Cigar Oasis electronic humidifiers, featuring models that can humidify from 75 up to 10,000 cigars, should be on your short list for a hands-free, low maintenance solution to cigar care. With four models, and a complete redesign for 2014, choosing the right one can be a little confusing and overwhelming. The purpose of this guide is to educate you on the various models available, explain how they work, as well as answer frequently asked questions.
All of the Cigar Oasis units are based on the same general principle. There is a cartridge which holds water and humidifies the air inside the Cigar Oasis unit. By using a system of accurate sensors, when the humidity level in your humidor drops below your set point, a fan turns on and blows the humidified air into your humidor. The fan then turns itself off when your humidity level set point is reached.
The above diagram, while simplistic, gives you a basic idea of how the units work. Not only is the fan inside the Cigar Oasis quiet, but it also circulates the humidified air all around your humidor. This creates even humidity distribution, assuring you that your cigars are kept in perfect condition.
So now that you know how the Cigar Oasis units work, should you get one? Before you go out and purchase a new Cigar Oasis, you should determine what your needs are. While some people are looking for a hands-free solution to humidor maintenance, others are looking for rock-solid performance, and yet others are simply interested in having the latest bells and whistles. Regardless of the reason, some questions you should have the answers to before you make your purchase are:
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will put you on the right path and allow you to make a better decision on whether a Cigar Oasis electronic humidifier is in your future.
With an understanding of how the Cigar Oasis units work, and answers to some basic questions, you are now ready to get the latest and greatest thing in humidity control since Mother Nature. Before you go plunking down your hard earned cash, the single most important question you need to know the answer to is: How large is your humidor in cubic feet?
What, nobody told you there would be math involved? Don’t worry, the math is pretty easy, and the information will be invaluable in determining the correct unit for you.
No matter if you have a desktop humidor, or a large cabinet, you will need to accurately measure your humidor. Break out your ruler, or tape measure and measure the Length, Width and Height of your humidor (yes including the lid). For most desktops, doing so in inches will be the easiest. If you have a larger cabinet humidor you might measure in feet. If you are on the metric system, then you are on your own because I have no idea how to convert centimeters.
If measuring in feet, the formula is: L x W x H = Cubic Feet.
If measuring in inches, the formula is L x W x H = Cubic Inches/1728= Cubic Feet
We divide by 1728 as that is the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot.
With all your information in hand you are now ready to figure out which Cigar Oasis unit will meet your needs. Use the chart below, and follow these steps:
MODEL | DIMENSIONS | CIGAR CAPACITY | MAX CUBIC FEET | POWER SOURCE | WIFI CAPABLE? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cigar Oasis Ultra 2.0 | 7” x 2.5” x 1” | 100 | 1.5 | AC Battery (Standard) |
YES (Add-On) |
Cigar Oasis Excel | 6” x 2” x 2.5” | 300 | 4 | AC Battery (Optional) |
YES (Add-On) |
Cigar Oasis Plus 2.0 | 6” x 2” x 3.5” | 1000 | 10 | AC Battery (Optional) |
YES (Add-On) |
Cigar Oasis Magna | 12.5” x 6.5” x 6” | 3000+ | 60 | AC (Only) | YES (Add-On) |
One of the biggest additions to the new Cigar Oasis product line is the ability to connect your unit to the internet via Wifi using an optional module. By doing so, you are not only able to monitor your unit’s current humidity, temperature, battery and water levels, but you can also make adjustments to various settings. Using the optional Wifi module, and a yearly subscription, you will be able to receive text and email alerts when your units need attention.
Starting with the new version of the Cigar Oasis, you can purchase a rechargeable battery pack for the Cigar Oasis Ultra 2,0, Excel and Plus 2.0. By using this optional module you could run your Cigar Oasis when:
Though we don’t suggest you run the unit solely on battery power as you will need to recharge it every few days, it is perfect as a short term solution or just extra protection.
Cigar Oasis redesigned their products in 2014. What changes did they make?
As with any major product redesign, a number of changes were made to the Cigar Oasis lineup in 2014. Some of these changes were small and cosmetic, but the major changes/upgrades are the following:
Rechargeable battery packs
Perfect when your humidor is away from an electrical outlet, or just as a backup protection against a power outage.
Optional Wifi Module
View your Cigar Oasis settings as readings via your smartphone anywhere in the world.
Optional Email/Text alerts for low humidity, low water and low battery
With the Wifi Module, you can sign up for text and/or email alerts when there is a problem with your Cigar Oasis unit.
Three day min/max/average temperature and humidity display
Easily see how your humidity and temperature levels are performing over a period of time.
Micro-USB Connections
Now be 100% certain your connections are plugged in correctly and won’t easily fall out.
Can I refill my water cartridges, or must I always purchase a replacement?
There is no reason why you can’t take an empty Cigar Oasis cartridge and refill it a few times. You want to make sure of a few things first.
Can I lay my Cigar Oasis on its side?
If you are referring to the Cigar Oasis Magna or the Cigar Oasis Ultra 2.0, you will want to keep them standing upright, or mounted to your humidor lid respectively. If you are referring to the Cigar Oasis Excel or the Cigar Oasis Plus then you are perfectly fine laying either on their side. The water inside the cartridge will not leak out.
Do I have to drill a hole in my humidor?
Heavens no. The Cigar Oasis units use a paper-thin cord that slips between the hinges on your humidor. This cord is attached to a connector that plugs into the wall. This allows you to power your Cigar Oasis unit quickly and easily without drilling any holes.
How loud is the fan inside the unit?
The fan inside the Cigar Oasis units are extremely quiet. They turn on only when they need to release humidity into the humidor. Because of this, the fan runs only for short periods of time and when running is hardly noticeable.
Will the Cigar Oasis heat up my humidor?
No. Since the units draw very little power, and since the fans run for very short periods of time, the Cigar Oasis will not heat up your humidor.
Is the humidity preset at 70%?
When you receive your Cigar Oasis, it will be factory preset at 70% humidity. Using the units controls, you can change the humidity from 55%-80% easily.
How many cigars will the units displace?
The Cigar Oasis Ultra 2.0 is lid mounted so it won’t displace any cigars.
The Cigar Oasis Plus 2.0 and Cigar Oasis Excel will displace about 7-10 cigars.
The Cigar Oasis Magna will displace about 1-2 boxes of cigars.
How much power does the unit draw?
The units draw less than 100mA (milliamps) which is a very little amount of power.
Can I calibrate the unit’s built in hygrometer?
Yes. Though the unit’s built in hygrometer comes pre-calibrated from the factory, the option to calibrate and adjust it can easily be achieved by the end user.
Does it regulate temperature?
No. The Cigar Oasis is designed to regulate humidity only.
Does the Cigar Oasis come with a warranty?
Yes. All models that are purchased from authorized retailers come with a one year warranty. More information can be found at the Cigar Oasis website.
The post The Ultimate Guide to Cigar Oasis Humidifiers appeared first on CheapHumidors.com Blog.
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