IQOS: All Your Questions Answered

Considering switching to IQOS? Get all your burning questions answered before you commit, right here. Or maybe you’re new to IQOS, and feeling overwhelmed by Heets, Terea, and Iluma? Well sit back, and keep scrolling, because this is your ultimate IQOS guide.

In this blog I'll be answering all of your most pressing questions and concerns about IQOS heated tobacco, including what it is, how to use it, and whether everything you’ve heard so far is all just clever marketing - or whether it really is a reduced-risk (although not risk-free) alternative to smoking cigarettes.

What is IQOS?

IQOS, a brand owned by Philip Morris International (PMI), specialises in producing ‘heated tobacco’ products. Heated tobacco devices are largely believed to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use by heating the tobacco, rather than burning it.

They’re marketed as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes and smoking for those who are looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. This is due to the fact that the amount of harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, is reduced when the tobacco is heated instead of burned.

How does IQOS work?

The IQOS devices use something called ‘heat-not-burn’ technology which works by gradually heating specially designed IQOS tobacco sticks, instead of burning them. As the tobacco sticks are heated they release a vapour that contains nicotine, which is then inhaled by the user, satisfying their need for nicotine, and offering the familiar, comforting taste of tobacco.

Who owns IQOS?

IQOS is owned by Philip Morris International (PMI), an American multinational tobacco company. Their products are sold in more than 180 countries across the globe, with their brands including Marlboro, Zyn, Veev, Chesterfield and, of course, IQOS.

What does IQOS stand for?

If you’re familiar with IQOS, you might have heard it referred to as ‘I Quit Ordinary Smoking’ or another, similar, variation. However, despite common misconceptions, IQOS is not actually an acronym,and never was - it’s simply the name of the heated tobacco brand owned by PMI (Philip Morris International).

Is IQOS Illegal in the UK?

No, IQOs are not illegal in the UK. IQOS can be legally purchased within the UK by anyone of 18 years of age, or over. Although due to laws in the UK, it is illegal to purchase IQOS and other tobacco products for anyone below the age of 18, even if you, yourself, are of age.

Where can I buy IQOS in the UK?

IQOS heated tobacco products, such as IQOS Heets (made for the IQOS Duo), IQOS Terea (made for the IQOS Iluma) and the Iluma devices can be purchased right here at Grey Haze!

IQOS vs Cigarettes

Concerned about where switching to IQOS is the right decision for you? Don’t be. In this section I’ll be answering all of your questions about IQOS HEETS / TEREA and comparing IQOS to cigarettes and traditional tobacco products.

Is IQOS healthier than smoking?

IQOS claim that their heated tobacco devices and tobacco sticks generate vapour, instead of smoke, due to the fact that they use ‘heat not burn’ technology. The IQOS tobacco sticks are said to produce up to 95% fewer harmful chemicals, compared to cigarettes. This would suggest that using IQOS is better than smoking cigarettes; although IQOS is not a risk-free product, as they still contain real tobacco and nicotine, which is addictive.

Should I switch from cigarettes to IQOS?

According to evidence provided by IQOS, their heated tobacco products offer the user a nicotine alternative that’s less risky to their health than sustaining their habit of smoking cigarettes. Although there are many other reasons as to why switching to IQOS from cigarettes is a good idea.

• IQOS TEREA and IQOS HEETS cost less than the average pack of cigarettes, saving you money in the long term.
• IQOS tobacco sticks are more convenient than cigarettes, as they’re not burned, you don’t need a lighter.
• Heated tobacco doesn’t create smoke, which means there’s less odour released.

Is IQOS more expensive than cigarettes?

Your initial IQOS heated tobacco setup is likely to be more expensive than your usual smoking habits, with the IQOS Iluma One Starter Kit costing £19.
However, once you’ve purchased your heated tobacco device the TEREA tobacco sticks cost just £6.95 per pack. This makes them much cheaper to use in the long-term than cigarettes.

Is one IQOS equal to one cigarette?

Yes. One IQOS Terea or IQOS Heet is the equivalent of one cigarette, with each IQOS lasting for approximately 14 puffs, or up to 6 minutes - whichever comes first. IQOS have chosen this specific length of time in order to replicate the sensation of smoking cigarettes as closely as possible.

What are the benefits of using IQOS?

There are a wide variety of benefits to using IQOS, especially when compared with smoking cigarettes or using other traditional tobacco products. Below is a detailed list of the advantages of using IQOS:

• Reduced Risk: Heats tobacco instead of burning it, creating a vapour that offers lower levels of some harmful chemicals.
• Money Saving: IQOS cigarettes cost just £6.95 per pack, which is significantly less than the average pack of cigarettes.
• No Smoke or Ash: IQOS tobacco doesn’t produce smoke or ash, so there’s less smell and mess.
• Authentic Tobacco Taste: IQOS sticks use real tobacco and so they offer a genuine tobacco taste with every inhale.
• More Flavours: There are a wide range of Terea IQOS flavours for you to choose from, giving you more options.

IQOS vs Vape

Are you trying to decide whether or IQOS, or a vape kit, would suit you best? In this section we compare the two to help you make the right choice.

