Is Vaping Classed as Smoking?

No, vaping is not the same as smoking. Both cigarettes and vapes usually contain nicotine, but they do not deliver it in the same way. The biggest difference between cigarettes and vape products is that vapes do not contain tobacco and do not combust.

Although vaping isn’t smoking, vapes aren’t recognised cessation aids. Therefore, unless explicitly stated and authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), vapes should not be seen as cessation aids. Vapes are not risk-free and typically provide nicotine, which is addictive.

The best decision for any adult smoker is to stop cigarette and nicotine use entirely. However, for those who would otherwise continue to smoke, vapes could be a better alternative to switch to - depending on the product.

As an adult smoker considering switching from smoking cigarettes to vapes, it’s common to wonder, “is vaping the same as smoking?” The answer to this is no, but that shouldn’t be where your curiosity ends. Knowing exactly what the difference is between smoking and vaping can help you to make a more informed decision on whether this smoke-free product is a viable option to switch to. 

Vaping vs Smoking - What’s the Difference Between Smoking and Vaping?

When comparing vaping and smoking, there are several differences to note, including those displayed in the table below.

Please note: the information in the table above reflects the general understanding of vaping vs smoking. The specific features and experiences of a vape or cigarette may vary depending on the product.

One of the key differences between smoking and vaping is that cigarettes produce tobacco smoke when used, whereas vapes are generally smoke-free. Cigarettes require the process of combustion for smoke to be produced. When it comes to smoking cigarettes, combustion arguably poses the greatest risk to an adult smoker’s health as it produces harmful chemicals and substances.  

On the other hand, vapes don’t rely on combustion, as they heat e-liquid to create vapour.

Is Vaping Better than Smoking?

By heating an e-liquid instead of relying on burning tobacco, some vapes may be a better alternative for adult smokers over continuing to smoke.

What Are the Health Risks of Vaping vs Smoking?

The negative effects of smoking are well-known and the process of burning tobacco produces over 6,000 chemicals, of which about 100 have been identified as causes or potential causes of smoking-related diseases.

With vaping, the process of ‘burning’ or combustion is taken out of the equation. This reduces many of the toxins associated with the smoke produced from cigarettes. Consequently, vaping is widely regarded as a better choice than continued smoking. However, vaping is not risk free and any qualities vaping offers over smoking will depend on the product in question.

Explore other differences you might find between smoking and vaping below.

Vaping vs Smoking Puff Count

When exploring the puff counts of vaping vs smoking, you’ll typically find that vapes offer more puffs than a single cigarette. However, vapes usually aren’t designed to be used up all in one go. 

Generally, one cigarette stick may provide, on average, 10 puffs. However, the number of puffs a cigarette provides typically varies depending on factors beyond the product and manufacturer. For instance, the adult smoker’s puffing pattern.  

As for vapes, different vape models may have different durations. Let’s explore how many puffs different models may provide.

Duration of a disposable vape:

While disposable vapes may last for hundreds of puffs, each vape is different. The device typically needs to be discarded when the battery runs out in a disposable vape. We recommend checking the manufacturer's guidance for accurate information on how long your device is likely to last. 

Duration of a rechargeable vape:  

On the other hand, rechargeable vapes may provide thousands of puffs. However, this will depend on the battery power, tank size and the adult user’s puffing pattern.

Usually, rechargeable vapes do not need to be discarded when the battery or e-liquid runs out. Their batteries can be recharged, their tanks can be refilled, or depending on the model, their pods can be replaced.

However, some components in rechargeable vapes may need replacing over time. For instance, some models feature a coil, which is unlikely to last. It usually wears away due to repeated vapourisation. In some devices, such as vape mods, the coil can be replaced. 

A vape battery may also need to be replaced over time. This might help to avoid malfunctions and wider problems with a vape device. The battery life will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the battery, its size, and the frequency of use. Follow manufacturer guidance for accurate information on the battery and its maintenance.

Number of puffs from e-liquid:

Both the size of a bottle or pod and the composition of e-liquid are generally relevant in determining the number of puffs acquired from an e-liquid. Typically, the bigger the e-liquid bottle or pod, the more puffs the adult user will likely receive.  

As for ingredients, the ratio of PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerine) found in some e-liquids can be important. This is because the volume of each of these two ingredients could partially determine the thickness and general consistency of an e-liquid. 

Smoking and Vaping Laws in the UK

Smoking laws and restrictions do not officially apply to e-cigarettes in the UK. For example, the May 2020 Menthol Ban did not apply to vapes. 

It should be noted, however, there can still be restrictions in place. For instance, although the smoking ban of 2007 did not affect e-cigarettes, many indoor public places still restrict vaping for the comfort of others.

Are E-Cigarettes a Safe Alternative to Smoking?

If you’re an adult smoker who would otherwise continue to smoke, there are vapes (otherwise known as e-cigarettes) that are worth considering switching to. However, smoke-free products are not risk-free, and provide nicotine, which is addictive. 

Therefore, vapes are not a ‘safe’ alternative to smoking. However, depending on the vape, they could be a better option to switch to.

Read our guide on switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping to find out more.

Vaping has become an extremely popular alternative to cigarettes both globally and within the UK. Many smokers have been able to remove cigarettes from their lives completely by switching to vaping. 

However, some smokers find the experience of vaping too different from cigarettes and simply do not get used to the taste, flavour or ritual. For those smokers who do not plan on quitting nicotine use, there are a variety of alternative products available. Alongside vaping, these include heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches. Find out more on these alternatives to smoking cigarettes. 

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.