MINICO® vs Standard Filters: What Is the Difference?
Almost every factory-made cigarette already has a filter built in. MINICO® is an add-on filter that you push onto that built-in filter. Here is how the two compare – in construction, use, cost and waste. This comparison is based on manufacturer information; it does not contain test results.
Construction Differences
Standard cigarette filters consist of cellulose acetate fibres wrapped in paper and are part of the cigarette. MINICO® is a separate add-on filter with a 2-stage design: according to the manufacturer, a first stage designed to trap heavier tar particles and a second, finer stage behind it.
How They Compare
How much any filter holds back depends on the cigarette, the tobacco and how you smoke, so we do not give filtration percentages. What we can compare is the design:
| Aspect | Standard Filter | MINICO® |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Built into the cigarette | Pushed onto the built-in filter |
| Design | Single acetate filter | 2-stage add-on filter |
| Used for | One cigarette | Up to 6 cigarettes |
| Makes smoking safe | No | No |
Cost per Cigarette Comparison
Adding a MINICO® filter to your cigarettes costs extra. Calculated per cigarette:
- Standard pack: €0 additional cost per cigarette (filter is built-in)
- MINICO®: the pack price divided by the cigarettes it covers – for example, a 350-pack covers up to 2,100 cigarettes (350 filters × up to 6 cigarettes)
Check the current pack price on Amazon to work out your own cost per cigarette. Larger packs usually work out cheaper per filter.
Materials
Standard cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic. On this site we describe the MINICO® design and how to use it; we do not make material-safety claims. If you have questions about the materials, please contact the seller.
Environmental Impact
Cigarette butts are among the most commonly littered items. An add-on filter does not replace the built-in filter – the butt is still thrown away – so MINICO® adds a small amount of waste rather than reducing it: one small filter for up to 6 cigarettes. Please dispose of used filters and butts in a bin.
User Experience: Taste and Draw Resistance
A concern often raised about add-on filters is increased draw resistance (harder to inhale). With an add-on filter the draw feels slightly firmer, and the taste can change a little. A good fit makes the biggest difference:
- Choose the right size – standard or slim
- Push the filter on straight until it sits flush
- Replace it when it turns dark brown, at the latest after 6 cigarettes
Verdict
A standard filter is part of every cigarette; MINICO® is an optional extra filter on top. It has a 2-stage design, can be used for up to 6 cigarettes and shows the tar residue it has trapped. Neither makes smoking safe – if you want to reduce the risks of smoking, quitting is the most effective step.