Comparing Different Types of Humidifiers for Tobacco Preservation

Humidity control is the most important part of tobacco conservation. Due to improperly controlled humidity, tobacco becomes dry and its taste as well as quality degrades. Tobacco hardens when there is too little moisture. On the other hand, if placed with high moisture content, they rot, favoring the growth of bacteria and fungus. Consuming them in such situations can lead to illness. To avoid such a situation, it is essential to keep it in a balanced humid environment. 

In this blog post, we are going to discuss the types of humidifiers. Also, we will discuss their role in tobacco preservation.

What is Tobacco humidification?

Tobacco humidification is the act of providing a humid environment for the proper curing of tobacco crops.

Types of Humidifiers: A Brief

By using these devices, the level of moisture required for tobacco should be maintained. It also helps in maintaining the freshness and quality of tobacco. But for this, you have to choose the perfect device. For this, you should learn the benefits, and drawbacks of different types of humidifiers.

1. Ultrasonic humidifiers

These are highly efficient units. They are used to humidify the space by expelling water droplets into the air. 

Pros

• Low noise: It works quietly. Hence, you do not get disturbed while in bedrooms or office space.
• Easy maintenance: Most modern ultrasonic models come with a user-friendly design that makes them easy to maintain.
• Suitable for closed environments: It helps maintain low humidity levels in small areas, especially for tobacco safety.

Cons

• White dust problem: Minerals in water, especially when hard water is used, are released into the air. It settles as a white powdery dust on surfaces.
• Maintenance Required: Clean it weekly or after the water tank is completely emptied to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
• Immediately releases too much moisture: When used for a long time in the same room, the humidity rises very quickly. This can become problematic in some cases like tobacco preservation.

2. Evaporative humidifiers

It allows water vapor to enter and increase humidity. This method naturally evaporates water and turns it into gas. By doing this, it helps in natural moisture management.

Pros

• Natural Humidity Control: It maintains humidity by evaporating water in natural gas, often without the cost of energy. It can be stored for a long time.
• Minimal White Dust: Evaporative humidifiers typically don't produce white dust like ultrasonic humidifiers.

Cons

• Causes noise: It makes more noise which is very uncomfortable.
• Need Frequent Filter Replacement: They operate using filters. So, it is necessary to constantly check and change the filters. Some filters need to be changed once a week or once a month. This process is costly.

3. Warm Mist Humidifiers (Steam Vaporizers)

It adds moisture through water vapor from the air. By doing so, it helps in creating an environment necessary to increase the shelf life of tobacco.

Pros

• Germ-free mist: A key advantage of these vaporizers is that steam heat kills microbes, bacteria, and viruses, keeping tobacco clean and safe.
• Effective in cold weather: As warm mist humidifiers release warm steam; these are highly effective in cold climates.  It helps improve air humidity.

Cons

• High Power Consumption:  These humidifiers require more energy to heat the water.  Therefore, it should be used seasonally.
• Burn Risk: Steam vaporizers have a heating process that can cause a fire when touching a long or cleaning it. So, try to keep it away from small children or pets. Warnings should be followed carefully to avoid any kind of unexpected situations.
• Needs constant maintenance: It also requires good maintenance. Cleaning it can be difficult, but still, it should be checked and cleaned frequently.

4. Cool mist humidifiers

These devices emit water as a fine stream or fine mist, which helps set the humidity level in the room.

Pros

• Being safe: As it doesn't produce much heat, hence, it can be used safely even in rooms with small children and pets.
• Providing optimum humidity levels: A good feature of this device is proper control of humidity levels. Especially in hot weather, these devices are very useful for increasing humidity.
• Humidity control: The room environment can be gently cooled with this device. This helps in reducing harmful dust and other allergens.

Cons

Regular Maintenance: It creates conditions that promote the growth of bacteria, fungi, and moisture. If not properly managed, this can pose health risks. So, clean these devices every few weeks to maintain a healthy environment.

Less Efficiency: Cool mist humidifiers are less efficient, making it hard to maintain proper humidity levels in larger rooms or commercial spaces. If ineffective, they may need a replacement.

Recommended Humidity Levels for Tobacco

High or low humidity can affect the quality and freshness of tobacco. High humidity (exceeding 70%) can cause the growth of tobacco elements. This leads to the development of fungi and bacteria. It can induce vomiting in smokers.

While, low humidity (less than 60%) dries out the tobacco, reducing its flavor and comfort. This can increase the rate of combustion and make the tobacco too harsh. It also affects the taste of tobacco.

Hence, it is important to preserve tobacco with properly controlled humidity levels. Humidity levels between 60% to 70% are ideal for proper tobacco preservation.

Conclusion

Tobacco humidification helps to monitor the periodic level and protect its good aroma and product. There are different types of humidifiers for tobacco preservation, each with unique features and benefits. If you are searching for an energy-efficient unit, choose the perfect type according to your needs. Getting the right humidifier plays a key role in providing the right level of tobacco use.

You can connect with us at Hydrofogger.com to buy a humidifier for your home or office premises.