How Often Should I Change My Atomiser?

29 April 2016

The atomiser. It's a fundamental part of your vaping equipment, and without it you couldn't heat up the e-liquid, meaning you couldn't vape at all! It goes without saying, then (though I'll say it anyway) that knowing when to replace your atomiser is an important part of the vaping experience. The good news is that you'll usually be able to tell, as long as you know the signs to look out for. When you know, you know, if you know what I mean?

What's in an Atomiser?

An atomiser is made up of three parts; the casing, the wire (coil) and the wicking material. The wire wraps around the wicking material in the shape of a coil and the ends of the wire connect to the casing where it makes contact with the battery. When you put e-liquid into the tank, the wicking material absorbs it and will become saturated. When you then activate the battery, the coil heats up and the absorbed e-liquid in the wicking material is vaporised. 

Atomisers

How Do You Know When to Replace It?

Atomisers often die a slow, drawn-out death, which would be terrible if they could feel anything. Luckily, they're not alive (at least we don't think they are...) so this isn't such a tragedy, it just means that it's easier to tell when your atomiser needs replacing. Here are some of the tell-tale signs it's on its last legs:

  • Reduced vapour production - when you first start using a new atomiser, you'll notice the large, thick clouds it produces. Unfortunately nothing in this life lasts, so this won't go on for long. Over time your e-cig will gradually produce less and less vapour, though you may not notice immediately as it's happening slowly. Other signs are more obvious though.
  • Leaking of e-liquid - accidents happen, and there could be other causes for this, but if your vaporiser is persistently leaking then it's most likely one thing that's to blame (hint: your atomiser). If your atomiser isn't working properly it won't heat up the liquid to the adequate temperature to turn it into vapour, so you'll take some of it into your mouth. 
  • Gurgling noises - A leaking device is often accompanied by various gurgling sounds, as a result of the coil not heating the liquid sufficiently. This means that taking a drag will cause the atomiser to flood, causing the noises.
  • Burnt taste - this is a clear sign that your atomiser is on its last legs. The material no longer absorbs the liquid properly, causing unpleasant dry hits.
  • No vapour at all - the final sign that you should change your atomiser. If you haven't replaced your atomiser yet, now it's definitely time!

How Often Should I Change It?

Well, this is simply down to how long it lasts before showing any of the symptoms above. This can vary based on how often you vape, but an atomiser can generally last from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Keep an eye on these signs to see when yours needs replacing.

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

OK Vape Quartz Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in watermelon ice 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
Blu 2.0 Blueberry Ice Liquidpods (9mg)

Blu 2.0 Blueberry Ice Liquidpods (9mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Provides a consistent vapour in a tasty blueberry ice flavour
  • Ceramic pod technology for a smooth vaping experience
  • Now provides roughly 25% more puffs per pod
  • Magnetic lock for fast and secure refills
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!
10 Motives E-Cigarette Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (40 Packs)

10 Motives E-Cigarette Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (40 Packs)

£217.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol refill cartridges for the 10 Motives Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each refill is a nicotine equivalent of up to 25 cigarettes
  • Available in 11mg and 16mg nicotine strengths
  • Saver pack containing 40 packs (160 refills in total)
OK Vape Tobacco High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-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 £5.20 per pack!
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 £5.20 per pack!
OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(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
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
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
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, 18mg
  • VG: 30%, PG: 70%
  • Made in the USA
Blu 2.0 Golden Tobacco Liquidpods (18mg)

Blu 2.0 Golden Tobacco Liquidpods (18mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Provides a consistent vapour in a rich golden tobacco flavour
  • Ceramic pod technology for a smooth vaping experience
  • Now provides roughly 25% more puffs per pod
  • Magnetic lock for fast and secure refills
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