NEAFS Teo Starter Kit and Sticks Product Review

NEAFS Teo Starter Kit and Sticks Product Review

Additional Testing By:  
Afreen,   Madeline,   Trevor

Neafs claim to have replicated the familiar sensation of smoking a cigarette but with 95% fewer harmful chemicals with their innovative Tobacco-free TEO device. We ask, is it really any good?

Products used in this review:

About Heat Not Burn

The harmful effects of smoking are widely known, along with the fact that most of the toxins and chemicals from cigarettes are produced through the process of burning Tobacco.

With the recent introduction of Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) and Heated Tobacco technology, there has been a shift towards less harmful alternatives. Heat-not-burn devices, which heat Tobacco (in the form of Tobacco Sticks) instead of burning it, aim to produce fewer toxins at lower concentrations than conventional cigarettes, thereby reducing the risks associated with smoking.

As the name suggests, Heated Tobacco devices use a specific blend of Tobacco as the primary ingredient in their sticks. However, a new brand, NEAFS, has entered the Heated Tobacco market with an innovative product that has managed to eliminate Tobacco altogether.

Instead of Tobacco leaves, NEAFS use plant-based ingredients in their sticks. They also use Mint, edible essence, vegetable glycerin, and propylene glycol to create a familiar delivery of nicotine that both Heated Tobacco users and smokers can enjoy.

Potentially a game-changer in the world of smoking, these ingredients offer a significantly reduced risk compared to traditional smoking and Heated Tobacco products. In tests, the NEAFS offering was shown to release 95% less chemicals and emissions than their Tobacco-based counterparts.

About the Eson brand

Eson, the parent company of the Neafs brand, was established in 2015 in Orlando, Florida, with the aim of helping smokers quit smoking more naturally. 

With years of experience gained in the vape industry, the Eson team spent six years researching and developing the Neafs product range before finally bringing it to market in 2023 and pitting it against more firmly established products from competitor brands Iqos and Ploom.

About the NEAFS TEO

How does the Neafs Teo system work?

The Teo system uses the same heating process as other devices in the Heat-Not-Burn category. The device delivers nicotine-infused vapour by gently heating small cigarette-like sticks within an internal oven. This vapour is then inhaled as you would with a cigarette, but with no ash, tar, or odour produced.

Box opening

Apple-esque in design, the Teo arrives in a compact, tiny little box far smaller than I expected. Removing the cardboard sleeve reveals a neatly packaged heating device (mine is rose gold) in a sliding drawer. Also contained is a very basic user guide leaflet and USB-C charge cable.

The Teo device feels lovely to hold. It is smooth in your hand and has an excellent weight. It appears solid and very well made.

The Neafs TEO device packaging with a selection Neafs Sticks flavour packsThe Neafs TEO device unboxedThe Neafs TEO device held in a hand Side button control on the Neafs TEO device

Charging

The TEO did arrive with some charge in the battery, but I decided to put it on to charge fully before testing, although initially, I couldn't find the charge port anywhere on the device!

There is a line around the device, above the button, and you can pull the entire top cap off to remove and reveal the heating chamber (the charging port is under here on the side of the black plastic). When replacing it, there is a nice, resounding magnetic clunk.

NEAFS Sticks

In common with most Heated Tobacco solutions, Neafs sticks look like teeny-tiny white filter-tipped cigarettes in packs of 20. Each stick is designed to last a similar duration to one conventional cigarette.

Neafs sticks are currently available in six flavours, and we supplied five flavours to our panel for review: Coffee, Blueberry, Menthol, Strawberry, and Original. Menthol and Original are targeted towards smokers who wish to continue enjoying a Tobacco taste.

It is worth noting that the smell of the sticks, especially the Coffee and Strawberry NEAFS, is potent even when the pack is completely sealed and wrapped! Opening the cellophane wrapping on some of the packs of NEAFS sticks was also a struggle.

5 Flavours of Neafs Tobacco-free Sticks with an open box

Testing the Neafs Teo

I followed the very clear and concise instruction leaflet. Five clicks of the power button to power off and on. One 2-second press to begin the heating process, where you are alerted by a slight vibration.

It only takes 20 seconds for a stick to be ready for use (after a second vibration). You have a solid 5 minutes before the session ends, and the device auto-powers off.

