Vaping for Beginners

Choosing a Vape Kit

Different types of vape kits

Whether you are choosing your very first e-cigarette or you already vape and are looking to upgrade your kit, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the various types of vape kit available.

We've broken these down into the three main types of device below, with information on how they're constructed, who they are suited to and how to get started with them. But first, if you're completely new to vaping, here's a little background information on the world of vaping.

A Brief History of E-Cigarettes

As explained in further detail in our History of E Cigarettes article, electronic cigarettes (also known as e cigarettes, e cigs, vapes or vape kits) have probably been around for longer than you think. The first electronic cigarette was actually invented in 1963!

Their popularity has increased hugely over the last few years with technology, devices and flavours rapidly advancing. With so many different vape devices now available and so many different terms used to describe them, it can be difficult to know where to start.

You may have heard other vapers mentioning all sorts of mysterious words and phrases such as 'sub ohm' 'PG/VG' and 'box mods' and want to find out more. Or, you may want to just get on with it and find something simple and easy to use. Whether you're choosing a vape kit for the first time, or looking to upgrade your current e cig, read on to see all the different devices available and help you find out which e cigarette you should buy.

If there's any terms or phrases that you don't understand, check out our E Cig Glossary for definitions. You may also want to read our beginnners guide to vaping which walks you through everything you need to know to get started.

What To Consider When Choosing A Vape Kit

When choosing a vape kit, consider how much you want to spend and what you want to get out of your e cig. Are you happy to pay more for your initial kit if it provides more vapour or more flavour choice? Do you want an e cigarette that's inconspicuous and easy to use?

Click on the headings under each electronic cigarette type below to find out more.

Cigalike E-Cigs

Cigalike - Stoptober Vape Kits

Cigalikes are the simplest, cheapest e cigs available and as the name suggests, are designed to look and feel similar to a traditional cigarette. It's because of this that they are one of the most popular devices for beginners.

They consist of a small rechargeable battery and a 'refill' - a disposable cartridge containing e liquid. They are really easy to use and offer discreet vaping with a subtle amount of vapour.

Cigalikes are an excellent option for those making the switch from smoking to vaping. They are also popular amongst those who want a straight-forward, inconspicuous e-cigarette that doesn't produce big clouds of vapour.

The pre-filled refills available for these type of devices are available in Tobacco or Menthol flavours and nicotine strengths ranging from 0mg up to 20mg. You can find out more about choosing a refill nicotine strength here.

PROS

Low cost

Very easy to use

Small & inconspicuous

You'll need a cigalike starter kit - these are available online from just £3. Our classic kits contain a battery, a charger and two tobacco or menthol flavoured refill cartomizers in 12mg & 18mg nicotine strengths. You also get a handy plastic carry case to keep everything together.

Simply charge up your battery, screw on a refill and you're ready to vape! Once your cartomizer loses its flavour, simply dispose of it and replace it with a new one.

Our cigalike refills are available to buy both online & in Asda stores in tobacco or menthol flavour and a range of nicotine strengths from 0mg to 20mg. Our guide to choosing the right nicotine strength (link below) might help you get started.

Click here for instructions for the OK Cigalike E Cig Starter Kit

Click here for our guide to choosing the right nicotine strength

Classic/MTL Kits

choose-vape-kit-vape-pen

Classic vape kits are a refillable type of e-cigarette consisting of a battery and a tank that can be filled with 'E Liquid' or 'Vape Juice'. These are available in a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths.

These are another great option for beginners or those looking to move on from a cigalike style kit. The batteries are usually larger than those found with cigalikes, offering longer between charges. 

This type of e-cigarette is often referred to as a 'MTL' device. This stands for 'mouth-to-lung' and relates to how the vapour should be inhaled. You can find out more about this here.

If you want an e cig that will last a decent amount of time between charges and a wide range of flavour options but don't want big clouds of vapour, a vape pen style e cig is a great option.

Unlike cigalike devices that are activated by inhalation, classic kits are usually activated manually by a button. You will need to use e-liquids with at least 50% PG in this type of device (find out more about this here)

Most Classic vape kits will come with the tank, 1 or 2 coils, a battery and a charging cable.

Coils usually last around 7 to 14 days but may last more or less time depending on your style of vaping and the e liquid you're using.

You will then need some e-liquids to use with your kit. Our 50/50 E Liquid range is highly versatile and will work brilliantly with any classic or MTL style vape kit. We do not recommend using e-liquids with more than 50% VG in classic style kits (find out more about this here).

You may find our nicotine strength guide helpful when it comes to choosing your e-liquids.

Sub Ohm/DTL Kits

Stoptober Sub Ohm Kits

These types of device come in many shapes & sizes. Although some can be complicated to use, there are also some great beginner's sub ohm kits available.

Sub ohm kits usually consist of a box shaped or pen style battery unit and a tank with replaceable coils below 1ohm. These kits often have adjustable settings are and usually better suited to more experienced vapers.

This type of e-cigarette is often referred to as a 'DTL' device. This stands for 'direct-to-lung' and relates to how the vapour should be inhaled. You can find out more about this here.

The name 'sub ohm' relates to the resistance of the coil in a tank. Sub ohm tanks use coils with a resistance below 1ohm. Essentially, this creates more vapour than standard tanks and clearomizers, which some people find more satisfying. The bigger clouds of vapour from these devices are usually inhaled directly into the lungs.

Although they may sound complicated, there are lots of kits available now that are very easy to use. A sub ohm kit will be a great choice if you want lots of vapour and more customisation options. However, these types of kit are usually better suited to more experienced vapers.

PROS

Bigger clouds of vapour

Devices are often more customisable

Devices often have larger, longer-lasting batteries

Kits usually come with a battery, tank, charging cable and 1 or 2 coils. You will then need to purchase some e-liquids to use in your kit. Sub ohm coils will generally only work with e-liquids that contain at least 50% VG (you can find out more about this here).

You can find out more information about sub ohm vaping using the links below or by checking out each product in our online shop.

Click here to find out more about sub ohm vaping

Click here to find out more about MTL & DTL vaping

 

Still Need Some Help Getting Started?

If you'd like to speak to someone about which device is right for you, our friendly customer service team are always happy help. You can contact us by phone between 8:30 and 5pm Monday to Friday, or send us an email and we'll get back to you soon.

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