How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

20 April 2016

You've seen them on the streets. Some of them look a bit like regular cigarettes, some of them look like crazy mechanical contraptions. You may even use them yourself, but haven't really thought about the inner workings. What wizardry is actually behind these devices? Well, you don't have to live in the dark any more, thanks to this handy guide telling you how e-cigarettes actually work!

Batteries

One of the most important parts of any e-cigarette is of course the battery, without which your device is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. E-cigs come in various forms, and the battery varies 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.

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

No e-cigarette would be complete without an atomiser, as it's the part that turns your e-liquid into sweet, sweet 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, and voilà! Atomisers won't last forever, and generally their lifespan ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months so it's best to have a couple at any one time. If you want to pimp your vape 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 allows you to inhale all those lovely flavours. 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 can be difficult to master.

E-Buy

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 Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.49
(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
Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious blueberry 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
EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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

OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Low nicotine strength of 6mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
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 Strawberry and Lime E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Strawberry and Lime E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Strawberry and lime flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
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
OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Rechargeable electronic cigarette with slim "cigalike" design
  • Includes two tobacco flavoured nicotine refills
  • Starter kit includes everything that you need to start vaping
  • Number of different tobacco and menthol refills available
OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.49
(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 Tappo Peach Ice Vape Refill Pods (Pack of 2)

Lost Mary Tappo Peach Ice Vape Refill Pods (Pack of 2)

£5.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Pack of 2 peach ice-flavoured refill pods
  • Designed for use with the Lost Mary Tappo Vapes
  • Compact and user-friendly design for ease of use
  • Latest QUAQ mesh coils enhance flavour with each puff
OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.49
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in strawberry and kiwi 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