What Are The Types of Vapes? Beginners and Advanced Users Guide

Assortment of electronic cigarettes
Cerberoff/Shutterstock

Vapes have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now there are hundreds of brands and different types of devices.

Thanks to this innovation in the vaping industry, consumers have an infinite amount of choices when choosing a vape device. This easy-to-read guide gives detailed explanations about the different types of devices available and their similarities and differences.

Table of Contents

  1. What Parts Does a Vape Consist Of?
  2. The Different Products Being Sold
  3. Cig-a-Likes
  4. Vape Pens
  5. Pod Mods
  6. Vape Mods
  7. CBD Vape Pens
  8. Which is better MTL or DTL vapes
  9. FAQ
  10. Closing Thoughts About Vaping E-Cigarettes

Table of Contents

  1. What Parts Does a Vape Consist Of?
  2. The Different Products Being Sold
  3. Cig-a-Likes
  4. Vape Pens
  5. Pod Mods
  6. Vape Mods
  7. CBD Vape Pens
  8. Which is better MTL or DTL vapes
  9. FAQ
  10. Closing Thoughts About Vaping E-Cigarettes

The Basic Parts of an E-Cigarette

Regardless of the type, vapes have these essential components:

The Different Parts of a Vape

The battery is where the vape device gets its power. Batteries come in different forms; some are built into the vape device while others are interchangeable. Built-in batteries are found in almost every type of vape, particularly smaller devices like pod mods and cig-a-likes. Box mods that use RDA/RDTAs are more likely to use 18650, 20700, or 21700s.

There are different kinds of connections. Tank mods have 510 or 810 connections, and the tank is screwed into them. A Pod mod has a recessed connection where the pod snaps in and is usually kept in place by a latch or magnet. Also, some vapes work with prefilled or refillable cartridges that are screwed onto the connection.

Firing and adjustment buttons are the way the user interfaces with the e-cigarette. The firing button turns on the vape and heats the coil that vaporizes the liquid. The adjustment buttons are for changing the settings. On some devices, the firing button also serves as an adjustment button.

The nicotine liquid is held in a tank or a cartridge. There are different kinds of tanks and cartridges, as the reader will see below. They also have drip tips or mouthpieces where the user puts his or her lips and takes a draw.

Tanks and cartridges have coils that vaporize the nicotine liquid. Tanks with pre-made coils are easy to use, and the coils are easy to install. Drip atomizers use user-built coils, and the liquid is dripped onto them through an open drip tip. All of the coils mentioned above are replaceable. Cartridges have smaller built-in coils that usually cannot be replaced. Coils have absorbent wicking made from cotton that soaks up the nicotine juice.

Regardless of the type, vapes have these essential components:

The Different Parts of a Vape

The battery is where the vape device gets its power. Batteries come in different forms; some are built into the vape device while others are interchangeable. Built-in batteries are found in almost every type of vape, particularly smaller devices like pod mods and cig-a-likes. Box mods that use RDA/RDTAs are more likely to use 18650, 20700, or 21700s.

There are different kinds of connections. Tank mods have 510 or 810 connections, and the tank is screwed into them. A Pod mod has a recessed connection where the pod snaps in and is usually kept in place by a latch or magnet. Also, some vapes work with prefilled or refillable cartridges that are screwed onto the connection.

Firing and adjustment buttons are the way the user interfaces with the e-cigarette. The firing button turns on the vape and heats the coil that vaporizes the liquid. The adjustment buttons are for changing the settings. On some devices, the firing button also serves as an adjustment button.

The nicotine liquid is held in a tank or a cartridge. There are different kinds of tanks and cartridges, as the reader will see below. They also have drip tips or mouthpieces where the user puts his or her lips and takes a draw.

Tanks and cartridges have coils that vaporize the nicotine liquid. Tanks with pre-made coils are easy to use, and the coils are easy to install. Drip atomizers use user-built coils, and the liquid is dripped onto them through an open drip tip. All of the coils mentioned above are replaceable. Cartridges have smaller built-in coils that usually cannot be replaced. Coils have absorbent wicking made from cotton that soaks up the nicotine juice.

