IQOS User Experience: Taste, Feel, and Draw

Table of contents

1. IQOS taste
2. How IQOS feels
3. The draw and how to improve it
4. Blade devices vs ILUMA
5. A note on health
6. FAQ

The IQOS user experience is different from a cigarette in three ways: taste, feel and draw. Most smokers notice the difference on the first stick, and many need a week or two to get used to it. This guide explains what to expect from IQOS and how to make the switch feel more natural.

IQOS taste

IQOS tastes like tobacco, but not like a burning cigarette. Because nothing burns, there is no smoky, ashy note. Some people describe the plain tobacco sticks as more “roasted” or “bready”. Flavour depends a lot on the stick you choose:

• Tobacco blends such as TEREA Amber or Sienna for a classic tobacco taste.
• Menthol and fresh blends for a cooling taste.
• Flavour capsule sticks that you can click to add a flavour mid-session, where available.

If the first flavour does not suit you, try another before deciding. Our TEREA flavour guide groups the sticks by taste, and you can browse all TEREA sticks here.

How IQOS feels

• The aerosol feels lighter and cooler than cigarette smoke.
• Some new users notice a dry throat or mild irritation in the first days. This usually settles as you get used to it.
• There is no ash and the smell is lighter, so it stays less on hands and clothes.
• The device vibrates when it is ready and near the end, so you know where you are in the session.

The draw and how to improve it

The draw on IQOS is often a bit tighter than a cigarette and gives less visible cloud than a vape. A few tips help:

• Wait for the vibration before the first puff, so the stick is fully heated.
• Take slow, steady puffs rather than short, hard ones.
• Pace yourself. One stick gives about 14 puffs or about 6 minutes.
• Store sticks in a cool, dry place. Humid or hot sticks can taste flat.
• On blade devices, clean the blade regularly. Residue makes the draw harder and the taste worse.

Blade devices vs ILUMA

On older blade devices with HEETS, taste can change as residue builds up. IQOS ILUMA devices heat TEREA sticks by induction with no blade, so there is no residue inside and the taste stays more consistent. See the IQOS ILUMA range if you want an easier experience.

A note on health

Feeling different is not the same as being healthier. IQOS contains nicotine, which is addictive, and it is not risk free. For adults 18+ only.

FAQ

Why does my IQOS taste bad?

Common causes are a dirty blade (on older devices), sticks stored in heat or humidity, a low battery, or a flavour that does not suit you.

Does IQOS make a room smell?

There is some smell, but most users find it lighter than cigarette smoke and it fades faster.