A cigar ashtray looks like a simple dish, yet a poor one causes real problems. Cigars roll off narrow rests, heavy ash overflows a shallow bowl, and a light tray tips in the wind. The right design holds the cigar securely and keeps the mess contained. Here is what to look for, and how to keep your space fresh afterwards.
Why a cigar ashtray is different
Cigars are thicker, longer and heavier than cigarettes. They also burn for an hour or more. As a result, an ashtray built for cigarettes rarely works well.
Three features set a good cigar ashtray apart.
- Wide, deep rests. The grooves must suit your ring gauge. A 50 or 54 ring cigar needs a broad, rounded rest so it sits level and does not roll.
- A deep bowl. Cigar ash falls in large, solid pieces. A deep bowl keeps it in place and hides it from view.
- Weight. A heavy base resists knocks and breezes. It also keeps the ashtray stable when a long cigar rests across one side.
Long rests matter too. The cigar should balance with its centre of gravity over the tray, so the lit end never touches the table.
How many rests, and what size?
Rests come in ones, twos and fours. A single-rest tray suits a solo smoker and takes up little room. By contrast, a four-rest tray makes sense if friends often join you on the terrace. Still, more rests mean a larger, heavier dish, so think about where it will live.
Size the bowl to your habits too. A short robusto leaves little ash. A long churchill or double corona, smoked over two hours, leaves a surprising pile. If you favour big cigars, choose a bowl at least as wide as your hand. In addition, a tray that is slightly too large is always easier to live with than one that overflows.
Materials compared
Each material has its own strengths. The table below compares the common choices.
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Heavy, easy to wash, wide range of shapes | Chips or cracks if dropped |
| Glass or crystal | Easy to clean, looks elegant | Can break; shows ash stains clearly |
| Stone or marble | Very heavy and stable | Porous types can stain; heavy to move |
| Metal | Durable, suits outdoor use | Rests can get hot; may rust in humid air |
| Wood with a metal insert | Warm look | Needs care; never let ash touch bare wood |
For indoor use, ceramic and glass are the easiest to live with. Stone is excellent where a breeze is common. Metal suits the outdoors, though stainless steel or enamel is wiser than bare steel in Malaysia’s humidity.
Outdoor and windy designs
Many people in Malaysia smoke on a condo balcony, a terrace or a garden. Wind is the main enemy there. Light ashtrays slide or tip, and loose ash blows over furniture and into neighbours’ space.
Look for a deep, heavy cigar ashtray with high walls. Some outdoor designs have a lid or a recessed bowl, which shields the ash from wind. Others have weighted bases or rubber feet. Also, place the tray away from the balcony edge, and keep any rain cover in mind during the monsoon.
Balcony courtesy
Ash and smoke drift. Before you smoke on a balcony, check your building’s rules, and see our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia.
Letting a cigar go out naturally
There is no need to crush a cigar the way you would a cigarette. Simply rest it in the ashtray and leave it. Without regular puffs, a cigar goes out on its own within a few minutes.
Stubbing it out has two downsides. First, it crushes the tobacco and leaves a mess. Second, it releases a sharper, more acrid smell. Instead, let the cigar die quietly in its rest. Once it is cold, dispose of it properly. Never tip warm ash into a bin, since a hidden ember can smoulder.
Cleaning and odour control in a condo
Cold cigar ash smells stronger than fresh smoke. For that reason, the most useful habit is to empty the ashtray soon after you finish.
- Wait until it is cold. Check that the cigar and ash have no warmth left.
- Empty into a sealed bag. Tie it and place it in an outdoor bin rather than a kitchen bin.
- Wash the ashtray. Use warm water and dish soap. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda helps.
- Dry it fully. This matters for metal trays in humid air.
Beyond the ashtray, air the space well after smoking. Keep doors to bedrooms closed, and run a fan towards an open window. A bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal also absorbs lingering odour. Fabrics hold smell longest, so keep cushions and curtains away from the smoking spot. Above all, remember that smoke affects others in a shared home. Our page on cigar health risks covers second-hand smoke.
Ash etiquette
A firm grey ash is a sign of good construction. Many smokers let it grow to about an inch before removing it. Some even find a longer ash helps the cigar burn cooler.
When it is time, roll the ash gently against the edge of the ashtray. Do not tap or flick it. Tapping can knock off ash unevenly and damage the burn. Also, avoid resting your cigar on someone else’s tray without asking, especially in a shared lounge. Our guide to cigar etiquette explains the wider customs.
Picking your cigar ashtray
Start with the size of cigars you smoke most. Then choose a material that suits where you smoke: ceramic or glass indoors, stone or stainless steel outside. Check the rests, the depth and the weight. Finally, pair it with the rest of your kit. Our accessories hub shows the essentials, and how to smoke a cigar covers pacing and the burn.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a normal ashtray for a cigar?
You can, but it is rarely a good fit. Cigarette rests are too narrow for most ring gauges, so the cigar balances badly or rolls off. A cigarette ashtray is also often too shallow for a cigar’s heavier ash.
How do you put out a cigar properly?
You do not need to. Rest it in the ashtray and leave it alone. A cigar goes out by itself within a few minutes. Stubbing it out crushes the tobacco and releases a harsher smell.
Should you tap the ash off a cigar?
Not often. A firm ash helps the cigar burn cooler, so let it grow to about an inch or so. Then roll it gently against the edge of the ashtray rather than flicking or tapping it.
How do I get rid of cigar smell in my condo?
Empty and wash the ashtray soon after smoking, air the space well, and keep doors to bedrooms closed. A tray of baking soda or activated charcoal also helps absorb lingering odour.
Why does my ashtray still smell after washing?
Porous materials such as unglazed ceramic or some stones absorb odour over time. Soak them in warm water with baking soda, then dry them in the sun. Glazed ceramic, glass and stainless steel hold far less smell.
