Philip Morris has released new Terea sticks for IQOS Iluma devices. Unlike the familiar IQOS Heets, these heated tobacco sticks work differently. The primary distinction is the advanced heating approach that eliminates the need for a metal heating element. Is it worth switching to the new tobacco sticks designed for the IQOS Iluma series? Let us take a look at the key differences.
How Terea Tobacco Sticks Work
Terea Heatsticks use a smartcore induction system. Inside each tobacco stick is a metal element that is heated by the device’s magnetic field. Real tobacco undergoes internal warming through magnetic induction, avoiding any physical contact with blade mechanisms.
Terea for IQOS Iluma creates vapor at a temperature of about 350°C. This is less than when burning traditional cigarettes, but enough to reveal the flavor of the tobacco blend. The system works stably — each stick is heated equally, ensuring a consistent heated tobacco experience.
The main advantage is the absence of a heating blade in the device itself. This means fewer breakdowns and easier cleaning. IQOS users note that the device stays clean much longer, requiring minimal device cleaning.
What are Heets Sticks
Heets sticks are the previous generation of heated tobacco products. They work with IQOS 2.4, 3.0, and IQOS Originals Duo devices. The operational mechanism relies on a metallic blade component that penetrates the tobacco stick to deliver heat directly to the internal tobacco material.
Heets tobacco sticks comprise four components: a tobacco section, a cooling element, a protective casing, and a tube filter. The heating blade comes into direct contact with the tobacco, creating vapor that is inhaled through the external filter.
The system works reliably, but it requires regular maintenance and upkeep. After every 20 uses, the heating blade must be cleaned of tobacco residue for best results. Otherwise, the tobacco taste deteriorates, and the device may break.
Smartcore Induction System: A New Approach to Heating
The Smartcore induction system changes the way heated tobacco works. Instead of direct contact, an electromagnetic field is used. The metal element inside the Terea Smartcore sticks is heated by the magnetic field created by IQOS Iluma devices.
Advantages of the new technology:
- No direct contact with tobacco;
- The device stays clean longer;
- Uniform heating throughout the stick;
- Less breakage and wear on internal components;
- Consistent tobacco taste;
- Less smell thanks to controlled heating.
IQOS Iluma technology only works with Terea sticks. Old Heets sticks are not compatible — they do not have a built-in metal element for induction heating, which ensures full device compatibility.
Terea vs Heets: Key Differences
The difference between Heets and Terea is not limited to heating technology. The differences also affect device compatibility, maintenance, and user experience for IQOS users.
Compatibility with devices
IQOS Terea functions exclusively with devices from the IQOS Iluma lineup, including both standard IQOS Iluma and IQOS Iluma Prime models. Heets tobacco sticks are compatible with older models of IQOS devices, including the IQOS 2.4, 3.0, Multi, and IQOS Originals Duo. However, sticks and devices cannot be mixed due to their different heating technologies.
Device maintenance
Terea Smartcore sticks hardly contaminate IQOS devices. It is enough to wipe the holder once a week for optimal performance. Heets sticks require cleaning the heating blade every 20 uses with special sticks to remove tobacco residue.
Taste characteristics
Terea tobacco sticks provide a more consistent heated tobacco experience thanks to uniform heating. Heets tobacco sticks may produce different tobacco flavors depending on how the heating blade contacts the tobacco and the condition of the internal components.
The IQOS Terea Flavor Range and User Experience
Terea sticks offer eight basic flavors for different preferences:
- Amber — classic tobacco flavor with rich notes;
- Yellow — mild tobacco with a delicate aroma;
- Turquoise — balanced menthol of medium intensity;
- Green — intense menthol for lovers of freshness;
- Blue — deep menthol with a cooling effect;
- Sienna — rich tobacco with woody notes;
- Russet — strong tobacco with spicy undertones;
- Teak — creamy tobacco with a nutty aroma.
Each stick contains a specially designed tobacco blend that is selected for induction heating in the IQOS Iluma series.
IQOS users note that the Terea for IQOS Iluma gives a cleaner taste. The absence of direct contact with the heating blade eliminates the taste of metal. The cooling element in the new sticks works more efficiently, providing smooth smoking alternatives.
Heets sticks offer more flavor options — about 15 in different countries. However, the quality of the taste can vary depending on the condition of the thermal element in the device, and requires regular cleaning to maintain the taste.
Practical Aspects of Use Terea for IQOS Iluma
When choosing between Terea sticks and Heets sticks, consider your current device and personal preferences. If you use older models of IQOS devices, you will have to use Heets tobacco sticks due to device compatibility.
Do you want to use Terea tobacco sticks? First, purchase an IQOS Iluma series device. IQOS Iluma costs around $100-$150. However, for that price, you will reduce maintenance costs and enjoy a longer lifespan.
IQOS users will need to purchase a new model of the device to use Heets and Terea tobacco. First, check if the sticks are available in your area. Terea sticks are not widely distributed. Heets, on the other hand, are ubiquitous.
IQOS Iluma and Terea sticks offer additional benefits to new users. Their less maintenance, consistent taste, and modern heating technology make them the preferred choice among smoke free alternatives. This is particularly important for heavy users who consume more than ten sticks per day.
Health and Ecology
Both Terea sticks and Heets sticks use the heat not burn principle. Tobacco reaches temperatures of 350°C while maintaining its structure without undergoing combustion. This means there is no smoke, and most of the harmful chemicals that are produced when traditional cigarettes are burned are eliminated.
Terea Smartcore sticks produce less smell thanks to more controlled heating without a heating blade. The absence of direct contact also prevents the tobacco from burning, which further reduces unpleasant odors and improves the experience.
Both types of sticks are considered smoking alternatives and heated tobacco products. However, it is important to understand that any tobacco sticks designed for heating contain nicotine and are not safe for health compared to completely quitting traditional smoking.
What Choice to Make
The choice between Terea sticks and Heets sticks depends on your device and personal preferences. IQOS users with new IQOS Iluma series devices must use Terea tobacco sticks — there are no other options due to device compatibility.
Owners of older IQOS devices can continue to use Heets tobacco sticks. However, when planning to upgrade your device, consider switching to the Smartcore Induction System for a better, more consistent heated tobacco experience.
Terea sticks offer a better user experience: less maintenance, consistent tobacco taste, and modern heating technology. Heets sticks remain a reliable choice for existing users, but require more attention to regular device cleaning.
The heated tobacco products market is evolving toward more advanced technologies. The Smartcore Induction System exemplifies this evolution, featuring fewer mechanical parts, easier maintenance, and an enhanced user experience. This makes Terea tobacco sticks a logical choice for those looking for a modern alternative to traditional smoking among the available smoke-free alternatives.
