What is a Vape Pen and What Types Are There?

The modern e-cigarette, or vape pen, was born in 2003 when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik patented a design for an electronic device that heated flavoured liquid to create vapour.

The invention delivered nicotine without the need to burn tobacco, and soon found favour in China when it hit the market in 2004. Worldwide rollout followed shortly after.

In the years since, vape pens have grown in popularity but with this success questions have come from consumers eager to learn more.

Here, blu answers some of the most common questions.

How do vape pens work?

Vape pens, which are sometimes called e-cigarettes, can seem difficult to understand. There are so many different terms, models and accessories that beginners may not be clear where they need to start.

In simple terms, a vape pen is an electronic device that heats a liquid containing flavouring and nicotine, amongst other ingredients. The resulting vapour is then inhaled by the vaper, and it's through the vapour that the vaper gets the nicotine they want. Unlike traditional cigarettes, no tobacco is burned.

What are the different types of vape pen?

There is not just one kind of vape device; instead they come in a number of forms and models. Some require e-liquid to be refilled (these are called Open System devices; our blu PRO™ is an example of this). Others require cartridges (these are called Closed System devices).

More advanced vape device are also available. These are called box mods, nods, or advanced personal vapourisers (APVs). They often feature modifications to their battery power or the size of the cartridge, appropriate to the vaper’s personal taste. On the other end of the scale, some don't feature any cartridge at all, and instead the vaper needs to drip a few drops of e-liquid onto a heating mechanism to vape. These are called Drip Tips.

Such products are not sold by blu and should only be sought by advanced vapers. Beginners are best suited to simpler models, such as the blu 2.0 device and the blu PRO™ Kits.

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WHAT IS A BOX MOD?

These alternative vape devices get their name from the fact that they started life as modified everyday objects. Resembling a box, their rectangular shape is much bulkier and heavier than a vape stick or vape pen.

Although they’ve been increasingly regulated, they’ve a wide range of features that most box mods share. They’ve a larger battery component than vape pens have, often with two batteries that can be removed by the vaper.

Delivering more battery life than most, if not all, other vaping options, they can last for longer and allow vapers to adjust their power up and down. Higher wattages and temperatures will create larger amounts of clouds.

They can have attachments that make them compatible with vape brand tanks.

WHAT ARE VAPE MODS?

This is another term for an APV, which are altered vaping devices. Many different designs are available, but they aren’t the best vapes for inexperienced vapers.

It’s always advisable to begin with a standard vape and then work up to using a vape mod or box mod. Building up to this strength will create a more enjoyable vaping experience.

BOX MODS VS PENS

People may be drawn to the customisation of box mods or vape mods, but they’re larger so less portable. After all, a vape pen will fit in most bags or pockets and can be taken with you wherever you go.

Slim or medium in size, vape pens are much lighter too. This means you may feel weighed down more quickly when carrying a box mod in your jacket or trouser pocket.

While a box mod will produce a stronger cloud and vaping sensation, there is a disadvantage. They’re much less accessible or user-friendly to vape newcomers. For these reasons, many inexperienced and established vape users prefer the vape pen option.

WHAT PARTS MAKE UP A VAPE PEN?

The constituent parts of a vape pen differ depending on the model you're using. Most use a battery, a heating mechanic, storage for the e-liquid and a mouthpiece.

Open System vape pens may feature bigger batteries and heating mechanics than Closed System ones. Closed System will always use a cartridge to house the e-liquid. Learn more about closed and open systems.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

If you'd like to know anything else about vape pens or vaping, please visit the Customer Services, or read our FAQs.