Different Types of Vapes
There are a variety of vapes available in the UK, from pod systems to box mods, sub-ohm tanks and more. With so many different types of vapes, on
the market, it can be tricky for adult smokers to know which one to switch to over continuing to smoke. This guide can help you understand their
unique features, and discover which e-cigarettes best suit your preferences.
What Types of Vapes Are There?
From tanks and mods to cigalikes, there are various types of vapes on the market.
However, when it comes to vaping, the number of different vapes on offer can be a little confusing to navigate. In recent years, the vaping/e-cigarette
market has branched off into different vape categories, and includes the device types listed below.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are usually long, slender vapes that resemble pens (hence the name). They can be less bulky than other vape types like tank systems, which could make them suited to those who are only just making the switch over from smoking to vaping. That said, they’re usually still larger in size than cigalikes.
Typically, vape pens include the following features:
•Mouthpiece
•Coil
•Vape tank, where the e-liquid is stored
•Rechargeable battery
•USB charging port
You may find that there are a few different types of vape pens, each compatible with specific types of coils and e-liquids. Coils come with different resistance levels - the smaller, lower powered devices often needing higher resistance coils, and the larger, higher powered devices generally needing lower resistance coils.
E-liquids can comprise of numerous different ingredients, typically including flavourings, nicotine, and a blend of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). The VG/PG ratio can vary in e-liquids, and some vape types might only be compatible with specific ratios.
What coils and e-liquids work best for vape pens?
The type of coils and e-liquids you use in a vape can also affect the experience it provides. If your vape pen is low powered (i.e., offers a low wattage range), it might work best with high resistance coils and high PG e-liquids.
This combination can also produce thinner vapour than other vape types, and more of a throat hit. However, all of this depends on the specific product in question, and you should always check the manufacturer’s guidance before adding any coils or e-liquid into these devices.
Vape Pods - Pod Systems
A vape pod is similar to a vape tank, but generally uses a “pod” system instead of a traditional tank. Normally, this pod will house the vape coil and e-liquid. However, unlike a tank, pods can have the coil sealed into this component. This means you might not be able to replace the coil in a pod, so when you get a burnt coil, you’ll have to replace the pod for a fresh one.
These types of vapes could include the following features:
•Pod (containing the mouthpiece, coil and e-liquid)
•Rechargeable battery
•USB charging port
Vape pods will typically have compatible, pre-filled pods you can purchase separately. Some may even offer a range of different flavours for you to choose from. For example, our pod based vape VEEV ONE is compatible with VEEV ONE pods. There’s a new mini ceramic heater in every VEEV ONE pod. A VEEV ONE pod delivers up to 1000 puffs.*
* Based on a puff duration of 1 second. May vary depending on individual usage patterns.
Pod Mods
Pod mods are a type of vape in between vape pods and box mods. They’re usually larger than vape pods, often featuring adjustable wattage settings and the ability to replace the coil without needing to replace the entire pod.
You might also find that these types of vapes have a higher battery capacity than pod vapes, and could therefore last longer on a single charge compared to these smaller, lower powered vape types.
With pod mods, you could get more power, customisation and battery capacity - all within a relatively small and compact device.
Pod mods might include the following types of features:
•Pod (containing the mouthpiece, coil and e-liquid)
•Replaceable coils
•Adjustable wattage settings
•Rechargeable battery
•USB charging port
What coils and e-liquids work best for pod mods?
High powered pod mods might work best with lower resistance coils and high VG e-liquids. Although as always, this will depend on the product in question - so check manufacture guidance.
Vape Mods
Vape mods are generally larger, more high powered devices. It’s been reported that the term originally referred to “modified” devices. You might’ve heard of these under the name box mod, referring to the often box-like appearance of the device’s main body.
These types of vapes normally produce bigger, thicker clouds, and use lower nicotine strength e-liquids. They’re often used by more experienced adult vapers as they can offer more adjustable settings than the smaller vape types we’ve explored.
Vape mods could include features such as:
•Mouthpiece
•Coil
•Vape tank, where the e-liquid is stored
•Adjustable wattage settings
•Rechargeable battery
•USB charging port
What coils and e-liquids work best for vape mods?
As these vapes are usually high powered, they could work best with low resistance coils and high VG e-liquids. However it’s important to check manufacturer guidance for your specific product.
Disposable Vapes
As the name suggests, disposable vapes are typically single-use vapes that should be disposed of when either its e-liquid or battery runs out. These vapes usually come pre-charged and pre-filled with e-liquid, and usually can’t be recharged or refilled.
