TEREA vs HEETS: What Is the Difference?
TEREA or HEETS? How the two IQOS sticks differ, which devices each one works with, and why you should never swap them.
In this guide
TEREA and HEETS are both heated tobacco sticks made by Philip Morris International for IQOS. They look similar, but they are made for different devices and you cannot swap one for the other. This guide explains the difference in plain words, so you buy the right sticks for your device.
Short answer: TEREA is for IQOS ILUMA devices (ILUMA, ILUMA i and their One and Prime models). HEETS are for the older IQOS devices with a heating blade, such as IQOS 3 DUO and IQOS ORIGINALS. Never use TEREA in a blade device, and HEETS will not work in ILUMA.
TEREA vs HEETS at a glance
| TEREA | HEETS | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | IQOS ILUMA and ILUMA i | Older blade IQOS (IQOS 3 DUO, IQOS ORIGINALS) |
| How it heats | SmartCore Induction: a metal element inside the stick heats the tobacco from within | HeatControl: a heating blade in the holder goes into the stick |
| Inside the stick | Front seal, stainless-steel-coated metal heating element, tobacco, airflow chamber, protective wrap, cooling element | Tobacco, filters, wraps and a hollow tube, no metal part |
| Cleaning | No blade, so no tobacco residue and no cleaning | The blade needs regular cleaning |
| Swap? | Never in a blade device | Does not work in ILUMA |
How TEREA works
IQOS ILUMA uses the SmartCore Induction System. Every TEREA stick has a small metal heating element, coated with stainless steel, sealed inside. The device heats that element, and the element heats the tobacco from the inside without burning it. Because there is no blade in the device, nothing touches the tobacco, so there is nothing to clean.
How HEETS work
HEETS were made for the earlier IQOS generations. In those devices a heating blade sits inside the holder, and the stick is pushed onto the blade, which heats the tobacco. HEETS have no metal part of their own.
Can you mix them?
HEETS in ILUMA: no. ILUMA needs the metal element inside TEREA to heat, so HEETS simply do not work.
TEREA in an older IQOS: do not try it. IQOS says TEREA must not be used in previous IQOS generations, as it may damage the device. TEREA also does not work in bonds by IQOS or lil SOLID devices.
Read our full TEREA compatibility guide for every device, one by one.
Safety: the metal part inside TEREA
Because each TEREA stick contains a sharp metal part, IQOS warns that it can cause serious injury if swallowed. Keep TEREA away from children and pets, and do not take the sticks apart.
What about BLENDS, DELIA, LEVIA and Ploom?
- BLENDS are made only for bonds by IQOS. They do not work in ILUMA, and TEREA does not work in bonds.
- DELIA and LEVIA are newer sticks for IQOS ILUMA launched in the UK. We have not seen them sold officially in the UAE.
- Ploom is a different brand from another company, with its own sticks. TEREA is not made for it.
Which should you buy?
If you have an IQOS ILUMA or ILUMA i, buy TEREA: we stock 45+ TEREA flavors from seven countries. Not sure which taste to start with? Our TEREA strength guide lists every flavor from lightest to strongest. Still using an older blade device? IQOS ILUMA i is the current IQOS range, and it works with TEREA from every country.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use HEETS in IQOS ILUMA?
No. IQOS ILUMA devices work only with TEREA. HEETS have no metal heating element, so ILUMA cannot heat them.
Can I use TEREA in IQOS 3 DUO or IQOS ORIGINALS?
No. IQOS says TEREA must not be used in older blade devices, as it may damage the device.
Can I use TEREA with Ploom?
No. Ploom is made by another company and uses its own sticks. TEREA is made only for IQOS ILUMA devices.
Do TEREA and HEETS taste the same?
Not exactly. Both heat real tobacco without burning it, but the devices heat in different ways, and the flavor ranges are different.
Which should I buy in Dubai?
If you have an IQOS ILUMA or ILUMA i, buy TEREA. If you still use an older blade device, ILUMA i is the current IQOS range and works with TEREA from every country.
For adults 18+ only. TEREA and HEETS contain nicotine, which is addictive. Heated tobacco products are not risk free.
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