JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into cigars

Cigar collecting is one of the most accessible luxury hobbies. A beginner humidor, a decent cutter, and a reliable torch lighter get you started for under $150. The rabbit hole (rare Limiteds, vintage boxes, curated cellars) opens from there. Here's what you actually need first.

By Colin B. · Published June 9, 2026 · Last reviewed June 9, 2026
man wearing gray crew-neck shirt

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The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. Prestige Import Group Ambassador Humidor (100-Count) — The Ambassador is the right first humidor: Spanish cedar lining, proper seal, and room to grow into.
  2. XIKAR Xi1 Perfect Cut Double Guillotine Cutter — XIKAR's guillotine is the most-trusted cutter in the hobby. You buy it once.
  3. Boveda 65% RH 2-Way Humidity Control Packs, Size 8 (10-Pack) — Boveda packs take humidity management off your plate entirely. Set it and forget it.
Budget total
$100
Typical total
$200
Humidor, cutter, and torch lighter run $100-150. Boveda humidity packs add $15. Budget for the cigars themselves separately.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
HumidorsPrestige Import GroupPrestige Import Group Ambassador Humidor (100-Count)$$ See on Amazon →
CuttersXIKARXIKAR Xi1 Perfect Cut Double Guillotine Cutter$$ See on Amazon →
LightersVertigo by LotusVertigo by Lotus Cyclone Triple Torch Lighter$ See on Amazon →
Humidity ControlBovedaBoveda 65% RH 2-Way Humidity Control Packs, Size 8 (10-Pack)$ See on Amazon →
Travel CasesXIKARXIKAR X-treme Protection Travel Case (5-Count)$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

The tobacco itself is not on Amazon and not in this guide. We cover the gear: humidors, cutters, lighters, and humidity management. For the cigars themselves, find a local tobacconist or try Famous Smoke Shop online for starter samplers. First step: a 5-cigar sampler across different countries and sizes before you commit to a box of 25.

Season your humidor before putting cigars in it. This is the most common beginner mistake. An unseasoned cedar interior pulls moisture from your tobacco almost immediately. Seasoning takes two weeks: wipe the cedar interior with distilled water, add Boveda packs, close and wait. Skip it and your cigars dry out regardless of how good the humidor is.

The gear cost is front-loaded. A good humidor, cutter, and lighter are one-time purchases that last years. Budget $100-200 for the complete gear setup, then figure out your monthly cigar budget separately. Most collectors settle into a $20-80 per month tobacco routine once they know what they like.

The gear

What you actually need

Cigars and accessories arranged in an open humidor.

Photo by Considerate Agency on Unsplash

Humidors

The humidor is your most important piece of gear. It's a sealed, Spanish cedar-lined box that maintains 65-72% relative humidity, keeping tobacco supple, flavors developing, and mold away. A cheap humidor with a sponge humidifier and an analog hygrometer is a false economy: it will lose humidity and dry out your cigars within weeks. Spend $60-100 on a proper desktop unit, season the cedar interior before loading it, and your cigars stay fresh for months. Scale to a cabinet when your collection outgrows 50 sticks.

Humidors — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Desktop 20-50 Cigars

Holds 1-2 boxes. Standard starter size, fits any shelf.

Capacity
20-50 cigars
Footprint
Countertop
Price range
$40-150

Best for Beginners and casual collectors buying 1-2 boxes at a time

Tradeoff Fills fast once you discover samplers and limited editions

↓ See our pick
Cabinet 100+ Cigars

For collectors buying 5 or more boxes. Buy when clearly hooked.

Capacity
100-500 cigars
Footprint
Floor-standing
Price range
$200-800+

Best for Serious collectors maintaining a deep rotation and aging long-term

Tradeoff Significant cost and space commitment; overkill before month 6

Travel Humidor

Protects 3-10 cigars on the road for 2-5 days.

