Ashtrays
Ashtrays are basically the same shape and serve the same
purpose, collecting ash and used tobacco, but they come in different
sizes, styles and colors. They can be made out of a number of materials
including stone, plastic, metal and wood. Stone is popular because it
can be carved nicely, it has good weight so it is difficult to tip over
and it also very heat resistant. Often there are a few grooves cut into
the lip of the tray that can hold a cigarette or a lighter.
Ashtrays can reflect the style and interest of the smoker, or be merely
utilitarian. Many cigar smokers have intricately designed trays that
are displayed prominently in the room and cleaned out regularly. A smoky
bar might have a tray that is overflowing with smoldering cigarette
butts creating an unpleasant environment. An dirty ashtray causes a
lot of unwanted dust, smell and debris that can be avoided by regular
cleaning.
Some ashtrays are beginning to be made with carbon air filters in them
that when turned on will filter a little bit of the smoke from a burning
cigarette or cigar. These are designed to be indoors where smoking is
allowed but a smoky environment is undesirable because of non-smoking
patrons, staff, family and friends. They can be as small as an ashtray,
or as big a small refrigerator depending on the size of the area and
amount of smoke created.