Heated tobacco vs vaping
Is heated tobacco the same as vaping?
The very short answer is no, heated tobacco isn't the same as vaping. However, that’s not to say that there aren't some similarities between the two.
Heated tobacco and vaping products were introduced as replacements for traditional cigarettes, and both produce a vapor that’s designed for you to inhale. Fortunately, and because they don't burn anything, neither produces the problematic smoke or ash associated with cigarettes.
That’s where the similarities end though.
Heated tobacco vs vaping
A heated tobacco product like Ploom AURA, which uses unique technology to heat real tobacco without burning it, is the first choice for those looking for a modern take on their tobacco experience. Not only does Ploom AURA deliver on true tobacco taste, it’s also a better fit for social occasions, and less intrusive to those around you.
The design of Ploom AURA enables you to replicate much-loved personal smoking rituals without requiring matches or lighters. It also feels entirely familiar because it works with the cigarette-like sticks, EVO tobacco sticks. These sticks are crafted from premium-quality tobacco, for a rich taste that comes from real tobacco. Find out more in our blog article, “Introducing Ploom - A Unique Heated Tobacco Technology”.
Beyond the tobacco itself, the experience is about convenience. While vaping requires maintaining tanks and liquids, using a tobacco heating system is much simpler. You can easily carry your EVO sticks in a stylish carry case or protect your device with various back covers. These accessories don't just protect your tech; they make it a part of your daily look.
On the other hand, electronic cigarettes, e-cigs, or vapes (vaping devices are known by lots of different names) use a liquid which is heated until it creates a vapor. That vapor normally contains nicotine and other flavorings, similar to those included in food and drinks.
Since the arrival of the first vaping devices, there has been a huge expansion in both the type and number of products on offer. From mods to pods and disposables, these devices combine with hundreds of liquid flavor choices, and the sheer combination of options can sometimes be overwhelming.
It’s true too, that whilst vaping devices are smoke-free, they do still produce the now familiar vapor ‘cloud’ you're used to seeing – that’s because of the propylene glycol in the vape liquid. This handy blog about vaping terminology will also help answer the question “Is heated tobacco vaping?”.
Beyond the terminology, there is a practical difference in daily use. While vaping often involves dealing with liquid levels and the potential for leaking pods, heated tobacco offers a cleaner, more consistent session, with no smoke, and no ash. Because there is no liquid, the flavor remains steady from the first puff to the last, offering a reliable experience without the maintenance often required by vape kits.
HEATED TOBACCO | VAPE | |
|---|---|---|
HEATING PROCESS | Heated tobacco | Heating |
CONTAINS TOBACCO? | Yes | No |
CONTAINS NICOTINE? | Yes | No |
HEATING METHOD | Heats tobacco | Vaporizes e-liquid |
CREATES | Vapor | Vapor |
SMELL | Tobacco-infused aroma | Flavor-infused aroma |
ASH | No | No |
MAINTENANCE | Once a month | Daily |
FLAVOR CONSISTENCY | Consistent flavor from first puff to last | High initial flavor intensity |
Intuitive innovations
The development of heated tobacco products, like those created by Ploom, has focused on innovating and improving the way real tobacco flavor is enjoyed. The very fact that there is no smoke involved is just one reason why they are potentially the more discreet alternative to vaping.
Another reason is size. Intuitive to use and ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in the palm of your hand, Ploom AURA is our smallest heated tobacco device to date. When you are using Ploom AURA there’s no smoke and no smoke smell, so your Ploom can go with you to more places than ever before, be while driving, heading to the train station, or working from home.
Ploom AURA offers an expanded range of EVO tobacco sticks. To meet demand for more varied flavor options, there are now six unique flavors to choose from.
You can find out more about how Ploom has been at the forefront of innovation in the History of Heated Tobacco blog.
Where innovation meets reduced risk potential.
By heating rather than burning tobacco, Ploom AURA produces overall lower levels of harmful substances compared to cigarette smoke*.
That's why Ploom AURA and the unique technology it contains aren't simply change for its own sake. They are the next chapter in the ongoing development of a modern way for adult nicotine product users to enjoy tobacco.
Learn more about heated tobacco.
Heated tobacco vs vapes in hot temperatures
Hot weather can have an impact on many everyday devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, especially during UAE summers, where temperatures can exceed 45°C. If you’re constantly moving from hot environments to air-conditioned spaces, it’s natural to wonder how the changes in temperature might affect your Ploom device.
Ploom heats real tobacco sticks rather than e-liquid, which means there’s no risk of any liquid leaking, making it a practical choice for hot climates.
For the best experience, it’s best to keep your device and sticks in a cool, dry place wherever possible, to help preserve their quality and flavor. Avoid direct sun exposure for prolonged periods, and allow your device to cool down after three consecutive sessions to avoid overheating.
Legal status of heated tobacco in the UAE
Since April 2019, heated tobacco has been legal in the UAE, and is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The legal age for usage is 18 and over, while heated tobacco is subject to the same public usage restrictions as with traditional cigarettes and tobacco products. Their use is therefore prohibited in many public areas**, including malls, government buildings, restaurants, beaches, and public transportation.
Traveling this summer? Find out where you can buy Ploom.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, heated tobacco is not the same as vaping. Heated tobacco heats real tobacco without burning it, while vaping involves heating a liquid that produces a vapor. Heated tobacco also provides a steady, consistent flavor experience from start to finish, whereas vaping typically involves a high initial flavor intensity.
Heated tobacco devices are often more durable than vapes, because there is no liquid reservoir, and no risk of leaking. Heated tobacco devices, like Ploom AURA, have a sealed heating chamber, so there are no coils, pods or tanks that need replacing. They’re designed for repeated use and because they don’t contain an e-liquid, they perform better in hot temperatures.
No, heated tobacco sticks are not compatible with vape devices. Vapes use liquid solutions, while heated tobacco sticks contain real tobacco leaves inside specialized wrappers. Vapes feature a metal coil to vaporize liquid, while heated tobacco devices warm the tobacco stick internally, without burning it.
No, Ploom is a heated tobacco device. Unlike vaping, which vaporizes a nicotine-containing liquid, Ploom heats specially-designed tobacco sticks, delivering the true taste of high-quality, expertly blended tobacco, without burning it.
*Based on machine-generated data comparing the levels of select harmful substances in Ploom aerosol relative to 1R6F reference cigarette smoke.
Ploom AURA is an innovative heated tobacco product which we believe has strong potential as a reduced-risk product compared to smoking cigarettes.
If you are still weighing your options or want to know more about battery life and device care, our comprehensive FAQ section has all the answers. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to understand the full benefits of switching to EVO sticks and Ploom AURA.