What is a Vape Pen? Benefits? Different Types? How does it work?

05/08/2024
LOOKAH

A pictures showing different kinds of vape pens, ecigs and dab pens

Vaping has become a popular choice for those who don't want to smoke in the traditional way.

But now, vaping isn't just for avoiding the health risks of nicotine; it's increasingly being used for consuming cannabis.

Whether you like e-liquids, want precise control over your experience, or simply like the discreetness of vape pens, this new way of smoking is worth considering.

If you're ready to shop for your vape pen, You may be interested in the following questions:What is a vape pen? How does a vape pen work? What is in the e-liquid, and what makes up the device?

Fear not, this is definitely the guide for you. In this article, we're going to share all the details you need to know about vape pens.

What is a vape pen?

a woman smoking a vape pen with refillable oil chamber

A vape pen is a portable vaping device used to vaporize materials like dry herbs, e-liquids, and oil. “Vape” is short for “vaporizer,” which is what the device does.

There are many varieties of vape pens that go by different names, including vapes, e-cigarettes, sticks, e-hookahs, hookah sticks, mods and personal vaporizers (PVs). They can also be collectively called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

Vape pens are named after their function to vaporize e-liquids rather than burn plants - instead of smoke, this results in vapor which is often more discrete than smoking from another device.

The e-liquids usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or glycerol, flavorings and other chemicals. Some might contain marijuana oils, or dry herbs.

Vape pens can be used to inhale a number of different materials. Often, people call vaporizer pens by names that indicate what they are used to vape.

Vape pens come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, giving users a variety of customization options, but they all function in a similar manner.

Parts of a Vape Pen

a pictures showing the different parts of the vape pen with each part labled

Vape Pen typically consists of a mouthpiece, a tank or cartridge, an atomizer, and a battery.

These components work together to heat the dry herbs or oil, producing a vapor that can be inhaled.

1. Mouthpiece

The part of the pen that the user draws the vapour through is called the mouthpiece.

Some can be removed and replaced, and some are fixed. You can find mouthpieces in all different materials and designs.

2. Tank, Cartridge, or Pod

This component is the vessel that contains the e-liquids.

Rechargeable vape pens have refillable vessels. Disposable pens, on the other hand, are already filled for one-time use and later discarded altogether.

You can find a massive variety of prefilled cartridges at your local dispensary.

3. Atomizer

This part is a heating element that heats and vapourises the e-liquids.

When the vape pen is activated, the coil in the atomizer heats up, vaporizing the material housed in the tank or cartridge into vapor or cloud.

4. Battery

The battery (such as well-known 510 thread battery) is used to power source for the vape pen's atomizer.

Most vape pen batteries are rechargeable, and some come with a temperature dial to customize how hot you want the heating element in your atomizer.

The battery is attached to the cartridge, either by screwing it on or another placement.

How Does a Vape Pen Work?

Vape pens are devices that work by heating the vape liquid (e-liquid or oil) using a heating element (typically a coil).

Vapor is created by heating the liquid in the tank or cartridge. The user inhales vapor through the mouthpiece.

They have a built-in battery that powers the device, and some offer adjustable settings to customize the vaping experience.

The 3 Different Types of Vape Pens

Multiple types of vape pens are available to suit the needs of hobbyists who want finer control over their experience.

1. Disposable Vape Pens

a black disposable vape pen

A disposable vape pen is an all-in-one unit comprised of an internal battery, a pre-filled tank and a coil.

They are neither rechargeable or refillable, and can be disposed when depleted.

Disposable vapes are primarily focused on accessibility. They are affordable and offer the opportunity to try vaping without needing to commit to purchasing a whole bevy of tools.

2. Refillable Vape Pens

a refillable style ecig vape pen

A refillable (rechargeable) vape pen generally refers to a battery-powered device used for vaping with a variety of cartridges.

Compared to Disposable Vape Pens, Refillable vape pens cost significantly more.

However, in exchange, they offer greater customization, and users can select everything from the type of oil they use to how it's heated and even the colors and decorations of the vape itself.

Refillable vapes require care, but they can last years.

3. Dry Herb Vape Pens

a dry herb vape pen in a gold yellow with black mouthpiece

Not all vape pens are capable of supporting multiple substrates. Oil and e-juice are the most common, but they need not be your only choice.

