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!

Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

£3.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Refreshingly crisp and cool peppermint
  • Nicotine strengths: 9mg
  • VG: 30%, PG: 70%
  • Made in the USA
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
Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in an authentic energy drink 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 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 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
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
Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

£6.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • 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
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 £5.20 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
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 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
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

£10.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • 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 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