Humidors made of MDF

[grego]

In short, there is a reason you don't see antique humidors in use for anything other than a pencil box for the grandkids. MDF may be cheaper (a nice benefit to the maker) but you will probably see more MDF humidors in use 30, 40, 50... years down the road than you will even the best made hardwood boxes. A hardwood box will almost always eventually split at the joints with age.

 

[ronc]

I sell Avallo Humidors, and I am damned glad that they are made from MDF. No warping means no headaches for my customers, or for me.

 

[Jack Straw]

After a lot of looking and himmin' and hawin' I have chosen to go with something in a nicer type display humidor. I have three favorites, two of which are solid wood, Aristocrat Majestic 24" armoire and the Vigilant Guardian 2000. I am also like the looks of the Avallo TD wich is a display cabinet made of MDF with verneer.

It is my understanding that MDF will not warp at humidity over time and that solid woods may have this problem over the long haul. What is your opinion on this? Do any of you have any particular thoughts on or experience with these cabinets and humidification systems? Thanks all.

http://www.aristocrathumidors.com/majestic-24.html

http://www.vigilantinc.com/_website/cigarh....asp?I=GUA20024

http://www.cigarsolutions.com/AvalloTD.html

Having purchased an Avallo 1200 delux about 1 1/2 years ago, I can say the only regret I have is not purchasing one of their larger models!! Cigar storage, like nature, abhors a vacuum and I filled mine a bit quicker than I expected. Of course, a lot of the blame for that goes to various members here at CP for their reviews, and my inability to resist "deals".

Seriously, Avallo makes a very nice product, and their humidification system is first rate. It is about as "set and forget" as it gets. I have to fill the water canisters every couple of months, and it maintains 65% rh perfectly. Another option I would forego, hindsight being 20/20, is the singles drawer in favor of another shelf for more box storage, and keep using desktop humidors or a tray or two for singles.

As I am by no means a woodworker, I wouldn't attempt to speak to the issue of wood expanding or contracting, or the pros and cons of solid wood vs. composites in construction; I'll leave that to those that do it for a living or a serious hobby. I can only say that I am quite satisfied with my Avallo, and feel I got an excellent value for the dollar.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck with your purchase, whatever you choose. Just remember, it WON'T be large enough!!