Capacity
3-10 cigars
Footprint
Bag or jacket
Price range
$20-60

Best for Day trips, golf rounds, or weekend travel

Tradeoff Cedar alone buffers humidity for 3-5 days; add Boveda for longer

Best starter
Prestige Import Group

Prestige Import Group Ambassador Humidor (100-Count)

$$

The Ambassador is the standard beginner humidor recommendation for a decade. Spanish cedar lining, a tight seal for the price, and a reliable built-in hygrometer. The 100-cigar capacity looks like overkill on day one, but you'll fill it faster than you expect. Season the cedar before loading and it will serve you for years.

What we like

  • Spanish cedar interior conditions tobacco and blocks odors naturally
  • Built-in hygrometer accurate enough for daily monitoring
  • Brass hinge seal holds humidity better than comparable entry units

What to know

  • Analog hygrometer needs calibration out of the box; test with a salt pack
  • 20-cigar capacity fills fast once you start buying samplers
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Mantello

Mantello Cigars Glass Top Cigar Humidor

$

If you want to test the hobby before committing $80 to a humidor, the Mantello is a usable entry point. Holds 25-50 cigars, comes with a Spanish cedar tray, divider, and hygrometer. The glass top lets you see your collection without opening the box. The seal is softer than pricier units; compensate by using Boveda packs instead of the included humidifier.

What we like

  • Glass-top lid lets you view the collection without opening it
  • Under $40, right for testing the hobby before upgrading

What to know

  • Lid seal is softer than premium units; needs closer humidity monitoring
  • Thinner cedar lining; not ideal for long-term aging beyond 6 months
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Savoy by Ashton

Savoy by Ashton 50-Cigar Desktop Humidor

$$$

When your collection outgrows your starter humidor, the Savoy steps up noticeably: better cedar, a tighter seal, and a more calibrated hygrometer. The Savoy line is made by Ashton, one of the most respected names in premium cigars. The extra shelf space lets you organize by brand and size. Not for week one, but a natural second humidor a few months in.

What we like

  • 50-cigar capacity with organized cedar tray shelving
  • Better seal holds humidity with fewer Boveda packs needed

What to know

  • Takes up noticeably more desk or shelf space than a 20-count
  • Overkill until you're regularly buying boxes and building a rotation
See on Amazon →
man cutting tobbacco

Photo by Mohd Jon Ramlan on Unsplash

Cutters

Every cigar has a closed head (the end you put in your mouth). You cut it before smoking. The three main styles are guillotine (straight cut across the cap), V-cut (a wedge into the cap), and punch (a circular hole). Guillotine is the most forgiving for beginners and works on every ring gauge. V-cut concentrates the draw; punch is the most precise. Start with a guillotine and develop preferences after a few dozen cigars.

Best starter
XIKAR

XIKAR Xi1 Perfect Cut Double Guillotine Cutter

$$

XIKAR makes the most trusted cigar tools in the hobby, and the Xi1 is their classic guillotine. The double-blade cuts from both sides simultaneously, leaving a cleaner cap than single-blade alternatives. 440C stainless blades handle up to 60 ring gauge and stay sharp across thousands of cuts. Lifetime warranty with no registration required. You buy this once.

What we like

  • Lifetime warranty with no registration or proof of purchase needed
  • Double blade cuts from both sides for a cleaner cap than single-blade
  • Handles up to 60 ring gauge, covering nearly every cigar you'll smoke

What to know

  • Pricier than basic cutters, though it's a one-time purchase
  • Double blade needs occasional alignment check if dropped on a hard surface
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Colibri

Colibri Cut Double Blade Cigar Cutter

$

A genuine double-blade guillotine for under $20. Two blades cutting from both sides creates less drag on the wrapper than a single blade, which means cleaner cuts while you're still developing technique. Not as refined as XIKAR but a big step up from novelty-store cutters.

