What is an atomiser in a vape?

An atomiser is the component in a vape that is responsible for heating and vapourising the e-liquid. All devices have them, from basic disposable vapes and refillable pod systems to more advanced box mods with customisable settings. 

What's the difference between vape coils and atomisers?

The word 'atomiser' describes all of the components responsible for storing, heating, and vapourising e-liquid, while vape coils represent one of these components. An easier way to think about this is to imagine a hob on an oven. The atomiser represents the entire hob, while a vape coil is one of the burners. The other burners on the hob represent the different components needed to heat the e-liquid and produce vapour:

• Coil
• Wick
• Tank (or Pod)
• Mouthpiece

How Does an Atomiser Work?

Here's a quick tour of what goes on inside your vape atomiser:

• eLiquid is poured into the clearomiser to tank
• The eLiquid flows into the atomiser
• The wick inside the atomiser absorbs the eLiquid
• A heating element heats the wick, turning the eLiquid into steam
• The steam passes through a cooling valve to turn it into vapour
• The vapour flows out through the mouthpiece

Read More: How Do Vapes Work?

What are the different types of atomisers?

There are several different types of atomisers. Some atomisers allow more experienced users to customise their devices, while others are designed for simplicity and ease of use:

• Pre-filled
• Built-in
• Clearomisers
• Cartomisers
• Sub-Ohm
• RBA

Pre-filled

Devices like the Vuse Pro use atomisers that contain the coil, e-liquid and e-liquid container, or pod, in a single unit. This makes them convenient, easy to use, and suitable for all experience levels, as there's no need to refill the pod or replace the coil. Pre-filled pods are designed to be disposed of and replaced with a new one once the e-liquid is depleted. Vuse Pro pods are available in a range of flavours, from classic tobacco and mint to fruit and menthol.

Built-in

Disposable vapes such as our range of Vuse GO devices, which have built-in atomisers, are easy to use and require no maintenance or setup, as they are designed for on-the-go vaping. Disposable vapes are designed to be used until the e-liquid is depleted or the battery dies, at which point the device should be disposed of responsibly.

Clearomisers

Clearomisers, or 'clear atomisers', can be found on various devices with refillable tanks. However, they require a bit more maintenance, as users need to refill the tank with e-liquid when it runs out and replace the coils when they start to burn out. They can also be prone to leaking if properly maintained.

Read More: What Are the Different Types of Vapes?

Cartomisers

Cartomisers, or 'cartridge atomisers', are early atomisers found on cig-a-like and entry-level devices. They are simple and easy to use, and, like disposable vapes, they combine the coil and e-liquid into a single unit. However, unlike disposable vapes, where the atomiser is inside and permanently attached to the device, cartomisers can be replaced with new ones when they run out.

Sub-Ohm

Sub-Ohm tanks can produce large clouds of vapour, and some models feature customisation options such as adjustable airflow and the ability to change wattage settings. However, like Clearomisers, they require regular maintenance to keep them functioning at their best.

RBA (Rebuildable Atomisers)

Rebuildable atomisers offer the highest level of customisation, allowing users to create their own 'builds' by installing their own wicks and coils. However, they are recommended for experienced and advanced users due to the steep learning curve and knowledge required to build.

FAQs

How often do you need to replace an atomiser?

How frequently you'll need to replace an atomiser depends on the type of atomiser you're using and individual usage. Each Vuse Pro pod is designed to last up to 950 puffs per pod*, while our range of Vuse GO disposable vapes lasts between 700 and 1,500 puffs*, depending on the device.

Can you clean and reuse atomisers?

Yes, some atomisers can be cleaned and reused, although this depends on your device type. Vuse GO devices, for example, are designed for single use only and should be disposed of responsibly when the battery or e-liquid runs out. At the same time, Vuse Pro pods cannot be refilled or opened—they are similarly designed to be disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Read More: Guide to Vape Cleaning & Maintenance

Can you replace an atomiser on a vape?

Yes, you can replace an atomiser on a vape, although, again, this depends on your device type. Vuse Pro pods, for example, are designed specifically with this in mind: When your existing pod runs out of e-liquid, replace it with a new one and dispose of the old one responsibly. This is possible as Vuse Pro pods contain the coil, e-liquid, and e-liquid container, or pod, in a single unit.

Why are my atomisers burning out so quickly?

If you notice a burnt taste when you inhale, this could be due to various reasons. If you use a refillable tank device, the coil could need replacing, or the e-liquid might need topping up. At the same time, it could also be due to residue build up, in which case it's time to clean your atomiser or because the coil isn't primed correctly.

*Based on laboratory testing (including recharging) of Vuse Pro device and may vary depending on an individual's usage behaviour.