Heated Tobacco

What is heated tobacco?

Heated tobacco — sometimes called heat-not-burn — sits between smoking and vaping. Instead of burning tobacco and producing smoke, these devices heat real tobacco to a lower temperature, releasing a nicotine-containing vapour without combustion. You still get the tobacco taste and ritual that smokers are used to, but without the tar and many of the harmful chemicals that come from burning.

It's a different approach to vaping too. Where e-cigarettes heat a liquid containing nicotine, heated tobacco uses actual processed tobacco leaves pressed into small sticks. For smokers who've tried vaping and found it too far removed from the real thing, heat-not-burn often clicks where e-liquid didn't.

IQOS vs Ploom — choosing the right system

IQOS is made by Philip Morris International. Their current ILUMA range uses induction heating and works with TEREA tobacco sticks. The older Originals line uses a blade system with HEETS. IQOS has the wider range of flavour options.

Ploom is JTI's (Japan Tobacco International) answer. Their devices use EVO tobacco sticks. Ploom tends to run slightly cheaper on the consumable side. In our experience, Ploom appeals to people who want a straightforward, no-nonsense setup without too many model choices.

Both systems deliver real tobacco flavour and both avoid combustion. The biggest difference comes down to stick availability, flavour range, and which device feels right. We'd suggest starting with whichever brand's flavour lineup appeals more — you'll be buying sticks far more often than devices.

The fundamental principle behind heated tobacco is surprisingly straightforward, yet the engineering that makes it work effectively is quite sophisticated. Unlike cigarettes that burn tobacco at extremely high temperatures, these devices use controlled heating elements - usually ceramic or metal - to warm specially designed tobacco sticks to the optimal temperature for vapour production.

The difference in experience compared to traditional cigarettes is immediately noticeable; there's no lighter needed, no ash to deal with, and honestly, the smell dissipates within minutes rather than clinging to clothes and furniture for hours.

The tobacco sticks themselves are engineered specifically for this heating process. They're not just regular tobacco rolled into a different shape - the tobacco is processed and often combined with other materials like glycerol to ensure proper vapour production at lower temperatures. Each stick typically provides around 6 minutes of use or roughly 14 puffs, which is comparable to a cigarette.

The decision between different heated tobacco systems often comes down to personal preferences and usage patterns. If you're someone who values having lots of flavour options, IQOS with TEREA sticks probably offers the broadest selection. However, if you prioritise simplicity and quick heat-up times, Ploom devices might be more suitable.

Battery life is another crucial consideration. Most heated tobacco devices need charging after 20-25 uses, but some come with charging cases that extend this significantly. The IQOS ILUMA Prime, for example, includes a case that provides multiple full charges, making it more practical for extended periods away from power sources.

The tobacco sticks are where much of the innovation in heated tobacco happens. TEREA sticks for IQOS devices now include options like Amber (a rich, nutty tobacco), Yellow (lighter and more mellow), and Turquoise (menthol with a cooling effect). There are also limited edition flavours that appear periodically.

EVO sticks for Ploom devices focus on quality over quantity, with their core range covering the essential preferences most users have. The regular tobacco EVO sticks use a blend that's designed to provide consistent flavour from the first puff to the last, which isn't always the case with heated tobacco products.

One thing I've noticed through testing various tobacco sticks is that flavour can vary depending on how you draw on the device. Slower, gentler draws tend to produce better flavour, while aggressive puffs can sometimes result in a harsh taste or reduced vapour production.