What we like

  • Double blade cuts from both sides for cleaner cap removal
  • Under $20 and reliably available; low-risk way to start

What to know

  • Blades dull faster than premium stainless; replace in 1-2 years
  • Spring tension varies between units; test before first use
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
XIKAR

XIKAR VX2 V-Cut Cigar Cutter

$$

The V-cut slices a wedge into the cap instead of removing the whole thing. It concentrates the draw toward the center of the filler, which some smokers prefer on full-bodied cigars. If you've had a few dozen cigars with a guillotine and want to experiment with draw, this is the serious V-cut option.

What we like

  • V-cut concentrates draw for a different experience than straight cuts
  • XIKAR quality and lifetime warranty, same as their straight-cut line

What to know

  • Specific preference; use a guillotine for a few months before trying this
  • Can be too tight on thin-gauge cigars in the 38-42 ring range
See on Amazon →

Lighters

A butane torch lighter is the right tool for cigars. Conventional Bic-style flames are too narrow to light a 42-60 ring gauge cigar evenly. A torch burns hot enough to toast the foot without wind interference, lighting the cigar in one pass. Single-flame torches work but are slow on big ring gauges. Triple and quad torches handle a 60-ring cigar in under 30 seconds. Soft-flame lighters and matches technically work but require a slower, more patient technique most beginners don't have yet.

Best starter
Vertigo by Lotus

Vertigo by Lotus Cyclone Triple Torch Lighter

$

The Cyclone has been the most-recommended entry torch in cigar communities for years. Triple-flame burns hot enough to light a 60-ring cigar in one pass, it's windproof outdoors, and the tank refills with any butane. Under $30 new, and it handles real abuse. This is the lighter your friends end up borrowing.

What we like

  • Triple flame lights a 60-ring cigar in one even pass
  • Windproof jets work outdoors in most weather conditions
  • Refillable with any butane; not a disposable

What to know

  • Triple flame burns through fuel faster than single-flame options
  • Needs purging before first refill or jets can sputter on startup
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Scorch Torch

Scorch Torch Triple Jet Flame Lighter with Punch

$

Under $15, triple jet flame, refillable, and it comes with a built-in cigar punch attachment. Not as refined as the Vertigo, but a complete beginner package: a working torch lighter and a bonus punch cutter for the price of a coffee. The flame adjustment wheel can be stiff; work it back and forth before your first use.

What we like

  • Triple jet flame plus a built-in punch cutter included under $15
  • Widely available and cheap enough to keep as a travel backup

What to know

  • Flame adjustment wheel can be stiff and finicky to calibrate
  • Plastic casing feels cheap compared to even mid-range alternatives
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
XIKAR

XIKAR HP4 Quad Torch Lighter

$$$

Four flame jets spread across a wide arc, purpose-built for 60-plus ring gauge cigars. The foot lights evenly in a single pass on even the biggest Maduros. XIKAR's lifetime warranty covers it. The upgrade from triple to quad is genuinely noticeable once your collection leans toward large ring sizes.

What we like

  • Four jets on a wide arc light any ring gauge in one clean pass
  • XIKAR lifetime warranty, same as their entire tool line

What to know

  • Larger form factor; jacket-pocket size, not pants-pocket
  • At $50-80, overkill until you're regularly buying 60-ring cigars
See on Amazon →

Humidity Control

Maintaining 65-70% relative humidity inside your humidor is the entire game. Too dry and wrapper leaf cracks; too humid and mold grows. Traditional sponge humidifiers require constant monitoring and refilling with distilled water. Boveda 2-way packs are the modern replacement: they absorb excess moisture when it's too high and release it when too low, holding a precise setpoint passively. One pack per 25 cigars, replace every 3-6 months depending on how often you open the humidor.

