How Do Vapour Cigarettes Work?

22 April 2016

You've seen them on the streets – strange, mythical contraptions that puff out sweet-smelling vapour. Maybe you actually use them yourself, but you're still not sure how vapour cigarettes (e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, personal vaporisers) actually work. So how exactly do these devices work? Well, read on to find out exactly what's inside your e-cig!

Batteries

One of the most important parts of any e-cigarette is of course the battery, without which your vape pen is about as useful as a chocolate fire guard. 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' (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 don't want to be 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 'atty' is the most vital part of any vaping device, as it turns your e-liquid into vapour. It does this by heating a coil, or coils, which are in contact with the liquid. When the liquid gets hot enough you can inhale it, and voilà! 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 the ins-and-outs of vapour cigarettes, why not buy one yourself here at Vape Mountain? While you're at it, might as well add in a few premium e-liquids!

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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

EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Fruity blackcurrant 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
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
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
Blu MyBlu Golden Tobacco Liquidpods

Blu MyBlu Golden Tobacco Liquidpods

£5.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Classic golden tobacco flavour
  • Available in a single 18mg nicotine strength
  • VG: 35%, PG: 65%
  • Bulk purchases available from £4.70 per pack
OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

£5.49
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
  • 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
Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser

Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser

£5.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Ergonomic mouthpiece for consistent vapour
  • Top-filling design makes refills quick and easy
  • Clear window shows how much e-liquid is left
  • Designed exclusively for Blu Pro to ensure compatibility
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 £5.50 per pack
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
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