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When it comes to vaping, there is a vast number of devices available, ranging from off-the-shelf products, to custom builds tailored to suit different preferences. 
This guide is designed to help you understand how different vaping devices function – from an introduction to the different types of devices, to practicalities such as refilling and maintenance. You can also check out our page on <a href="/all-about-vaping/how-do-vaping-devices-work/" title="How do vaping devices work?">how a vape works</a>, as well as the vaping <a href="/faqs-glossary/" title="FAQs &amp; Glossary">FAQs and Glossary</a> to find out more.

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There are two main types of vaping devices – open and closed systems. Each works in a slightly different way:
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Closed systems: Devices that are either prefilled with e-liquid or use prefilled cartridges that can be disposed of and replaced after use. These are generally more convenient to use and tamper-evident, to reduce the risk of contamination.
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Open systems: Devices with a removable mouthpiece and a refillable tank that can be filled with e-liquid from a bottle. These offer greater performance customisation and flavour options compared with closed systems and generally have greater battery life.
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Step 1: Understand the different device types

Across both closed and open systems, there are various types of devices to choose from:
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<li>Cig-a-likes - similar in appearance to tobacco cigarettes, they tend to have small batteries and can be disposable or rechargeable</li>
<li>Pod systems - compact rechargeable devices, using pre-filled or refillable e-liquid pods, and are both simple to use and easy to maintain</li>
<li>Vape pens - shaped like a pen or small tube, they have a tank to store e-liquid and replaceable coils. Batteries tend to last longer than cig-a-like batteries and are rechargeable</li>
<li>Mods - come in a range of shapes and sizes but are generally the largest e-cigarette devices with a refillable tank, longer-lasting rechargeable batteries and variable power</li>
</ul>
The decision ultimately comes down to budget and personal preference, and you should research the different products available. Many smokers who are first-time vapers prefer a simple vape pen or pod starter kit.
But always consider that the best thing you can do for your health is to not smoke, and if you don’t smoke, you shouldn’t start - nor should you start vaping.

Step 2: Choose your device

How you use your vape will depend on whether you’ve chosen a closed or open system.
For most closed system vaping devices, cartridges or pods can be inserted for easy use.
Open systems will require you to fill the tank manually using e-liquids. This generally involves unscrewing the atomiser and removing the mouthpiece to open the e-liquid tank. With an open system, the most important thing is to only use e-liquid suitable for the specific device, obtained from reputable manufacturers and retailers.
Every device is slightly different so be sure to consult the owner’s manual for the proper steps to follow. And don’t forget to make sure the battery is charged.

Step 3: E-liquids and your device

Basic vapes allow you to simply draw on the device and inhale, meaning you can jump ahead to step 5.  
More complex devices will have several temperature settings so you can fine-tune, and more advanced vapourisers even have unique profiles and settings. Generally, lower temperatures preserve e-liquid and flavour, as well as producing smaller clouds. As you increase the temperature, vapour production increases as well.

Step 4: Choose your settings

The advice for smokers making the switch to vaping is to mimic the same action you would with a traditional combustible cigarette. When drawn into the mouth and inhaled, the vapour released produces pleasurable flavour and other sensorial stimulation.

Step 5: Inhale vapour

For long-term usage and performance of your vaping device, regular maintenance of open systems is key. 
It’s recommended to give your device a weekly clean, alongside a regular deep clean every few weeks.
If there are signs of resin build-up, or if you find you need to draw harder to produce the normal effect, it’s a common sign that a service is needed.
For more intensive cleaning of specific components, always consult the owner’s manual, but with some systems it’s best practice to remove tanks to soak them in warm water until they’re fully clean, and regularly replace coils if you’re experiencing any leakage or if it is visually dark or crusted.

Step 6: Clean your vape

Using a vaping device

A guide to help you understand the different types of devices, the basics of handling e-liquids and maintenance

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How much do you really know about vaping?
Here are five vaping facts to test your knowledge.

<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vape" target="_blank">Merriam-Webster</a>, one of America’s most respected dictionaries, first recognised the word “vape” as a verb in 1999. This was the year that “vape” grew from being a device, to an action – to vape.

Vaping was officially added to the dictionary in 1999

The word vape really went mainstream in 2014, when Oxford Dictionary announced “vape” as its <a href="https://time.com/3590093/oxfords-2014-word-of-the-year-is-vape/">International Word of the Year</a>. The accolade cemented the word into the English language, having doubled in use since the previous year.

