Transitioning from smoking to vaping means getting to grips with new products and phrases you may not have encountered before. From pens and pods to coils and e-liquids, this guide shares everything you need to know about the different types of vapes and e-cigarettes, their features and how to choose the most suitable device.
Types of vapes you should know about
Since the first e-cigarette was invented in 2003, many new types of vape devices have reached the market. Some are better suited to heavy smokers who want to reduce nicotine consumption; others are more suitable for social smokers looking to switch to a tobacco-free alternative*.
Researching your options before buying a vape helps you choose the most suitable device for your nicotine habits.
What is the difference between a vape and an e-cigarette?
Vapes and e-cigarettes, or ‘e-cigs’, are the same. These electronic devices heat a pharmaceutical-grade nicotine polymer (e-liquid) until it becomes inhalable vapour.
Many devices fall under vapes and e-cigarettes, so many options are available for nicotine users looking for specific features.
What are the different types of vapes?
The most common types of vapes on the market today include vape pens (ePens), pod vapes (ePods), disposable vapes, box mods and cig-a-likes. Learn about each type of vape device below.
Vape pens
Vape pens are compact, rechargeable devices containing a battery and heating element. They get their name from their long shape. To use these vapes, press the button on the side of the device and inhale from the mouthpiece.
At Vuse, our vape pens are called ePens, compatible with ePen pods in different nicotine strengths and flavours.
Vape pens are easy to use, rechargeable and refillable. They let you switch between pods with a click, changing nicotine strength and flavour whenever you want.
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Pod vapes
Pod vapes are another compact device containing a battery, heating element and replaceable e-liquid pods. These closed-system vapes are puff-activated, making them straightforward to use. Just click an ePod in place, switch the device on and inhale to vape.
Vuse pod vapes are called ePods. They’re compatible with our ePod pods in various nicotine strengths and flavours.
These easy-to-use vapes are puff-activated. They’re rechargeable and refillable with various nicotine strengths and flavours, letting you tailor your vaping experience.
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Disposable vapes
Disposable vapes come ready-charged with e-liquid loaded inside. They’re ready to use straight out of the box and puff-activated, with no buttons or controls. Disposable vape pens come in various flavours, so you can choose your preference.
Vuse Go disposable vape pens are powered for up to 700 puffs**. They come pre-loaded with 2ml of e-liquid, available in six flavours to suit different tastes.
Disposable vapes are ready to go straight out of the box, with a fully charged battery and no buttons or controls. These devices are as hassle free.
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Box Mods
Box mods are a type of tank vape, getting their name from their boxy shape. These devices usually have a larger battery than slimmer alternatives. More controls on box mod vapes let you tweak the power and temperature of your vaping experience.
Box mod vapes let vapers set the heating temperature for a more tailored experience. They also have larger batteries than compact vapes, offering a longer battery life and less frequent recharging.
Cig-a-likes
Box mod vapes let vapers set the heating temperature for a more tailored experience. They also have larger batteries than compact vapes, offering a longer battery life and less frequent recharging.
These cigarette-like vapes offer the most similar physical feeling to smoking a cigarette. They’re puff-activated, letting existing nicotine consumers experience the feeling of smoking without tobacco, smoke or ash.
Vape parts and accessories
The different types of vapes have unique parts and accessories, including various coils and battery sizes, e-liquid compatibilities and charging needs. Read on to learn about the features and accessories of different vape devices.
Vape coils
Vape devices use a heating coil to convert e-liquid into vapour. Vape coils are wrapped around a cotton wick. When the device is activated, the coil heats up. It vaporises liquid absorbed by the wick, ready to be inhaled through the mouthpiece.
E-liquids
All vapes use e-liquids or nicotine salts, although the way these are loaded differs between devices. Different types of vapes use e-liquids in the following ways:
• Vape pens use changeable e-liquid podsÂ
• Pod vapes use changeable e-liquid pods
• Disposable vapes come with e-liquid pre-loaded into the device
Vape chargers
The various vapes on the market offer different battery types and charging capabilities. Learn about vape chargers for different device types below:
• Vape pens come with a micro-USB charger (Vuse ePens last around 200 puffs between charges**)
• Pod vapes come with a micro-USB charger (Vuse ePods last around 275 puffs between charges**)
• Disposable vapes cannot be recharged
Which type of vape is right for you?
If you’re newly transitioning to vaping and want to choose the most suitable device, there are a few things to consider. Most importantly, your budget, ideal device size and current nicotine habits.
Price
Ask yourself how much you want to spend on your vape. Box mods and tank vapes are the most costly up-front but can last longer and be better suited to experienced vapers.
Pen and pod vapes are more budget-friendly and designed to last at least 12 months with proper maintenance. But you’ll need to consider the cost of replacing pods when they run out.
Disposable vapes can be low-cost and come with e-liquid pre-loaded inside. When they run out, you’ll need to replace the whole thing if you want to continue vaping.
Size
Some nicotine users transitioning to vaping prefer a compact device for a more seamless switch. If this is you, you may want to choose an ePen, ePod or disposable vape compared to a box mod or tank.
Experience
The most suitable vape can also depend on your current nicotine consumption. Only you can determine the right nicotine strength for you.
Light smokers may prefer a straightforward ePen or ePod, selecting low-strength e-liquid pods (3mg to 12mg). These vape devices can also be helpful for nicotine consumers looking to reduce their intake, switching to pods with lower nicotine strengths over time.
For more control over your vaping experience, a box mod or tank vape, like our Vuse eTank, allows greater control over temperature and easy coil replacement.
Vaping with Vuse
Now you understand the different types of vapes and their features, you may be ready to choose a new Vuse device. When you’ve selected your vape, explore our nicotine strengths and flavours to find an e-liquid that suits you.
*These products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, an addictive substance.
**Based on laboratory testing of a newly manufactured product and may vary depending on individual vaping behaviour.
