How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

20 April 2016

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!

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

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
OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

£37.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Starter kit containing everything that you need to start vaping
  • Menthol flavoured and ideal for those who want to cut down on smoking
  • Contains a total of 26 high strength refills (18mg) and one medium strength refill (12mg)
  • Includes a USB charger, K1 Battery and an OK Vape carry case
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 Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(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 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
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 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
Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in an icy menthol watermelon 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
Lost Mary Tappo Peach Ice Vape Refill Pods (Pack of 2)

Lost Mary Tappo Peach Ice Vape Refill Pods (Pack of 2)

£5.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Pack of 2 peach ice-flavoured refill pods
  • Designed for use with the Lost Mary Tappo Vapes
  • Compact and user-friendly design for ease of use
  • Latest QUAQ mesh coils enhance flavour with each puff
OK Vape Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Sour Apple Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in a sour apple 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
Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious mixed berry 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
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!