Let's face it, every cigar smoker eventually runs out of cigar storage space. Or maybe you picked up a few sticks online and realized, you haven’t actually thought through how you’ll store them.
That’s where the Tupperdor comes in: a simple plastic container with a tight, airtight seal that creates the perfect environment for keeping cigars fresh.
A Tupperdor isn’t flashy, but it works. It’s a low-cost, low-maintenance way to protect your cigars so you can enjoy them without stress. Whether it lives in your man cave, your office, or a closet shelf, it quietly does its job, preserving your collection like a pro.
A Tupperdor is basically an airtight cigars container, usually a food-safe plastic container set up with humidification packs and a hygrometer. With this budget-friendly setup, you can mimic the performance of traditional cigar humidors at a fraction of the cost.
Instead of thick cedar walls, you’re working with a plastic container, Boveda packs, and a digital hygrometer to monitor your relative humidity. Toss in some Spanish cedar trays or sheets, and you’re even closer to that classic humidor vibe.
The idea is simple: keep your cigars stored in a sealed environment that maintains a consistent humidity level so your sticks stay as fresh as the day you bought them.
Every cigar smoker has that moment when their humidor fills up faster than expected. You start with a dozen cigars, then suddenly, you’ve got boxes from a trip, gifts from friends, and a growing cigar collection.
That’s when the Tupperdor becomes a lifesaver. It takes the stress out of storage and keeps your focus where it belongs, on enjoying the smoke.
A Tupperdor is cheap to build (usually $10–$30 or less plus humidity packs), requires no seasoning, and can be ready to use within a day. It’s also expandable, making it perfect for overflow or long-term storage.
Outgrew your tupperdor? Been there. Upgrade to a Coolidor, the same idea, just in a cooler for larger storage capacity.
To build a reliable Tupperdor, you only need a few basic items, all affordable and easy to find. Most cigar smokers already have some of these on hand or can pick them up online without breaking the bank.
Plastic container with an airtight seal – Gasket-lid boxes from brands like Rubbermaid Brilliance, Sistema, or even Mantello cigar containers work perfectly. They’re inexpensive, easy to clean, and maintain humidity as well as most entry-level humidors.
Boveda humidification packs (65% or 69%) – These take all the guesswork out of humidity control. Go with 65% for lighter cigars or 69% for maduros and fuller-bodied blends.
Digital hygrometer – Essential for keeping tabs on your humidity levels. Small, battery-powered versions fit easily inside your container.
(Optional) Spanish cedar trays or sheets – Add these to mimic the aroma and moisture balance of a traditional humidor. They’re a small upgrade that gives your cigars that classic cedar scent and smoother aging.
These simple tools give you humidor-level control without the humidor-level cost. A setup that includes a digital hygrometer and Boveda packs gives you reliable cigar storage that keeps your cigars fresh, flavorful, and ready to smoke.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, setting up a Tupperdor is simple, with no special tools, no seasoning, and no stress. Follow these easy steps to get it dialed in:
Wash and dry your plastic box thoroughly before use. Check that the lid forms a tight, airtight seal; this is what keeps your humidity steady and prevents your cigars from drying out.
A few Spanish cedar sheets, trays, or dividers from an old cigar box help balance humidity and add that unmistakable cedar aroma. It also helps your cigars age more evenly.
Drop in a few Boveda packs, multiple smaller ones tend to maintain more consistent humidity than one large pack. Aim for 65% RH for lighter cigars or 69% for richer blends. These will stabilize the humidity automatically.
Calibrate your hygrometer it first (a quick salt test works fine), then place it where it’s visible inside the container. This little device keeps you informed without ever needing to open the lid.
Arrange them loosely, leaving some airflow between sticks. A shoebox-sized container can comfortably hold 40–60 robustos, depending on size. If your collection grows, the same concept scales up easily into a Coolidor (a cigar cooler).
Close the lid and give your Tupperdor about 24 hours to even out. Once your hygrometer shows a steady reading, your cigars are ready for long-term storage.
A good Tupperdor takes almost no effort to maintain but gives your cigars the same protection you’d get from a far more expensive setup.
Unlike a wooden humidor, a tupperdor doesn’t need seasoning. Plastic doesn’t absorb or release moisture, so all you need to do is let your Boveda packs stabilize the container for a day or two before adding your cigars.
Keeping a Tupperdor in good shape is simple, it’s all about consistent humidity and a little routine maintenance. Check your digital hygrometer regularly to make sure your humidity levels stay consistent, and replace your Boveda packs when they stiffen up.
Store your container in a cool, dark room away from sunlight or heat. That airtight seal does most of the work, but avoiding temperature swings helps maintain a consistent humidity level and stable relative humidity for your cigars.
