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Most casual smokers don’t think much about their ashtray until they’re chasing a rolling cigar across the coffee table or wiping ash off the couch. That’s when it clicks – a proper cigar ashtray actually matters.
Cigar ashtrays are roomier than standard ones, with extra space that lets cigars rest comfortably without getting squished or damaged. They also hold a larger quantity of ash, meaning you won’t have to empty them as frequently. Put a cigar in a cigarette ashtray and you’ll figure out the difference in about 30 seconds.
Here are our picks for the best cigar ashtrays across every budget and use case.
What Makes a Good Cigar Ashtray
Before the list, a quick primer. A cigar produces a longer, lighter ash than most people expect. An ashtray needs enough bowl depth and surface area to catch ash without frequent tapping. If the ashtray forces constant tapping, it is not doing its job. Weight matters too – a cigar ashtray should not slide when you rest a cigar, and it should not feel fragile when moved.
For outdoor use, look for deep bowls of at least 1.5 to 2 inches to prevent ash escaping in breezy conditions, a wide diameter to fit large ring gauges, and multiple rests if you often have guests.
Now, the picks.
1. Ashton Black Ashtray – Best Overall
If you’ve spent any time in a cigar lounge, you’ve seen this one. The Ashton Black Ashtray is the industry standard for a reason. Four cigar rests, a deep ash dish, clean ceramic construction, and a price that won’t make you wince. It comes in small and large sizes, so whether you’re smoking solo or with a couple of friends, there’s a version that fits.
We recommend the large if you’re hosting. The small works fine as a desk or nightstand option.
Best for: Everyday use, any setting Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
2. Arturo Fuente Journey Through Time Ashtray – Best for Display
This one is as much conversation piece as it is ashtray. The Fuente Journey Through Time features deep ceramic construction with four cigar rests, intricate brand artwork, and a portrait of Carlos Fuente Sr. in the dish. It comes in a trio of colors. If you want something that looks deliberate sitting on a shelf or coffee table, this is it.
It’s slightly pricier than the Ashton, but Fuente fans already know the quality the brand brings to everything they make.
Best for: Home lounge, gifting Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
3. Oliva Square 4-Finger Ashtray – Best for Outdoors
Ceramic looks great until someone knocks it off the patio table. That’s where melamine earns its place. The Oliva Square 4-Finger Ashtray is molded from melamine – a virtually indestructible heavy-duty material that won’t shatter when dropped and cleans up in seconds. Four cigar rests mean you can smoke with a group without anyone fighting for space.
It’s the one we’d bring to a tailgate, a golf outing, or anywhere the environment is less controlled. The shiny brown finish looks sharp without trying too hard.
Best for: Outdoor use, group smoking, travel Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
4. San Cristobal Oval Crystal Ashtray – Best Premium Pick
If you want to put something genuinely elegant on the table, the San Cristobal Oval Crystal Ashtray is the move. Crystal construction, a padded underside to prevent scratches, and the tropical San Cristobal logo centered in the dish. It holds two cigars – sized for a one-on-one smoke rather than a full group session.
Crystal ashtrays, though elegant and aesthetically pleasing, are often too fragile for use beyond the man cave. Keep this one indoors. It’s not a patio ashtray. It’s a statement piece for your home bar or reading room.
Best for: Home bar, gifting, display Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
5. Romeo y Julieta Square 4-Finger Ashtray – Best Budget Pick
Everything you need, nothing you don’t. The Romeo y Julieta Square 4-Finger comes in a deep-red melamine finish with four cigar rests and a bowl that’s easy to clean out in seconds. It’s durable enough for outdoor use and recognizable enough that any cigar smoker who walks in will know what they’re looking at.
At this price point, it’s the easiest recommendation on the list. Buy one for the porch and stop improvising.
Best for: Budget pick, outdoor use, beginners Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
6. Stinky One-Piece Ashtray – Best for Group Sessions
The name is accurate. The Stinky One-Piece is built for volume – it’s designed to hold the ash and butts of a crowd without needing constant emptying. Lightweight, durable, and available in a handful of finishes including matte black. If you’re hosting a watch party, a poker night, or any cigar herf with more than three people, this is the practical call.
