subject: The Best Electronic Cigarette - Choosing a Cartridge Type [print this page] The Best Electronic Cigarette - Choosing a Cartridge Type
Electronic cigarettes are becoming very popular with smokers as a means of reducing the risk associated with smoking tobacco. Since they usually only contain nicotine, flavorings and propylene glycol; smokers can enjoy a similar sensation to smoking regular cigarettes without the harmful carcinogenic chemicals produced when tobacco and the additives contained in cigarettes are burnt and inhaled. And although it's not permissible for vendors to market electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation device, there is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that many people are switching to this safer alternative.
The main body of an 'e-cigarette' consists of a rechargeable lithium ion or lithium polymer battery, which is tipped with a colored LED which lights up when the device is activated by the user inhaling. The other components are a cartridge, which contains the nicotine, flavoring and propylene glycol (a commonly used food additive which provides the vapor 'smoke'), and an atomizer which is responsible for vaporizing the contents of the cartridge. There are two cartridge designs on the market - one which is supplied a separate unit, in which case the cigarette will also contain a separate atomizer; and one in which the atomizer and cartridge are combined into what is sometimes referred to as a 'cartomizer'.
Which Cartridge is Best?
When deciding to opt for a combined cartridge/atomizer, or a model which features separate units depends on your priorities since both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.
Separate Cartridge / Atomizer
There are two main advantages to using this type. Firstly, the cartridges are cheaper to buy as they are much simpler; being just a receptacle for wadding which is soaked in the vapor solution. Secondly, it's often possible to refill empty cartridges with your choice of smoking liquid. This opens you up to a greater variety of flavors and nicotine strengths and also means that you can buy the liquid in larger containers, making it even more economical.
The disadvantages include the fact that atomizers eventually become clogged and malfunction and it's messy to change them. Refilling your own cartridges can cause liquid to leak onto the atomizer which will ruin it.
Combined Cartridge/Atomizer
This approach has the obvious advantage of giving you a fresh atomizer with each and every cartridge. As soon as a cartridge is depleted, you simply attach a new one and you will be using a brand new atomizer as well. This helps insure your electronic cigarette functions perfectly all the time.
It's hard to say which is the best electronic cigarette, but whichever option you choose, you can be sure that switching from smoking tobacco will be beneficial to your health and that of those around you. Also, e-cigarettes tend to work out considerably cheaper in the long run than regular cigarettes, so it's a 'win-win' situation!