Dry Herb Vaporizers are designed to vaporize various herbs and loose leaf products, making them great for enthusiasts who prefer the essence of flowers with the convenience of vaping.

How to Turn On and Use Your Vape Pen?

There are usually 2 different methods of turn on the vape pen: push-button and draw-activated.

A push-button vape pen will activate the battery, heating the e-liquid when you press the button down.

Generally, these types have a power button to turn on before they can produce vapor, making sure that you don't accidentally activate it inside your pocket.

Draw-activated vape pens, also known as automatic battery vape pens, don't need to be turned on. Instead, they start working as soon as you puff on them.

More details about How to Use a Vape Pen? Step by Step Guide

How to charge and store a vape pen?

You should always keep your vape pen upright, to cause any e-liquid leaks or drips. Though this rarely happens, in case it does, you'll be left with a sticky and difficult-to-clean situation.

Moreover, you should store your vape at a room-temperature because a very hot or cold environment can damage its delicate battery. That means you cannot leave your vape in the car or its dashboard.

Explore More: How to Charge a Vape Pen? Step by Step Guide

Vaping vs Smoking: Which One is Better? Benefits of Vape Pen?

two hands next to each other, one with a vape in the palm, the other with three cigarettes in the palm

Vape pens offer several advantages over smoking (burning) forms of tobacco or cannabis consumption:

Firstly, Vape pens are highly portable and discreet, ease of use, allowing users to enjoy tobacco or cannabis on the go without drawing attention.

Additionally, vape pens provide a more controlled and precise dosage, as users can easily adjust the amount of vapor they inhale.

Lastly, Unlike traditional smoking methods that involve combustion, a vape pen heats the e-liquids or cannabis oil at a lower temperature, producing vapor rather than smoke.

This vapor is then inhaled by the user, delivering the desired nicotine or cannabinoids (THC, CBD) without the harmful byproducts associated with combustion.

As the device has loads of perks as a better alternative to cigarettes or joints, it is worth considering for personal use.

Dab Pen vs Vape Pen: What's the Difference?

A dab pen next to a vape pen

Vape pens are a more versatile tool, capable of handling various cannabis products, including e-liquids, dry herbs, and cannabis oils (like THC or CBD oil).

Dab pens (or wax pens) are designed for use with thicker, stickier types of pure cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, budder, crumble, rosin, live resin, and more.

They typically don't have a tank like e-liquid vape pens, and instead use a special heating chamber to vaporize the concentrate.

Dab pens are popular among cannabis users who prefer a more potent and concentrated experience.

They can be more expensive than other types of vape pens, but they're worth the investment if you're a fan of concentrates.

More details about Dab Pen vs Vape Pen Comparison.

Are vape pens safe? Any Health Harms of Vaping?

Vape pens offer a healthier alternative to smoking or burning plants, as they produce fewer harmful chemicals and toxins.

However, Vaping is not risk-free, They can cause side health effects range from respiratory issues to potential damage to cardiovascular health.

Vaporizers heat up a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. When you inhale the vapor, you are taking in these chemicals into your lungs.

Some of these chemicals are known to be harmful, including formaldehyde, acrolein, and benzene. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health problems.

In addition, vaping is addictive. The nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive, and it can be difficult to quit vaping once you start.

Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.

How much does a vape pen cost?

The cost of a vape pen can vary depending on its quality. A disposable vape pen is likely going to cost less than a rechargeable or refillable vape pen.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $15 to $150 or more on a vape pen, with pens designed for dry herbs coming in on the high end of that range.

Conclusion

Ready to try vaping? You're not alone. Vape pen or e-cigarette have become extremely popular over the last couple of years.

A vape pen is an incredibly convenient and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of tobacco or marijuana.

It provides a discreet and precise dosing experience that is perfect for both beginners and seasoned smokers.

Plus, its portability, discreetness and ease of use makes it an ideal choice for those who are always on the go.

Whether you want a lot of features to play with or a simple “plug and play” version, there are many different vapes to choose from.

Just make sure that you pick the correct vape device for the consumable you are choosing to smoke.

Happy vaping!