What Are the Different Types of Vapes?

Vapes can be broken into four different types of vapes:

  • Cig-A-Likes
  • Vape Pens
  • Vape Mods
  • Pod Mods

These different types of vapes can be broken down into different categories that are explained below. None of these categories is better than the other, as each device is designed to suit the needs of different types of vapers. Deciding which is the best vape is entirely up to the consumer.

Vapes can be broken into four different types of vapes:

  • Cig-A-Likes
  • Vape Pens
  • Vape Mods
  • Pod Mods

These different types of vapes can be broken down into different categories that are explained below. None of these categories is better than the other, as each device is designed to suit the needs of different types of vapers. Deciding which is the best vape is entirely up to the consumer.

Cig-A-Like E-Cigarette

Cig-A-Like E-Cigarette
gmstockstudio/Shutterstock

A cig-a-like e-cigarette is the easiest to use vape on the market, which is why they are so popular with novice vapors. They do not have a lot of bells and whistles, and they are affordable.

  • Prefilled Disposables: Disposable vapes are the most straightforward devices to use at present, and it is doubtful if anything easier to use will come along. They are draw-activated and do not require a button.

    They also cannot be refilled or recharged. Once the battery and nicotine liquid is depleted, they are thrown away. Depending on the brand, disposables can last anywhere from a few hundred puffs to over a thousand. There are different types of disposable vapes and many from which to choose.

  • Refillables: These are similar to disposables, being draw-activated, but they allow users to refill a cartridge with nicotine liquid. The carts eventually need to be replaced because the wicking and coil wear out.

Cig-A-Like E-Cigarette
gmstockstudio/Shutterstock

A cig-a-like e-cigarette is the easiest to use vape on the market, which is why they are so popular with novice vapors. They do not have a lot of bells and whistles, and they are affordable.

  • Prefilled Disposables: Disposable vapes are the most straightforward devices to use at present, and it is doubtful if anything easier to use will come along. They are draw-activated and do not require a button.

    They also cannot be refilled or recharged. Once the battery and nicotine liquid is depleted, they are thrown away. Depending on the brand, disposables can last anywhere from a few hundred puffs to over a thousand. There are different types of disposable vapes and many from which to choose.

  • Refillables: These are similar to disposables, being draw-activated, but they allow users to refill a cartridge with nicotine liquid. The carts eventually need to be replaced because the wicking and coil wear out.

Reasons to Buy a Cig-a-Like E-Cigarette

  • These types of vapes are go-to devices for novice vapers who want something small, simple, and easy to use.
  • Also, they are generally not as expensive as a pod mod or vape mod.
  • However, they have limited functionality. For example, most devices do not allow the user to adjust the airflow or the temperature/voltage settings.

Reasons to Buy a Cig-a-Like E-Cigarette

  • These types of vapes are go-to devices for novice vapers who want something small, simple, and easy to use.
  • Also, they are generally not as expensive as a pod mod or vape mod.
  • However, they have limited functionality. For example, most devices do not allow the user to adjust the airflow or the temperature/voltage settings.

Vape Pens

Multiple Oil Distillate Filled Vape Pens
Shannon L. Price/Shutterstock

These types of vapes are small and intuitive devices with more features than cig-a-likes but fewer than pod and box mods. This e-cigarette is ideal for people who have never used vapes. The only disadvantage is that they do not have as much juice capacity as pods and tanks.

  1. Vape Carts: Carts are not pens, but they are an essential part of the vape device. Cartridges essentially are the same as tanks and pods, consisting of a coil and a mouthpiece. The differences are that the coils cannot be changed and that the juice capacity is low.
  2. Fixed Voltage: These vapes have a set voltage. The advantage is that voltage output is always steady, but it cannot be changed.
  3. Variable Voltage: Unlike fixed voltage vapes, variable voltage pens allow the user to change the voltage.
  4. Variable Temperature Vaporizers: These devices allow users to vape at a specific temperature, and it adjusts the output power accordingly.

