Before you even choose your electronic cigarette, you must understand that a vaping device is always comprised of two key parts that make the whole thing work. The first one is the battery, your e-cigarette's power source. It can be of a tubular format, like a pen, or box-shaped. The second part is the clearomiser, sometimes simply referred to as a 'tank'. It contains a tank that holds your e-liquid supply, a resistive coil, as well as a mouthpiece for inhaling the vapour, also known as a drip tip.
It's the combined action of these two components that enables you to vape. The battery provides the power that heats the coil, which in turn vapourises the e-liquid, and this vapour is then inhaled by putting your lips around the drip-tip. Whichever electronic cigarette you use, they all operate on this same basic principle. However, there can be some differences from one model to the other, particularly in terms of specifications, performance, aesthetics, flavour rendition, and vapour.
Here, we're taking a closer look at the clearomiser itself, so that you fully understand how it works and choose the right one for a successful smoking withdrawal.
What exactly is a clearomiser?
The clearomiser is a type of atomiser with a transparent tank (hence its name 'clear-omizer'), whose role is to transform the e-liquid into vapour.
It's made up of several parts:
- a base
- a ring, used to adjust the air intake
- a coil
- a tank
- a mouthpiece
Thanks to capillary action, the e-liquid inside the tank is soaked up by the coil's fibre, bringing it into contact with the resistive wire. This wire is heated by the battery and vapourises the e-liquid that's in contact with it. The vapour that's created by this process rises through the clearomiser's chimney to the mouthpiece, so that you can then inhale it.
Every atomiser on the market works using this principle. From one device to the other, you'll get a different rendition, whether it's a warmer vape, more accurate flavours, or more vapour.
The two main types of clearomiser
We generally sort electronic cigarette clearomisers into two major categories, depending on what kind of draw they offer:
- Indirect inhale clearomisers
- Direct inhale clearomisers
Indirect inhale clearomisers
Indirect inhaling, also called Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) vaping, is a two-step process where the vapour stays in your mouth for a while, before going into your lungs. If you're a tobacco smoker, this type of inhaling will sound familiar, as it's exactly the same. That's why MTL clearomisers are usually recommended for beginner vapers. Some of the best manufacturers of these devices include Aspire, Eleaf, Innokin and Joyetech.
Innokin Zenith 2 Clearomizer
The particularity of MTL clearomisers is that they offer a vape with a tight draw, resulting in a small amount of vapour and a feeling similar to the one you get with a traditional cigarette.
Moreover, they're very effective with highly-nicotined e-liquids, nicotine salt e-liquids, and CBD e-liquids as well. This versatility has made MTL devices popular with a wide variety of vapers.
Direct inhale clearomisers
Direct inhaling, also known as Direct-To-Lung vaping (DTL) is a single-step process where the vapour is inhaled straight into your lungs, without being kept in your mouth. DTL clearomisers are commonly referred to as 'sub-ohm' clearomisers, because they use coils with a resistive value of less than 1 ohm. Thus, their coils require more power to be heated properly, but vapourise much more e-liquid and, by extension, more nicotine.
With this type of device, you need to make sure that your battery has enough power to operate the coil, and that your nicotine level is suited to this kind of vaping. That's why sub-ohm clearomisers are mostly recommended for experienced vapers who want a massive amount of vapour.
Choice of the team
Choice of the team
Eleaf Melo 4 D25 Clearomizer
Aspire Huracan Clearomizer
Furthermore, sub-ohm clearomisers are distinct from more standard devices in that they have wider air intakes. This greater airflow allows the coil to be evenly cooled, among other things, all whilst producing a lot of vapour. Today, DTL clearomisers make up the vast majority of the vaping market, and manufacturers such as Smok, Kangertech, and Vaporesso have established themselves as key players in this field.
MTL and DTL compatible clearomisers
In order to satisfy a greater number of vapers, some clearomisers let you choose between a direct or indirect inhale. This is made possible thanks to the devices' adjustable airflow ring. By simply rotating the latter, you can easily switch between an open and a tight draw.
In the same way, manufacturers offer coils for direct or indirect vaping with these clearomisers, so that you can fully enjoy each configuration.
Eleaf Melo 4 D25 Clearomizer
Good Deal
-70%
How to choose a clearomiser for your electronic cigarette
As you may have already understood, you must pick a clearomiser according to your needs.
If you're a beginner vaper who uses his electronic cigarette to quit smoking, an MTL clearomiser with an indirect inhale will be ideal. It'll allow you to retain the same feeling you had when you were smoking traditional cigarettes, and you'll be avoiding the toxic and carcinogenic substances found in tobacco smoke.
For the more experienced vapers, both types of clearomiser are suitable. However, many of them turn to sub-ohm tanks with a direct inhale, as they offer more versatility than MTL clearomisers. They do require a powerful enough battery to operate the specific coils these devices use, and to be able to last a good day's use without running out.
The tank's size must also be considered, depending on how you vape. The larger the tank, the less often you'll have to refill it with e-liquid, of course. On the other hand, the tank's material doesn't have a significant impact on your vaping experience. Whether it's made from Pyrex, Ultem or PSU, it doesn't matter much.
Now you know all this, it's up to you to choose the clearomiser that'll best answer your needs and keep you away from tobacco. At A&L, you'll find a wide range of DTL and MTL clearomisers at the best price, so that everyone can enjoy vaping without breaking the bank.
The clearomiser's coils
Just like it's important to pick the right battery for your clearomiser, it's as important to use the right coil in your electronic cigarette.
The coil, or resistance, plays a major role in your vaping device. Indeed, it dictates how much vapour is produced, how accurate the flavours are, and even the power output of your vape kit.
Moreover, it's the only consumable of your e-cigarette along with the e-liquid, so it's important that you select the right one in order to get the best possible feeling, without ruining yourself!
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