If you’re new to vaping, it might seem complicated. But once you know the jargon, it’s easy to get started! Read on for our beginner’s guide to vaping and e-cigarettes.
Making the commitment
If you’re determined to give up tobacco, making a commitment to vaping could be a great first step. Although some people do use both traditional cigarettes and vaping devices at once, it’s best to start as you mean to go on and get rid of the tobacco for good.
Choosing the right device
Browsing for vaping devices on a website or in a vape shop, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer level of choice. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose something that will be easy to use. We recommend a starter kit like the Aspire Pockex AIO Kit which produces more than enough vapour that beginners can quickly adjust to. The kit is an affordable package that has everything you need to get started straight away.
Which e-liquid?
E-liquid (sometimes called e-juice) is the liquid that is heated in an e-cigarette to make vapour. It comes in a variety of flavours, and also with different levels of nicotine, from zero to the legal maximum of 20mg (note that it is illegal to supply nicotine in more than 10ml bottles), depending on the strength you require. For those who want to avoid this addictive substance altogether, nicotine-free e-juice is also available.
If you’re switching over from traditional cigarettes it’s best not to go cold turkey with the nicotine – you can always cut down gradually as your body gets used to vaping. As a rule of thumb, if you’ve been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, 12mg of nicotine is about right for you to start with.
You can read more about e-liquid in our handy online guide.
Anatomy of an e-cig
To know which bits of kit you need to buy, you’ll need a basic understanding of the anatomy of an e-cigarette:
- Device: The e-cigarette Sometimes known as a mod, e-pen, vape pen or e-cig.
- E-liquid: A liquid made of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. It is heated to produce vapour.
- Mouthpiece: The part that you put in your mouth.
- Tank: The part of the e-cigarette that holds the e-liquid. Sometimes known as a cartridge.
- Atomiser: The heating component also known as a coil. It contains a metal coil that heats up, and a wick, which absorbs the liquid onto the coil.
- Battery: Single-use or rechargeable batteries are used to power your e-cigarette. Sometimes referred to as mods which contain a battery or replaceable batteries. How long your battery will last depends on the mAh milliamp Hour (the higher the number, the longer your battery will last). For example, 1000 mAh could deliver a current of 1000mA for one hour. You must always use the correct battery for your device and store your batteries safely when not in use. Consult our battery safety guide for more information.
Rules and etiquette
When you start vaping, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you in public. Like smoking, vaping is banned from many public places, so always check if you’re unsure before firing up your device. As a rule, you won’t be able to vape in a restaurant or on public transport; some pubs and bars may allow it, but check their policy. Outside, be considerate to others; don’t blow huge clouds of vapour unless there’s nobody around – especially if you’re in a confined space.
Now that you know the basics, why not browse our range of starter kits for beginners?
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