An ash plate, also called a charcoal plate, is, as the name suggests, intended for handling coals and ashes. Originally, this was a simple, unadorned plate made of metal on which glowing coals were tapped. They are helpful in preventing heat and fire damage from falling embers. Pieces of coal can also be placed there for a short time to avoid getting soot on the tablecloth. An ash plate together with charcoal tongs is an essential piece of basic equipment for hookah smoking.
Today, ash plates come in different colours, materials and designs: ash plates can be made of stainless steel, anodised aluminium, but also glass - especially borosilicate glass. They are available as giant plates, in traditional gold and silver colours with oriental patterns, modern designs in bold colours or with laser-engraved motifs. Particularly practical are ash plates with a grid insert, as here the ashes are safely collected underneath and the accumulating heat is not directly transferred to the hookah shaft.
Caution should always be taken when placing an ash plate directly over a glass molasses catcher or glass shaft. If you store coal on an ash plate for an extended period of time, it will heat up, as will the ground joint adapter in the hookah shaft. When heated, metals expand minimally, but in some cases this can already be enough to damage a glass shaft or molasses catcher.