Is IQOS a vape?

No, an IQOS device is not a vape. However, you can purchase an IQOS vape, which is under a different brand name - Veev.
The Veev vapes are single-use disposable devices that are pre-filled with 20mg of nicotine salt e-liquid, and are made by the same company as IQOS - Philip Morris International.

Are IQOS better than vapes?

IQOS and Vapes are both smoke-free products, and great alternatives to smoking cigarettes. However, whilst IQOS uses real tobacco and is believed to emit fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, there are still a significant number of harmful chemicals present. Vapes, on the other hand, heat e-liquid containing nicotine, which is significantly safer than using tobacco products. Although, both alternatives possess nicotine, which is a harmful and addictive substance.

IQOS, with its genuine tobacco taste and similar sensation to smoking, is likely a better option for those who not only crave nicotine, but enjoy the sensation and taste of smoking tobacco.

Vapes, with their wide variety of fruit, menthol, dessert and sweet flavours, are better suited to those who wish to move away from smoking and tobacco entirely and would prefer a nicotine alternative that doesn’t remind them of smoking.

What are the negative effects of IQOS?

IQOS UK have developed a range of products that are designed as an alternative to smoking, such as Zyn nicotine pouches and Veev disposable vapes.

However, there are still a number of negative side effects associated with using IQOS. 

IQOS smoking has been linked to negative health effects such as lung damage and gum disease; although it’s important to remember that the majority of IQOS users are former-smokers who may have already been experiencing these negative effects.

How to use IQOS

If you’ve recently purchased a device in the IQOS Iluma range, and are unsure of how to use it, you’re in the right place. In this section I’ll be going into detail about how to use the various Iluma IQOS, as well as covering a variety of common problems and issues.

How to use IQOS Iluma?

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about using the IQOS Iluma UK.

IQOS Iluma

The IQOS Iluma Starter Kit consists of a holder, and a pocket charger. 

1. Charge Your Device: When using the Iluma for the first time, it’s important to ensure both the holder and charger are fully charged, using the provided charging cable.

2. Check if the Iluma is Ready: The next step is to check if your IQOS device is ready to use. To do this, hold the button located on the pocket charger for 4 seconds. If two sets of lights appear - a vertical light, and two circular lights - then your device is ready to use.

3. Insert a Terea IQOS Stick: Choose one of the IQOS Terea flavours, and remove a tobacco stick from the pack. Gently insert the stick into the holder, up to the line, with the stick’s filter facing upwards. You’ll know you’ve done it correctly when the device vibrates and the light pulses.

4. Inhale and Enjoy: When the holder vibrates a second time, and the light is steady instead of pulsing, it’s ready for you to use. Inhale on the mouthpiece (the filter) as you would on a cigarette. Each Terea stick lasts for up to 14 puffs or 6 minutes, depending on which comes first.

IQOS Iluma One

The IQOS Iluma One is an all-in-one unit that provides up to 20 uses on a single charge, ensuring it lasts for an entire pack of Terea tobacco sticks. To use your Iluma One, follow these simple steps:

1. Charge your Iluma: Make sure your Iluma One device is fully charged before use.

2. Check your Iluma is Ready: Hold the button located on the side of the device for 4 seconds to switch it on. Once it’s on, tap the button again to check your battery status.

3. Insert the Terea stick: Slide open the cap at the top of the device and gently insert the Terea tobacco stick, filter-side up, until the grey line is almost flush with the Iluma.

4. Heat the Terea Stick: Press the button to start heating the IQOS Terea, the device will vibrate to show it’s started heating. After 20 seconds the device will vibrate a second time to indicate that the Terea is now ready to use.

5. Use the Terea Stick: Now that the Terea is ready to use, inhale on its filter tip, as you would a cigarette. Each Terea cigarette lasts for up to 6 minutes or 14 puffs - whichever comes first.

How long does IQOS take to charge?

It takes a little over 2 hours (135 minutes) to fully charge the Iluma IQOS range of devices, whilst the holder can take just 10 minutes to charge between uses.

What does the IQOS red light mean?

A red light on your IQOS means that there has been a malfunction with the device; regardless of whether it’s solid or blinking. If you’re experiencing this issue, the first thing you should do is attempt to charge your device, in case the red light is due to a low battery.

If you’ve charged your device and it’s still showing a red light, you should try resetting it. To reset your IQOS press and hold the button for 10 seconds, until it vibrates.

If the problem persists and the device doesn’t seem hot or cold to the touch, you may need to contact IQOS Support, as there could be an issue with the device or holder.

Can I smoke Heets like a normal cigarette?

No. Heets cannot be smoked like a normal cigarette, and are only compatible with the IQOS Original and IQOS DUO devices. Do not attempt to smoke IQOS Heets like normal cigarettes as this is considered dangerous due to the additional materials, such as metal, contained within.
Note: Heets sticks cannot be used with the new IQOS Iluma heated tobacco devices, either, as these devices are compatible with TEREA IQOS only.

For more information about IQOS and their wide range of products, check out our Ultimate Heated Tobacco Guide or Contact Us - at Grey Haze we’re always happy to help our customers with any queries or questions they may have!