My initial thought upon the very first few puffs was honestly disbelief! I have tried many Heated Tobacco products in the past, and I am always impressed with how they replicate the sensation of smoking, but Neafs do not contain Tobacco. And I still can't quite believe that they don't!

Now, I have to be honest. Having previously heard an opinion from someone who really didn't like the Neafs experience, I was somewhat filled with trepidation about doing this review. My sample pack sat in a cupboard for quite a long time out of sight before I decided I really should just try it.

To reassure anyone else who may have the same doubts about this product based on what they have heard, do not worry at all. Try it and form your own opinion. It is very, very good, and not as was negatively described to me previously!

I started with Menthol flavour, which I found delivered a taste as close to a Menthol cigarette as you would ever get. It's so very good. Loads of vapour produced (more than other Heated Tobacco devices, though less than from a standard vape) and it gives a fantastic nicotine hit. You can read my other flavour reviews below.

The top of the device was warm throughout the session, not overly hot, but noticeable. A minor annoyance I experienced every single time was the airflow hole placement. It is precisely where I naturally place my fingers to use the device, so I had to keep adjusting my grip.

The TEO device air hole

I did notice that I produced more saliva than usual and was left with a slightly dry tongue and Tobacco aftertaste in the mouth when the session ended.

I let it cool down and then removed the stick. Upon doing so, a fair amount of grit-like bits fell over the desk, and more also tipped out of the device when turned upside down. So it is a bit messy!

The other thing to note is that I sometimes struggled with the 5 x clicks of the power button. Maybe I wasn't doing this fast or slow enough, but either way, it was a minor flaw. You can easily see if the device is powered on if the light illuminates with one press of the button, so it wasn't a big issue for me.

If you want a genuine Tobacco taste, try the Original flavour sticks. Upon box opening, they smell lovely and nutty. Of all the samples, this most resembles the smell and taste of a Tobacco product (how?!!). It also leaves you with a mild Tobacco aftertaste (which can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on how much you love a cigarette).

Need more information?

For general information about heated tobacco, please see our Heated Tobacco Guide.

Brand:

NEAFS

Flavours in the range

6 flavours available at the time of writing

Specifications:

  • Battery: 1700mAh integrated
  • Charge Time: 120 mins
  • Recharge Frequency: One charge heats up to 20 tobacco sticks
  • Cable / Charger: 1 x USB-C cable is included
  • Session Duration: 6 minutes / 15 puffs
  • Dimensions: 128mm x 80mm x 30 mm
  • Weight: 122g
  • Who is this product best for?

    Tobacco smokers looking for a cheaper and healthier alternative

    Do I recommend this product?

    Yes, it is an impressive device

    Reasons for buying this product:

    • 95% less harmful chemicals than Tobacco-based products
    • Value for money
    • Delivers a realistic smoking sensation

    Comparable products:

    IQOS Iluma & TEREA Sticks, Ploom X Advanced & EVO Sticks, Glo Hyper X2 & NEO Sticks

    Scores:

    Taste:
    Performance:
    Battery Life:
    Design & Build:
    Features:

    Overall Score:

    4.4 out of 5

    Test Panel Reviews

    * The views of the panel are entirely their own and may not reflect the views of Vapourcore

    Madeline

    Madeline's Review

    I have been trialling the Neafs Teo Heating Device for the past two weeks. This is a completely different vape method from anything I have used before - I predominately use disposable or reusable vape devices - so it is all new to me.

    I recently came back from visiting Berlin, where I saw more people using 'heat not burn' devices over cigarettes. This shows that Heated Tobacco really is becoming a reliable alternative to smoking.

    It says on the Neafs website that the TEO uses a 'leading-edge heating process that provides an unparalleled heated tobacco experience, with minimal cleaning required.'

    This device is tobacco-free, but it is the closest alternative to a cigarette I have ever tried. It heats up and smells similar - but without any of the ash or smoke. Instead of Tobacco, Neafs have opted for a sophisticated blend of organic ingredients infused with nicotine and an array of flavours.

    The device uses one-use 'sticks', which look exactly like the filter of a cigarette. These sticks come in various flavours and are being sold for around £4.95 for 20 sticks or £48 for 200 sticks at the time of writing.

