An electrically heated aerosol-generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming article is provide, including a tubular portion configured to receive the aerosol-forming article; and a heater element including an end face, the heater element being disposed proximate an end of the tubular portion so that the end face is proximate an end of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tubular portion, the system being configured to supply a first amount of electrical energy to the heater element to heat the heater element to a first temperature and to supply a second amount of electrical energy to the heater element to maintain the heater element at a second temperature, and wherein a difference between the first and second temperatures is at least about 100° C.