Product Overview
The Whynter CHC-120S Stainless Steel 250-Cigar Cooler is a freestanding thermoelectric humidor designed to maintain optimal conditions for cigar storage. It features Spanish cedar shelving, a built-in hygrometer, and soft LED lighting.
Front view of the Whynter CHC-120S Stainless Steel 250-Cigar Cooler, showcasing its glass door and digital display.
Key Features:
- Capacity: Holds up to 250+ cigars.
- Cooling System: Vibration-free thermoelectric cooling.
- Design: Stainless steel trimmed glass door with a sleek black cabinet.
- Interior: Removable Spanish cedar drawer and shelves.
- Humidity Control: Built-in hygrometer and humidification tray.
- Temperature Control: Digital control panel for temperatures between 52°F – 65°F.
- Lighting: Soft blue LED interior lighting.
Setup Instructions
- Unpacking and Placement: Carefully unpack the humidor. Place it on a stable, level surface, ensuring adequate clearance (several inches) from walls for proper air circulation, especially at the back where the air intake is located.
- Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wipe the interior plastic surfaces with a solution of distilled white vinegar and distilled water to remove any manufacturing odors.
- Seasoning the Cedar: The Spanish cedar shelves and drawer require seasoning to prevent them from absorbing humidity from your cigars. Lightly wipe the cedar components with distilled water. For optimal seasoning, consider placing Boveda 84% humidity packets (not included) in a sealed environment with the cedar for approximately 10 days.
- Power Connection: Plug the unit into a grounded electrical outlet. The humidor operates on 120 Volts and consumes 110 watts.
Image illustrating the spacious interior and dimensions of the humidor, highlighting its compact design.
Operating Instructions
Temperature Control:
The humidor features an easy-to-use digital control panel located at the top. Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to set your desired temperature between 52°F and 65°F. The digital display will show the current temperature. Note that the unit may have a maximum set temperature, for example, 66°F, which it will not exceed.
Close-up of the digital control panel, showing temperature display and control buttons.
Humidity Management:
The humidor is equipped with a built-in hygrometer and a humidification tray. For optimal cigar preservation, aim for a humidity range of 62% to 75%. Fill the humidification tray with distilled water or use preferred moisture beads/solution (not included) to maintain the desired humidity level. The hygrometer on the Spanish cedar drawer provides a visual indication of the internal humidity.
Detailed view of the built-in hygrometer on the Spanish cedar drawer, essential for monitoring humidity.
Cigar Storage:
Utilize the Spanish cedar flat shelves and the spacious drawer for organizing your cigars. The cedar wood naturally helps maintain humidity and repels insects. Avoid pushing cigars directly against the back of the humidor, as this can obstruct the fan and cause temperature and humidity fluctuations. Ensure there is adequate space between cigars and the back panel for proper air circulation.
Interior view showing the Spanish cedar shelves and drawer, designed for optimal cigar storage.
Interior Lighting:
The humidor features soft blue LED interior lighting, which can be activated via the control panel to illuminate your cigar collection.
The humidor's interior with the door open, showcasing the blue LED lighting and cigar storage.
Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the humidor, especially the back vents, to prevent dust and pet hair accumulation, which can affect performance.
- Humidity Tray Refill: Monitor the water level in the humidification tray and refill with distilled water as needed to maintain consistent humidity. The frequency of refills will depend on your environment.
- Cedar Maintenance: If the cedar components appear dry or if you notice a drop in humidity, lightly re-wipe them with distilled water.
Troubleshooting
Temperature or Humidity Fluctuations:
- Cigar Placement: Ensure cigars are not pushed against the back of the unit, obstructing the internal fan. Proper spacing is crucial for consistent temperature and humidity distribution.
- Power Reset: After any power outages or brownouts, unplug the humidor from the power outlet for a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can reset the unit and restore desired temperature settings.
- Control Board Issue: If the unit consistently fails to maintain temperature or humidity, or if the internal fan does not operate, the control board may be faulty. This is a known issue for some units. Contact Whynter customer support for assistance. Replacement control boards (e.g., Sku# CHCWC-PCB-500) may be available for purchase and can be self-replaced with basic technical knowledge.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Whynter |
| Model Number | CHC-120S |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu. Ft. (250+ cigars) |
| Cooling System | Thermoelectric, Vibration-free |
| Temperature Range | 52°F – 65°F |
| Humidity Range (Optimal) | 62% to 75% |
| Dimensions (Product) | 20 x 13.5 x 18.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 27 pounds |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 110 watts |
Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, product support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Whynter customer service. You can also refer to the official user manual for comprehensive documentation.
Official User Manual (PDF): Download Here