Most importantly, don’t use sponges or paper towels. Free moisture creates unpredictable humidity and often leads to mold growth. Boveda humidification packs offer a clean, reliable solution that takes out the guesswork.
Make it a habit to monitor your hygrometer every week or two. It’s a small step that gives you confidence your cigars are being cared for the right way.
Remember, this hobby isn’t just about storage. Checking your hygrometer, swapping out Boveda packs, or cracking the lid to admire your sticks can become part of the ritual. For many cigar smokers, that little bit of maintenance feels just as satisfying as lighting up a fresh cigar.
The biggest mistake is using a container without a proper airtight seal. If air leaks in, humidity fluctuates, and your cigars dry out. Overfilling is another issue, since cigars need space for airflow.
Skipping the hygrometer is risky too, because guessing at humidity almost always backfires. And finally, avoid “DIY fixes” like wet sponges, which create uncontrolled moisture and invite mold.
Once your Tupperdor is up and running, a few simple habits and smart tricks can help you keep it performing at its best, no matter how big your cigar collection grows.
Every few months, shift your sticks around so humidity stays balanced across the container. Airflow matters, even in an airtight seal, and this helps every cigar age evenly.
It’s tempting to cram in just one more box, but cigars need breathing room. The space between each stick keeps humidity consistent and prevents uneven moisture buildup.
Store your Tupperdor in a cool, dark room away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If your space runs hot during the summer, move it to a basement or closet for steadier humidity levels.
If you enjoy a variety of cigars, consider keeping two containers at different humidity levels, around 65% for lighter cigars and 69% for maduros or fuller-bodied blends. This small adjustment to your relative humidity can noticeably improve burn and flavor.
Whenever you buy new cigars or boxes, keep them in a separate container for about a week before adding them to your main stash. It’s a small step that helps prevent mold or other issues from spreading to your collection.
If you bring cigars on a flight, crack your container open briefly once you land to equalize pressure. It helps prevent over-humidification caused by altitude changes.
Some smokers keep a smaller Tupperdor just for herfs, poker nights, or weekends at the cabin. It protects your main stash at home while keeping your travel cigars fresh and ready to share.
If a cigar feels too dry, soft, or spongy, make small adjustments to your humidity packs or rotate your sticks. Your fingers and nose often notice changes before your digital hygrometer does.
A Tupperdor is the more affordable way to store your cigars, just a few dollars plus Boveda packs, while a traditional wooden box humidor can start around fifty and climb into the hundreds.
The point of a Tupperdor isn’t luxury, it’s consistency. It’s about keeping cigars fresh with an airtight seal and reliable humidity, not fancy finishes.
Still, wooden humidors offer something special: craftsmanship, tradition, and that unmistakable cedar aroma. Many cigar smokers love the ritual of opening a cedar-lined box, even if it takes a little more maintenance.
The truth is, most cigar smokers don’t stick with just one. A Tupperdor handles everyday storage, a humidor adds tradition and display value, and a cooler keeps big collections organized. There’s no single “best” way, just the way that fits your life and your cigars.
If you’re new to cigar storage, this quick FAQ covers the basics of using a Tupperdor, from maintaining the right relative humidity to knowing how many cigars it can hold. Think of it as your quick-reference guide to keeping cigars fresh in an airtight cigars container.
Whether you’re comparing it to traditional cigar humidors or simply setting up your first one, these answers cover the key points every cigar smoker should know.
Usually, a day or two with fresh Boveda packs is enough. Just give your cigars a little time to settle into the new environment before lighting up.
Most cigar smokers prefer 65% or 69% packs. It really comes down to cigar style and personal preference. Lighter cigars do well at 65%, while maduros often shine at 69%.
Not at all. A wooden humidor offers tradition, cedar aroma, and display value, but a plastic container with an airtight seal is one of the most reliable ways to store your cigars and keep them fresh.
A shoebox-sized Tupperdor typically holds 40–60 robustos, but larger plastic containers can store far more. If you need more cigars stored, scaling up to a cooler is the easiest way to gain extra capacity while keeping humidity steady.
A small cooler with a tight seal is the fastest way to expand storage. Add cedar sheets, Boveda packs, and a digital hygrometer, and you’ve got a Coolidor that keeps hundreds of cigars fresh without hassle.
Start small, stay patient, and let the process guide you. A Tupperdor is the simplest way to store cigars confidently, without hassle or big up-front investments
As your collection grows, you can always scale up to a Coolidor or upgrade to a traditional humidor when you want a more polished and long term solution. Either way, your cigars stay fresh, and that’s what really matters.
When you’re ready to fill that Tupperdor, check out the premium cigars online at After Action Cigars shipped fresh, stored right, and ready for your next smoke.
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