E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary
If you’re new to vaping, you might encounter numerous unfamiliar terms. At first, the terminology can be quite perplexing, particularly since many establishments use it without providing explanations. To assist, we have compiled a useful glossary of common vaping terminology, covering various e-cigarette types, vaping styles, and components associated with e-cigarettes and vapes. Direct to Lung (DTL) Mouth to Lung (MTL) Sub Ohm Learn more about the various vaping styles available. Cigalike Disposable E-Cigarette Electronic Cigarette Mod Pod System Tank System Vape Kit or ‘Vape’ Second generation e-cigarettes Airflow adjustment Atomiser Cartomisers Clearomiser Coil Coil wire Ohms Refills Tank “`your vape produces a dry hit, it’s essential to check your e-liquid level and top it off to avoid damaging your coil. Vape kit Sub ohm vaping Cloud chasing Nicotine strength Tank system If you encounter a dry hit, allow the coil some time to absorb more liquid, or refill the tank. Coil Priming Throat Hit/Kick Vaping Vaper E-cigarette Use Thank you for taking the time to read this article titled: E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary The data presented is from 2023 and 2024, with forecasts extending to 2025 and 2026. Additionally, we have broadened the forecast data through to 2027 and 2028. Post Title: E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary
Vaping Styles
Direct to lung (commonly referred to as DTL) is the vaping method where you inhale vapor directly from the mouthpiece straight into your lungs.
Mouth to lung (known as MTL) involves inhaling vapor from the mouthpiece into your mouth first, and then taking it into your lungs. This technique is similar to how one would smoke a cigarette.
Sub Ohm vaping, which is a DTL style, generates substantial vapor clouds. Devices for Sub Ohm utilize low-resistance coils, typically under 1 ohm. Explore further details about the various vaping styles in our beginner’s guide to vaping.Types of E-Cigarette
A cigalike, also known as a first-generation cigarette, is an e-cigarette designed to resemble a traditional tobacco cigarette.
These devices are intended for single-use and should be discarded once they stop producing vapor, typically within 1-2 days, depending on usage levels. Unlike other devices, they lack a rechargeable battery.
Any device that emits vapor electronically. Designed as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, a special liquid (refer to e liquid) in the device is heated by an atomiser. They are commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, or vapes.
This refers to an e-cigarette that has been customized or modified, often to enhance the vapor ‘hit’ or achieve larger vapor clouds.
Also known as ‘pod mods’, ‘pod kits’, or ‘pod vapes’, these devices represent the latest generation of vaping technology. They are user-friendly and easy to maintain, typically comprising a rechargeable battery and disposable ‘pods’. Depending on the model, you may find refillable pods that need to be filled with e liquid, or pre-filled pods that are used until empty and then discarded.
This category includes any vaping device equipped with a refillable ‘tank’. The tank generally consists of a glass container filled with e liquid and a replaceable ‘coil’. The coil heats the liquid within the tank, converting it into vapor.
Many users refer to their devices simply as a ‘vape’, regardless of the type. When selecting or purchasing an e-cigarette, the term ‘vape kit’ usually encompasses all varieties of vaping devices.
These kits provide everything necessary for beginners to utilize an e-cigarette, typically including a tank or pod, cartomiser (refill), battery, charger, and instructional manual.
E-cigarettes of this type come with a refillable tank that can be filled with e-liquid, usually accompanied by a replaceable ‘coil’. This differentiates them from cigalikes, which utilize ‘cartomisers’ and represent the first generation of e-cigarettes.E-Cigarette Components
Many refillable tank devices offer airflow adjustment, typically a twisting mechanism located at the tank’s top or bottom, allowing users to control the air intake. This feature lets users personalize the vapor flow, providing tighter or looser draws from the e-cigarette.
This electronic element converts e-liquid into vapor. It consists of a ‘coil wire’ and a wicking material within a metal housing. Nowadays, we often refer to the entire atomiser simply as a ‘coil’.
This term refers to refills, primarily associated with cigalike e-cigarette refills.
A key component of second-generation e-cigarettes, a clearomiser is a type of cartomiser featuring transparent walls that enable users to view the remaining e-liquid in the cartridge. In refillable devices, these are primarily called ‘tanks’ today.
Most open system e-cigs or vape kits incorporate replaceable ‘atomizer heads’ referred to as ‘coils’, which encompass the coil wire and wicking material. The wick can absorb the e-liquid, while the coil wire heats it to produce vapor.
This wire, coiled and thin, is responsible for heating within an e-cigarette. Wrapped in wicking material, it heats the liquid to generate vapor.
Ohms measure electrical resistance. In vaping, coils are always characterized by their resistance value in ohms. A coil with lower resistance allows a greater current to pass through it, while higher resistance means reduced current flow. In essence, lower ohm values yield increased heat and vapor, whereas higher ohm values result in less heat and vapor. Generally, coils with resistance over 1 ohm are suitable for ‘MTL’ (mouth-to-lung) vaping, while those below 1 ohm are appropriate for ‘DTL’ (direct-to-lung) vaping.
Refills refer to pre-filled cartridges compatible with certain e-cigarette devices, such as cigalikes and pod vapes. These cartridges typically include an atomiser (or coil) along with e-liquid and are generally designed for disposability.
The vape tank serves as the component of a vaping kit that houses both the coil and the e-liquid. Nearly all devices, aside from cigalikes and pod kits, incorporate a tank.
A vape kit is a complete vaping device that typically includes a battery, atomiser, and sometimes a tank pre-filled with e-liquid. These kits are designed to provide everything you need to start vaping right out of the box.
Sub ohm vaping refers to the practice of using coils with a resistance of less than 1 ohm. This technique allows for increased vapor production and can provide a more intense flavor experience.
Cloud chasing is a term used to describe the activity of creating large vapor clouds while vaping. It often involves using sub ohm devices and high VG e-liquids to maximize vapor production.
Nicotine strength refers to the concentration of nicotine in e-liquid, usually measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/ml). This allows users to choose a strength that suits their vaping needs.
A tank system is a type of vaping device that stores e-liquid in a refillable tank. This allows for longer vaping sessions compared to cigarette-style e-cigarettes, which use pre-filled cartridges.
This refers to the method of permitting a new coil to soak in liquid before its initial use. Instructions on how to prime a coil can be found here.
This is the sensation experienced when vapour first makes contact with your throat. Vapor juices containing higher nicotine levels will result in a more intense throat hit, as will those that have a greater concentration of ‘PG’. If the throat hit feels too severe, consider decreasing your nicotine strength or opting for a liquid that has a ratio of 50% PG to 50% VG.
The act of utilizing or inhaling vapour from an e-cigarette.
A person who engages in using an e-cigarette.
The process of employing an e-cigarette.
Last Updated: September 28, 2024
