The first time you heard of heated tobacco devices, did you think that they were the same as electronic cigarettes? Many people do. But while both products are electronic, smoke-free alternatives for legal-aged smokers, there are some key differences to be aware of when making a choice between the two.

What are e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes are one alternative to smoking. They are handheld devices that come in various sizes, with customization options, some disposable, some re-usable. In general, e-cigarettes heat e-liquids in order to generate an aerosol, also called a vapour. Adults who use e-cigarettes also use the e-liquids, which come in various flavours and may contain nicotine.

Electronic cigarettes heat and vapourize e-liquids between a wide range of temperatures – it could be anywhere from 100 degrees C to 250 degrees C. The e-liquid is drawn from the tank of the e-cigarette and put into contact with a battery powered heating component. Heating the liquid makes it evaporate, and when that happens, vapour is drawn through a mouthpiece.

What is IQOS Heated Tobacco?

IQOS is a heated tobacco device developed by Philip Morris International that uses an innovative tobacco heating system called HeatControl™ Technology. This type of tobacco heating technology is often called “heat-not-burn”, because it heats tobacco instead of burning it – which is what happens with cigarettes.

Heating tobacco instead of burning it is the most crucial part of what makes IQOS a better alternative to continued smoking. A tobacco stick called HEETS, made of real, processed tobacco, is inserted into the IQOS holder onto a heating blade. The device heats to 350 degrees C, creating a vapour inside the heated tobacco

stick that can be drawn through the mouthpiece, releasing tobacco flavour with no fire, no ash, and no smoke.

Heated Tobacco vs. E-cigarettes

How do you choose between IQOS heated tobacco vs. e-cigarettes if you are an adult who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products? While they are both electronic alternatives to smoking, the key differentiator between the two is this: IQOS’s tobacco heating system heats tobacco, while e-cigarettes vapourize an e-liquid. Because of this difference, IQOS heated tobacco allows for the taste delivery and experience and provides cigarette-like satisfaction that is familiar for adult smokers.

Explore IQOS heated tobacco devices.