    I think it's important to note that on the official Neafs website, they state that the average annual savings from switching to their device from cigarettes is £3018.55, which would easily sway me to change.

    Neafs boast about being able to use 20 of their disposable sticks before the battery life runs out, with a stick lasting for as long as a regular cigarette - around 15 puffs. According to Neafs, this is 4x more than their competitors, which is impressive.

    I feel like most people trying to quit smoking find it difficult to move over to vape devices or disposables as they are so different from an actual cigarette. Using Neafs Teo would eliminate this issue as it's incredibly similar.

    The Teo packaging is very minimal but enticing nonetheless. It feels very secure. It is also recyclable and contains very minimal plastic.

    When I opened the package, I was excited to try the device. It feels sturdy and high-quality, and the green colour I have is just beautiful. Neafs also have several other colours if green is not up your street; these are grey, blue, and rose.

    The device fits into my pocket easily or in my handbag with a pack of sticks. It feels very resilient. I've dropped it a few times, and it hasn't scuffed.

    It doesn't seem to weigh a lot, so it's easy to hold. The on/off button is on the side, with a colour-matching reflective trim. This is a nice touch and makes the device look higher quality. The position of the on/off button is perfect - just by where your thumb would naturally sit on the device when holding - which is convenient and appreciated.

    To start the device, I'd recommend charging it beforehand. Once charged, insert one stick into the hole at the top until you feel resistance; this is where the Teo heating blade is.

    Then, you must press the side button 5 times within 2 seconds. You can feel the device getting warmer at this stage. This takes approximately 20 seconds. Press the button for 2 seconds, and the device will vibrate, indicating it is ready to inhale.

    One thing I really like about this device is the auto shut off after 5 minutes, in case you forget to manually turn it off by holding the button for 3 seconds or until it vibrates.

    The device has a C-type charging port with a cable included. The battery is 1700mAh, and to fully charge the device, it should take around 120 minutes. I recommend sticking to the charger Neafs provide, as other ones may be too powerful or weak to charge properly.

    I appreciate the light indicators with the on/off button, which flashes when it's heating up, a solid white light when it's ready to smoke, and flashes yellow when it needs charging.

    I found all these time scales for pressing buttons confusing at first, as I usually just inhale straight away! But I got used to it. I felt a bit out of my depth for a few days, but you quickly get the hang of it.

    A useful instruction booklet is included with the device. This tells you how to clean and turn on/off the device and provides troubleshooting if you are struggling to figure things out.

    Pros:

    • Most accurate alternative to cigarettes
    • Sturdy, resilient device in a range of colours
    • Environmental Packaging / Recyclable packaging
    • 1700mAh battery
    • Cost effective (sizeable annual savings)
    • Flavour selection

    Cons:

    • Confusing at first to understand all the times you press the buttons and for how long
    • Some flavours aren’t accurate or enjoyable
    • Recommended to only use charger provided which is small.

    Scores:

    Taste:
    Performance:
    Battery Life:
    Design & Build:
    Features:

    Overall Score:

    4.5 out of 5
    Trevor

    Trevor's Review

    It's been around a year since I have used any cigarettes. I started my vaping use back then and quickly found out what my preferred vape flavours and devices were and stopped smoking, but I know some people always end up continuing to use them.

    In my opinion, this is the group that understandably looks at other options, including "heat not burn" devices.

    I have not tried any of these heat devices before, so when I was asked to look at the TEO with NEAFS, I was interested and curious.

    TEO is a heat device that has been specifically designed for use with NEAFS sticks. These little smokes do not contain any tobacco. Instead, the company says that it uses high-quality cellulose, and some of this is actually made from tea leaves.

    The sticks themselves come in various flavours, and these can be ordered with 1.5% nicotine added or with 0%.

    The TEO unit

    The unit is sleek, smooth, and metallic. It has a built-in 1700mAh battery and comes with a USB C for charging. To charge it, remove the top of the device and insert the cable into the slot. Once the unit is fully charged, you can pop the top back on, and the device is ready to use.

    The unit is comfortable in the hand due to the ergonomic design. It is also well-made and feels durable. The battery is large enough to last well, and I was able to heat over twenty sticks on a single charge.

