We've gathered together a few of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here or elsewhere on the E-Cigs Academy, please feel free to contact us at e-cigs.co.uk

The majority of e cigarette users are, or were, tobacco smokers. Because the e cigarette delivers nicotine to the body and produces vapour which can be inhaled, it provides similar tactile and physical sensations to those commonly associated with smoking.  This is why the e cigarette is often used as an alternative to smoking by those who enjoy smoking.

In truth, no, not really. Unlike tobacco smoke, there is virtually no smell from the vapour produced by an e cigarette and because they're made of metal, they feel heavier too.

Also, although there are a wide variety of interesting flavours which most users seem to enjoy, the majority would agree that tobacco flavoured e liquid doesn't taste the same as real tobacco.

On the other hand... an electronic cigarette takes care of your nicotine needs when the liquid is vaporised and inhaled. In addition, the vapour delivers a 'throat hit' very similar to that from a tobacco cigarette. You can even blow smoke-rings or the vapour out of your nostrils if you want to!

The vapour from an electronic cigarette DOES NOT contain the 4000+ chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco smoke!  

The first electronic cigarette appeared on the market in China in 2006, so e-cig technology is relatively new. Currently, because of the lack of clinical testing and knowledge about the long-term effects of inhaling the Propylene Glycol in e liquid, it is not legal to suggest that the use of e cigarettes is safe.  

So until trials have been completed and evidence provided to satisfy the necessary government bodies, the use of PG and VG in e cigarettes, along with that of nicotine, remain subject to much debate.  

We therefore recommend that you decide for yourself the relative safety of continuing to inhale the many known carcinogens and chemicals present in tobacco smoke against inhaling the food-grade PG or VG in e liquid.

It is worth noting however, that both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine are used in tobacco cigarettes. Neither is known to be carcinogenic.

Please remember that nicotine, although not known as a carcinogenic, is a toxin which can be deadly if swallowed in sufficient amounts. We recommend you read our Nicotine page before using e liquid.

Anyone under 18 years old. Also, until you've consulted a GP about the safety of using products that contain nicotine, avoid using e cigarettes if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• A weak or impaired immune system
• An allergy to nicotine or products which contain nicotine

Yes they are. Besides personal vaporiser, name and spelling variations for the electronic cigarette include ecig, e-cigarette, e cigarette and more.  E-cigars and e-pipes are part of the same family too.

No, but there are 3 basic models upon which the majority of e cigarettes are based - the Penstyle, Super Mini and Mini.

When produced in white with a brown mouthpiece, an electronic cigarette looks very much like a tobacco cigarette, even fairly close-up. However, most ecig models are available in alternative colours too, including black, pink, silver, red etc.

Most consist of 3 parts – a refillable cartridge, an atomiser and a rechargeable battery with a coloured LED light on one end. These 3 parts fit together to form a complete electronic cigarette.

E cigarette cartridges are usually purchased pre-filled with e liquid – the flavoured, liquid-nicotine solution that provides the 'fuel' for electronic cigarettes.

Many people prefer to purchase bottled e liquid for refilling cartridges at home. This isn't difficult, but can prove a bit fiddly until you get the hang of it.

So weighing up the pros and cons, although it's not as quick and easy as ripping open a packet, popping in a brand new pre-filled cartridge and puffing away, DIY cartridge filling is a less wasteful and decidedly more cost effective alternative. As always, the right choice for you depends upon how much time and money you have available to spend!

No, the electronic cigarette doesn't get hot, burn tobacco, have a flame or produce smoke. It does however, produce a cloud of vapour.

When one draws on an e cigarette, the e liquid is heated by an inbuilt atomiser to produce a virtually odourless vapour. The vapour, which looks just like tobacco smoke, can be inhaled in the same way.  

Well, in theory yes you can! Because there is no second-hand tobacco smoke and no known risks to the health of others, the e cigarette may currently be used in places where tobacco smoking is banned.

However, although at present you can legally smoke your electronic cigarette in pubs, restaurants, cinemas and on planes etc, it is always advisable to ask permission first!  You'll find the reaction of most people is curiosity, but there are some who refuse to allow the use of an e cigarette on their premises.

If you'd like to see our own range of e liquid, electronic cigarettes and accessories - feel free to take a 'wander' around the e-cigs.co.uk store.