Heated Tobacco
Heated tobacco (heat-not-burn/HnB) is a smoke-free way for adult smokers to use real tobacco sticks without combustion. Discover IQOS and Ploom ranges, learn how HnB works, and shop heated tobacco products in the UK.
What is heated tobacco (heat-not-burn / HnB)?
Heated tobacco products (often shortened to heated tobacco, heat no burn, or HnB) are designed to heat processed tobacco rather than burn it. Instead of creating cigarette smoke through combustion, a heated tobacco device warms a specially made tobacco stick to produce an aerosol that carries nicotine and tobacco flavour.
Because there’s no burning, you don’t get ash, and the odour is typically less persistent than cigarette smoke. That said, HnB products still contain nicotine (which is addictive) and they’re intended for adult smokers—so they’re not risk-free and they’re not designed for non-smokers.
How heated tobacco works vs smoking and vaping
UK shoppers often compare heated tobacco vs cigarettes and heated tobacco vs vaping before switching. The key difference is what’s being heated (tobacco vs e-liquid) and whether combustion occurs.
| Option | What’s heated? | Combustion? | What you’ll notice day-to-day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | Tobacco (burned) | Yes | Smoke, ash, strong lingering odour, higher waste from cigarette ends |
| Heated tobacco (HnB) | Tobacco stick (heated) | No | No ash, less persistent smell vs smoke, tobacco-led taste and ritual |
| Vaping | E-liquid (vaporised) | No | No tobacco leaf, wide flavour range, vapour clouds vary by device/liquid |
If you want to compare across categories (including other smoke-free options), browse our wider selection of vaping alternatives.
Shop heated tobacco brands at myCigara
This collection is built around two major UK heated tobacco ecosystems: IQOS and Ploom. Each has its own device range and its own compatible stick format—so the best place to start is choosing the brand/device you plan to use, then matching the right sticks.
Heated Tobacco
Heated tobacco (heat-not-burn/HnB) heats processed tobacco sticks to create an aerosol with nicotine and tobacco flavour, without burning the tobacco. Because there’s no combustion, there’s no ash and less persistent odour than smoke—though it still isn’t risk-free.
IQOS heated tobacco: devices and compatible sticks
Shop IQOS if you want a widely recognised heated tobacco platform with dedicated stick formats. IQOS sticks generally fall into two families, and compatibility depends on the device model:
HEETS are available as classic heated tobacco sticks in a range of profiles. Explore the range via IQOS HEETS.
TEREA sticks are associated with newer IQOS systems (for example, devices that are designed for TEREA-style sticks). Browse IQOS TEREA and always match sticks to your specific device before ordering.
Looking for a quicker decision? If your priority is a cleaner routine and less fuss, start by picking your IQOS device ecosystem first, then choose a tobacco profile (classic / smooth / menthol-style) within the stick range that fits that device.
Ploom heat-not-burn: devices and EVO sticks
Explore Ploom if you prefer a streamlined HnB experience built around the Ploom ecosystem from JTI (Japan Tobacco International). Ploom devices use EVO sticks made for controlled heating and consistent draw feel.
To shop compatible sticks, browse Ploom EVO sticks. The range includes tobacco-forward options as well as fresher profiles (such as cooling styles), depending on what you normally smoke and what flavour direction you prefer.
Quick buying guide: choosing your first heat-not-burn setup
If you’re shopping heated tobacco UK options for the first time, these four checks help you buy correctly the first time:
- Device ecosystem first: choose IQOS or Ploom, then only buy sticks made for that ecosystem (compatibility matters).
- Taste profile: if you smoke traditional tobacco, start with classic tobacco blends before exploring cooling or more aromatic options.
- Routine and maintenance: heated tobacco devices typically need basic cleaning/maintenance over time—factor this into your choice if you want the lowest-effort routine.
- Ongoing cost planning: heated tobacco usually means an upfront device cost plus regular stick purchases; pick a setup you can comfortably maintain.
Authenticity and counterfeit-risk guidance (important for heated tobacco)
Heated tobacco sticks and devices are branded, high-demand products—so counterfeit or grey-market stock is a real risk in the wider market. To reduce that risk:
Buy from reputable UK retailers (rather than informal marketplaces), check that packaging looks professionally sealed, and keep your order confirmation in case you need help with batch queries or returns. If anything about packaging or stick condition seems off, avoid using the product and contact the retailer immediately.
Benefits, risks and evidence: what to know before you switch
If you want to read independent overviews, public-health organisations and research groups publish ongoing updates. We recommend checking sources like ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), Cancer Research UK, and UK/academic research updates for the latest summaries and regulatory context before making health-related decisions.
Heated tobacco in the UK: legality, age restrictions and responsible use
Heated tobacco products are sold in the UK, but they remain nicotine/tobacco products and are intended for adults. Always follow the on-pack instructions, store products away from children, and don’t use heated tobacco if you’re a non-smoker. If you’re trying to stop nicotine entirely, consider speaking to a healthcare professional about regulated cessation options.
Where to buy heated tobacco products online
Use this page to shop by brand ecosystem:
IQOS: devices and range → then choose HEETS or TEREA based on device compatibility.
Ploom: devices and range → then choose Ploom EVO sticks to match your device.
FAQs - Heated Tobacco
What are heated tobacco products?
Heated tobacco (heat-not-burn / HnB) products heat processed tobacco sticks to produce an aerosol containing nicotine and flavour, without burning the tobacco leaf.
How is heated tobacco different from vaping?
Vaping uses e-liquid that is vaporised by a coil. Heated tobacco uses real tobacco sticks that are warmed inside a device. The experience, taste profile, and product format are different.
Is heated tobacco safer than smoking?
Heated tobacco avoids combustion, and many summaries discuss reduced exposure to some harmful chemicals compared with cigarette smoke. However, heated tobacco still delivers nicotine and other substances, so it is not risk-free.
Are heated tobacco products legal in the UK?
Heated tobacco products are available for adults in the UK. As with other nicotine/tobacco products, age restrictions apply and regulations can change—so always follow current UK guidance and on-pack instructions.
Which sticks do I need for my device?
Stick compatibility depends on the device ecosystem. IQOS and Ploom use different stick formats, and some IQOS devices use specific stick families. Always match your sticks to your exact device before ordering.
How long does a heated tobacco stick last?
Session length varies by device model and how you use it. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific device and stick format.