    The NEAFS sticks

    These sticks are a very good option for those who have not been able to stop smoking cigarettes. The sticks themselves are like a short cigarette, and the effect of heating them does remind me of smoking.

    The nicotine delivery of the 1.5% stick is not like vaping at all. It is more intense, similar to a traditional cigarette.

    The aroma of the NEAFS when heated is definitely unique. I think some people will like it, and some will hate it. The vapour that is produced is very herby and unusual in both taste and smell. Some might describe it as pungent, but others might describe it as mild. It is one of those things that will come down to personal preference.

    Because of this, it would be advisable to use the device somewhere with good ventilation, at least at first.

    My overall feelings and impressions of the TEO device and NEAFS sticks are mixed.

    If I found myself reaching for tobacco cigarettes often or if I didn't get on with vaping, this would be a great choice. Personally, I think that I can find other more suitable options to satisfy my nicotine cravings.

    I am fully aware that some people are still looking for that thing to replace cigarette smoking that suits their taste. For this group, TEO could be the solution, and I would definitely recommend giving it a go.

    Pros:

    • Similar experience to smoking traditional cigarettes.
    • No tobacco.
    • Sleek metal device that holds a good charge.
    • Easy to use.
    • Sticks come with or without nicotine.
    • Sticks are available in various flavours.

    Cons:

    • Feels like going back to cigarettes.
    • Flavours are very light and mild.
    • Can have a strong smell.

    Scores:

    Taste:
    Performance:
    Battery Life:
    Design & Build:
    Features:

    Overall Score:

    3.6 out of 5
    Afreen

    Afreen's Review

    The product comes in slide-to-open packaging, which assures the user of its quality. It is very nice to the eye, and the design is elegant. It feels like you're holding a very expensive yet graceful USB.

    The package also contains a USB type-C cable, along with the instruction manual and the device itself.

    The product features a button on the side to activate/unlock the device.

    This caused me a bit of confusion initially as I was still figuring out if I needed to press the button 5 times in a 2-second window or hold the button for a few seconds for the product to light up.

    The instructions are clear in the manual. However, some users like to try out a product themselves before reading the instructions, so the idea of making it simple for the user could have been given more thought.

    Once activated, the device vibrates, giving a signal to the user that it is ready to use. This a great feature, as most would confuse it with when to take a hit.

    The device highlights for me included its elegant looks and how nice it was to touch. The button on the side of the product is also quite easily reachable, and the click and vibration give a useful alert to let you know what is going on. The magnetic finish when you lift the cap to charge the device is nice and smooth.

    The packaging for the device and flavour sticks make the product feel premium. They have obviously invested time in it. The battery life is extensive, so the device does not need to be charged that often.

    However, there were also a few downsides.

    The device does not do justice to cigarette smoking, as it does not give the same feeling of holding a cigarette. There's no thick smoke-like vapour coming from the sticks, which is important to me as the smoke is the second most essential part of the experience.

    I didn't like using the sticks. I felt a burning sensation in my lungs when I inhaled, which caused me discomfort. I also found they got quite warm once they were active and tended to stick to the lips when you took a puff.

    I didn't enjoy the flavours I tested that much (Coffee, Original, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Menthol). The sticks suggest they are flavoured, but I felt little to no flavour could be tasted.

    Considering this, I felt the price was quite high for a product that did not give me much pleasure.

    To conclude, I would not recommend this product as a substitute for cigarettes or even to someone who is considering quitting smoking. I recommend switching to vapes or disposables instead, as they are a much better option.

    Pros:

    • Elegant device
    • Informative vibrations
    • Nice packaging

    Cons:

    • It doesn't feel like holding a cigarette
    • Not enough vapour produced (doesn't remind you of smoking)
    • Unimpressive flavours
    • Burning sensation
    • The sticks can get stuck to your lips
    • High price

    Scores:

    Taste:
    Performance:
    Battery Life:
    Design & Build:
    Features:

    Overall Score:

    2.7 out of 5

    Product Taste Tests:

    Menthol
    Menthol
    5.0 out of 5

    Brilliant! An authentic, nostalgic, true flavour of a Menthol cigarette. From the first inhale of a session to the slight aftertaste, the Menthol Neafs sticks deliver an experience that is super-realistic and very very good!

