Smoking a cigar is a simple pleasure, but the right accessories can turn a good experience into a great one. Beyond the basics like a cutter and lighter, there’s a world of tools that make enjoying cigars easier, more stylish, and even more fun. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned smoker, these lesser-known cigar accessories might just become your new favorites.
Here’s a look at some must-haves you probably didn’t know you needed, designed to elevate every puff.
Travel Humidors: Your Cigars’ Home Away from Home
Cigars are delicate—they need the right humidity to stay fresh, and that’s tough when you’re on the move. Enter the travel humidor, a compact case that keeps your cigars safe and properly humidified wherever you go. These come in all sizes, from small ones holding two or three cigars to larger models for a dozen. They’re made of sturdy materials like leather or hard plastic, often with foam inserts to cushion your smokes.
Some even have built-in humidifiers to maintain that perfect 65-70% humidity level. Imagine heading to a weekend getaway or a business trip and pulling out a perfectly preserved cigar instead of a dried-out disappointment. Look for one with a tight seal to keep moisture in and air out. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy a cigar outside their usual spot.
Cigar Stands: Rest Easy in Style
Ever set your cigar down and watched it roll off the table or get smudged with ash? A cigar stand solves that problem with a touch of class. These small holders come in designs from sleek metal cradles to carved wooden rests, propping your cigar up so it stays clean and doesn’t go out.
They’re especially handy in a lounge or at home when you’re sipping a drink or playing cards and need a safe spot for your smoke. Some stands are portable, folding up to fit in your pocket, while others are hefty enough to double as a desk ornament. It’s a small touch, but it keeps your cigar burning evenly and saves you from fumbling. Plus, it looks way cooler than balancing your cigar on a glass rim.
Ash Trays Designed for Cigars
Regular ashtrays just don’t cut it for cigars—they’re too shallow, and the ash can pile up fast. A dedicated cigar ashtray is wider and deeper, built to handle the long, chunky ash that comes with a good smoke. Many have multiple grooves to hold several cigars at once, perfect for group sessions.
You’ll find them in materials like ceramic, glass, or even marble, often with a weighty feel that says quality. Some come with extras like a slot for your cutter or a built-in stirring stick for drinks. A good cigar ashtray keeps your smoking area tidy and lets you focus on the conversation, not the mess. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you’ve tried it.
Humidor Beads: Set It and Forget It
Keeping your cigars fresh at home usually means fussing with a humidor’s humidity levels, but humidor beads make it a breeze. These silica-based beads absorb or release moisture to keep your humidor steady at the right humidity—around 65-70%. Unlike traditional sponges or gels, they’re low-maintenance; just add distilled water every few months, and they do the rest.
They come in small packets or loose, and you can toss them in any humidor, big or small. Beads are a lifesaver if you’re not checking your humidor daily, ensuring your cigars stay in top shape without constant tweaking. It’s like having a tiny climate control system for your tobacco.
These accessories aren’t just gadgets—they’re tools that make cigar smoking smoother and more enjoyable. A travel humidor lets you take your cigars anywhere without worry. A cigar stand keeps your smoke secure and stylish. A proper ashtray handles the mess, and humidor beads take the stress out of storage. Together, they show that the little details matter as much as the cigar itself.
You don’t need to go overboard, but picking up one or two of these can change how you experience your next smoke. So, next time you’re in a cigar shop, skip past the usual suspects and grab something new. Your cigars—and your smoking buddies—will thank you for it.