What is an Ashtray
Ashtray
One of the tools you need as a smoker is a good quality ashtray. Ashtrays have been used for many years as a place to put your ashes, as well as, a place to put out your cigarette or cigar when you are finished with it. Ashtrays come in many sizes, shapes and even materials.
Whether you are a smoker or just a nonsmoker who occasionally has smoker friends over, it’s always ideal to have at least one good quality ashtray in your home. There is a whole world of cool smoking accessories, and that includes cool ashtrays made from different materials and designs to choose from. You are sure to find an ashtray that fits your needs, personality and style.
Types of Ashtrays
There are many different types of ashtrays on the market, including the smokeless ashtray, the glass ashtray or even an artistic stone ashtray. When choosing an ashtray, it has a lot to do with personal preference and your smoking needs.
Silicone Ashtray
The silicone ashtray is virtually an indestructible ashtray and made with hard silicone. These types of ashtrays typically have slots and holes on the side walls that allow you to hold things like your cigarette, dab tool or even a lighter. Some silicone ashtrays can even hold your rolling paper or your loose tobacco and herbs. These types of ashtrays come in a variety of colors and designs for you to choose from.
Smokeless Ashtray
The smokeless ashtray was designed to eliminate smoke and airborne ash that is near the ashtray. These ashtrays use carbon filters to remove the smoke from the air. Most of these ashtrays are built to be very quiet. The smokeless ashtray is ideal if you have nonsmokers living with you or visiting your home. They are also great for cars and traveling.
Pocket Ashtray
This type of ashtray is super small. The pocket ashtray was designed to be portable so that you can take it on the go. They are small enough to fit in your pocket and come in a variety of styles and colors. The only downside is that these ashtrays are not meant to fit much in them, this is because the main purpose of a pocket ashtray is to have a quick and efficient cigarette / ash receptacle when you are out and about.
Cigar Ashtray
Ashtrays for cigars are larger than cigarette ashtrays and have larger slots to hold the cigars. These ashtrays come in many different shapes, sizes and designs. The typical cigar ashtrays are square or round in shape. These ashtrays can be used for cigarettes too, however, the slots are much bigger and do not hold cigarettes as well.
Portable Ashtray
Portable ashtrays are small and often times come with a lid. Some of these ashtrays are made with metal and are put on keychains for your convenience, while others are just small enough to port around. They are designed with the idea that you will bring it where you go. The portable ashtray is great to use for going out, on vacations or even to carry in your purse for when an ashtray is unavailable. Also, the portable ashtray comes in different colors, sizes and designs which makes shopping for one quite fun.
Glass Ashtray
Glass ashtrays come in a variety of styles and colors. Some of these types of ashtrays are very decorative and beautiful, while others are just made of plain glass. Often times the plain glass ashtrays will remind you of the ashtrays that used to be used in restaurants or bowling alleys. Glass ashtrays are nice because they are a bit heavier than other ashtrays and are great for indoors or outdoors. The only downside to a glass ashtray is that they are breakable, so be careful not to drop them.
Rock/Stone Ashtrays
These ashtrays are made out of stone or rock and are typically heavier than glass models. However, they are still breakable. A typical stone to make these ashtrays out of is marble. Many people like stone or rock ashtrays because they are beautiful and very decorative.
How to Choose a Good Ashtray
Choosing an ashtray is a lot about personal preference. Before thinking about purchasing one, think about the overall purpose you need it for. Here are few things you may also want to consider before purchasing your next ashtray:
- Do you have nonsmokers in your home? If you said yes, maybe you would like a smokeless ashtray to cut down on the smoke in your home.
- Is there more than one smoker in your home? If yes maybe you would want to consider buying a couple bigger ashtrays for around your home.
- Are you prone to breaking things? If so, go with a silicone ashtray. It won’t break like the glass or stone ashtrays.
- How is your home decorated? If your home is a bit fancier or you primarily smoke outside then you may want a glass or stone ashtray. Silicone and hard plastic are lighter and can get pushed around by the wind if left outdoors.
- Are you very active? On the go a lot? Or maybe you work outside? If you said yes to any of these, then maybe you want a portable ashtray or a pocket ashtray. These work best when you need an ashtray on the spot.
Ashtrays are ideal tools for smokers, but they can also be very decorative and can dress up your home. So choose an ashtray that fits your needs and personal style. If you can’t decide on an ashtray, there is no law saying that you can’t have more than one ashtray. So, go ahead purchase your favorite ashtrays for your car, home, pocket or purse.
How to Make an Ashtray
You can find yourself a customizable ashtray for sale online, but in this section we are talking about making an ashtray from random things. If you find yourself without an ashtray, that’s okay. Ashtrays can essentially be made from just about anything around you. Often times people use empty cans, bottles, jugs or even tin foil to make a quick-use ashtrays.
If you want to make a more decorative ashtray for your home or office, some people have tried their hands at ceramics and pottery. These types of ashtrays are beautiful, come in a variety of colors and shapes. Not only that, with the right glaze a hand-made porcelain ashtray will last for years.
There are many other different types of ashtrays you can make. Some people have filled vases, buckets or pots with sand or gravel to make nice outdoor ashtrays that won’t tip over easily. You can also hollow out a log or use a plate that you no longer need. The ideas are endless. So just get creative. If you need more ideas on how to make an ashtray, check out Pinterest. You will find a lot of different ideas on that website.
How to Clean an Ashtray
Ashtrays are really easy to clean. All you need to do is empty them and wash them in your sink or throw them in your dishwasher.
Step 1
Empty contents of ashtray in the trash can. (Be sure that is nothing still burning in it before doing so.)
Step 2
Use soap and water to wash out the entire ashtrays. (Ashtrays don’t typically need a lot of scrubbing unless you spilled something on them.)
Step 3
Rinse of the ashtray with water.
Step 4
Dry with a towel.
Now your ashtray is clean and ready to use again.
The majority of ashtrays can go in your dishwasher. I would be leery of washing a smokeless ashtray, please read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash them. If you are using a dishwasher, all you have to do is empty the ashtray, rinse and place in the dishwasher. Be sure it is dishwasher safe before washing the ashtray this way.
Benefits of Ashtrays
Since ashtrays are tools for smokers, they do offer so many great benefits for smokers including:
- A place to hold your cigarette, cigar or smoking clip
- A great place for butts and ashes
- Ashtrays are easy to clean
- Keeps people from littering in your yard
- Gives you a nice defined area to smoke at
- Silicone ashtrays offer nifty places to hold things/pretty cool dab trays
- They are more environmental friendly
- Some ashtrays become decorative pieces in your home
- Can be moved to high places, out of reach of children
- They are often times portable and some can be taken with you on the go.
Where to Buy an Ashtray
Whether you are a casual smoker, a nonsmoker or a hardcore smoker a decent ashtray is always a good purchase. Take some time and shop around. You are sure to find the ideal ashtray to fit your smoking needs.
Ashtrays can be found in department stores, local head shops, smoking parlors and even the bodega. You can also find them at online smoking shops and vape shops like nyvapeshop.com. There are hundreds of ashtrays to choose from these days and with shopping at our fingertips you can find the perfect ashtray for your home, car or pocket.