    5.0 out of 5

    Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Menthol NEAFS sticks were by far my favourite flavour and I completely forgot what I was using and just allowed myself to enjoy it. Any unusual taste was absent as the strong taste of Menthol came through with each puff. To be honest, I did smoke Menthol cigarettes before they were banned and this was a very similar experience. I have said of the TEO device, that it would be a good option for those who still crave a cigarette and if you were previously a Menthol smoker this one is for you.

    3.0 out of 5

    It has a strong first hit that starts off with a little flavour explosion that progressively fades.
    The Menthol flavour delivers a refreshing tingle, particularly felt on the lips. While the Menthol taste may not be prominent, the flavour lingers more on the lips than in the mouth, providing a distinct after taste.

    5.0 out of 5

    This reminds me of when I use to smoke Sterling Duals, it bought me right back and felt so nostalgic. The initial hit is a full on Minty flavour. It’s so crisp and refreshing. This was my favourite flavour. I would recommend it to anyone trying to quit smoking Menthol cigarettes. I will definitely be purchasing more when I run out!

    Overall Score:

    4.5 out of 5
    Original
    Original
    4.5 out of 5

    A very realistic straight Tobacco taste. From the warmth of the filter tip to the nutty Tobacco flavour, if you enjoy a real Tobacco, then I recommend Original as a starting point. I still cannot explain how this genuine Tobacco flavour has been achieved without any Tobacco!

    3.0 out of 5

    I started with the Original Tobacco flavour sticks and this may have been a mistake because I didn't get much pleasure from it. It did have a similar sensation to smoking Tobacco and a little of the same taste but nothing for me to get very excited about. To be fair here, it wasn't absolutely terrible either. I believe that this flavour will be perfect for some people, however it's not a top choice for me.

    2.0 out of 5

    The flavour distinctly resembles Tobacco, a noteworthy aspect for a chain smoker who feels a sense of familiarity with it. The taste is mediocre and not particularly strong. I thought it had an unpleasant aftertaste that is similar to chewing raw Tobacco or smoking without a filter - not the best experience.

    3.0 out of 5

    I don’t usually opt for Tobacco flavoured alternatives as I feel they don’t taste anywhere near an actual cigarette. This would work for someone who has been smoking for a while and isn’t fussed about flavours and just wants to quit smoking. It resembles Tobacco to me, especially with the heat - but it’s a bit dry and the smell that comes out of the device smells like an ashtray, which put me off. I actually can’t fathom how this doesn’t contain Tobacco.

    Overall Score:

    3.1 out of 5
    Blueberry
    Blueberry
    2.0 out of 5

    The Blueberry sticks do smell like Blueberry. Taste wise, I'm not convinced that I enjoyed the recognisable Blueberry flavour. I tasted a hint of Menthol too, mixed with a Tobacco flavour. It's not totally unpleasant - it is as described - maybe just not what I expected.

    4.0 out of 5

    This flavour was much more to my taste and without any added Tobacco flavour it was much lighter and more floral, not in a strong way, but mild notes of the Blueberry fruit along with flowers and herbs. It also has less of an aroma.

    1.0 out of 5

    You can smell the Blueberry flavour before you even take a puff. The taste is more of a Tobacco flavour rather than the expected Blueberry. Also, the flavour doesn't capture a pleasant, rich Blueberry taste; instead, it gives the impression of overly ripe Grapes. A hint of Blueberry comes through towards the end, but overall the flavour is still a little hazy.

    3.0 out of 5

    The flavour wasn’t really noticeable whilst trying this, but it felt very fresh and the exact opposite of the Original flavour which felt very drying. There is a hint of artificial Blueberry sweetness which is appreciated, but not enough for me.

    Overall Score:

    2.5 out of 5
    Coffee
    Coffee
    4.0 out of 5

    I saved this until last to try as I was slightly terrified of the aroma seeping from the unopened box. The unheated sticks smell of Coffee, Vanilla and maybe Chocolate - really lovely. During a session, you taste Coffee; quite a recognisable rich black Coffee flavour to start, and also as an initial aftertaste. After that the overriding taste becomes that of Tobacco. I think this might prove a popular flavour.

