What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is an electronic device that heats e-liquid and converts it into vapour, which is inhaled by the user. E-cigarettes come in many different sizes and designs, from small pod systems to larger mods with advanced features. They are used by millions of people worldwide and have become a staple in the modern nicotine product market.
E-cigarettes operate without burning tobacco. Instead, the liquid is heated using a coil powered by a battery. When the liquid is heated, an aerosol is formed, often referred to as vapour. This process is central to how an e-cigarette functions.
How does an e-cigarette work?
An e-cigarette typically consists of four main parts:
Battery
The battery supplies power to the device and drives the coil. Some e-cigarettes have a built-in battery, while others use replaceable battery cells. Battery capacity is often measured in mAh, where higher capacity typically provides longer usage time between charges.
Coil
The coil is the heating element that heats the e-liquid. Inside the coil is cotton or other absorbent material that absorbs the liquid. When the user activates the device, the coil heats up and vaporises the liquid.
Coils come in different resistances, often measured in ohms. Lower resistance typically provides more vapour and higher power, while higher resistance is often used for more discreet vaping.
Tank or pod
The tank or pod contains the e-liquid. In some models, the tank can be refilled manually, while others use pre-filled pods. Pod systems have become popular due to their compact size and simple use.
E-liquid
The e-liquid is the liquid that vaporises during use. It typically consists of PG (propylene glycol), VG (vegetable glycerin), flavouring, and possibly nicotine. The composition of PG and VG affects, among other things, taste, vapour amount, and the inhalation experience.
Types of e-cigarettes
The e-cigarette market is constantly evolving, and there are many different types of devices.
Pod systems
Pod systems are compact and user-friendly e-cigarettes, which often use replaceable pods. They are popular among both new and experienced users due to their simple design and low maintenance.
Vape pens
Vape pens have a sleek design reminiscent of a pen. They are often slightly larger than pod systems and typically offer longer battery life and larger tanks.
Mods
Mods are larger and more advanced e-cigarettes with the ability to adjust wattage, temperature, and other functions. They are often used by experienced users who want more control over the vaping experience.
Disposable e-cigarettes
Disposable models come pre-charged and filled with liquid. When the product is empty or the battery is depleted, the unit is discarded.
What does ohm mean on a coil?
Ohm is a measure of the coil's resistance.
Low ohm:
- More vapour
- Higher power
- More heat
High ohm:
- Lower power
- Less vapour
- More discreet experience
The choice of coil depends, among other things, on the device, the liquid, and the desired experience.
Direct and indirect inhalation
There are different ways to use e-cigarettes.
MTL – Mouth To Lung
MTL resembles the way many smoke traditional cigarettes. The vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then into the lungs. This method is often used with higher coil resistance and lower power.
DTL – Direct To Lung
DTL means that the vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs. This method is often used with lower resistance, higher power, and larger amounts of vapour.
Why are there so many different coils?
Coils have a significant impact on the experience with an e-cigarette. Different coils affect, among other things:
- Flavour intensity
- Vapour amount
- Air resistance
- Power consumption
- E-liquid consumption
Some coils are designed for high wattage and large clouds, while others focus on lower consumption and more discreet use.
Modern development in e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes have evolved significantly since the first models came to market. Modern devices offer, among other things:
- USB-C charging
- Adjustable wattage
- Mesh coils for better flavour
- Automatic activation upon inhalation
- Smart chips with safety features
- Leak-proof pod systems
The development has made e-cigarettes more user-friendly and technologically advanced.
E-cigarettes today
E-cigarettes come in many forms and are used with different preferences and needs. Some users want small and discreet devices, while others prefer larger models with high performance and many settings options.
The market today includes everything from simple pod systems to advanced mods, and development continues with a focus on technology, user-friendliness, and design.
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