How to choose your first electronic cigarette
Are you thinking of taking up vaping? You’re not alone. Today, electronic cigarettes are more popular than ever before, with almost 3 million adults now using them on a regular basis, according to smoking action group ASH. If you’re thinking of joining their numbers, here’s what to consider when choosing your first electronic cigarette.
How do e-cigarettes work?
You may have wondered just how vaping devices work. That’s a great question, and one that it’s good to understand before trying your first electronic cigarette. Here’s a quick run-down of the components of an e-cigarette, and how they work together.
E-liquid, or vape juice, is the flavoured liquid, often containing nicotine, which the e-cigarette converts into vapour for you to inhale. It’s stored in an airtight tank inside the unit.
Many electronic cigarettes have a ‘fire’ button to press when you want to inhale, which instantly applies the electronic current to the coil and gives you a hit of vapour.
To convert the liquid into vapour, an e-cigarette heats an integral metal coil using an electronic current powered by a battery. The vape device contains wicking material for the e-liquid which is usually made of cotton. This is placed next to the coil, so that as it heats up, the liquid is vaporised.
What types of device are available?
There are a number of different types of vaping hardware on the market for vapers. These different devices all have their own benefits and characteristics, but the variety of shapes and sizes can sometimes be baffling for a beginner! In general, vaping devices can be categorised as disposables, pen style vapes, box style devices and mechanical mods.
- Disposables – as you’d imagine from the name, disposable e-cigarettes are used once then discarded. Often closely resembling the size and shape of a traditional cigarette, these basic devices are widely available in bars and shops, and are a common starting point for those buying their first electronic cigarette.
- Pen style – these refillable, slim devices are a cylindrical shape, hence the name. They’re designed to be simple and portable, making them a good starter vape kit for smokers making the transition to e-cigarettes[link].
- Box style – box mods as they’re commonly known are a square, box shape, designed to house a large internal battery. They usually have more features and customisable options than a vapour pen, but they’re heavier and more bulky to carry around.
- Mechanical mods – for the more advanced vaper, ‘mods’ are devices that can be modified with variable temperatures and currents for a more customised vaping experience. Mechanical mods do not contain an integral battery or circuitry, and are a versatile option for vapers seeking stronger flavours and bigger clouds.
Disposable vs refillable vape kit
We’ve seen that disposable e-cigarettes and vape pens are the most common choices for first-time vapers. Which is the best type to start with?
For your first electronic cigarette, the simplicity of a disposable e-cig might be appealing. With a similar appearance and size, it’s a low-cost, simple device that simply requires you to inhale, rather than worrying about charging the battery or adjusting any settings.
If you feel you are going to commit to vaping as a habit, however, refillable e-cigarettes are probably a better option. There’s a much wider range of flavours available, and the battery life is up to 6 times longer than that of a disposable type. Refillable vaping devices can seem a little daunting, but they are simple enough to get to grips with – see our guide to vaping for the first time for some tips and advice. And with a wide range of flavours to explore, they offer a different type of experience than traditional smoking.
Why it’s worth prioritising quality over price
Faced with the sheer choice available to vapers today, it can be difficult to decide which vaping kit to choose. One common approach is to go for the cheapest device. The downside of this tactic is that cheaper vaping equipment may not always provide the best introduction to vaping, and a sub-par experience with the first electronic cigarette can lead former smokers to return to the habit rather than persevering.
A good quality refillable starter vape kit, on the other hand, is much more likely to provide a positive experience of vaping, and therefore offers better value in the long run. By investing in the transition to e-cigarettes rather than shelling out minimal cash on a substandard piece of kit, you’re more likely to enjoy the experience and be motivated to switch over from smoking for good. When you consider how much money you could save by converting to electronic cigarettes, opting for a quality piece of kit for your first vape is a no-brainer.
Find the style to suit you
In this age of compulsory plain cigarette packaging and bold health warnings, there’s not much style or glamour associated with the purchase of a pack of cigarettes. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, are all about appearance and individuality. Part of the fun of choosing your first electronic cigarette is deciding on the colour and style that you like best.
You might choose to go bright and colourful for your first vape kit with the Vaporesso Veco solo kit, or select a more elegant and refined style with the Smok Stick V8 Baby Kit. If you’re looking for higher performance in a very portable and subtle tank kit, the Cool Fire Isub VE Starter Kit is a great choice for beginners.
Next steps: find the perfect e liquid
Once you’ve chosen your first e-cigarette, you’ll need to decide what to put in it! There’s a huge range of flavours available to sample, from gourmet concoctions like crème brulee, through wild and wacky taste sensations like unicorn milk, to traditional classics such as peppermint. For your very first vaping experience, we suggest opting for simpler flavours to start with, before exploring the wealth of choice that’s out there for you to discover. See our guide to choosing your first vape juice for more advice and guidance.