How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

You've seen them on the streets. Some of them look a bit like regular cigarettes, some of them look like crazy mechanical contraptions. You may even use them yourself, but haven't really thought about the inner workings. What wizardry is actually behind these devices? Well, you don't have to live in the dark any more, thanks to this handy guide telling you how e-cigarettes actually work!

Batteries

One of the most important parts of any e-cigarette is of course the battery, without which your device is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. E-cigs come in various forms, and the battery varies accordingly. Disposable e-cigs are simply thrown away when the battery dies, whereas other 'cigalikes' (e-cigs resembling regular cigarettes) and most other personal vaporisers come with rechargeable batteries.

Battery power/life is a big concern with regards to vaping, as you want to be able to vape away without 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

No e-cigarette would be complete without an atomiser, as it's the part that turns your e-liquid into sweet, sweet vapour. It does this by heating a coil, which is in contact with the liquid. When the liquid gets hot enough you can inhale it, and voilà! Atomisers won't last forever, and generally their lifespan ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months so it's best to have a couple at any one time. If you want to pimp your vape 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 allows you to inhale all those lovely flavours. 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 can be difficult to master.

E-Buy

Now you know how e-cigarettes work, why not buy one yourself here at Vape Mountain, and while you're at it add in a few premium e-liquids!

EDGE GO Blackcurrant Refill Pods (5 Packs) £23.99    In stock now View Info Five packs of blackcurrant-flavoured pods Designed for use with the EDGE GO device Easy to use with a simple click-and-go design Available in a range of nicotine strengths			Elf Bar 600 Snoow Tobacco Disposable Vape Pen (20mg) £4.99    In stock now View Info Disposable vape pen supplied in a creamy snoow tobacco 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			Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg) £4.95    In stock now View Info 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			EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device £10.00    In stock now View Info 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 Heizen E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Fruit and menthol flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK			Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser £5.99    In stock now View Info 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			EDGE Cherry Ice Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Cherry and menthol flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK			Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg) £4.99    In stock now View Info 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 Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5) £11.99    In stock now View Info Menthol flavoured e-liquid Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg VG: 50%, PG: 50% Made in the UK			OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg) £6.99    In stock now View Info 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 £5.50 per pack! FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout			Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg) £4.99    In stock now View Info 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			SALE Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg) - Money Off! £2.48 (RRP: £4.95)    In stock now View Info 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 Available at this reduced price for a limited time!