The key to a good humidor is a tight seal. You don't have to spend a ton on a humidor, just make sure it at least passed the dollar bill and lid drop test.
Second, get one with no glass. I'd recommend a completely enclosed box, meaning no glass windows. I want a very controlled environment in my humidor, with no light.
Third, if you are thinking a 50 cigar count, get 100. It will give you plenty of room for keeping a variety of cigars, however rule of thumb, you need to keep your humidor 75% full so your humidification device isn't constantly struggling.
Fourth, ideal conditions for a humidor is the 70/70 rule. 70 degrees at 70 percent humidity. Easiest way to do this is get some Boveda packs. By far the easiest way to maintain proper conditions in your humidor. The temperature though will really depend on where you store your humidor. You'll have little control over that. Just try and keep it in a cool place in your home. No direct light.
Fifth, get a good digital hygrometer. Analog ones are normally junk. Toss it and get a good digital one. Normally under $50. Make sure you calibrate it before using it though.
Sixth, you'll need to properly season your humidor. 3 ways to do this:
- Wipe down the inside with distilled water. Within 48 hrs it should be ready. (Would not recommend with high end humidors)
- Fill a shot glass with water. Set it in the center of your humidor and close it for like 2 weeks, or until your humidity balances out.
- Get a seasoning Boveda pack, throw it in your humidor, close it for 2 weeks and you're done.
I'd recommend the Boveda pack to season your humidor. Easiest for beginners.
Next, what you've been waiting for, humidor recommendations:
Entry/budget humidors
- Cigar count you'd like that passes the basic dollar/lid test. Also pick something that looks nice to you.
- Salvador is a good brand at this level.
Mid level nice humidors (brand name):
-Daniel Marshall
-Diamond Crown
High end (VERY nice)
- Elie Bleu
- Davidoff
- Prometheus
Now keep in mind, the high end humidors are extremely well constructed with a very nice seal, however that doesn't mean the budget humidors won't work. On the contrary, they will normally get the job done at a fraction of the price. The higher end humidors are more artwork than anything else. Definitely not essential to storing cigars in a good environment.
Anyway, that should hopefully get you started.