E-Cigarettes vs. Heated Tobacco: What's the Difference?

May 27, 2024

E-Cigarettes vs. Tobacco Heating Devices: All You Need to Know

With e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices gaining popularity among adult smokers as alternatives to cigarettes, you may be wondering what’s the difference between them.

 

While both devices are designed to provide a smoke-free experience, they have their own unique features. Let's dive into what sets them apart.

 

E-Cigarette Liquids

 

E-cigarettes use a special liquid known as e-liquid (or vaping liquid) that do not contain real tobacco, although the nicotine in e-cigarette liquid is often derived from tobacco.

 

Apart from nicotine, this liquid is often a mix of flavourings and a base usually made of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. Remember to check the ingredients to ensure you're choosing a safe and reputable brand.

 

Heated Tobacco Sticks

 

Tobacco heating devices, however, offer a smoke-free experience using heated tobacco sticks, delivering a taste akin to traditional tobacco.

 

Unlike e-liquids, heated tobacco sticks contain actual tobacco. These sticks are made from finely ground tobacco leaves, which are shaped into a sheet and cut into pieces before being placed on a stick.

 

Although they contain nicotine, heated tobacco doesn’t need to be burnt to provide a consistent experience.

 

Nicotine Content

 

When it comes to nicotine, e-liquids and heated tobacco can vary widely.

 

In e-liquids, the nicotine content can go from zero all the way up to very high levels. Heated tobacco sticks might contain more nicotine than some e-liquids.

 

Tobacco heating devices deliver nicotine in a similar way to traditional cigarettes, as the nicotine is absorbed through the lungs and bloodstream.

 

E-cigarettes, on the other hand, deliver nicotine to the body through inhalation of the vapor produced by heating the e-liquid.

 

These products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

 

How They Work

 

E-cigarettes, which are handheld and come in various sizes, heat up the e-liquid to create a vapor that you inhale.

 

Some e-cigarettes are disposable while others are reusable.

 

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t produce smoke or ash and only release vapor. This allows adult users to taste the specific flavour of the e-liquid used.

 

Tobacco heating devices are a bit different. You insert a tobacco stick into the tobacco heating device, and it heats up to about 350 degrees Celsius. This controlled heating gives you a better experience without fire, ash, or smoke.

 

Tobacco heating devices work by heating tobacco leaves without burning them. The tobacco is heated to a temperature that is high enough to release an aerosol, but not high enough to cause combustion.

 

The Choice is Yours

 

Whether you prefer the variety of e-cigarette flavours or the consistent taste of heated tobacco sticks, the choice is in your hands. Each one offers a smoke-free alternative to conventional smoking.

 

Do consider your individual needs before choosing which product to use. And remember that these products are not risk-free and contain or deliver nicotine, which is addictive.

 

The best choice for a smoker or nicotine user is to stop quit nicotine and tobacco altogether. These alternatives should only be considered for adult smokers or nicotine users who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

 

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.) 

 

 

Suggested Reads: