Pyro cigarette - What the vape slang really means

A Pyro cigarette is not a separate product category, but a colloquial term used in the vaping community to refer to the standard cigarette made of tobacco, paper and a filter. The suffix ‘Pyro’ highlights the key difference from vaping: the cigarette is lit and burns at around 600 to 900 °C. This produces smoke, ash and several thousand chemical compounds, including tar and carbon monoxide.

In contrast, an e-cigarette heats a liquid using a heating coil to around 180 to 250 °C. There is no combustion, but rather vaporisation. The result is aerosol rather than smoke. So, when people in the vaping scene talk about ‘pyro’ or a ‘pyro cigarette’, they are specifically referring to the tobacco cigarette – as opposed to pods, mods, disposable vapes or shishas. The term is neutral and non-judgemental, but is mostly used to clearly distinguish between the two worlds linguistically.

Pyro vs vaping is the core debate behind the term. The differences relate to technology, handling and consumption habits.

Technology and ingredients

A pyro cigarette contains processed tobacco with additives. When burned, it produces smoke containing fine particulate matter and tar. An e-cigarette uses a liquid made from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and, optionally, nicotine. There is no tar and no ash.

Handling and costs

A packet of cigarettes is quickly used up in Switzerland and costs around 8 to 10 francs, depending on the brand. A 10 ml e-liquid costs around 6 to 8 francs and lasts significantly longer, depending on the device and how you vape. However, vaping requires a device, coils and batteries.

Taste and ritual

A tobacco cigarette delivers a very consistent, strong throat hit. When vaping, you can choose from hundreds of flavours – from tobacco to fruit to dessert – and freely combine nicotine strengths from 0 to 20 mg/ml.

The switch from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes works best if you choose a device, e-liquid and nicotine strength that suit your previous smoking habits. These points will help you decide:

• Choosing a device type: Disposable vapes and pod systems are beginner-friendly and, in terms of draw (MTL, mouth-to-lung), closely resemble traditional cigarettes. Sub-ohm devices with large clouds of vapour are more suitable for advanced users.
• Choosing the right nicotine strength: Those who previously smoked 15 to 20 cigarettes a day often start with 10 to 20 mg/ml of nicotine salt. Occasional smokers will find 3 to 6 mg/ml of freebase sufficient.
• Adjust your inhalation technique: With a pyro cigarette, take short, strong puffs. With an MTL e-cigarette, take calm, longer puffs – otherwise it will quickly taste burnt.
• Change coils regularly: A worn-out coil tastes harsh. Depending on usage, plan to change them every 1 to 3 weeks.
• Look after your battery: Don’t keep devices charging at full capacity, store spare batteries in a dry place and never carry them loose in your pocket alongside coins or keys.

A common mistake when switching is to start with too low a nicotine strength. If the nicotine strength isn’t enough, many people revert to tobacco cigarettes. It’s better to start slightly higher and reduce the strength after a few weeks.

Is ‘Pyro cigarette’ an official term?

No, it is a colloquial term used within the vaping community. Officially, the terms used are ‘tobacco cigarette’ or simply ‘cigarette’. ‘Pyro’ simply emphasises that tobacco is being burned here.

Is vaping cheaper than a pyro cigarette?

Generally speaking, yes, once the device has been purchased. The running costs for e-liquid and coils are usually lower than those of a daily pack of cigarettes. Disposable vapes are convenient, but in the long run they are more expensive than refillable pod systems.

Can I use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes at the same time?

Many beginners do exactly that at the start – what is known as ‘dual use’. In the long term, experts recommend choosing one option, as using both simultaneously reinforces the habit.

Does an e-cigarette taste like a normal cigarette?

Tobacco e-liquids come close to the taste, but never match it exactly. Many people switching get used to the new flavour within a few days and later switch to fruit or menthol varieties.

The Pyro cigarette is simply the classic tobacco cigarette – a term that clearly highlights the contrast with vaping. Anyone considering the switch will find suitable starter kits in our selection of e-cigarettes, ranging from simple pod systems to disposable vapes. It’s also worth taking a look at the e-liquids to compare flavours and nicotine strengths at your leisure. For adults aged 18 and over only.