Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers make up a $28 billion market. That’s impressive enough, but experts forecast the sector to grow to $182.84 billion by 2030.
One of the main reasons for that growth is that many adult smokers want to quit. Indeed, in the U.S. alone, about 3 in 4 smokers say this is one of their goals this 2023.
Switching to vaping may help, as it can be a smoking cessation tool.
If you’re thinking of switching, too, know that you have several types of vapes to choose from. We’ll discuss what they are in this guide and share tips on selecting one, so read on.
Cig-a-Likes
Cig-a-likes are the earliest forms of vaping devices or e-cigarettes. As their name implies, they look and feel like traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Cig-a-likes usually come in two separate parts; a battery and a cartomizer. This simplifies their assembly, as you must only screw both components together.
The battery provides a cig-a-like with a power source. Inhaling on the vaping device activates it. Once activated, it sends electricity to the cartomizer.
The term “cartomizer” is a portmanteau of “cartridge” and “atomizer.” In early-generation cig-a-likes, these two were separate parts. Nowadays, though, most e-cigarettes use cartomizers.
The cartridge is a small container that stores e-liquid or vape juice. This substance turns into vapors when the vape user puffs on the mouthpiece of their device.
The atomizer in a cartomizer heats the e-liquid. It contains a wick soaked with the e-liquid and at least one heating coil. The heating coil turns on when the battery gets activated.
Cig-a-likes can be disposable or rechargeable. If you opt for the former, you’d need to dispose of the device once the vape juice and battery run out.
If you buy a rechargeable cig-a-like, you can reuse it multiple times. You only have to recharge the battery with a USB or replace the empty cartridge with an e-juice refill.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are typically thin, cylindrical devices that look like pens, hence the name. They look like their earlier cig-a-like counterparts at first glance. However, they’re usually longer and offer more e-liquid customization options.
Like cig-a-likes, vape pens have a battery, cartomizer, and mouthpiece. They have the same functions, although they often feature a button. Pressing this button while puffing activates the battery and heating process.
Vape pens are also often refillable. Users can fill the cartridge or tank with their preferred vape juice.
Many brands allow vape pen users to use e-liquids produced by other companies. By contrast, cig-a-like makers usually pre-fill the devices with vape juice they manufacture.
As most vape pens are refillable, it’s common for them to have longer-lasting batteries. Some are even rechargeable, although others are disposable once the battery dies.
Vape Pods
Vape pods come in various shapes, but the most popular ones look like USB sticks. According to the folks behind iGet Bars, you can even find pods measuring only 118 mm x 40 mm x 12 mm (4.65 in x 1.57 in x 0.47 in). That makes them ultra-portable, as they’re small enough to fit in your pocket with your other stuff.
Like all other types of vapes, pod systems also have a battery, a mouthpiece, and a cartomizer. The cartomizer is a small pod containing the vape juice and heating element.
Some vape pods automatically activate when the user inhales on the device. Others have a button that users must press to turn on the battery, which powers the heating element.
Pod-based systems can also be disposable or rechargeable. Disposable vape pods are often single-use, although some are refillable once. Rechargeable pods are refillable multiple times until the battery dies.
Box Mods
Box mods also go by the name vape mods. The term “mod” is short for modified or modification. The word “box” comes from their rectangular, box-like appearance.
Box mods are highly customizable and configurable and never disposable. For instance, users can modify their devices’ atomizers, temperature controls, and batteries. They can adjust the power output to alter the vapors’ intensity and quantity.
Vape mods, despite their customizability, work like all other types of vapes. They have a battery that heats the coil that then vaporizes the e-liquid.
The chief difference is that box mods have much larger batteries. This is also the reason behind their bigger size and bulkier shape. Their enlarged batteries allow users to enjoy more puffs between charges.
Choosing Among the Types of Vapes
According to an analysis, vaping may be more effective than other methods to quit smoking. Thus, the nicotine content is one of the first considerations when choosing a vape.
If you want to taper off nicotine, get a vape that lets you choose an e-juice with lower nicotine content. Disposable devices typically offer both low- and zero-nicotine options.
Choosing a disposable vaping device for your first try may also be better. A good enough reason is that disposables are much cheaper. So you won’t have to worry about having spent so much money in case it turns out vaping isn’t for you.
Next, consider your preference; do you want a device that looks and feels like a cigarette?
For some people, smoking traditional cigarettes is already so ingrained in them. If you’re one of these folks, you may want to try a disposable cig-a-like or pen first. It may help curb the craving for a tobacco cigarette while delivering less nicotine.
If you want something more inconspicuous, go for a pod. It’s also more portable and usually has better battery quality than cig-a-likes.
As for box mods, they’re usually better for more advanced users as they’re the trickiest to use. They also cost the most.
Consider Giving These Vapes a Try
From cig-a-likes to pens, pods, and box mods, these are the primary types of vapes you can find in the market today. You also learned that some are disposable while others are rechargeable. So, consider their types, features, pros, and cons when deciding which device to get.
Most importantly, factor in the vape’s nicotine content. This way, you can taper off nicotine gradually, which can help if you’re trying to quit smoking.
Ready for more vaping-related articles? Then check out our guide on the specific types of vape pens!
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