World Of Weed

For those who smoke cigarettes, ashtrays are a necessary accessory in personal and public areas, especially during social gatherings. It can be interesting to see the variety of ashtrays that are available to those in the UK, and some of these are outlined below.

A simple and classy look can be achieved with glass ashtrays, which is why they are still one of the more popular types of ashtrays out there. The fact that these ashtrays are often weighty, which helps to ensure they stay in place, increases their general appeal. Once a glass ashtray has been decided upon, the person choosing the ashtray may decide to go antique, or they may choose from the wide array of new glass ashtray designs that can be found online or in home accessory stores.

For those interested in novelty ashtrays, the possibilities are endless. There are many different novelty ashtrays available in the UK, from models that were produced to promote a film or event to ashtrays that are shaped like a person or an animal. An upside to purchasing these types of ashtrays is that they are often inexpensive. These types of ashtrays are most often ceramic, though other materials may be used for them.

Spinning ashtrays, which collect the ashes in a top compartment and then spin to disburse the ashes in a bottom compartment at the push of a button, can also be found with relative ease in the UK. The bottom compartment of these ashtrays can be emptied at the smoker’s ease. The tops of these ashtrays, where the button is, are most often metallic, though other designs are available. There are many types and designs to choose from, which could make for a fun shopping excursion.

Ashtrays are a functional item, necessary to contain the inevitable mess from smoking. Yet even though they are convenient for keeping the house tidy they can also be enjoyed for their aesthetics and humour.

As they have to be readily available for use, ashtrays cannot be completely hidden from sight. Fortunately ashtrays need not be eyesores. Glass ashtrays are popular as they can convey a smart, even sophisticated look. They do not necessarily have to be clear, as glass ashtrays can be tinted in a range of colours and designs. Novelty ashtrays may sometimes be preferred to traditional ashtrays. They can liven up a room by injecting some of their design personality and sense of humour. They can be great talking pieces and make an excellent gift for a smoker friend.

Spinning ashtrays have a button that rotates the tray, dropping any ash and debris into a container below. This makes them a good, practical option for patios and other locations where there is a risk of the wind blowing the mess to the ground. Spinning ashtrays also reduce the smell of the ashes. 

When smoking tobacco or herbal blends, many people find that a novelty ashtray provides a talking point. Since the UK smoking ban, sales of novelty ashtrays have increased as pub and restaurant owners try to liven up the outdoor areas set aside for smoking,  which has become an increasingly social activity. One of the most popular options is a hanging ashtray in the shape of an old-fashioned fire bucket filled with sand.  However, many other designs are available.

Glass Ashtrays

A quick search of eBay reveals that glass ashtrays can come in a number of designs, with some of the more collectable ones selling for upwards of £300.  These include vintage Murano blown glass designs from the 1950s and art deco ashtrays from the 1930s.  At the lower end of the price range, 99p will buy you an ashtray featuring historic advertising or pictures of old locomotives.  Whatever your interests happen to be, the chances are that you will find an ashtray to match your personality.

Spinning Ashtrays

A retro design from the 1970s seems to be coming back into fashion.  Usually made from chrome, a spinning ashtray features a receptacle that you can stub a cigarette or roll-up into, and the ashtray will spin the ash into an enclosed compartment.  It is useful for smokers who live with non-smokers, as it masks the odour of your smoking herbs, making a more pleasant environment for your non-smoking family members or roommates.  They also come in a variety of designs, though even plain chrome ones make for a pleasing design feature.

There are times when preventing powerful odours from smoke escaping into a room is important, and a useful way of achieving this is by using spinning ashtrays. These can be purchased in a wide range of different shapes and sizes and help to stop the smell of tobacco or aromatic herbs from seeping out too far.

The ashtrays work on a simple process whereby a button on the top of the machine is pressed down and the ashes are spun round, falling into the bottom of the tray. The ashes, as well as cigarette butts, are then disposed of later. Depending on how deep the spinning ashtray is it may not need to be emptied immediately. The ends of joss sticks can also be tapped on the ashtray’s lid as they burn down, providing an easy and effective way to dispose of the ash produced. If the ashtray is wide enough, then the wooden end of the joss stick can be placed on it and spun away, or easily broken into smaller pieces to be disposed of in a similar fashion.

Cleaning the ashtray is a straightforward process as it is easy to remove the lid, check that there are no lit embers in the ashes that could cause a fire hazard, and tip the contents into a bin. A rinse with a little warm water will help to keep the ashtray clean.

Spinning ashtrays are often portable, which is helpful for smokers on the move, and are sometimes intriguingly shaped, coloured or decorated which make for attractive ornaments as well as useful accessories for all smoking requirements.

Since the ban on smoking in public buildings in the United Kingdom, the market for novelty ashtrays has expanded considerably, as pubs convert outdoor nooks and crannies into ‘smokers’ corners’.  This means providing seating and tables, a windbreak and/or overhead canopy of some sort and, inevitably, appropriate ashtrays.

Different pub landlords have taken different views on what ‘appropriate’ means. For example, one landlord might favour an old-fashioned fire bucket filled with sand that hangs from a useful hook on a wall. Indeed, individual smokers of tobacco or other legal highs are known to enjoy hanging a novelty ashtray on a handy wall as it can become a talking point with neighbours and visitors.

Laid Back Ashtrays

Alternatives to this sturdy outdoor type include novelty ashtrays that verge on the whimsical or ‘cute’: for example, an ashtray that poses as a beanbag resting on the arm of a chair, or the many ashtrays in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that look like the leaves of plants.

Glass Ashtrays

Beyond the commercial options and ashtrays that are designed purely for fun, there are also glass ashtrays that are almost works of art.  Some of these are fabulous pieces of miniscule dimensions in varying shapes and featuring images of urban heroes. Others, like those designed by Roor, makers of Roor Pipes, are associated with exploring the world of herbal blends that provide legal highs.