These are different types of vapes to what we’ve explored so far, often designed for short-term use with no customisable features.
Other features you might find when using disposable vapes include the following:
•Mouthpiece
•A small and compact body that houses the coil, e-liquid and battery
You usually won’t be able to replace the e-liquid or coils on these vape types. This means you typically won’t have to learn what coils or e-liquids work best for disposable vapes. For example, with our disposable vape VEEV NOW, there’s no cleaning or refilling needed.
Vape Starter Kits
Vape starter kits are usually exactly as their name suggests - starter kits for adult smokers who are only just transitioning from continued smoking to vaping. There are various different types of vapes that can come in starter kits, but typically they’re all rechargeable options.
Exactly what a vape starter kit will include may depend on the device. For example, if it’s a pod based vape starter kit, this may include the device body, a couple of spare pods and its compatible charging cables. In comparison, if it’s a box mod starter kit, the pack might include the device body, a tank and compatible charging cables and coils.
MTL Vape Kits
MTL vapes are devices that allow you to vape MTL (or mouth-to-lung) style. You might be able to vape MTL style with lower powered settings on devices like vape pens, pods (and possibly even pod mods), however it’s always best to check the product description on a vape to see whether you’ll be able to MTL vape with it.
There are a few different vaping styles, and different types of vapes that accommodate them. MTL vaping is one of the most common types of vaping styles. To MTL vape, users draw vapour into their mouth first before breathing it into their lungs. To do this, the device needs to provide a tight enough draw.
DTL Vape Kits
DTL vapes let you vape DTL (or direct-to-lung) style. Higher powered devices like pod mods and vape mods might allow for this vaping style, which often requires a loser draw. Check what the specific product allows before trying this vaping style though.
To DTL vape, users breathe vapour from the device directly into their lungs, rather than drawing it into the mouth first. You can find out more on these two vaping styles via our guide on DTL and MTL vaping.
The Basics of Vapes/E-Cigarettes
In general terms, vape devices can be referred to as vapes or e-cigarettes interchangeably. They are both names for devices that heat e-liquid to produce vapour and offer adult users a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes.
This process of heating an e-liquid is typically referred to as vapourisation. Vapes come in a variety of forms - from different types of disposable vapes and rechargeable devices to larger tank devices and box or mod vapourisers.
Vapes usually come with either a tank, or with pre-filled “caps” or “pods” that are sold separately. Tank style vapes usually require the tank to be filled with an e-liquid, which is then heated by power from the battery. In wick and coil vapes, when activated, an internal mechanism known as the atomizer powers up to heat the e-liquid.
Another variable in vapes and e-cigarettes is the battery. The battery size typically depends on the style of device - and generally, the larger the battery, the longer the battery life. Some of the smaller types of disposable vapes typically integrate the battery into the system, according to the exact brand and product.
Different Types of Vapes and Alternatives to Smoking
Beside vape pens, mods and pod systems, there are other types of vapes and smoke-free alternatives on the market - including the following.
Cigalikes
Cigalikes - as the name suggests - are different types of usually disposable vapes that have been specifically designed to resemble a cigarette. Cigalikes use e-liquid, like a vape pen or box mod, but it’s contained within a cartridge. Most times, taste selections are either tobacco or menthol flavoured.
Cigalikes are also often disposable and will only last a certain amount of puffs (which may be specified on the product’s packaging). However, some models come with a rechargeable battery that plugs into disposable cartridges.
Heat not Burn Devices
If you’re still not sure what works best for you, Heat not Burn may be a suitable alternative to consider. Like vapes, these devices produce aerosol - but it can be from tobacco instead of e-liquid. Find out more about what heated tobacco is and how it differs from vaping.
Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are another smoke-free alternative to continued smoking. They usually come as small, pillow-shaped pouches containing nicotine and other ingredients. Unlike vapes or tobacco heating devices, you don’t need a device to use this product.
To use nicotine pouches, users will typically place one pouch under their top lip for a nicotine experience. Like e-liquids, nicotine pouches can be flavoured to cover a wide range of tastes, not just tobacco.
What Are the Best Smoking Alternatives?
The best alternative for you will depend on what you’re looking for. To make an informed decision, it’s useful to learn what the different types of vapes are, as well as the other smoke-free options available.
Understanding how all of these options work could help you find the one that best aligns with your personal preferences.
For more information on smoke-free alternatives, explore our articles: What Happens When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping and Switch to Heated Tobacco.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