Multiple Oil Distillate Filled Vape Pens
Shannon L. Price/Shutterstock

These types of vapes are small and intuitive devices with more features than cig-a-likes but fewer than pod and box mods. This e-cigarette is ideal for people who have never used vapes. The only disadvantage is that they do not have as much juice capacity as pods and tanks.

  1. Vape Carts: Carts are not pens, but they are an essential part of the vape device. Cartridges essentially are the same as tanks and pods, consisting of a coil and a mouthpiece. The differences are that the coils cannot be changed and that the juice capacity is low.
  2. Fixed Voltage: These vapes have a set voltage. The advantage is that voltage output is always steady, but it cannot be changed.
  3. Variable Voltage: Unlike fixed voltage vapes, variable voltage pens allow the user to change the voltage.
  4. Variable Temperature Vaporizers: These devices allow users to vape at a specific temperature, and it adjusts the output power accordingly.

Reasons to Buy a Vape Pen

  • The primary reason to buy one of these devices is that they are portable and easy to use.
  • They are also not that expensive, and most cost between $20 and $30.
  • Finally, they use refillable cartridges and are more customizable than a disposable vape.

There are some disadvantages, though. As with cig-a-likes, box and pod mods have more functions, such as airflow adjustment, and they produce more clouds and have better quality flavor. Also, many box and pod mods are not that much more expensive than a good quality vape pen.

Reasons to Buy a Vape Pen

  • The primary reason to buy one of these devices is that they are portable and easy to use.
  • They are also not that expensive, and most cost between $20 and $30.
  • Finally, they use refillable cartridges and are more customizable than a disposable vape.

There are some disadvantages, though. As with cig-a-likes, box and pod mods have more functions, such as airflow adjustment, and they produce more clouds and have better quality flavor. Also, many box and pod mods are not that much more expensive than a good quality vape pen.

Pod Mods

Vape pod systems
DedMityay/Shutterstock

These types of vapes work at a slightly higher level than pens and cig-a-like devices. They produce a slightly more intense vaping experience with higher vapor and flavor production. They are great for people who like vaping salt nicotine liquids, but there are pod mods out there that can handle free base nicotine liquids.

  • Open System: Open systems use pods that can be refilled with juice. The pods usually last four to six refills before they need to be replaced.
  • Closed System: Closed systems use disposable pods that are prefilled with nicotine liquid. Once the pod is depleted, it is thrown away and replaced.

Vape pod systems
DedMityay/Shutterstock

These types of vapes work at a slightly higher level than pens and cig-a-like devices. They produce a slightly more intense vaping experience with higher vapor and flavor production. They are great for people who like vaping salt nicotine liquids, but there are pod mods out there that can handle free base nicotine liquids.

  • Open System: Open systems use pods that can be refilled with juice. The pods usually last four to six refills before they need to be replaced.
  • Closed System: Closed systems use disposable pods that are prefilled with nicotine liquid. Once the pod is depleted, it is thrown away and replaced.

Reasons to Buy a Pod Mod

  • Open and closed systems work on low wattages and are very easy to use.
  • Plus, they have more features and functions than a vape pen, and some function on the same level as a box mod while costing less.
  • However, their main disadvantage is that most do not produce as much vapor as a box mod or have the same amount of functions and features.

Reasons to Buy a Pod Mod

  • Open and closed systems work on low wattages and are very easy to use.
  • Plus, they have more features and functions than a vape pen, and some function on the same level as a box mod while costing less.
  • However, their main disadvantage is that most do not produce as much vapor as a box mod or have the same amount of functions and features.

Vape Mods

Modern electronic mod vaping device
Daniil Yanopulo/Shutterstock

Mods are highly sophisticated, customizable, and powerful devices. Arguably, they are the best devices to buy because of these advantages. In addition, because of their size, they have more battery power than other types of vapes. Common types are the box mod and tube mod.

People like vaping them because they come with tanks and rebuildable atomizers that use low resistance coils. Coils with low resistances run hotter, allowing them to create thicker clouds of vapor. In addition, the tanks enable users to change the airflow settings and coils, while the mods themselves have settings like variable wattage, memory mode, and more.

