How to Choose a Cigar Ashtray for Your Smoking Setup
By Smoke-King Tobacconist | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Buying Guides
Find the right cigar ashtray for your needs: consider material, capacity, and style. Our guide covers ceramic, crystal, and metal options.
Quick answer
Choose a cigar ashtray based on how many cigars you typically smoke at once, the material that fits your cleaning habits, and the style that matches your space.
Material matters: ceramic vs. crystal vs. metal
Ceramic ashtrays are affordable and classic, but they can chip if dropped and may lose decorative detailing if put in a dishwasher. Crystal glass ashtrays offer elegance and are easy to wipe clean, though they are heavier and more fragile. Metal ashtrays, like those from Colibri, are durable and often have a cushioned base to protect surfaces, but they tend to cost more.
Capacity: how many cigars do you need to hold?
If you usually smoke alone or with one other person, a two-rest ashtray is sufficient. For regular gatherings, look for a model that holds four to six cigars. A single-rest ashtray is compact and portable, ideal for a quick smoke on the go.
Cleaning and care trade-offs
Ceramic ashtrays with painted details require gentle hand washing to preserve the finish. Crystal glass ashtrays can be wiped with a damp sponge, making them low-maintenance. Metal ashtrays are typically easy to clean but may show fingerprints or scratches over time.
Decision rules: choose your cigar ashtray
- Number of smokers: Count how many people typically smoke with you. For 1–2, a two-rest ashtray works. For 3–6, choose a four- or six-rest model.
- Cleaning preference: If you want easy care, pick crystal glass or metal ashtrays that wipe clean. If you prefer a classic look and don't mind hand washing, ceramic is fine.
- Surface protection: If your table is delicate, look for an ashtray with a padded or cushioned base, like the Colibri Quasar, to avoid scratches.
- Portability need: If you travel or move between rooms, a small single-cigar ashtray is lightweight and easy to carry. For a compact option, consider the Havana Club Collection El Chico.
Product highlights
- Colibri Quasar Cigar Ashtray - Charcoal: Made from metal alloy cast in one piece with a cushioning layer on the underside. This gives you a stable, durable ashtray that won't scratch your table, and it can hold up to six cigars for group sessions.
Colibri Quasar Cigar Ashtray - Charcoal - Cigar Ashtray - Black Ceramic Two Rests: A generous-sized black ceramic ashtray with gold detailing, designed for two handmade cigars. It offers an affordable, stylish option for solo or duo smoking, but requires hand washing to keep the gold trim intact.
Cigar Ashtray - Black Ceramic Two Rests
Which ashtray fits you?
Best for
- Group smokers who want a durable, high-capacity ashtray with surface protection
- Solo or duo smokers who prefer an affordable, classic ceramic ashtray
Not for
- Frequent travelers who need a lightweight, single-cigar ashtray
