Electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. Every week a new supplier pops up wishing, understandably, to cash in on this fast-growing market. But take a closer look at the bewildering array of products on offer and you'll see that electronic cigarette technology hasn't strayed too far from its roots.
The majority of electronic cigarettes (also known as personal vaporisers) are based upon one of 3 model types produced by a small handful of manufacturers. The 3 model types are the Penstyle, the Mini and the Supermini.
Suppliers will usually rename their products to give them an air of originality...our version of the Penstyle for example is called the 'Classic', our Mini is simply the 'Mini' and our Supermini we've named the 'Super'.
There are other e cigs out there. 'Mods' with inventive design and style variations appear on the market from time to time. Although some have proved popular, none so far have managed to knock the big 3 off the top spot.
Below we give you a basic guide for each model.
Penstyle electronic cigarettes, which at approximately 15.5cm are similar in size and style to a typical ballpoint pen, are the largest and heaviest of the 3 model types. The Penstyle's greater size allows for bigger batteries that hold their charge longer than other models. The same is true for Penstyle cartridges which hold a greater volume of e liquid. The mouthpiece on the Penstyle is whistle-shaped.
As a rough guide, the Penstyleelectronic cigarette cartridgeholds 1ml of e liquid which provides about 100 puffs, the approximate equivalent of between 7 and 10 tobacco cigarettes.
At approximately 11.5cm, Mini electronic cigarettes are more or less midway in size between the Penstyle and Supermini. The Mini e-cigarette battery holds less charge and the cartridges less e liquid than the Penstyle. The Mini electronic cigarette, which appears to be the most popular of the 3 basic models, has a whistle-shaped mouthpiece.
As a rough guide, a Mini cartridge holds 0.5ml of e liquid which provides about 50-75 puffs, the approximate equivalent of 5 or 6 tobacco cigarettes.
The 10cm Supermini electronic cigarette is the smallest of the 3 model types; their batteries hold the least charge and cartridges the least e liquid. However, the Supermini can look remarkably realistic even close-up, which appeals to many people purchasing electronic cigarettes for the first time. The Supermini has a round mouthpiece.
As a rough guide, a Supermini cartridge holds 0.3ml of e liquid which provides about 20-30 puffs, the approximate equivalent of between 1 and 3 tobacco cigarettes.
Some other popular devices include the following:
Although there are variations on the theme, the mini and micro e pipe for example, a typical full-sized e-pipe is very similar in looks to a classic tobacco pipe. It often comes with a rosewood-effect bowl which houses the atomiser and a mouthpiece containing the cartridge. Some even have an LED in the mouthpiece which glows a fiery orange-red when the e pipe is used.
Because of their greater size, e-pipe cartridges hold the greatest volume of e liquid of any e-smoking device. One e-pipe cartridge provides the equivalent number of 'puffs' or inhalations as approximately 14 or 15 tobacco cigarettes.
A typical e-cigar is largerthan a Penstyle electronic cigarettes allowing for greater cartridge capacity and battery size. The average e-cigar cartridge holds approximately 1.2ml of e liquid which provides about 120-130 puffs, the rough equivalent of between 10 and 12 tobacco cigarettes.
As you would expect, electronic cigars are fairly long, usually slightly longer than penstyle e cigarettes. They are often available in both rechargeable and disposable form.
Disposable electronic cigarettes and e-cigars come fully charged, filled with e liquid and ready to vape. Typical devices have a lifespan of approximately 3 days, depending on the model and how heavily it's used.
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.
As a rough guide, a Supermini cartridge holds 0.3ml of e liquid which provides about 20-30 puffs, the approximate equivalent of between 1 and 3 tobacco cigarettes.