It’s not trying to be elegant. It’s trying to get out of the way and do its job while everyone enjoys their smoke.
Best for: Group sessions, watch parties, man cave Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
7. AJ Fernandez Enclave Ashtray – Best for Ring Gauge Smokers
If you tend to smoke bigger ring gauges – Toros, Churchills, anything 54 and up – the standard rests on most ashtrays can feel tight. The AJ Fernandez Enclave is built with a rectangular shape and tall sides that accommodate larger vitolas without the cigar sitting awkwardly. The light-blue finish and Enclave branding look distinctive, and the melamine build handles outdoor conditions without issue.
AJ Fernandez makes some of the best Nicaraguan cigars on the market right now, and this ashtray is built to match that quality of experience.
Best for: Large ring gauge smokers, outdoor use Available at: Holt’s Cigar Company
Our Verdict
For most casual smokers, the Ashton Black Ashtray is the one to buy. It covers every situation, it’s priced right, and it looks the part in any setting. If you’re spending more time outside, go melamine – the Oliva or Romeo y Julieta options both hold up well. And if budget isn’t the concern, the San Cristobal crystal is the most visually striking option on this list.
One thing we’d add: don’t share your cigar ashtray with cigarette smokers. Different residues affect taste and smell, and a good cigar deserves a clean place to rest. Keep them separate.
For more on building out your setup, check out our guide to best cigars for beginners and our full walkthrough on how to smoke a cigar. And if you want the full rundown on cigar culture and what goes with what, browse our lifestyle section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cigar Ashtrays
What is a cigar ashtray?
A cigar ashtray is a purpose-built ashtray designed specifically for cigars. It features wider, deeper rests to hold larger ring gauges securely, a deeper bowl to contain more ash, and heavier construction to prevent tipping. A standard cigarette ashtray is too small and too shallow for regular cigar use.
How is a cigar ashtray different from a regular ashtray?
Cigars are significantly larger, burn slower, and produce far more ash than cigarettes. A standard cigarette ashtray is too small, with narrow grooves that cause cigars to roll off or tip over. Cigar ashtrays are built specifically to handle the size, weight, and ash volume of a premium handmade cigar.
How many cigar rests do I need?
If you mostly smoke alone, a two-rest ashtray is enough. If you regularly smoke with one or two others, go with four rests. For larger group sessions, a high-capacity option like the Stinky One-Piece handles the volume without needing to empty it mid-smoke.
What material is best for a cigar ashtray?
Ceramic is the most common and practical choice for indoor use – heat-resistant, easy to clean, and widely available. Melamine is the better pick for outdoor or high-traffic use because it won’t shatter if dropped. Crystal looks the best but belongs indoors only. Avoid thin plastic entirely.
Can I use a cigar ashtray outdoors?
Yes, but pick the right material. Melamine options like the Oliva or Romeo y Julieta hold up well outside. Look for heavier construction that won’t tip in a light breeze and deep bowls that keep ash contained. Crystal and fine ceramic are better kept indoors.
How do I clean a cigar ashtray?
Empty it regularly – don’t let ash sit for days as it causes staining and odor. For ceramic and melamine, warm water and a soft cloth handle most residue. For crystal, avoid harsh cleaners that can scratch the surface. Rinse and dry fully before the next use.
Should I stub out a cigar in the ashtray?
No. Cigars should never be stubbed out like cigarettes. Instead, rest them in the ashtray and allow them to extinguish naturally. A good ashtray makes this graceful and mess-free, avoiding bitter tastes from aggressive extinguishing.
What’s a good cigar ashtray for the money?
The Romeo y Julieta Square 4-Finger is our pick for the best value. Durable melamine, four rests, easy to clean, and works both indoors and outside. The Ashton Black is the step up from there – slightly more elegant and the industry standard at cigar lounges across the country.
Is a cigar ashtray a good gift?
One of the better practical gifts for a smoker. Pair it with a box of cigars from their favorite brand and you have a complete setup. The Arturo Fuente Journey Through Time is particularly strong as a gift because of the visual detail – it looks intentional, not generic.
