With tobacco product prices soaring ever-higher all over the globe, e-cigarettes are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. A refill cartridge lasts as long as a pack of smokes, but cost up to three fifths less than a pack of tobacco-based cigarettes, and cartridges do not look like they are going to go up in price any time soon. The information below has been collated to help you in picking the best electronic cigarette for you.
Remember, an electronic cigarette is, essentially, an electronic device. As with any such product, the key is finding one that has a longevity-innovation-price balance suited to your habits, needs and budget. Make sure the product you choose comes with a year-long warranty or at least a thirty-day money-back guarantee.
Before buying any kind of electronic doodad, it is a wise idea to have a basic understanding of how the device works. This simple understanding can help you note both desirable innovations and signs of cheap or shoddy manufacture. E-cigarettes work in 3 basic steps: You inhale through the mouthpiece, which generates an airflow in the tube, A. K. A. The atomizing chamber; Nicotine solution contained in the chamber is converted into vapor; The vapor moves through the tube and into your mouth.
‘Thicker’ vapor, caused by higher vapor volumes, is most like smoke, and many people find that this provides a more satisfying experience. Choose your product according to your personal taste, but be wary of those that have very low-volume vapor, as it can indicate a cheaply-made product or poor manufacturing processes.
Ask to inspect and handle a demo model before you make any purchase. Look at the finish and overall appearance of the model, paying attention to the texture, feel and weight of the product to ascertain whether it would be a comfortable replacement of your regular cigar or cigarette. Request a demonstration and note how used cartridges are removed and new cartridges are installed. Practice changing cartridges if possible. This will tell you a lot about how easy to use that particular model is.
Most superior products do not require much assembly during cartridge changes. There should be a maximum of two disassembled pieces – you really do not want to lose a crucial part, and having to reconstruct lots of fiddly bits every time you want to replace a cartridge is just inconvenient and annoying. The best e-cigarette brands disassemble into two parts: a permanent piece containing the battery, and a disposable mouthpiece/atomizing chamber/nicotine solution cartridge.
The combo cartridge-mouthpiece-chamber ensures that you replace the mouthpiece regularly. This is a good practice, because using one mouthpiece for a length of time leads to build-ups of nasty germs and bacteria – and it goes in your mouth.
Regardless of how much money a product will save you, if it feels inferior or is difficult to use in comparison to the real thing you will likely stop using it. The best electronic cigarette is easy to use and caters to those qualities that you most value in your smoking experience. For some this is the look and feel of the cigarette or cigar, for others, it is the density or amount of vapor, or for those who like variety, the availability of alternative flavors and cartridges of varying nicotine content is a must.
Carmen Marie Rivers is an expert on the best electronic cigarette. Read more in her article about electric cigarette starter kits.
