What Do Electronic Cigarettes Do?

22 April 2016

So you’ve arrived at Vape Mountain. You might be vaguely familiar with the mysterious mist, the cloudy craze, that is vaping. But you may ask yourself – what do electronic cigarettes actually do?

Well, before we get started we should clarify what we’re referring to when we say “electronic cigarette.” Any personal vaping device can be described as an electronic cigarette, however an electronic cigarette is also a specific type of vape. You might have heard the electronic cigarette go by other names, including e-cigarette, e-cig or cigalike.

They are the size and shape of traditional cigarettes, often designed to replicate them. Like analogue cigarettes, they are available in many convenience stores and are generally the cheapest and most simple form of personal vapouriser. (Learn more about the differences between types of vaping devices here!)

So, with that in mind, read on to learn more about the sleek little stick that’s got everyone talking...

What Do They Do?

Simply put, an e-cigarette is a battery powered device which converts liquid nicotine into vapour. The user then inhales this, often in order to simulate the experience of smoking.

How Do They Do This?

A rechargeable lithium battery powers the e-cig and is connected to a hollow vapourisation chamber. This contains an atomiser which creates the vapour. The user attaches a cartridge containing flavoured nicotine liquid to the vapourisation chamber. 

Then What?

E-cigs also have a mouthpiece which the user inhales on, the same way you would a regular cigarette. This activates the atomiser, which heats the liquid via a coil. Voila, vapour is formed!

What’s the Point?

Inhaling and exhaling vapour simulates a similar feeling and appearance of smoking, whilst delivering nicotine. There is no actual smoke formed, however – only vapour. Using e-cigs is therefore a popular choice for smokers wishing to cut down from regular cigarettes or make the switch to a healthier alternative, whilst receiving a nicotine fix to keep the cravings at bay.

How Harmful Are E-Cigs, Really?

Nothing is burnt during the process of vaping, only heated. Similarly, whilst you can use tobacco flavoured liquid, no tobacco is present in an e-cig. This means that there is no smoke, tar, carbon monoxide and other nasty by-products of combustion transferred to you. There is also significantly less chemicals in an e-cig than an analogue cigarette, which has thousands. 

What Is In E-Liquid? 

E-liquids can contain nicotine (although you can choose nicotine-free variants) which is addictive, but not proven harmful on its own in responsible amounts. E-liquid is also made from Vegetable Glycerine (VG), Propylene Glycerine (PG) and flavouring – all non-toxic ingredients often used in products you’d find in the supermarket.

What Next?

As mentioned earlier, “electronic cigarette” is an umbrella term often used to describe all types of personal vapouriser, not just the e-cig/cigalike. Many cigalike users eventually move on to other devices, such as the vape pen or vape mod. These allow for greater customisation, a wider choice of flavours, bigger plumes of vapour and generally more scope to have a bit of fun with. 

If you have successfully used e-cigs to combat a nicotine addiction, you may then move on to a pen or mod. That way, you can continue to enjoy the experience of vaping, whilst experimenting with the wider range of flavours - and perhaps even choosing to go nicotine-free. 

Explore the range of cigalikes, vape pens and mods available from our online store now.

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

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!
  • 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
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  • Menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol-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!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
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!
  • 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
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
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
10 Motives E-Cigarette Tobacco Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (20 Packs)

10 Motives E-Cigarette Tobacco Refill Cartridges Saver Pack (20 Packs)

£119.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco refill cartridges for the 10 Motives Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each refill is a nicotine equivalent of up to 25 cigarettes
  • Available in 11mg, 16mg, and 20mg nicotine strengths
  • Saver pack containing 20 packs (80 refills in total)
Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

£6.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Refill pods for use with Vuse Pro and Vuse ePod devices
  • Classic tobacco flavour with toasty caramel notes
  • Features nicotine salts and a strength of 12mg
  • This double pack lasts up to a massive 1900 puffs
Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

£3.99
Currently unavailable. Please check back soon  Currently unavailable. Please check back soon
  • Refreshingly crisp and cool peppermint
  • Nicotine strengths: 9mg
  • VG: 30%, PG: 70%
  • Made in the USA
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
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