Vinotemp question

[csgrip]

Greetings All -

I've recently purchased a Vinotemp 28, and I'm trying to get it stabilized prior to putting any boxes inside. I started with a pound of 65% Heartfelt beads, that were hydrated with distilled water and set the temp to 65.

Over a 24 hr period, the temp stayed solid, but the humidity ran up to 84%. Nothing but the beads were inside. I then took out about half of the beads and waited a few hours with some results - the humidity went down to 74%.

To get it to 65% rh, it took the beads out completely. A strange situation given that I see from other threads that beads are a necessity.

My question - is it advisable/necessary to place some cedar to help absord excess moisture? Any "seasoning" of a Vintotemp necessary? Any other steps to maintain rh?

Thanks for your assistance

Chris

[Colt45]

There are a number of very good threads on the topic - give a search a try.

I might suggest using the beads with no water at first, and only add very little as needed.

There is not much point in adding the water for humidity, and then trying to take it out with

another medium :-)

Once again, try a search, as there have been some great suggestions on this very topic - Good luck!

[Cal-Duck]

» Greetings All -

»

» I've recently purchased a Vinotemp 28, and I'm trying to get it stabilized

» prior to putting any boxes inside. I started with a pound of 65% Heartfelt

» beads, that were hydrated with distilled water and set the temp to 65.

»

» Over a 24 hr period, the temp stayed solid, but the humidity ran up to

» 84%. Nothing but the beads were inside. I then took out about half of the

» beads and waited a few hours with some results - the humidity went down to

» 74%.

»

» To get it to 65% rh, it took the beads out completely. A strange situation

» given that I see from other threads that beads are a necessity.

»

» My question - is it advisable/necessary to place some cedar to help absord

» excess moisture? Any "seasoning" of a Vintotemp necessary? Any other steps

» to maintain rh?

»

» Thanks for your assistance

»

» Chris

The inside of Vinotemps are metal right? Is it meant for wine? Does it have a cooling unit in it? Do you have it plugged in and set for a certain temperature?

If the answer to all of those questions is "yes" see what happens if you unplug it and just let it go "O-Natural" for a week. I take it the temp in the midwest this time of year are not overly hot, right?

CD

[Colt45]

Here's a link to but one of the threads:

[link=http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/board_entry.php?id=46943#p46943.tld/]Click Here[/link]

If you search for beads, wine fridge, coolerdor, etc, there will be a number of others.

[csgrip]

Thanks Colt - Very informative

[kqueen]

I am sure by now, you have this straightened out -

But I too have a vinotemp and have pretty good success.

I replaced all the metal shelves with spanish cedar shelves. Filled it up with cigars and boxes.

I have 65 beads in the top and bottom and temp set at 66. I find my RH at the top is 69% and the bottom is 65%.

The key is to keep the door open to let some humidity out, not add water to your beads, and let the cedar absorb moisture.

After time, it stabilizes. Good luck. I have some sources for cedar shelves if you need them.