How to fill an electronic cigarette?

To ensure everyone can enjoy an optimal vaping experience with their equipment, we constantly share our best tips and advice. Today, we will look at how to fill your e-cigarette with e-liquid. Over the years, as the industry has evolved technologically, several types of models have emerged, hence the need to understand how to fill your device correctly with e-liquid.

Read on to learn more about your device's filling function and enjoy an exceptional vaping experience.

How does an e-cigarette work?

In the world of vaping, an e-cigarette generally consists of a battery and then a clearomiser, atomiser or cartridge. This is the upper part of your device, where the coil and e-liquid are located.

How it works is very simple: the e-cigarette operates using an electric current that comes from its battery. This current then travels to your coil (the filter inside your clearomiser). To reach the coil, the electric current passes through what is known as the connection pin, or the thread onto which you screw your clearomiser onto your battery. Once it reaches your coil, the current heats it, which also heats the e-liquid in the tank. This causes the e-liquid to turn into vapour when inhaled.

Several types of tanks are available on the market. The clearomiser and cartridge are the most common, while rebuildable atomisers are rarer but remain highly effective. These three types of equipment are essential for customising your e-cigarette and can greatly influence the quality of your vape.

A clearomiser consists of a tank for storing e-liquid and a pre-made coil that heats the e-liquid to create vapour. There are several types, such as the direct-lung (DL) sub-ohm clearomiser, intended for producing large amounts of vapour, or the mouth-to-lung (MTL) clearomiser, which replicates a sensation similar to that of a traditional cigarette.

The cartridge, meanwhile, is often used in pod systems. Like a clearomiser, it contains an e-liquid tank and a coil (which may or may not be built in). However, cartridges are generally smaller and easier to use, making them ideal for beginner vapers or those who prefer simplicity. Some cartridges may also be prefilled with e-liquid (single use).

Lastly, rebuildable atomisers offer a tailored vaping experience. Unlike clearomisers and cartridges, rebuildable atomisers allow users to build their own coils. This enables extensive customisation, both in terms of flavour and vapour production. There are several types of rebuildable atomiser, such as the RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer), RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) and RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer), each offering a unique experience.

Whether you are a novice vaper or an expert seeking a tailored vaping experience, understanding these different types of clearomisers, cartridges and atomisers can help you find the vaping experience that suits you best.

For your first purchase, you will choose a complete device, namely a kit with a battery and clearomiser, so you can use your e-cigarette with all the necessary components. However, bear in mind that the further you progress on your vaping journey, the more likely you are to acquire several different devices.

It is important to note that batteries and clearomisers (or other types of tank) are also available separately, allowing you to assemble your e-cigarette with the components of your choice. You can keep your battery and independently purchase different tanks to vape different products.

The only requirement is that your clearomiser must match the diameter of the battery for optimal vaping comfort. Also take into account the power range of the coils used with the clearomiser, to ensure that your battery has sufficient wattage capacity. 

How do you choose your e-liquid?

E-liquids are specially designed for e-cigarettes. Their composition complies with strict standards to ensure safe use. On the market, you will find ready-to-vape e-liquids, but you can also make your own e-liquids to suit your preferences.

E-liquids are mainly made up of a base of Propylene Glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). PG provides a throat “hit”, enhances flavours and adds fluidity, while VG produces vapour, can slightly soften flavours and makes the e-liquid thicker.

When choosing your e-liquids, take care to adapt the PG/VG ratio to the clearomiser and coil you use. The more powerful your device is in terms of watts, the more you should prioritise VG. Conversely, the lower the wattage of your device, the more advisable it is to use e-liquids with more PG.

To vary the pleasures, a range of flavourings can be added to e-liquids. Whether you prefer gourmet, fruity, fresh, tobacco or even unusual flavours, there is a wide range of flavourings to discover and switch between as you wish.

Finally, nicotine is a key component of e-liquids, helping smokers to gradually quit. Strengths range from 19 mg for heavy smokers starting vaping to 0 mg for those who have overcome their nicotine addiction but wish to retain the vaping gesture. Adding a nicotine booster is not compulsory when making an e-liquid.

How do I fill my e-liquid?

Filling your clearomiser with e-liquid is a key step in using your e-cigarette. Depending on your clearomiser model, there are three main filling methods: from the top (top fill), from the bottom (bottom fill) and from the side (side fill).

With top filling, simply either unscrew the clearomiser's top cap or slide it to one side (such as the Zlide from Innonkin), and sometimes you also need to remove the drip tip to access the filling port. You then pour the e-liquid directly into the tank, avoiding the central tube. This is the most practical and most common method on recent models.

Bottom filling requires unscrewing the clearomiser base to reveal the tank. The e-liquid is then poured in, taking care to avoid the central tube. Although less common today, this method is still used on certain models.

Finally, side filling is a variation of top filling. On these models, a small opening is provided on the side of the clearomiser, often hidden beneath a flap or silicone seal (more common for pods). Simply open this flap and pour the e-liquid through the opening.

Tips and advice for filling e-liquid:

When filling your clearomiser with e-liquid, a few tips and pieces of advice can optimise your vaping experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Avoid the central tube: When filling, make sure not to pour e-liquid into the clearomiser's central tube, as this could cause leaks or prevent your e-cigarette from working properly.

• Do not exceed the maximum capacity: Every clearomiser has a maximum capacity. Observe this limit to prevent e-liquid leaks and ensure optimal operation.

• Allow time for the coil: After filling your clearomiser, leave it to stand for a few minutes before vaping. This allows the coil to soak up the e-liquid properly and prevents a burnt taste.

• Take refills with you: If you plan to vape for a long time or go out, make sure you have enough e-liquid to refill your clearomiser.

• Vary the flavours: To avoid becoming bored, do not hesitate to change your e-liquid regularly. This can help you discover new flavours and make vaping more enjoyable. Take care when mixing flavours, as some combinations can be really surprising…

• Maintenance: Keep your clearomiser clean. Regular cleaning can help extend its lifespan and ensure better vape quality.

By following these tips, you will optimise the use of your clearomiser and improve your overall vaping experience.