Abstract: A tobacco mass is heated to a temperature of about 150° to about 220° C. to release flavorful tobacco volatiles, which are entrained in air passing through the tobacco mass, and condensed to form an inhalable aerosol. The tobacco mass may have a rotationally symmetric shape, with at least part of its surface in heat transfer relationship with a heater. The heater may be an external shell, an internal rod, or a plate. A shell can enclose the heater and tobacco mass and define a preheating chamber for inflowing air. A mouthpiece, with or without a filter, may be arranged in fluid communication with the tobacco mass to direct the aerosol from the heating system.

Abstract: A dryer for a smoking device includes a heating element adapted to fit within a cigarette receiving portion of the smoking device, the heating element projecting from a base portion of the dryer. The base portion of the dryer has an interface surface on which the smoking device rests when the heating element is positioned within the cigarette receiving portion of the smoking device. At least one air passageway is provided in the base portion of the dryer to communicate between the cigarette receiving portion and surrounding ambient air when the smoking device rests on the interface surface.