Review – AYI TT7

Description

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Bottom Line Statement

Note to Reader: We are not getting paid by manufacturer, this is an independent review

The Basics About This Device

Heat-Not-Burn brands belonging to big tobacco, like IQOS and GLO, tend to dominate the industry, both in the manufacturing and marketing of products. It’s disappointing as sometimes good quality, innovative products get ignored. We here at Heat180 believe that AYI TT7 is one of those products.

AYI TT7 is an interesting device both in design and function. It’s physically quite similar to IQOS Multi 3.0, but is smaller and more lightweight, only measuring 106 x 22 x 16 mm and 150g. Another similarity is that it is an integrated device, meaning that the battery and HeatStick holder are not separate, but both part of one device. Moreover, AYI TT7 is also a mutli-use device, meaning that it can be used numerous times before needing to be charged. This is where similarities end however, as AYI TT7 has several unique features that are not included in any IQOS devices; AYI offers more consecutive uses than IQOS does as the TT7 device can heat 12 HeatSticks before needing to be charged, and, most impressively, you can control the temperature at which you heat the HeatStick, however we have heard from one user that the optimal heat is 280° C.

The device we’ll be reviewing in this post is AYI TT7, but there are 9 AYI TT devices in total. The TT7 retails for approximately $45.00USD

Product Unboxing and First Use

The product will come to you in a sleek white box. Once out of the box, check to see if the device is already charged – some users report that it is, others say the opposite. To check the charge, gently insert a HeatStick into the heating chamber and click the square button at the front of the device. If the LED indicator light turns green or blue, the device is charged and is now active. If the LED light turns red you’ll have to charge the device. To do so simply plug it into the USB cable and connect to a power source (unfortunately, AYI does not provide a USB wall adaptor, so if you need one, you will have to supply it yourself). The device will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to charge fully, but once charged will last for approximately 12 cycles.

AYI TT7 is a bit different from most devices as it has an ‘active state.’ This means that when you push the square button once, you are essentially waking up the device. To actually start the heating process you have to click the square button two more times in rapid succession. When the heating process begins the LED indicator light will flash green and the device will vibrate.

Once you’ve started the heating process, you can choose your desired temperature. The device with automatically begin at the lowest temperature setting, ‘Low Gear,’ as indicated by the green light. To raise it simply click on the square button 3 times, rapidly. When the light turns blue, it has reached ‘Middle Gear.’ Click the square button 3 more times, rapidly, and the LED indicator light will turn red for ‘High Gear.’

The device will heat to the desired temperature in approximately 20-30 seconds. It will vibrate again when ready to use. One cycle will last approximately 3 minutes. Nearing the end of the cycle the device will vibrate again to notify the user. If this is not long enough, simply wait for the device to power off completely, then turn it on again. An exciting feature of AYI is that you can pause the cycle by clicking once on the square button at the front of the device.

When you’ve completed your cycle, simply push the magnetic cap up, remove, and dispose of the HeatStick. Much like IQOS, AYI contains a blade within the heating chamber, so be gentle when inserting or removing HeatSticks. Moreover, don’t forget to push the magnetic cap up. If you pull the HeatStick out without completing this task alot of fallout will stay inside the heating chamber. If you do forget, don’t worry, it’s no big deal, just hold the device upside down and tap the side of the device until the majority of the debris comes out. Clean the device if necessary. Although we had no problems with our device, try not to wiggle or rotate the HeatStick within the heating chamber.

Testing and Day to Day Use

AYI, although not too well-known, is popular with individuals who have tried it. On AliExpress, the TT7 currentl holds a 5 star rating amongst consumers. Most individuals, including our test subjects report that they like the sophisticated, minimalist design, and find the device to be satisfying.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that there is no lingering smell. As you know, we rated the BAT GLO device as ‘Excellent’ but AYI even beats it out on the aspect of lingering smell. Our testers and other users all report that there is zero lingering smell.

To ensure that your device always functions at optimal value, and therefore always provides you a pleasant experience, clean it frequently. There are two ways to clean AYI TT7. The first is the self-cleaning feature. To do this, press the square button in rapid succession 7 or 8 times, until the LED light begins flashing blue. It’ll stop flashing when self-cleaning is done. The second option is to clean the device manually. Included in your kit are cleaning sticks and a cleaning brush tool. Use these to gently remove grime and build-up from inside the heating chamber and from the lid. We recommend cleaning the device manually at least once per week and self-cleaning every day.

