The different types of ashtray for smokers

A smoking accessory in its own right, the ashtray comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and designs. Here is an overview of the five most widespread types of ashtray.

The classic ashtray

The role of the ashtray is to collect cigarette or cigar ash so that it does not end up on the ground or scattered around the house or garden. There are many types of indoor ashtray. The most basic ones are made of glass or aluminium. However, even attractive models can quickly look out of place in a room, since their contents are generally on view. Outdoors, moreover, a single gust of air is enough to send the ash flying.

There is another kind of so-called indoor ashtray, a little more practical, since it has a reservoir to hold ash and cigarette ends. It therefore removes the visual drawback indoors and the practical one outdoors, as wind is no longer an issue.

The outdoor ashtray

Outdoor ashtrays are also known as public or communal ashtrays. The term covers all the ashtrays found in the street or on company premises, near smoking shelters. Here again, there are various models and various capacities.

Wall-mounted or free-standing, outdoor ashtrays are designed for public places. They also keep cigarette ends off the ground. Some are fitted with an additional bin for empty packets and other waste. Others have two compartments, used to run informal “votes” among passers-by, for example.

The portable or pocket ashtray

Also called a pocket ashtray, this is a small container in which cigarette or cigar ash can be placed throughout the day. It avoids leaving waste on the public highway or in someone else’s home.

Practical, it slips into a pocket or clips onto a key ring so that it can be carried anywhere. It doubles as a key ring and comes in several shapes: round, rectangular, cube-shaped and so on.

The pipe ashtray

For pipe users, a pipe ashtray is designed around the specific handling that this type of tobacco involves. It generally includes a stable pipe rest and a tray wide enough to empty the bowl cleanly, without scattering ash or damaging the pipe. Some models also provide areas for accessories, which makes them practical equipment for regular use at home.

The cigar ashtray

A cigar calls for a suitable accessory, because the ash is often thicker and the cigar takes longer to burn down. Cigar ashtrays are designed with wider rests and a deeper receptacle, so that one or more cigars can be set down safely. They are usually found in a sitting room or a smoking room.