The vaping industry has evolved tremendously over the years, and with it, the many terminologies have become rampant. From common words like mods, pods, and coils to lesser-known terms like cartomizer and ohm, it can be confusing for the novice vaper to get into the nitty-gritty of vaping. For the best and most well-informed vape experience, though, having a basic understanding of the terminology and how vaping works is a great idea.

Nowadays, vaping mod devices are a common sight. These are the slightly advanced versions of vape kits as opposed to vape pens, although a bit more conventional compared to pods. Mod vapes like box mods the go-to option for most vapers, although pods are also becoming increasingly popular. That said, all types of vape devices need to have a significant mechanism to function: the atomizer.

What is an atomizer?

The atomizer is the topmost part of the e-cigarette. This little device is what turns the e-liquid into vapour, which is then inhaled by the user. The atomizer is where the drip tip sits, which is what the user's mouth touches when vaping.

How does it work?

Inside the atomizer is the coil (often a dual-coil build) which is where the wicking material (commonly cotton) sits within. The atomizer works by using the power from the battery to heat the coils, turning the e-juice in the wick into vapour. To put it simply, the atomizer is where the transformation magic happens. 

What are the coils?

The coils are the oven of your vape mod. Coils are made by looping metal wires, depending on the desired build. Typically for starters, coils are built with six loops using a Clapton wire. The coils sit directly above the pillars of the atomizer. Without the coils, vaping wouldn’t be possible.

Should coils be replaced?

Coils need replacing now and then, especially when you start experiencing dry hits. The frequency at which you need to replace your coils will depend on how often you vape and how well you care for your equipment. If you're a chain vaper, you may find yourself getting dry hits—an unpleasant burnt taste—more often. If so, you're likely going to need to replace your coils every week.

Do burnt coils harm my atomizer?

Atomizers are designed to resist heat which means that a burnt coil won't typically damage your atomizer. Even cheap ones can withstand high wattages. Atomizers often get damaged due to dropping, which can be bad news if you're using an RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) or an atomizer with a glass tank.

Should I replace my atomizer frequently?

The great thing about atomizers is that they can last for a very long time—even years! The design of atomizers make it so that they are reusable, and you will only have to replace the coils, which is an efficient vaping solution. However, atomizers are not invincible to breakage, especially if you're using an RTA or RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer.)

What should I do to maintain my atomizer?

As with anything you want to remain in good condition for a long time, keep your atomizer clean. Regularly wash it to remove any lingering gunk from the coils. Doing so will allow the device to run more efficiently. More importantly, change your coils when needed and don't keep your old ones too long or you’ll find yourself experiencing more than one unpleasant dry hit.

Conclusion

Learning about the different parts of your e-cigarette will make you more knowledgeable about vaping, allowing you to connect more to the experience. If vaping is becoming a passion, there’s nothing wrong with researching more about the different types of vape parts and their functions.

Need help with your vaping needs? We provide vapers in the UK with all things e-cigarette. From atomizers to e-liquids, we have the best quality products in store for you. Get in touch with us to know more about what we have to offer.