What Are E-Cigarettes and How Do They Work?

19 April 2016

So you want to know more about e-cigarettes? Then you've come to the right place. E-cigs have experienced a surge in popularity as more and more people decide to see what all the fuss is about. But many people still might not know exactly what they are, and how they work.

While there is some variety amongst the various forms of e-cigs, there are a few basic principles that apply to all of them, no matter their shape or size. All electronic cigarettes contain e-liquid. E-liquid contains nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerine (VG), and flavourings. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine produce vapour and throat hit, though while VG produces more vapour, PG produces more throat hit. 

How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

E-cigarettes are made up of a few main components; an atomiser (within a cartridge), a battery, and a mouthpiece. The atomiser is the most important part of any electronic cigarette, as it is the part that turns the liquid into vapour. It does this by heating a coil that is in contact with the filler material containing the e-liquid.

'Cigalike' e-cigs also contain a cartomiser (cartridge which holds the atomiser), whereas many vape pens now contain a clearomiser, which is a clear cartridge containing the atomiser, and holding the e-liquid. When the liquid is heated, along with the nicotine and flavourings, it creates a vapour, with a much more pleasant aroma than regular cigarette smoke!

Different Types of E-Cig

  • Cigalikes - these e-cigs most closely resemble regular cigarettes in size and appearance. In contrast to more modern devices, they feature a sensor that detects when air is inhaled, which then activates the heating element in the cartomiser. 
  • Tank systems - tank systems use a 'tank' (or clearomiser). The clear design allows you to see how much e-liquid is contained, meaning you won't keep trying to vape when your liquid has run out. Most of these systems require you to press a button in order to vape.
  • Advanced devices/mods - technology is constantly changing and improving with regard to e-cigarettes, and now many new devices allow you to vary the voltage and the wattage yourself, as well as reducing the resistance. These modifications can lead to increased flavour and/or bigger vapour clouds, but attempting it without good prior knowledge is risky so it should only be done by experienced vapers!

E-Cigarettes Vs Cigarettes

While it's difficult to make any definitive claims as to the effects e-cigs have on your health, it's obvious that they have some benefits compared to regular smoking:

  • Smoking produces smoke (duh) which contains harmful chemicals such as tar, carbon monoxide and ammonia - vaping doesn't!
  • Smoking leads to bad breath and smelly clothes - again, vaping doesn't
  • Cigarettes contain tobacco, which contains carcinogens when burned, while e-cigarettes and e-liquids contain no known carcinogens
  • E-cigarettes are more cost-effective in the long run - wouldn't you like to have some spare change?

E-Cigs Available Here!

If you like what you've read about e-cigarettes and how they work, why not make the transition now and check out the whole range of top brands at Vape Mountain?

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

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!
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
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
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 £5.20 per pack!
OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in blueberry and raspberry 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
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)
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
OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(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
OK Vape Quartz Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava Disposable Vape (20mg)

£1.98
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava 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
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 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
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