If you’re new to e-cigarettes, it can be hard to know where to start with all the different terminology, technology, and countless choices. That’s why we want to make it easier for you. We’ll explain what an e-cigarette is, how it works, and how to use it correctly so you can get the most out of your vaping experience right from the start.
Understanding How E-Cigarettes Work
Vaping is the term used to describe inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by heating up a pre-prepared solution. This solution, known as ejuice, is usually flavored and may contain nicotine (although this is entirely optional). This is achieved with electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, of which there are many different types.
The thing is — “vape” is a blanket term with countless options. Which is “best” depends on user preferences and what you’re trying to achieve. The underlying premise behind each type is usually the same.
Let’s take a look at the common components of vape and explain how vaping works:
The Battery
Like we said, vaping uses electricity to heat up ejuice. To do that, you need a reliable and portable power source, which is where batteries or ‘mods’ come in. There are plenty of different kinds of vape batteries to choose from – from small, pen-style batteries with limited features to bigger, box mod-style batteries with lots of customizing options.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start out with an ‘all-in-one’ or pen-style battery – they’re super easy to use!
An E-juice Reservoir
Most vapes will have a method to store and provide a steady supply of ejuice. You will encounter many different types of juice reservoirs. While the names can be different, they all generally do the same thing. You may hear them referred to as:
- Pods
- Cartridges
- “Carts”
- Cartomizers
- Tanks
- Atomizers
- Clearomizers
The Coil
The coil is an essential part of your vape. It’s a heating element that heats up when power from the battery is applied. This then turns the ejuice into vapor which you can then inhale. Coils can be replaced, either as a single integrated unit in pod-style vapes or by keeping the same tank and replacing the coil separately in other devices.
The Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece – as the name suggests – is where you put your mouth to inhale the vapor. It might not seem important, but the size and shape of the mouthpiece can make a serious difference in your vaping experience. Why?
Thinner, smaller mouthpieces create a tighter draw, which can give a more intense flavor but only allows for a small amount of vapor per puff. These tend to be favored by vapers who prefer a ‘mouth-to-lung’ style draw.
Wider, larger mouthpieces provide an airy draw that’s preferred by cloud chasers and those who like “direct-to-lung” vaping.
How to vape
Getting into vaping can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right device and a little knowledge, you’ll be vaping like a pro in no time. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way: Step 1: Know What’s Important to You; Choose the Right Vape You may already know what you want to get out of vaping. But don’t forget that not all devices are made equal. Picking the right type is key. Need help? Check out the table below and identify the features that matter to you most. We’ll give you some suggestions on which type of device will work best for you:
What’s Important to you? | Vape to Choose |
Low initial cost/commitment | Disposables Vapes |
Portability | Disposable Vapes, Pod Vapes, Vape Pens |
Big Clouds | Box mod kits |
Customization | Box mod kits |
Ease of Use | Vape pens, Pod Vapes, Disposable Vapes |
Step 2: Pick Your Vape Juice; What Nicotine Strength Is Best for You?
Now that you have your device, it’s time to choose what you want to fill it with!
The great thing is that no matter what flavor you can think of, there’s a good chance someone has made it.
However, flavor isn’t the only factor to consider. You’ll also need to think about nicotine levels.
Beginners often struggle to figure out which strength of ejuice will work best for them – too low and they won’t get the satisfaction they need, while too high could make them feel pretty unwell (although temporarily).
We’ve got your back though. If you’re looking to quit smoking using vaping, here’s a guide to help you figure out which nicotine level is right for you:
Type of Smoker | Suggested Nicotine Strength |
Social/Occasional Smoker | 0 – 3mg |
Light Smoker | 3 – 6mg |
Average Smoker | 6 – 12mg |
Heavy Smoker | 20 – 50mg Nicotine salt ejuices |
Step 3: Charge Your Battery
Your vape device will rarely arrive fully charged, so make sure you give it a good charge before your first use. This will extend its battery life in the long run.
Most devices come with their own charging cord, so make sure you use the one provided. Don’t use lightning style chargers – they’ll damage the battery over time. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to use 0.5 amp chargers.
Step 4: Read the Instructions and Assemble Your Device
Depending on the type of vape, you may need to do some assembly. Most vapes come with step-by-step instructions and diagrams, so take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with how your vape works.
Step 5: Fill Your Vaping Device and Prime Your Coil
This is a crucial step that many newbie vapers get wrong. Make sure to fill your device correctly, and don’t pour liquid into the mouthpiece! Priming your coil is essentially giving the juice time to soak through the wicking material, so make sure to give it around 10 minutes.
Step 6: Take a Hit On Your Vape
ou’ve done the hard part – now it’s time to enjoy! Turn on your vape and take a hit!
Never vaped before? Don’t worry, it’s easy! Here are the basics: Inhale slowly and steadily for a few seconds, then exhale. That’s it!