Vaping Basics – The Difference Between Device Types

Since it’s rise to popularity, vaping has evolved an astonishing amount and the landscape is significantly more diverse than when the industry was in its infancy. There are now more options than ever before for consumers to choose between when equipping themselves for their vaping journeys, but one fact remains constant; If you are going to vape, you are going to need a device before you can start that journey.

Setting aside the many different brands present in the industry today, vaping devices can be broken down into well-defined categories. Understanding the primary features and potential benefits of these categories can make a major difference in helping you to choose the right device for your needs.

Choosing the Right Device – What You Should Consider

What do you want from your journey?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question but the device you choose will inevitably be defined by your needs and the intent of your personal vaping journey. Certain device types are optimised for use with specific e-liquid varieties so even knowing what it is you would like to vape can help make the decision easier.

For example, if you know you want to vape a High Vegetable Glycerol (HVG) e-liquid then this restricts your options to sub-ohm devices, as these are the only type that properly support HVG vape liquid.

Have you considered your lifestyle?

Your lifestyle is a major factor in determining the best device for your needs – those with an active routine involving regular travel may prefer smaller, more compact pod-style devices over some of the bulkier alternatives. Combining these defining factors will instantly narrow your options and help refine your decision, as well as increase the chance of it being a successful one.

Do you desire any specific features?

There are a number of specific device features that may appeal to different vapers depending on their personal taste and preferences, ranging from face-value aesthetics to innovative technology like programmable chips that allow the user to completely customise their devices output to create their perfect personal vaping experience.

If you already have an idea of which features you would like to experience, this can help make your decision significantly less complex. The list of available tech that incorporates your desired combination of features will almost certainly be shorter than if you were to approach the choice without any prior idea of what you want.

What Are the Most Common Vaping Devices Available?

All-in-One (AIO)

AIO devices, also known as “pen style” devices are one of the most historied device types in vaping history. As the name suggests, they feature a battery and tank in one complete unit rather than as interchangeable parts, like our own EDGE Pro.

• While not the smallest available, most AIO devices are compact and pocket-friendly, making them a good middle-ground for those who enjoy the benefits of tank-based vaping but don’t want a large, overly complex device.
• They offer a varied mix of features between kits, but typically won’t have variable wattage as a standard. They do however come with pre-set usage in mind, being either exclusively for MTL or sub-ohm vaping, but rarely both, which is reflected in the coils available for such devices.
• Where more advanced kits may offer a variety of coils with different ohm ratings, AIO’s typically have one compatible variety only, which appeals to novice vapers or those looking for a simple experience.

Pod

Pod devices are the most discreet and compact devices available today, and have become massively popular in recent years, gaining a greater share of the market than any other vaping device category in many countries worldwide.

• Featuring either disposable or refillable pods rather than tanks, they are specifically designed to reduce user interaction and make the vaping experience as efficient and streamlined as possible.
• Some devices like the EDGE GO and HYBRID, also feature buttonless activation, which means the user can simply inhale using the device which automatically activates the battery and heats the coil.
• Convenience, portability, simplicity, and discretion are at the core of pod devices’ intent.
• This aligns them to novice vapers, those with busy lifestyles and even those looking for a secondary low-maintenance alternative to their other, potentially larger device which may not be as appropriate for travel, work or social environments.

Mod

Typically reserved for sub-ohm use, mods are larger, high-powered devices that can be combined with different tanks – their nomenclature is derived from the fact that they are modular in nature.

• They can feature either internal or externally-charged batteries and often come with the widest range of customisable features like variable wattage.
• Some even have special chips inside that, when the device is connected to a computer, allow the user to fully customise their settings at a granular level to create the ultimate output for their preferences.
• As a result, mods are commonly favoured by hobbyist vapers over beginners, owing to the more involved and often complex user interface offered.
• These devices by their very nature are better aligned to advanced vapers and so-called “cloud-chasers” of vaping lore.

Pod-Mod

A more modern phenomenon that have risen to great popularity, pod-mods offer a hybridisation of elements offered by pods and mods alike.

• Often larger in size than traditional pod devices, and with increased power output, pod-mods still utilise a refillable pod with multiple coil varieties available.
• To compliment this, they also feature the customisation options expected from a traditional mod device, allowing for a far greater level of user interaction and refinement than is offered by pods, in conjunction with the convenience and simplicity offered by a pod over a tank.

Cartomisers

Ancient in terms of vaping history but still decidedly popular as reflected by continued sales and their presence at many convenience retail locations like petrol stations and local grocery stores.

• Cartomisers or “cigalike” devices feature a very small battery, often only 280mAh (some mods feature two or more 3000mAh batteries by comparison) and a pre-filled, disposable cartridge of e-liquid with an intrinsic coil.
• Often taking the appearance of an actual cigarette (hence “cigalike”), they commonly feature glowing LED tips that simulate the appearance of a lit cigarette when inhaling.
• While rudimental compared to other devices, their uber-compact design and discreet appearance have ensured their continued popularity amongst vapers of all experience levels, with our own EDGE cartomiser collection remaining strong-sellers to-date.

We hope this provides some clarity and insight into the diverse world of vaping devices, for more information about e-liquid and how to pair it with your chosen device, head over to our blog Vaping Basics – Inside an E-Liquid, or troubleshoot your queries by consulting our Vaping FAQs.