  1. Regulated and Unregulated Mods: Most mods are regulated mods that contain a computer chip to control the device’s operation. Mods that do not have a chip are unregulated mods. An unregulated vape mod can be challenging to use and require some knowledge of electricity. Only advanced users should buy them.
  2. Tube Mods: These devices are shaped like a tube or bar. Other than that, they have all the same features and functions as other mods. Their primary advantage is their portability and ergonomic design.
  3. Box Mods: A box mod has a box-shaped design, but that does not mean they are uncomfortable to hold and transport. Most have ergonomic designs that make them easy to carry and transport.
  4. Mechanical Mods: These are simple devices that use steady voltage output from the battery to vaporize the juice in the tank. Users build their own coils and then drip the nicotine liquid onto them through the drip tip. Mechanical mods are unregulated, so the user needs to have a high amount of knowledge about vaping to use them.

Modern electronic mod vaping device
Daniil Yanopulo/Shutterstock

Mods are highly sophisticated, customizable, and powerful devices. Arguably, they are the best devices to buy because of these advantages. In addition, because of their size, they have more battery power than other types of vapes. Common types are the box mod and tube mod.

People like vaping them because they come with tanks and rebuildable atomizers that use low resistance coils. Coils with low resistances run hotter, allowing them to create thicker clouds of vapor. In addition, the tanks enable users to change the airflow settings and coils, while the mods themselves have settings like variable wattage, memory mode, and more.

  1. Regulated and Unregulated Mods: Most mods are regulated mods that contain a computer chip to control the device’s operation. Mods that do not have a chip are unregulated mods. An unregulated vape mod can be challenging to use and require some knowledge of electricity. Only advanced users should buy them.
  2. Tube Mods: These devices are shaped like a tube or bar. Other than that, they have all the same features and functions as other mods. Their primary advantage is their portability and ergonomic design.
  3. Box Mods: A box mod has a box-shaped design, but that does not mean they are uncomfortable to hold and transport. Most have ergonomic designs that make them easy to carry and transport.
  4. Mechanical Mods: These are simple devices that use steady voltage output from the battery to vaporize the juice in the tank. Users build their own coils and then drip the nicotine liquid onto them through the drip tip. Mechanical mods are unregulated, so the user needs to have a high amount of knowledge about vaping to use them.

Reasons to Buy a Vape Mod

  • This is the best vape for those who want a richer experience than any other vape device, thanks to the array of settings built into each e-cigarette and their compatibility with tanks and rebuildable atomizers.
  • However, the biggest con is learning how to use them. It can be challenging, especially for people who just started vaping.
  • But all starter kits come with a user manual that shows how to operate the device and the tank. Another con is that they can be expensive, costing well over $50 for a quality device.

Reasons to Buy a Vape Mod

  • This is the best vape for those who want a richer experience than any other vape device, thanks to the array of settings built into each e-cigarette and their compatibility with tanks and rebuildable atomizers.
  • However, the biggest con is learning how to use them. It can be challenging, especially for people who just started vaping.
  • But all starter kits come with a user manual that shows how to operate the device and the tank. Another con is that they can be expensive, costing well over $50 for a quality device.

CBD Types of Vapes

CBD vapes are also called vaporizers. There are different types of cannabidiol vapes. They are slightly different from regular vape pens. These types of vaporizers include;

  • Deskop Vaporizers – These are stationary heating and temperature control unit. They need to sit on a solid surface to function.
  • Portable Vaporizers – These vaporizers function like their tabletop counterparts. But they are small and discreet. They comprise a heating element, chamber, and battery.
  • Vape Pens – This device burns cannabis and distillates oils. They are called vape pens because of their appearance.

CBD vapes are also called vaporizers. There are different types of cannabidiol vapes. They are slightly different from regular vape pens. These types of vaporizers include;

  • Deskop Vaporizers – These are stationary heating and temperature control unit. They need to sit on a solid surface to function.
  • Portable Vaporizers – These vaporizers function like their tabletop counterparts. But they are small and discreet. They comprise a heating element, chamber, and battery.
  • Vape Pens – This device burns cannabis and distillates oils. They are called vape pens because of their appearance.

