IQOS products are made for people who want a better alternative than cigarettes this option is for the beginner/starter market, for the experience and flavor similar to traditional cigarettes.
In the heated tobacco market, they are the leader by far and in fact, created the concept itself.
But are they a good and reliable brand?
Here’s How Good The IQOS Brand Is
IQOS, unlike a vape product, which uses liquid, is an electronic device that heats real treated tobacco by vaporizing not burning.
IQOS generates a flavorful nicotine-containing vapor, releasing the true taste of heated tobacco, aimed at beginners trying to simulate smoking with being up to 70% safer.
They are known for being the closest thing to smoking but with a lot less tar due to the multi-stage filters in the HEET sticks and the heat not burn tobacco approach. The tobacco is heated and vaporized (Not burnt) by being infused with propylene glycol to give a vapor like experience yet a satisfaction close to smoking.
The quality of construction, style, comfortable and sleek design, with portable charging for all day on the go, make it a winner amongst those looking to stop smoking. They have a top-notch customer service to add.
A Brief History Of The IQOS Brand
IQOS was introduced in mid-2014 Under Phillip Moris International (PMI). The brand also known for Marlboro cigarettes started the development of heated tobacco products in 1998.
Phillip Morris International has been developing the HTP (Heated Tobacco Product) for many years to bring the IQOS products to market, refining the styling of their products over the last few years to make it easier to use and carry for the on the go lifestyle.
IQOS Initially launched the THS 2 in 2014 in Japan, and Italy, and soon after the IQOS products were also now being introduced to other countries as of 2015.
IQOS is now available in 64 countries and is estimated that 14.7 million adult smokers have already switched to its IQOS HTPs and stopped smoking.
In October 2018, PMI introduced a less expensive version of IQOS called IQOS 3 in Japan and soon after. The IQOS 3 duo was also launched and is capable of multiple consecutive uses
PMI had planned 100s of retail stores to drive sales at the start of 2020, they have since abandoned the plans and have since closed a large percentage of their retail stores globally.
They however, still continue to be a clear winner.
How Durable Are IQOS Products?
IQOS devices are made of plastics, a rechargeable battery, and a tungsten heating blade.
Reputation, innovation, and great customer service make them be seen as a brand that can be relied on.
Typical comments from owners about the quality of IQOS highlight that they are a top brand and good for the money. One owner said on trust pilot stated:
‘I contacted customer service in order to change my broken IQOS. In less than 10 minutes my problem was resolved!’
Considering their price point, IQOS is considered to be durable. There are no issues with leaks in this brand like there are with comparable Vape devices.
IQOS stands by their products so much that they offer a risk-free trial. That’s right, you can try the IQOS for between 14-30 days (Offer dependant) and see if you like it.
How Long Do IQOS Products Last?
The IQOS battery life will last for around 10 HEET pods, on average. This means you will get 150 puffs from the IQOS before it requires a recharge. In total, you’ll get around 60 minutes of active battery life from the IQOS before it requires a top-up.
The price point is $130 for the device (with HEETS) and $10 per 20 pack of HEETS.
With a 12-month warranty period during normal usage, you can arrange for the product to be repaired or replaced for free. This includes cover for one instance of accidental damage within the 12-month period. The replacement is delivered the following day)
Are IQOS Products Safe?
Independent research carried out for Philip Morris suggests the IQOS system reduces the harm and risk of tobacco smoking by up to 70-85%.
Europe seems to have a much more pro approach to devices that offer a reduced risk alternative to smoking. IQOS HEETS has removed most of its harmful chemicals and added propylene glycol to allow a vapor experience as opposed to a burning experience. This most importantly reduces Carbon monoxide and tar, which the FDA has declared is less harmful than smoking.
What Are the Most Popular IQOS Products?
The IQOS products use a different manufacturing process for real tobacco makes it a great and easy choice to use and make the switch from cigarettes to the IQOS systems. IQOS was Unlike am vape product, which uses liquid, IQOS is an electronic device that heats real tobacco which vaporizes.
IQOS main devices that heated real tobacco in the form of HEETS and came in different flavors of tobaccos and menthols this made it easier to adapt to the IQOS system.
Some Iqos products like the IQOS 2.4 plus are enhanced with up to 35% faster holder charging time than previous models, IQOS 2.4 Plus also features vibration alerts, brighter status lights.
The newer more refined design IQOS 3 DUO which is the most advanced IQOS to date, allows for two consecutive uses between charges and a much sleeker design.
Heets options:
- Amber HEETS – Rich tobacco blend
- Blue HEETS – Deep menthol flavor
- Sienna HEETS – Intense and full-bodied blend
- Turquoise HEETS – Smooth menthol blend
- Yellow HEETS – Smooth and finely balanced tobacco blend
- Green HEETS – Lightly toasted tobacco blend providing a balanced menthol cooling sensation enriched by green minty aroma notes
- Sienna Caps HEETS – Rounded, toasted tobacco blend of Sienna Selection with its woody and light tea aroma + menthol
Which Brands Produce Similar Products To IQOS?
With Phillip Morris’s international development of the IQOS brand of products and being one of the biggest companies on the market, there have been no real competitors rise to take them on.
Not to say that there is no other heat not burn tobacco products as there are a few but now as well credited as much as IQOS.
The SLS Bene is one product that performs similar to IQOS Devices. There is also a simple sliding switch to set your preferred temperature, battery indicator levels, slim and simple to use. Although it is not as known and harder to obtain compared to the IQOS products.
Juul, although a Vape product that uses e-liquid to deliver nicotine, is their closest rival. Juul is a globally recognized small, sleek vape device targeted at those that wish to stop smoking. Public health England and much research have shown, E-Liquid style vape devices are healthier than smoking or heating/burning tobacco itself.
What Do Reviewers Say About The IQOS Brand Products?
As IQOS is such an internationally recognized brand, many reviews are available online.
Trust Pilot shows a 4.5 star score over more than 180 reviews.
Pros:
- Compared to traditional cigarettes the IQOS heatsticks do not leave as much of an odor on the body or clothes
- Supposedly healthier? There is still much more research that needs to be done and there are a lot of conflicting statements regarding heated tobacco products. However, a lot of IQOS users say yes the IQOS products have helped cut back or even quit traditional cigarettes and give up smoking as well.
Cons:
- The time using an IQOS product is longer than a cigarette has fewer drags in them (in some cases roughly 2-5 less) it seems that the passive time where some users just holding the stick in their hands burns more tobacco than just holding a normal cigarette would which forces users to take drags quicker.
- It takes more setup time and overall maintenance (charging the stick-pulling it out of the holder-putting the HEET in cleaning the stick, putting it back in -and charging the holder)
Final Thoughts
When choosing a cigarette replacement product to stop smoking, there are a lot of things to consider.
These include (but are not limited to) what type of experience you want and if the style and design are something you will use.
So far, there seems to be no drop-off in quality, and they are still manufacturing some of the best beginner stop-smoking devices in the business.