Best starter
Boveda

Boveda 65% RH 2-Way Humidity Control Packs, Size 8 (10-Pack)

$

Boveda is the industry standard for passive humidity management. Drop four to six Size 8 packs into a 20-count humidor, close the lid, and they maintain 65% RH for 2-4 months without any action from you. The 65% setpoint works well for most tobaccos; try the 69% version if your cigars feel too firm after a few weeks. Replace when the pack feels completely rigid.

What we like

  • 2-way control absorbs and releases moisture automatically
  • Precise RH maintenance with no monitoring or refilling required
  • Lasts 2-6 months in a well-sealed humidor

What to know

  • Needs replacement every 2-6 months depending on humidor seal quality
  • Must buy the right size: small for travel cases, large for desktop units
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
XIKAR

XIKAR PuroTemp Digital Hygrometer

$

Analog hygrometers bundled with entry humidors are often 5-10% off calibration. A dedicated digital hygrometer tells you what's actually happening inside your humidor. The PuroTemp is compact, accurate to plus or minus 1%, and tracks min/max readings over time so you can catch humidity swings before they damage tobacco.

What we like

  • Digital accuracy within 1% RH versus 5-10% drift in analog gauges
  • Memory tracks min/max so you catch humidity swings after the fact

What to know

  • Requires a battery (included); swap every 12-18 months
  • Calibration should be verified yearly with a salt-packet test
See on Amazon →

Travel Cases

Travel cases hold 3-10 cigars for a day trip or weekend away, protecting them from crushing, temperature swings, and drying out. Cedar-lined cases naturally buffer humidity for 2-5 days without additional packs. Most collectors keep a case stocked and ready. You don't need one in your first month, but it quickly becomes the piece of gear you reach for most.

Best starter
XIKAR

XIKAR X-treme Protection Travel Case (5-Count)

$$

The XIKAR X-treme is a crushproof, airtight travel case that holds five cigars. It's rugged plastic (not leather), which is actually better for travel: the airtight seal holds humidity for 2-3 day trips without Boveda packs, and it survives luggage handling and golf bags. The lid snaps shut with a positive click. A genuinely durable piece of gear.

What we like

  • Crushproof and airtight; survives checked luggage and golf bags
  • Airtight seal holds humidity for 2-3 days without any packs needed

What to know

  • Plastic construction; not dress-appropriate at formal cigar lounges
  • Five-stick limit means planning ahead for longer trips
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Visol

Visol Legend Genuine Leather Cigar Case (3-Count)

$

For a single round of golf or a dinner out, a 3-cigar case is all you need. Slimmer than a 5-stick, it fits in a jacket or blazer pocket without a visible bulge. Visol's build quality runs consistently better than the price suggests, and it comes in several leather finishes.

What we like

  • Slim profile fits in a jacket inside pocket without visible bulk
  • Visol leather consistently better quality than price suggests

What to know

  • Three-cigar limit; not for overnight or multi-day trips
  • Thinner cedar lining; add a small Boveda pack for trips beyond 3 days
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first month of cigar collecting

Most new cigar collectors make the same three mistakes. Here's how to avoid them and actually enjoy the hobby from the first smoke.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A cabinet humidor — A 50-cigar desktop handles most collectors for months. Cabinets cost $200-800 and take up real space. Wait until you genuinely need 100-plus cigars stored at once.
  • A soft-flame table lighter — Soft-flame lighters require slower, more patient toasting technique. A torch lighter works better for beginners and outdoors. Collect a soft-flame as a desk piece later.
  • A standalone cigar punch — Develop your cut preference with a guillotine first. A punch is a $10-15 experiment worth having eventually, but it's not where to start.
  • An electronic humidifier — Boveda packs handle humidity passively and reliably for desktop collections. Active electronic humidifiers make sense only for wine-fridge conversions holding 300-plus cigars.
  • A cigar ashtray set — Any wide ashtray works at first. A dedicated cigar stand keeps a long stick off the table, but it's purely aesthetic until you're hosting regularly.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Order the humidor first. It needs two weeks to season before you load any cigars. · Buy
  2. Season the humidor: wipe the cedar interior with distilled water, add 2 Boveda packs, close the lid, and leave it for two weeks. · Action
  3. Order a 5-cigar sampler from a local tobacconist or Famous Smoke Shop. Try different countries and wrappers before committing to a box of 25. · Action
  4. Order a cutter and lighter before your cigars arrive. Nothing ruins a first cigar like making a ragged cut with kitchen scissors. · Buy
  5. Watch one short video on how to toast and light a cigar properly. Two minutes of technique saves your first five cigars. · Learn
  6. Find your local walk-in humidor. Standing in a properly maintained humidor, smelling hundreds of different boxes, is an experience no online sampler replaces. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

Do I really need a humidor right away?

Yes, if you plan to keep cigars longer than a week. Cigars left in a dry environment (like a bedroom dresser or a plastic bag) will dry out within 7-10 days and the wrapper will crack. A humidor is not optional for collecting. If you're just buying one cigar to smoke that night, skip it.

What humidity level should I maintain?

65-70% relative humidity (RH) is the accepted range. Most collectors land at 65% or 69%, depending on personal preference. Lower humidity (65%) means a slightly firmer draw and slower burn; higher (69-72%) means a fuller, denser smoke. Start at 65% with Boveda 65 packs and adjust if your cigars feel too dry after a month.

Can I keep cigars in the refrigerator?

No. Refrigerators are very dry (30-40% RH), the air is shared with food odors, and the temperature fluctuations are bad for tobacco. The only correct short-term storage without a humidor is an airtight plastic bag with a Boveda pack, which buys you 2-4 weeks at most.

How long do cigars last in a properly maintained humidor?

Indefinitely, and often better over time. Premium handmade cigars improve with age the same way wine does. A cigar stored at 65-70% RH in Spanish cedar for 2-5 years typically softens in harshness and develops more complex flavors. This is what collectors mean by 'aging' a cigar.

What's a good first cigar for someone just starting out?

A medium-bodied, natural-wrapper cigar from a trusted brand. Arturo Fuente, Oliva Serie G, and Rocky Patel Edge are often recommended. Avoid very full-bodied Maduros at first; they can be overwhelming if you're not used to cigars. Ask a tobacconist for a 'medium-bodied beginner' and they'll steer you right.

What's the difference between machine-made and handmade cigars?

Machine-made cigars (Swisher Sweets, Phillies) use homogenized tobacco leaf or short-filler scraps, run through production at high speed. Handmade premium cigars use long-filler whole tobacco leaves, rolled by experienced torcedores. The difference in smoking experience is significant. The gear in this guide is for handmade premium cigars in the $5-30 range.

How much should I expect to spend per cigar?

Quality handmade cigars from established brands run $7-20 each retail, depending on size, brand, and blend. Boutique and limited editions can run $30-60. Anything under $5 is likely a machine-made or lower-quality blend. Samplers of 5 cigars for $30-50 are the most economical way to explore the range without overcommitting.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • r/cigars — Active community with a good wiki and beginner resources. Check the FAQ before posting; most beginner questions have detailed answers already. Avoid the gear recommendation threads until you know what you like.
  • CigarAdvisor.com — Long-running editorial site from Famous Smoke Shop. Good beginner guides, pairing articles, and how-to content. Commercially motivated but genuinely useful for orientation.
  • Cigar Aficionado — The trade publication. Ratings and reviews are respected, though the lifestyle content skews toward the expensive end. Their 'Beginner's Guide' section is a good starting reference.
  • Half Whiffs (YouTube) — Beginner-friendly cigar review and education channel. Approachable tone, practical advice, covers gear and tobacco without the pretension of some cigar channels.
  • Famous Smoke Shop — One of the largest online tobacconists. Good selection of samplers and introductory packs. Prices are competitive and the customer education content is solid.
a person holding a cigarette in their hand

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