Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Xtreme 5-Day 70-Quart | Best Overall | ~$60-85 | 4.7/5 |
| Igloo MaxCold 50 Quart | Best Budget | ~$35-55 | 4.6/5 |
| YETI Tundra 65 | Best Premium | ~$375-450 | 4.7/5 |
| RTIC 65 Hard Cooler | Best for Long Trips | ~$220-280 | 4.5/5 |
| Pelican Elite 50 Quart | Best Compact | ~$280-340 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We have maintained coolidors for cigar storage for over five years, testing different cooler bases, humidification systems, and cedar arrangements. We understand the specific requirements that make a cooler effective as a humidor base versus the requirements for an ice chest.
How we tested coolidors
We built coolidors using each cooler and monitored humidity stability over 60 days using calibrated digital hygrometers. We tested how well each cooler maintained 65 to 70% RH with Boveda 69% packets and an active electric humidifier. We also tested how quickly humidity rebounded after opening the lid to add or remove cigars.
Who should buy a coolidor?
Cigar enthusiasts who have more than 50 cigars and want reliable, large-capacity storage without paying for a premium humidor cabinet. A coolidor built for $100 to $150 total cost stores as many cigars as a $800 humidor cabinet and often maintains humidity more consistently because of the cooler’s airtight gasket.
Igloo 70 Qt MaxCold: best coolidor base
The Igloo 70 Qt MaxCold has earned its reputation as the most popular coolidor base in the cigar community. Its rubber gasket creates an airtight seal that maintains humidity stability exceptionally well — we saw less than 2% RH variation over 60 days with Boveda packets. The 70-quart interior accommodates three or four cedar shelves with comfortable room for 300-plus cigars.
The interior shape is optimized for flat cedar tray installation. The plastic interior surface requires an initial cedar seasoning period of one to two weeks before adding cigars.
Coleman 70 Qt Xtreme: solid alternative base
The Coleman 70 Qt Xtreme is nearly identical in interior dimensions and seal quality to the Igloo. The main difference is the lid geometry, which affects cedar tray stability. Both work well for coolidor builds. If one is significantly cheaper at time of purchase, either is an appropriate choice.
What to look for in a coolidor cooler
Airtight lid gasket: The most important feature. The lid must create a reliable seal that maintains humidity without constant replenishment. Press the lid closed and check all four corners for even contact.
Interior dimensions: Measure how many standard 11 by 14 inch cedar trays fit flat inside the cooler. Most 70-quart coolers accommodate three to four trays stacked with spacers.
Smooth interior: Rough or textured interiors make cedar tray installation more complex. Smooth interiors are easier to clean and maintain.
Odor neutrality: Some coolers have strong plastic off-gassing when new. This is more problematic for cigar storage than ice use. Leave the cooler open for several days before beginning the coolidor seasoning process.
Lid access: Cigars are accessed frequently. A lid that opens fully and stays open without assistance makes accessing cigars without disturbing the humidity environment easier.
Frequently asked questions
What is a coolidor?+
A coolidor is a regular ice chest cooler converted into a cigar humidor by adding Spanish cedar shelving, a digital hygrometer, and a Boveda humidity packet or active humidifier.
What humidity level should a coolidor be set at?+
Cigars store best at 65 to 72% relative humidity. Many cigar aficionados prefer 65 to 68% RH for long-term storage.
Does a coolidor need to be kept cold?+
No. Despite the name, a coolidor is used at room temperature (65 to 70F is ideal). The 'cool' refers to the use of a cooler as the storage vessel, not temperature.
How many cigars fit in a 70-quart coolidor?+
With proper Spanish cedar shelving, a 70-quart coolidor can store 300 to 500 cigars depending on ring gauge and organization method.