    3.0 out of 5

    Similar to the Tobacco flavour but not as strong, the Coffee stick had hints of Chocolate and Coffee added to the herb mix. Another stick that is not really for me, but it definitely reminded me of smoking cigarettes, and therefore would be a great choice for you if that's what you are looking for.

    1.0 out of 5

    The initial hit of the Coffee flavour is intense, resembling the taste of swallowing burnt Coffee grounds. Once again, there's minimal flavour or smoke, and the aftertaste is not particularly pleasant. It is an uncomfortable feeling on the lips, like being too dry on them, like being in the Sahara desert.

    4.0 out of 5

    I sometimes love a Coffee flavour disposable vape as it feels like a 2 in 1 - getting my Caffeine and Nicotine fix together. When you open the pack it smells so strong, as if you’re smelling black Coffee. It tastes rich and indulgent and a tiny bit bitter. I actually really enjoyed inhaling these.

    Overall Score:

    3.0 out of 5
    Strawberry
    Strawberry
    2.0 out of 5

    The smell of the unheated sticks initially put me right off. They smell almost like a warm Rosé or slightly fermented wine. They are definitely less offensive when heated. The overwhelming flavour remains (a quite nice) Tobacco until you exhale, where there is a very mild hint of something fruity, not recognisable as Strawberry though.

    2.0 out of 5

    This Strawberry stick had the least flavour or taste, it had very low hints of herbs and maybe a little fruit mixed in but all of it extremely mild. If you remember light cigarettes with little holes in the filter and you liked them, I think this would suit your taste.

    1.0 out of 5

    The first puff is absolutely mortifying as it does not taste like Strawberry at all. It is completely lacking in flavour. The taste resembles the aftermath of a long run, and you are now tasting your own socks filled with sweat.

    The idea of flavour being added to a cigarette is great, but if you’re not getting even a slight taste of the flavour, you know the product isn’t worth trying.

    4.0 out of 5

    This flavour, similar to Blueberry was quite weak. But what it lacked in potency it made up for it in having a sharp zesty initial hit. It wasn’t overly sweet nor artificial tasting. The flavour was quite moreish. I really enjoyed this flavour and will definitely purchase more.

    Overall Score:

    2.3 out of 5

    Conclusion

    Our review shows that the Neafs Teo is not for everyone, and one of our four panel members didn't like the experience. However, Heat-Not-Burn products are not aimed at the kind of general vapers who formed our test team. They are primarily designed for smokers looking for a less harmful replacement - one that closely replicates the familiar sensation of smoking a cigarette. Neafs have certainly succeeded in doing this, and what's more, they've somehow achieved this without using any Tobacco!

    In many products, when you remove something, for example, sugar, to make sugar-free fizzy drinks, you create something noticeably different - a pale imitation even. But as our opinions prove, Eson have created something 'extremely similar' with their Tea-based product. They have delivered the taste and experience of a cigarette, cheaper than a cigarette, with reduced health risks, and they have wrapped this in a lightweight, convenient, and stylish package.

    Flavourwise, the panel was split. Some flavours ranked highly, even from those who probably would not have tried this device by choice. Menthol Neafs came out on top, a pretty unanimous brilliant replication of the taste of a menthol cigarette! Coffee was another high ranker; most either liked it or loved it. People were unsure about the other fruity flavours, though, so for those, it really is down to personal preference.

    We have known for decades that smoking is bad for you, and like many things that are bad for you, people have continued to partake. Tobacco smoke contains tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and over 4,000 chemicals.

    By switching from burning to a gentle heating process, Heated Tobacco has reduced and mitigated the risks, producing fewer toxins at lower concentrations than conventional cigarettes. Eliminating Tobacco entirely is the next logical step to minimising the risks for those wanting to make better health decisions but who are not yet ready to quit the taste of Tobacco entirely.

    The Neafs product may be just a bold experiment, or it may be the beginning of a quiet revolution that will change smoking forever - only time will tell. However, if vaping is not for you, and you're looking for an alternative to cigarettes, why not try something that is Ttotally obacco-free?

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    1 comment

    An interesting and fair write up of a product that I have been using for many months now. I only buy the menthol sticks and have saved so much money buying online thanks to the megapacks that you sell

    Robert Baxter Thursday, 25 April 2024 | 12:33

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