What is an Electronic Cigarette?
Explained in simple words, an electronic cigarette is a device that simulates the act of smoking a tobacco cigarette. It looks and feels like a traditional cigarette, with one important difference. An e-cigarette does not produce tobacco smoke, but harmless vapor, which makes it a healthy alternative to smoking. When you use an electronic cigarette, you ‘vape’ it, and you are referred to as a ‘vaper’.
How does an electronic cigarette work?
An electronic cigarette is a reusable, battery-driven device. In its basic form, it comprises a battery, an atomizer and a nicotine cartridge.
Battery: Rechargeable lithium ion batteries power the electric cigarette’s internal circuit, which heats the nicotine and produces aerosol mist. This vapor simulates real cigarette smoke. The batteries also light up the e-cig’s tip. A dimmed light tells you that your e-cigarette battery is running low, and requires recharging.
Nicotine cartridge: The e-cigarette’s nicotine cartridge contains nicotine, propylene glycol and a flavoring agent. Propylene glycol is a clear liquid that vaporizes the nicotine for safe inhalation. A disposable mouthpiece attaches the nicotine cartridge to the power supply.
Atomizer: The job of the atomizer is to heat the nicotine cartridge contents, which causes the vaporization of nicotine and propylene glycol. The nicotine is then inhaled through the mouthpiece. The resultant ‘smoke’ produced is odorless and free of the 4000 chemicals you find in a tobacco cigarette.
Electronic cigarette flavors and nicotine solutions
A huge variety of e-cig flavors are available, from the regular tobacco to vanilla, coffee, cherry and the more exotic Boston cream pie. The liquid solutions are also available in different nicotine concentrations. Roughly, they can be categorized into ‘low’, ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘extra-high’ doses.
E-cigarette classification
Electronic cigarettes can be broadly classified on the basis of factors like performance, appearance and features.
Tier 1 first-generation e-cig models: They serve as entry-level, single-use choices for first-time vapers. Most of these disposable models are sold in starter kits and aimed at first-time vapers. Typically, they do not come with a charger (sold as an accessory). The design, in most cases, is a three-piece comprising a battery and a cart and an atomizer (no combined liquid cartridge and atomizer). They can be refilled and so are very messy to handle and nowadays no very popular amongst smokers who know what they are buying, technology has move on.
Tier 2 second-generation e-cig models: Second generation models have better battery life, a more convenient 2-piece design where the cart is combined with the atomizer to create a cartomizer. These are far superior to first generation ecigs and are my ecigs of choice. You have multiple upgrade options and very full vapor production. For experienced vapers and people who want better quality, they serve as good long-term solutions.
I hope now you are slightly more familiar with what is an electronic cigarette, in essence they are very clever gadgets that simulate smoking. They work by heating a nicotine solution which primary ingredient is propylene glycol. This is a household ingredient commonly found in many food products. It is also the agent used to create the puff in Astma Inhalers and Nebulizers since the 50’s.
Ecigs offer a much cleaner alternaitive to smoking and come in many exotic flavors which can greatly enhance the smoking (vaping) experience. Qulaity varies dramatically amongst brands and as I have explained, in my opionion it is much better to go with a 2nd generation 2-piece ecig. It is very important that you consult my electronic cigarette reviews. By following my ecig recommendations and purchasing one of the top-rated electronic cigarettes you will be guaranteed a satisfying vaping experience and you will also be assured of a quality investment by buying an ecig that will stand the test of time.