the seals may have been good enough while the compressor was compensating for poor seals and keeping it cold, but on their own, who knows?
I have a dorm fridge, unplugged, and it's very stable, so I hope this works out for you.
"I could've had a Mi Querida!" Nick Bardis3 -
I remember when Dan (@Far_North_64) mounted a cooler to a wall vertically, I believe with the help of Paul @Trykflyr_1. I thought that was a great idea.
@Far_North_64 said:
The coolidor with sliding trays I had in Alaska. I didn't bring it south with me. Kept the cigars of course but too expensive to ship the coolers. Did bring one down full of boxes.Join us on Zoom vHerf (Meeting # 2619860114 Password vHerf2020 )6 -
My dad took an old 1940s or 50s era General Electric refrigerator with all metal interior and turned it into a smoker. He smoked many turkeys each year for friends and family around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I think your humidor project sounds doable and I'm curious to know what it looks like. Some of these old fridges have appeal like a classic car. How about a pic?
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@Bob_Luken said:
My dad took an old 1940s or 50s era General Electric refrigerator with all metal interior and turned it into a smoker. He smoked many turkeys each year for friends and family around Thanksgiving and Christmas.I think your humidor project sounds doable and I'm curious to know what it looks like. Some of these old fridges have appeal like a classic car. How about a pic?
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It’s not a cooler, it’s a badass humidor now! Anything that is meant to contain moisture and temperature such as Tupperware, a cooler, old fridge, it is the perfect item to make your self a huge humidor. Just make sure you keep the humidity at the right level by keeping a hygrometer inside and you’re golden. A lot of people use old wine coolers for their humidors because they keep a perfect temp and hold in the moisture needed for aging, usually around 65%. Enjoy it my friend!
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@Bob_Luken said:
My dad took an old 1940s or 50s era General Electric refrigerator with all metal interior and turned it into a smoker. He smoked many turkeys each year for friends and family around Thanksgiving and Christmas.I think your humidor project sounds doable and I'm curious to know what it looks like. Some of these old fridges have appeal like a classic car. How about a pic?
We paid $15 for our first used refrigerator in 1989. It was probably vintage 1960. We painted it Coca-Cola red. Our kitchen was white, black, and red, like a 50's diner.
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I have a hygrometer in it to make sure the humidity stays the same. It is empty so I know that will change as I add to it. I also don’t know if I want to line it with cedar or just add shelving. I do know that my son in laws don’t want to help me move it up the stairs.😂
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I would just add the shelving.
I am the Troll Jesus. Follow me, my children, or clutch your pearls tightly.
@ScotchnSmoke still sux lots of large wéiners. And tons of small ones.2 -
@Ross_G89 said:
It’s not a cooler, it’s a badass humidor now! Anything that is meant to contain moisture and temperature such as Tupperware, a cooler, old fridge, it is the perfect item to make your self a huge humidor. Just make sure you keep the humidity at the right level by keeping a hygrometer inside and you’re golden. A lot of people use old wine coolers for their humidors because they keep a perfect temp and hold in the moisture needed for aging, usually around 65%. Enjoy it my friend!Hey Ross this is a surreal reply bro. Are you just trying to clown Pete or something?
I am the Troll Jesus. Follow me, my children, or clutch your pearls tightly.
@ScotchnSmoke still sux lots of large wéiners. And tons of small ones.2 -
@Ross_G89 said:
It’s not a cooler, it’s a badass humidor now! Anything that is meant to contain moisture and temperature such as Tupperware, a cooler, old fridge, it is the perfect item to make your self a huge humidor. Just make sure you keep the humidity at the right level by keeping a hygrometer inside and you’re golden. A lot of people use old wine coolers for their humidors because they keep a perfect temp and hold in the moisture needed for aging, usually around 65%. Enjoy it my friend!That's my WTF, BTW.
"I could've had a Mi Querida!" Nick Bardis2 -
Just make it a family activity and the son in law will have to participate
A little dirt never hurt4 -
@Yakster said:
Rent a refrigerator dolly.>
Or rent a new son in law.6 -
@genareddog said:
I have a hygrometer in it to make sure the humidity stays the same. It is empty so I know that will change as I add to it. I also don’t know if I want to line it with cedar or just add shelving. I do know that my son in laws don’t want to help me move it up the stairs.😂ask your daughters to help while your sons-in-law are listening, lol.
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@Itsfine said:
@Ross_G89 said:
It’s not a cooler, it’s a badass humidor now! Anything that is meant to contain moisture and temperature such as Tupperware, a cooler, old fridge, it is the perfect item to make your self a huge humidor. Just make sure you keep the humidity at the right level by keeping a hygrometer inside and you’re golden. A lot of people use old wine coolers for their humidors because they keep a perfect temp and hold in the moisture needed for aging, usually around 65%. Enjoy it my friend!Hey Ross this is a surreal reply bro. Are you just trying to clown Pete or something?
No it’s a real reply. I even use a wine cooler as a humidor. I’m not sure I understand y’all’s concern. Am I missing something?
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@Ross_G89 said:
@Itsfine said:
@Ross_G89 said:
It’s not a cooler, it’s a badass humidor now! Anything that is meant to contain moisture and temperature such as Tupperware, a cooler, old fridge, it is the perfect item to make your self a huge humidor. Just make sure you keep the humidity at the right level by keeping a hygrometer inside and you’re golden. A lot of people use old wine coolers for their humidors because they keep a perfect temp and hold in the moisture needed for aging, usually around 65%. Enjoy it my friend!Hey Ross this is a surreal reply bro. Are you just trying to clown Pete or something?
No it’s a real reply. I even use a wine cooler as a humidor. I’m not sure I understand y’all’s concern. Am I missing something?
Ross, I don’t think anyone’s saying you’re wrong — a cooler or wine fridge can absolutely work as a humidor. Tons of people run “coolerdors” successfully.
I think the reaction might just be to how casually it was presented, like any container that holds moisture automatically equals ideal cigar storage. There’s a little more nuance — airflow, insulation consistency, seal quality, temp swings, and how the humidity source is managed all matter.
That said, using a wine cooler is actually pretty common for larger setups, especially if you’re keeping it around 65% and monitoring with a good hygrometer like you mentioned. If it’s holding steady and your cigars are smoking well, that’s what counts.I am the Troll Jesus. Follow me, my children, or clutch your pearls tightly.
@ScotchnSmoke still sux lots of large wéiners. And tons of small ones.2
