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!

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in a tasty pineapple 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
OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • High nicotine strength of 18mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in a tangy triple mango 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
EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Blueberry and strawberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE Heizen E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Heizen E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Fruit and menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Medium nicotine strength of 12mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
SALE
Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg) - Money Off!

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg) - Money Off!

£3.47
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in a tasty pineapple flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per vape, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case
  • Available at this reduced price for a limited time!
EDGE Blueberry E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Blueberry E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Fruity blueberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious mixed berry flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience 
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
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
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape E-Cigarette Nicotine-Free Menthol Refill Cartridges (0mg)

OK Vape E-Cigarette Nicotine-Free Menthol Refill Cartridges (0mg)

£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
  • Nicotine-free with 0mg of nicotine in each cartridge
  • Bulk offers available starting at £5.50 per pack
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE Strawberry Milkshake E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Strawberry Milkshake E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Strawberry milkshake flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK