Cigar Ashtray: How to Choose the Ideal Model for Your Tastings

A cigar is not smoked like a cigarette. The ash is more abundant, the diameter wider, the ritual longer. Using a standard ashtray is like balancing a cigar precariously on an unsuitable support. The risk: falls, burns on furniture and a spoiled experience.

A cigar ashtray is designed to meet these constraints. With cigar rests suited to the ring gauge, a deep bowl to hold the ash and enough weight to stay stable, it turns every tasting into a moment of comfort. This guide helps you choose the model that matches your habits and your interior.

Cigar Ashtray or Standard Ashtray: The Essential Differences

The confusion is common, but the two accessories have nothing in common. A cigarette ashtray has narrow, shallow notches, unsuited to the diameter of a cigar. The bowl is small, designed for light, low-volume ash.

A cigar ashtray stands out by several features:

• Wide cigar rests: the notches measure between 15 and 25 mm wide to take cigars from Petit Corona to Double Corona
• Deep bowl: cigar ash is denser and bulkier, so you need a receptacle able to hold an hour or more of burning without overflowing
• Weight and stability: a cigar ashtray generally weighs between 500 g and 2 kg, ensuring a cigar laid across it won't tip it over
• Careful finishes: it is a tasting accessory, just like a whisky glass or a humidor

If you are new to the world of cigars, see our guide to smoking a cigar, which details the essential steps.

Materials: Which Cigar Ashtray to Choose for Your Use

The material determines the durability, upkeep and looks of your ashtray. Each option has advantages depending on the context of use.

Glass

The glass ashtray offers an elegant, clean-lined look. Thick glass (crystal or blown glass) withstands heat well and cleans easily with soapy water. It is the ideal choice for a living room or office. It shows off the cigar ash and fits into any interior.

Ceramic

The ceramic ashtray allows the widest variety of designs: colours, patterns, sculptural shapes. Resistant to high temperatures, it suits both indoors and a covered terrace. Its glazed surface cleans effortlessly.

Metal and Stainless Steel

The metal ashtray is the most versatile. Resistant to knocks, weather and corrosion (for stainless steel), it can be used anywhere. It is the reference for outdoor use or a professional environment. Its natural weight ensures excellent stability.

Wood

The wooden ashtray brings a warm, natural touch. Often associated with humidors and smoking rooms, it fits perfectly into a premium setting. Note: the wood must be treated and the bowl fitted with a metal insert to withstand heat.

How Many Cigar Rests? Choosing According to Your Habits

The number of notches determines the main use of your cigar ashtray.

1 cigar rest: compact and personal. Ideal for solo smokers or for an office. It takes up little space and stores away easily after use.

2 cigar rests: the most common format. Perfect for daily use with the option of sharing a moment with a guest. It is the best compromise between size and versatility.

4 cigar rests or more: designed for tastings with friends, cigar evenings or clubs. These models take up more space but become genuine decorative pieces on a coffee table or bar.

For regular use, favour a 2-notch model in metal or glass. For occasions, a large ceramic or wooden format completes your setup perfectly.

Creating a Complete Cigar Corner

A good cigar ashtray doesn't work alone. To get the most from every tasting, it fits into a set of complementary accessories.

• The cigar humidor: essential for keeping your cigars in optimal humidity and temperature conditions. Discover our guide to choosing your cigar humidor and our tips for storing your cigars properly.
• The cigar cutter: a clean cut preserves the draw and the quality of the smoke. See our cigar cutter guide to find the right model.
• The cigar lighter: a standard lighter is not suitable. Favour a torch lighter, which offers a wide, steady flame, ideal for lighting the foot of the cigar evenly. Our guide which lighter for lighting a cigar details the differences between flame types.

FAQ

What size of ashtray should I choose for a cigar?

Favour a model with notches at least 18 mm wide and a bowl at least 3 cm deep. For large cigars (Robusto, Churchill), go for notches of 22 to 25 mm.

Can you use a standard ashtray to smoke a cigar?

It is not recommended. The notches of a cigarette ashtray are too narrow, and the cigar risks falling. The shallow bowl quickly overflows with the bulkier ash of a cigar.

Which material is the easiest to maintain?

Glass and stainless steel are the easiest to clean: a wash in hot soapy water is enough. Glazed ceramic is also easy to maintain. Wood needs a little more attention to avoid heat marks.

Do you need a special ashtray for large cigars?

Yes. Large-diameter cigars (ring gauge 54 and above) need wider cigar rests. Check that the notches of your chosen model match the size of the cigars you usually smoke.

Where should you put your cigar ashtray?

On a stable surface, at hand height when you are seated. A coffee table, a pedestal table or the arm of a club chair are classic spots. Avoid fragile surfaces or busy walkways.

The Essentials for Choosing Well

The ideal cigar ashtray combines a material suited to your use, a number of notches in line with your habits and a design that fits your space. Paired with a quality cigar humidor, a good cigar cutter and a suitable lighter, it completes the kit of any discerning enthusiast.

Discover our full collection of cigar ashtrays, delivered free in France and Europe.