Ashtrays
Complete your bar's setup with any of our glass or plastic ashtrays. Our plastic and glass tabletop ashtrays are available by the dozen here at Rapids Wholesale.
A Look at Glass & Plastic Ashtrays
A cigarette ashtray is a cigarette butt receptacle. It can also be used to dispose of ashes coming from cigars and pipes, thus the manufacture of pipe ashtrays. Ashtrays are usually made of fireproof material such as pottery, metal, or rock. Glass ashtrays, crystal ashtrays, or plastic ashtrays are also common, but the plastic used in making the ashtray should be fireproof.
The most common design of ashtrays is usually a shallow cylinder with a flat base that is specifically designed to be placed on a table or a bar counter. Other ashtrays—an outdoor ashtray, for instance—especially those found in public places, are mounted on the wall, and are usually bigger than standard tabletop or indoor ashtrays due to the volume of ash they receive on a daily basis. Most ashtrays have notches etched at the rim to hold cigarettes or cigars. In Spain, some ashtrays have a couple of interlocking parts, the bottom of which is full of water. Ashtrays can also be found already built-in into cars and dustbins and provided in toilets and other public places.
Bar Ashtrays as Advertising
Throughout the years, ashtrays have been a popular advertising medium. In fact, some ashtray collectors look for those that are adorned with witty and rare ads and those that have varying colors, shapes, and sizes. During the 1950s and 1960s, small ashtrays, usually personal, were an indispensable part of a table setting and were commonly placed on the top right-hand side of a table, behind the wine and water glasses.
The Decline of Restaurant Ashtrays
In recent years, ashtrays have become increasingly rare in public places. This iis due to the proliferation of smoking bans. Additionally, a lot of vehicle manufacturers no longer include ashtrays as standard equipment in the interior of the vehicles. Instead, these vehicle manufacturers offer ashtrays and even lighter plugs as optional accessories, commonly dealer-installed. To serve the somewhat niche market of declining smoker drivers, ashtrays that are designed to fit into an automobile's cup holders have been made available in the market.
Cigarette Ashtrays & Bulk Ashtrays at Rapids Wholesale
Regardless of the proliferation of smoking bans and the apparent decline in outdoor ashtrays, there are places where the presence of these cigarette butt receptacles should be ubiquitous, such as bars, pubs, or taverns and some restaurants or cafés where smoking is still allowed.
Here at Rapids Wholesale, we offer glass ashtrays and plastic ashtrays by the dozen. Our glass ashtrays are supplied by Libbey Glass, one of the most-trusted glassware brands since 1818.
Overview of Ashtrays
Ashtrays remain an important accessory for bars, taverns, cafés, and restaurants where smoking is permitted. These simple but practical items provide guests with a clean and safe place to dispose of cigarette or cigar ashes. A bar ashtray not only helps keep tables and counters free of debris but also maintains a professional and welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Modern ashtrays are typically made of fire-resistant materials such as heavy-duty plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic. They are designed with grooves or notches around the rim to securely hold cigarettes or cigars, making them both convenient and functional. Available in multiple shapes and sizes, tabletop ashtrays can be placed on bar counters, patio tables, or outdoor service areas depending on the layout of your establishment.
For businesses that want to balance style with utility, ashtrays can also be chosen to complement the décor of the bar. Clear glass adds a touch of elegance, while durable plastic ashtrays are ideal for heavy use and easy cleaning.
Types of Ashtrays
- Tabletop Ashtrays - are the most common style found in bars, pubs, and restaurants. These compact designs usually feature a shallow, cylindrical shape with a flat base for stability on counters and tables. Many include notches or grooves along the rim to securely hold cigarettes or cigars, helping prevent rolling or tipping. Their convenient size makes them easy to place on individual tables, bar counters, or service stations where guests gather.
- Outdoor Ashtrays - are built to handle higher volumes of use and the challenges of outdoor environments. They can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or built into designated smoking areas, and often have larger capacities to collect more ash and cigarette butts. Durable materials and weather-resistant construction make these ashtrays ideal for patios, beer gardens, or restaurant entrances where smoking is permitted.
- Specialty Ashtrays - come in a variety of unique designs to suit specific needs. Some are designed for use in automobiles, fitting neatly into cup holders for convenience. Others serve as decorative or collectible pieces, often showcasing branding, logos, or creative designs that reflect the bar or establishment. Built-in styles are also available, commonly found in public venues or custom furniture, providing a permanent solution for managing ash in high-traffic areas.
Ashtrays have historically been used as advertising tools for bars, breweries, and restaurants, often featuring logos, witty phrases, or unique designs. Today, these pieces are sought after by collectors who appreciate the nostalgia and variety in styles. While their everyday use in hospitality has declined compared to the past, ashtrays remain both functional and collectible items with enduring value.