Vape was the 2014 International Word of the Year 

From seven million adult vapers in 2011, to a predicted <a href="https://blog.euromonitor.com/growth-vapour-products/">55 million worldwide by 2021</a>, the number of adult consumers vaping continues to increase rapidly.

More than 41 million people now vape worldwide

The global vaping market is now estimated to be <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44295336">worth $19.3bn</a> (£14.4bn*) annually - up from $6.9bn (£5.2bn*) just five years ago. Within this, the United States is by far the largest individual market, followed by the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
 
*Currency conversion provided by Morningstar, correct at the time of publishing (December 1, 2020)

Vaping has become a multi-billion-dollar industry 

Cigarette smoke and the vapour produced by a vaping device are both aerosols, but apart from looking similar when exhaled, the difference between the two is vast. Vaping does not involve the combustion of tobacco which creates many toxicants; instead an e-liquid is vapourised. This vapour aerosol has been shown to contain significantly fewer toxicants than the aerosol from a cigarette.

Vaping doesn’t produce smoke

5 surprising vaping facts

How much do you really know about vaping? Here are five vaping facts to test your knowledge

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A vaping device is an electronic, battery-powered device that heats e-liquid to produce a vapour that can be inhaled.  
It follows a simple process: the atomiser (the part that produces the vapour) is contained in the tank that has a tiny electric heating coil, wrapped around a wick. When you draw on the device, e-liquid is heated to form vapour that is then inhaled.

How do vaping devices work?

Find out more about the technology that makes a vape work

How do vaping devices work? 

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Vaping is a common topic in the news and on social media, but there are a lot of inaccuracies and misconceptions out there.
Here we take a closer look at four important facts.

Unlike cigarettes, vaping devices products do not contain or burn tobacco, and as a result they don't produce any smoke. Instead, vaping produces a visible aerosol or vapour that looks like smoke. 
Cigarette smoke, on the other hand, is the result of burning tobacco that creates or releases thousands of compounds including many toxicants. These can cause cancer and other smoking related illnesses. By not burning tobacco, the vapour from a vaping device delivers far fewer and lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.
This comparatively lower level of toxicants and an understanding of the potential harm caused by these chemicals is the primary fact relied on by the many authorities around the world to conclude that vaping on its own is likely much less harmful than cigarette smoking.

 Vaping does not produce smoke

While some vaping devices are designed to look similar to cigarettes, and are chosen by many as an alternative to smoking, e-liquids do not contain tobacco – even those that are tobacco flavoured.

E-liquids do not contain tobacco

While nicotine is addictive, it is widely acknowledged that the cause of many smoking-related illnesses are the toxicants in the smoke produced when tobacco is burned. Nicotine by itself isn’t a carcinogen, meaning alone, it doesn't cause cancer.
Those with certain medical conditions must not use vapour products containing nicotine. They are not suitable for use by anyone who is:
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<li>Under the legal age to use vapour products, as defined by their local jurisdiction</li>
<li>Allergic or sensitive to nicotine</li>
<li>Pregnant or breast-feeding</li>
<li>Advised to avoid using tobacco or nicotine products for medical reasons</li>
<li>Suffering from an unstable heart condition, severe hypertension or diabetes</li>
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E-liquids and e-cigarettes must also be kept out of reach of children because accidental swallowing of nicotine can be harmful or even fatal.

Nicotine isn’t carcinogenic

E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful chemicals, and e-liquids also often contain nicotine, which is addictive. Research from Public Health England suggests that vaping is safer than smoking, but it is not without risks. There are currently no long-term studies into the health impact of vaping devices or e-liquids, which is one reason why public health authorities’ advice remains that if you don’t already smoke, you should not start, nor should you start to vape.

Vaping is not without risks

4 important points about vaping

Vaping is a common topic in the news and on social media, but there are a lot of inaccuracies and misconceptions out there. Here we take a closer look at four important facts.

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It’s important to understand from the outset that vaping isn’t risk free. 
But what if you are an adult consumer who is already vaping? It is important to always purchase products from reputable shops and manufacturers, and never tamper with the products.

3 steps to avoid vape tampering

To avoid risks associated with tampering, always purchase products from reputable shops and manufacturers, research pricing and never personally tamper with the products in any way

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All About Vaping

A closer look at the technology behind vaping, the different types of devices and the key facts

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