Mouth-to-Lung vs. Direct-to-Lung Vapes

What Are Mouth-to-Lung Vape Pens?

The concept behind mouth-to-lung vaping is simple. These vape pens allow you to draw the vapor into your mouth. You’ll hold it there for some time. Then, remove it from your lungs before exhaling. These devices make you feel like you’re smoking a cigarette.

Mouth-to-Lung vape Pens are great for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. They are also available in different types of vape brands. These vape brands will offer different variations of the same kind of pen.

What Are Direct-to-Lung Vape Pens?

As the name suggests, this vape pen takes the vapor to your lungs directly. The steam will bypass your mouth and taste buds. These types of vape pens create more smoke. But there’s a lesser chance of enjoying the moisture in your mouth.

Direct-to-Lung vapers are fond of mixing their e-liquid. This way, they can get a higher concentration and enjoy the flavor better. But mixing liquids may come at an additional cost.

What Are Mouth-to-Lung Vape Pens?

The concept behind mouth-to-lung vaping is simple. These vape pens allow you to draw the vapor into your mouth. You’ll hold it there for some time. Then, remove it from your lungs before exhaling. These devices make you feel like you’re smoking a cigarette.

Mouth-to-Lung vape Pens are great for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. They are also available in different types of vape brands. These vape brands will offer different variations of the same kind of pen.

What Are Direct-to-Lung Vape Pens?

As the name suggests, this vape pen takes the vapor to your lungs directly. The steam will bypass your mouth and taste buds. These types of vape pens create more smoke. But there’s a lesser chance of enjoying the moisture in your mouth.

Direct-to-Lung vapers are fond of mixing their e-liquid. This way, they can get a higher concentration and enjoy the flavor better. But mixing liquids may come at an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vape is the safest?

There are no official reports on the safer type of vape. We have various kinds of vape devices today. Each of them functions differently. Vapers should be more concerned about purchasing a high-end device that delivers.

What’s the least harmful vape?

All types of vape deliver smoke to your lungs and body. It would be difficult to determine which is the least harmful.

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

Many people often cite vaping as an alternative to smoking. There have been no claims to back this up. But you’d spend more money to start vaping than buying a pack of cigarettes. Don’t forget the occasional need to change e-liquids.

What vape is the safest?

There are no official reports on the safer type of vape. We have various kinds of vape devices today. Each of them functions differently. Vapers should be more concerned about purchasing a high-end device that delivers.

What’s the least harmful vape?

All types of vape deliver smoke to your lungs and body. It would be difficult to determine which is the least harmful.

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

Many people often cite vaping as an alternative to smoking. There have been no claims to back this up. But you’d spend more money to start vaping than buying a pack of cigarettes. Don’t forget the occasional need to change e-liquids.

Closing Thoughts About Vaping Different Types of Vapes

Modern consumers have more choices than ever because there are so many different types of vapes. This enables them to find products that suit their budgets and vaping styles. Everything from expensive box mods to affordable and easy-to-use disposables can be bought.

Now it is easy to find the best vape. Considering how far vaping has come in such a short amount of time, one cannot help but imagine what the future has in store for vaping.

If there are any comments you would like to share, feel free to leave a few words below in our commenting section. You can also tell us what you think the best vape is. You can also tell us what features a good e-cigarette should have, why you started vaping, or anything else related to vaping you think should be said.

Modern consumers have more choices than ever because there are so many different types of vapes. This enables them to find products that suit their budgets and vaping styles. Everything from expensive box mods to affordable and easy-to-use disposables can be bought.

Now it is easy to find the best vape. Considering how far vaping has come in such a short amount of time, one cannot help but imagine what the future has in store for vaping.

If there are any comments you would like to share, feel free to leave a few words below in our commenting section. You can also tell us what you think the best vape is. You can also tell us what features a good e-cigarette should have, why you started vaping, or anything else related to vaping you think should be said.

Published: October 12, 2021 Updated: November 9, 2022


avatar

Comments

Leave a comment