What are the different types of E-cigarettes & vapes

If you are an adult smoker wondering whether it’s time for a change, the sheer scale of choice on offer and the new language surrounding modern nicotine devices can be really confusing.  

If you are considering smoking alternatives and wondering whether e-cigarettes or vaping is for you, read on as we demystify some terminology and give you a handy dictionary of definitions.

The first thing to remember is that all E-vapor products are in fact e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. Over time, they’ve become more widely known as vapes because they produce an inhalable vapor, not smoke like a cigarette.

The answer to the questions, what is a vape and what are the different types of vape is simple, they are all forms of e-cigarettes These devices have been around for nearly twenty years and come in all shapes and sizes – and some look more like cigarettes than others. 

The original e-cigarette, these devices are known by the nickname “cigalikes” and are easily identified by their distinctive design that mimics a cigarette. Unlike cigarettes, they come in all the colors of the rainbow. They work with an e-liquid that is heated when you put the device in your mouth and this creates the vapor you inhale. 

All the different types of e-cigarettes, or vapes, work with e-liquids. These contain nicotine, vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol and flavoring among their ingredients. For a more detailed comparison of the different types of vape or e-liquid you can read the Ploom blog, Heated Tobacco Sticks vs e-Liquids.

The other things all e-cigarettes have in common are that they include a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge or tank which produces an inhalable vapor. That vapor is created by heating the e-liquid, there’s no burning involved. 

Ploom X Advanced and its unique HeatFlow technology also use heat to produce vapor. There’s no burning involved but that’s where the similarity with an e-cigarette ends.

Ploom has developed its heated tobacco products to work exclusively with [BRAND] tobacco sticks which have more in common with cigarettes and couldn’t be less like an e-liquid. They are made with real tobacco and come in a choice of [XX] different flavors. You can take a closer look at the two by reading our Heated Tobacco vs Vaping blog.

Because the vapor from Ploom X Advanced is just that, there’s no smoke and ash and less tobacco smell¹, making it a more considerate choice for those around you. They also negate the need to head to the shed when you are ready to enjoy your heated tobacco moment.

E-cigarettes or vape devices all fall loosely into one of six categories. 

1. Disposable e-cigarettes are one-piece devices (battery and e-liquid together) that you discard when they are finished. 

2. Second-generation e-cigarettes are larger, less cigarette-like, and come with a battery that you can recharge with a USB cable and typically a pre-filled cartridge that can be replaced when it runs out.

3. Next up are the e-cigarettes described as vape pens. These are a bit bigger than a cigalike and the biggest differences are that you press a button to release the vapor and refill them by topping up the e-liquid tank.

4. Then comes a style of e-cigarette known as vape pods. These are designed for portability and can be refuelled by refilling or replacing the e-liquid cartridge.

5. These are followed by vape mods or box mods. These tend to be the territory of more experienced e-cigarette users and can be identified by the sheer scale of the vapor cloud they produce. The design is both complex and customizable.

6. Finally, there’s the category of e-cigarettes described as tech mods. These are the most technical and customizable devices available and can include different types of vape coils.

So, if you are pondering the choice between e-cigarettes vs. vapes, then keep in mind that they are all one and the same thing. Your choice of e-cigarette will depend on your personal preferences and how technically minded you are. With thousands of similar device options and almost as many choices of e-liquid, you could spend a lifetime finding the right combination.

Ploom X Advanced was created as an alternative to smoking that uses real tobacco. So, if you are still wondering about the options on offer, we think you’ll enjoy reading Introducing Ploom – Where Tech Meets Style . It’s all about how Ploom X Advanced heated tobacco offers an authentic tobacco taste in a modern way. It’s also more considerate of everyone around you at home or when you are out and about because the use of Ploom X Advanced has a less negative impact on indoor air quality compared to smoking².