How E-Cigs Work

22 April 2016

We all know what e-cigs are, but how do they work? What kind of magic and witchcraft enables us to puff on our plastic sticks and taste the rainbow? It’s not magic, it’s science, and as with most things learning how something works makes us better at it. 

Basic Components

The main components found in all e-cigs are a mouthpiece, a tank (or cartridge/clearomiser), an atomiser, a microprocessor, a battery and in some cases an LED that lights up when you take a drag. 

Each of these components performs a vital aspect of an e-cig’s operation, helping to deliver flavour and nicotine to you.

The Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece in an e-cig is, naturally, where you put your mouth and where the vapour is delivered from. This can come in a range of shapes and sizes depending on the e-cig you use, so it’s a good idea that you find the perfect one for you.

It’s also where the e-cig will detect when you take a drag. Some cheaper e-cigs will use a microphone to detect the air vibrations as you inhale, while others will use a dedicated sensor to detect the air change itself or utilise a button so you can manually activate it.

The Tank

This can also be referred to as the cartridge, depending on which type of e-cig you’re using. It’s where the e-liquid is kept in the e-cig and comes in all shapes and sizes. Larger ones are great for heavy-duty vaping, and smaller ones are ideal for more discreet use. 

The tank and the atomiser (we’ll get onto that in a moment) are often combined in e-cigs. This is called a clearomiser and features a see-through design so you can prevent yourself from taking a “dry hit” – a drag that has no e-liquid and is very unpleasant.

The Atomiser

The atomiser is the most important part of an e-cig – it turns the e-liquid into vapour. A heating coil touches the e-liquid, and when it becomes hot enough it turns it into vapour you can inhale. 

Atomisers won’t last forever though; their lifespans vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on use and quality.

The Battery

Unhelpfully, the battery is often used to refer to all the electronic components in an e-cig and not just the power storage device itself. 
As with most e-cig things, the size of the battery can vary massively, as can the features of it. Some batteries are disposable, others are rechargeable and some even feature what’s called “pass-through” charging, enabling you to use the e-cig while it’s being charged.

This usually varies based on the types of e-cig – ones which resemble cigarettes typically feature shorter battery lives and are often disposable. Other e-cigs are often rechargeable, and their capacity varies based on size and design.

Now that you know how e-cigs work, maybe it’s time for you to dip your feet into them? At Vape Mountain we have a huge range of e-cigs and e-liquids to match your tastes and preferences.

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

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

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

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol-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 £5.00 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
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
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
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • Available from £5.00 per pack!
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Extra-high nicotine strength of 20mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.00 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
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
EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco 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
Logic PRO E-Cigarette Refill Capsules Menthol 6mg

Logic PRO E-Cigarette Refill Capsules Menthol 6mg

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • A classic and refreshing minty menthol flavour
  • Includes three UK-made 1.5ml e-liquid capsules
  • Nicotine strength of 6mg per ml
  • Bulk offers available at a reduced price 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
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
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