Electronic Cigarette - How it Works

21 April 2016

You've seen them on the streets. Maybe you actually use them yourself, but you're still not sure how electronic cigarettes actually work. So what is it? Black magic? Tiny elves? Well, read on to find out exactly what's inside your e-cig, and why it makes those beautiful clouds (spoiler: it's not elves).

Batteries

One of the most important parts of any e-cigarette is of course the battery, which allows your device to run. E-cigs come in various forms, and the battery changes accordingly. Disposable e-cigs are simply thrown away when the battery dies, whereas other 'cigalikes' (e-cigs resembling regular cigarettes) and most other personal vaporisers come with rechargeable batteries of varying sizes and strengths.

Battery power/life is a big concern with regards to vaping, as you want to be able to vape away without worrying about charging your device every couple of hours. Cigalikes generally have a shorter battery life, so may not be for the short-tempered/impatient. Vape pen batteries generally last longer, and various mods allow you to upgrade the battery for better performance and a longer life. Batteries also come in two forms; manual and automatic. Manual batteries have a button that you press before inhaling, while automatic batteries are engaged when air is sucked through them.

Atomisers

The most vital part of any vaping device, as it's the part that turns your e-liquid into vapour. It does this by heating a coil, which is in contact with the liquid. When the liquid gets hot enough you can inhale it. Atomisers won't last forever, and their lifespan ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months so it's best to have a few at once. If you want to enhance the vaping experience you can use bigger, 'rebuildable atomisers', which help to enhance the flavour of your e-liquid.

Tanks

Often combined with an atomiser and known as 'clearomisers', tanks are where the e-liquid is stored. Their see-through design lets you see how much liquid is left at any time, so you won't have to take an unpleasant 'dry hit' (inhaling with no liquid left). Tanks come in varying sizes, so if you want to store a lot of liquid, and do a lot of vaping on-the-go, it's best to go for a bigger one. The clearomiser features a soft wick that absorbs the liquid, and a coil at the top or bottom.

Mouthpiece/Drip Tip

The final part of your e-cigarette is the mouthpiece, which doesn't need too much explanation. A drip tip is a hollow mouthpiece that can be used to pour e-juice straight into the atomiser, without the need for a clearomiser/tank. This can result in improved flavour and clouds, but takes some practice.

Vape Away!

Now you know how e-cigarettes work, why not buy one yourself here at Vape Mountain, and while you're at it add in a few premium e-liquids!

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

£9.48
In stock now  In stock now
  • Replacement battery and pack of cartridges
  • For the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Available with tobacco or menthol cartridges
  • Purchase one, two, or three batteries
10 Motives E-Cigarette Tobacco Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (20 Packs)

10 Motives E-Cigarette Tobacco Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (20 Packs)

£119.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco refill cartridges for the 10 Motives Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each refill is a nicotine equivalent of up to 25 cigarettes
  • Available in 11mg, 16mg, and 20mg nicotine strengths
  • Saver pack containing 20 packs (80 refills in total)
OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

£37.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Starter kit containing everything that you need to start vaping
  • Menthol flavoured and ideal for those who want to cut down on smoking
  • Contains a total of 26 high strength refills (18mg) and one medium strength refill (12mg)
  • Includes a USB charger, K1 Battery and an OK Vape carry case
OK Vape Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in a sour apple flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
EDGE Heizen E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Heizen E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Fruit and menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

£6.49
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  • Refill pods for use with Vuse Pro and Vuse ePod devices
  • Supplied in a simple, fresh and cooling chilled mint flavour
  • Features nicotine salts and a strength of 3mg
  • This double pack lasts up to a massive 1900 puffs
Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

£3.99
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  • Refreshingly crisp and cool peppermint
  • Nicotine strengths: 9mg, 18mg
  • VG: 30%, PG: 70%
  • Made in the USA
OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol flavour refill cartridges for the OK Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each pack contains five cartridges and lasts for the equivalent of 125 traditional cigarettes
  • Low strength with 6mg of nicotine in each cartridge
  • Bulk offers available starting at £5.20 per pack
EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

£10.99
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  • E-cigarette device for use with EDGE GO pods
  • Sleek and slender device is discreet to use
  • Buttonless design for easy activation
  • Petite 10.5cm length perfect for on-the-go use
OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in blueberry and raspberry flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in a delicious mango flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in an icy menthol watermelon flavour 
  • Provides 600 puffs per vape, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device