Cigar Ashtray: Far More Than an Accessory, an Indispensable Tasting Companion
Much is said about humidors, cutters, lighters… but the ashtray often remains the poor relation in discussions about cigar accessories. And yet, a good ashtray radically changes the tasting experience. Not just for practical reasons — even if properly resting a cigar between puffs is a real necessity — but also for aesthetic and symbolic reasons. A beautiful cigar ashtray reveals a bit of its owner's character.
Why a specific ashtray for cigars?
The question may seem naive, but it deserves a serious answer. A cigar is not a cigarette. The physical differences are considerable: a cigar is 8 to 20 mm in diameter (compared to 7 to 8 mm for a cigarette), weighs 5 to 20 grams, lasts from 30 minutes to more than 2 hours, and produces an amount of ash incomparable to a cigarette.
An ordinary cigarette ashtray is therefore completely unsuitable:
- Cigarette rests are too narrow to accommodate a cigar without pinching it, risking damage to the wrapper.
- The flat rim of a cigarette ashtray won't hold a heavy cigar — it falls, rolls on the table, and leaves marks.
- The bowl is usually too shallow for a cigar's long ash, which can reach 5 to 7 cm before falling.
A cigar ashtray is designed with wide and deep rests, a solid rim, and a generous bowl. Some models also include a cigar holder to place the Havana perfectly horizontally during breaks — preserving combustion and aromas.
Discover the selection of cigar ashtrays at Atelier Atypique.
The 5 types of cigar ashtrays
Materials: which one to choose?
The Cohiba ashtray: a benchmark in the world of cigars
The Cohiba brand — one of the most famous in the cigar world — has extended its name to many accessories, including iconic ashtrays. A Cohiba-branded ashtray is not just a functional accessory: it is a sign of belonging to the community of fine cigar enthusiasts, a style statement, and a cultural reference.
The most sought-after Cohiba ashtrays are those made of gilded brass, ceramic, or crystal, often released in limited editions for special occasions. Their value continues to rise on the secondary market. Discover our selection of Cohiba ashtrays and prestige cigar ashtrays at Atelier Atypique.
How many rests for your ashtray?
The number of rests determines how many cigars can rest simultaneously — an essential selection criterion depending on your use:
Maintenance of a cigar ashtray
A poorly maintained ashtray quickly becomes a source of unpleasant odors. Here are the basic maintenance rules:
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Empty after each use — never leave ashes and butts for more than 24 hours. Residual terpenes quickly oxidize and release a persistent odor.
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Rinse with hot water and clean with a little dish soap for ceramic, glass, or metal models. Dry thoroughly before use.
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For marble or stone ashtrays, use a cleaner specific to natural stones — acidic products attack the surface and open pores.
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Neutralize persistent odors: a spoonful of baking soda in the empty ashtray for 12 hours works wonders — particularly effective on ceramic and glass models.
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For brass or bronze ashtrays: a special metal polishing paste preserves the patina and prevents oxidation — apply quarterly depending on intensity of use.
Pro tip: line the bottom of your ashtray with a little fine salt or clean sand. Salt absorbs odors and butts burn more cleanly. Some cigar bars also add a thin layer of ground coffee for its natural deodorizing effect.
The ashtray as a decorative element
A beautiful cigar ashtray deserves to be displayed, even when not in use. It becomes a decorative element in its own right, saying something about its owner's personality. Placed on a desk, a coffee table, or in a fitted cigar lounge, it creates an atmosphere: that of a man of taste who takes the time to savor beautiful things.
To create a complete and aesthetic tasting space, combine your cigar ashtray with a beautiful humidor, an elegant cutter, and a prestige lighter.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cigar Ashtrays
From the classic table ashtray to collector's pieces in crystal and brass — find the entire selection of cigar ashtrays from Atelier Atypique, chosen by enthusiasts to enhance every tasting moment.
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