An electronic cigarette is a device powered by a battery that creates a mist much like the smoke from a tobacco cigarette. A cartridge of liquid within the device is heated and the liquid evaporated into a mist — when it’s empty, you take it out and put in a new full one. You can get cartridges filled with a nicotine solution or with a flavored liquid, such as ones smelling like vanilla, coffee, menthol or chocolate. You can even get cartridges that create the odor of tobacco smoke, if that’s what you want.
Electronic Cigarette
To the user, it’s a one-piece cylinder, but an e cigarette actually has three parts inside: an electronics section that contains the battery, a heating element that evaporates the liquid and the insertable cartridge. There are some models of electronic cigarettes that forego the cartridge and let the user drip the liquid solution directly on the heating element through a small hole, but most versions of this device use one-time or refillable cartridges.
The cylinder that holds these parts is designed to be stylish, with a small mouthpiece on one end and often a red light on the other end to simulate a lit ash. There’s an ON/OFF button, but it is not necessary to turn the electronic cigarette off when done – most have an airflow sensor that will cut off power to the heating element when there is no air flow.
The battery is the rechargeable type, usually lithium-ion. You can get an electronic cigarette charger that can be plugged into any automobile or home electrical outlet. There are even carrying cases for electronic cigarettes that provide recharging via a large rechargeable battery in the case. The effective life of the battery depends, of course, on how often and how long the electronic cigarette is used.
If you’re thinking you might want to buy electronic cigarettes, first look for an electronic cigarette start kit. Before you take any decision, read our electronic cigarette review to find the best electronic cigarettes for a change of pace.