HOW TO USE
How To Turn ON/Off	Press and hold start button for a few seconds (device will then be in 'active state')
Temperature Adjustment?	Yes Green - Low Gear Blue - Middle Gear Red - High Gear
Heating Time?	Under 20 seconds
Indication that the Heating Process has Started	LED indicator light flashes and device vibrates
Indication that Device is Ready to Use	LED indicator light flashes and device vibrates
Length of Cycle	3 minutes, 5.25 minutes including heating/power off time
Indication that Device is Powering Off	LED indicator light flashes and device vibrates
How to Shut Off Device	Press and hold start button for a few seconds
Number of Cycles (aka number of HeatSticks before needing to recharge device)	Officially, 12 HeatSticks, but our testers usually got 15-17 times
How to Check Battery Status	Click the power button once and LED indicator light will come on Green - 40% or more charge remaining Blue - 10%-40% remaining Red - less than 10% remaining
Indicate when Device Needs Cleaning?	None
Self-Cleaning Function	Yes - Click the power button 8 times in rapid succession until LED indicator light flashes blue, thus indicating that cleaning has started
How to Manually Clean Device	See section titled 'Testing - Day to Day Use'
Troubleshooting	See 'AYI TT7 Manual' button below

First Time Switching to an AYI Device

This technology is impressive to say the least which I suppose should be expected as AYI is manufactured by a company called Trioo Technology Group Co. Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Shenzhen Dewe Technology Co. Ltd. Shenzhen Dewe Technology was established in 2010 and, apparently, is closely linked to Shenzhen Tsinghua University. While there is a surprisingly, little amount of information online about either Trioo Technology or Shenzhen Dewe Technology, the companies are known for their electronics.

Now in our last two posts, The Knock-Off HeatSticks Problem and The Nature of Knock-Offs and Counterfeiting, we discussed companies like this, which create products mimicking those that are already on the market, albeit with a few design changes, and then sell them for less money. Sometimes it can get a little sketchy, but our team, personally, doesn’t feel AYI is like that. Sure finding company information is a bit difficult but at the end of the day, the product is good. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to, say, IQOS 3.0 Multi, than AYI is worth it.

HeatSticks Overview

The AYI brand does not produce their own HeatSticks. Instead, their devices are designed to work with other branded HeatSticks, such as HEETS and Marlboro for IQOS HeatSticks.

Tips and Tricks

The AYI TT7 is available in 4 colors: black, white, red, and navy. We recommend choosing one of the darker colors, as users have noted that the white color can become marked.

AYI TT7 Manual

Warranty

AYI TT7 does come with a one-year warranty. The warranty covers all malfunctions unless the device’s heating mechanism is broken, in which case the device is likely not covered. If the device malfunctions due to mistreatment or user negligence, the manufacturer will fix it but there will be a service charge. It is important to note that the battery is not included in the one-year warranty. Instead, batteries are covered only for 6 months. To act on the warranty the user must contact Trioo Technology Group Co. Ltd. via phone at +86 400-8383-040.

Specs

SPECS
Device	AYI TT7
Manufacturer	Trioo Technology Group Co. Ltd.
Location of Manufacturer	Shenzhen, China
Year in Business	Since 2010
Manufacturer Contact Information	086-400-8383-040
First Impression	Solid and seems durable, sleek design, easy to operate
Weight	150g
Weight	150g
Diameters	106 x 22 x 16 mm
Battery Type	900mAh
Power Imput	3.7V
Charging Cable	USB Micro B
Charging Time	Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Temperature Adjustment	3 Settings: Low, Middle, or High (max temperature 352 F)
How Long Does a Cycle Last	Approximately 3 minutes
How Many Cycles Before Device Needs Charging strong>	Approximately 12 cycles
Built-In Cleaning Mechanism	Yes
HeatSticks	HEETS, Marlboro for IQOS
Kit Price	$45.00USD
In the Kit	Integrated device, cable, cleaning brush, cleaning sticks, manual (EN, JA, ZH), 1-year device warranty/ 6-months battery warranty
Can Kit Accessories be Purchased Separately	No
Comparable To	IQOS 3.0 Multi
Colors Available	Black, white, red, and navy

If you feel you can add anything to this review, please feel free to comment and rate this device!