Apr 6, 2021

When you first heard about tobacco heating devices, you probably thought they were the same as electronic cigarettes. While both products offer adult smokers an electronic, smokeless alternative to traditional cigarettes, there are some key differences to be aware of when choosing between IQOS and e-cigarettes.
 

What are e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes?

 

Electronic cigarettes are one alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. These are handheld devices that come in a variety of sizes, customizable to the individual user's needs. Some models are disposable, while others can be reused. An e-cigarette heats e-liquid to produce an aerosol, also known as vapor or vape. Adults who use e-cigarettes also use e-liquids, which come in different flavors and may contain nicotine. Electronic cigarettes heat and vaporise e-liquids over a wide range of temperatures - from 100 to 250℃. E-liquid is drawn from the device's tank and comes into contact with a battery-powered heating element. Heating the liquid causes it to vaporise – it can then be inhaled from the device through the mouthpiece.
 

What is IQOS?

 

IQOS is a tobacco heating device developed by Philip Morris International. It uses a heating technology called HeatControl™. This type of technology is used in the category of heat-not-burn products, i.e. products that heat the tobacco instead of burning it, as is the case with traditional cigarettes. Heating the tobacco instead of burning it is the most important part of what makes IQOS an alternative to smoking cigarettes. In IQOS, dedicated HEETS tobacco inserts, made from real, processed tobacco, are inserted into the IQOS heater and placed on a heating blade whose temperature is regulated to 350℃. This way, the tobacco is heated from within, releasing the areosol without the involvement of fire, ash or smoke.
 

Tobacco heating vs e-cigarettes

 

The main difference between an e-cigarette and a tobacco heater: While both are electronic alternatives to smoking, the key difference between them is that tobacco heater heat real tobacco, while e-cigarettes vaporize e-liquid. Tobacco heated with IQOS provides a taste and satisfaction similar to that of smoking a cigarette.