What is an Electronic Cigarette

June 23, 2011 by  
Filed under Electronic Cigarettes

When I first heard about the electronic cigarette my first reaction was that this was a novelty item that wasn’t to be taken seriously. But upon closer inspection I realized that this is an ingenious invention that has the potential to revolutionize the way people smoke forever.

What exactly is an electronic cigarette? Here is a description of what it is, how it works and how it can potentially benefit you or a loved one.

The e-cigarette is a battery powered device that looks, feels, tastes, and reacts like a cigarette… but it’s not a real cigarette! It even delivers nicotine but without the harmful smoke, tar and chemicals associated with real tobacco smoke. The nicotine is inhaled via a clean odorless vapor.

An electronic cigarette is typically made up of three parts:

1. Atomizer
2. Battery
3. Nicotine Cartridge

NOTE: Some of the newer models combine the atomizer and nicotine cartridges as one disposable unit. The advantage of this is that you always have a fresh atomizer instead of a single atomizer that can become clogged and less efficient over time. A fresh atomizer will insure that you get the highest volume of vapor on each puff, adding to a more satisfactory smoking experience.

Let’s go over what each component does:

1. Atomizer. This heats up and vaporizes a mixture of liquid nicotine. The sensation of inhaling this vapor is very similar to real cigarette smoke but without the same health risks. It even has a warm feel to it which adds to a realistic experience. The vapor produces a cloud that looks like smoke but is actually just a mist that quickly disappears.

2. Battery. Nothing too complicated here, just a rechargeable battery that powers the atomizer. It is shaped to look like the body of a real cigarette. The lifespan of batteries varies from model to model. The lifespan depends on the number of mouth puffs. Typically you will get 150 – 400 puffs before having to recharge the battery.

3. Nicotine cartridge. These cartridges are made up of a water/nicotine solution. A single cartridge is typically the equivalent of 1 – 1.5 packs of tobacco cigarettes. Different nicotine strengths are available in high, low, or medium. Most manufacturers also offer a variety of flavors ranging from traditional tobacco flavor, menthol, vanilla, chocolate and fruit flavors.

The electronic cigarette is surprisingly similar to the real thing but without the same health risks. There is no lingering offensive odor. It’s also a lot less expensive than tobacco cigarettes. This combined with the fact that you can use it anywhere makes e-smoking a sensible and healthier alternative, one worth considering either for yourself or a loved one.

Electronic Cigarette Review

June 23, 2011 by  
Filed under Electronic Cigarettes

Can the electronic cigarette offer a realistic smoking experience? This is the first thought that came to my mind when I first heard about e-cigarettes and no doubt you’re also wondering “how close to the real thing is it?” I’d like to share my electronic cigarette review with you in the hopes that it will give you a clearer idea of what to expect should you decide to try it out.

Smokers enjoy their cigarettes. If you smoke then you know what I’m talking about. For many smokers it is a love hate relationship. You know it’s bad for you but you enjoy the sensation and the actual ritual of smoking. That’s why nicotine delivery alternatives like gum and the patch don’t cut it… they don’t simulate the actual smoking experience.

This is where the e-cigarette comes in. It claims to replicate a real smoking experience but without the same health risks and other drawbacks of smoking tobacco. And you know what? It does a pretty good job. It may not be exactly the same but the similarities are great enough to satisfy most smokers.

When I first heard about electric smoking I thought it was a joke. I mean come on… a battery powered cigarette? You’ve got to be kidding! It wasn’t until recently (after hearing several positive reviews) that I finally decided to try it for myself.

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised….

The sensation of the vapor is incredibly similar to real cigarette smoke. The vapor has a warmth to it and it feels like real smoke when you inhale. You also get that immediate nicotine sensation which is very satisfying.

The taste was a lot like tobacco but not exactly. It was a bit smoother and cleaner tasting and I found myself actually preferring the flavor. I understand that other flavors are available like menthol, vanilla, fruit, etc., but I didn’t try any of those.

When you blow out the vapor you see a cloud that looks exactly like smoke but without the lingering smell. As a matter of fact the vapor is nearly odorless and the cloud (which is just vaporized water and nicotine) quickly disappears without a trace. The fact that the breath, hands, hair and clothes don’t stink is a huge plus!

Another huge plus for me is the price. A pack of cigarettes where I live is over $7. A single nicotine cartridge for most electronic cigarettes is around $2 and is the equivalent of about 30 cigarettes.

I know cigarette smoking is bad, but at least now there is a healthier and more cost efficient alternative. I hope my electronic cigarette review helped you decide if this is something that may benefit you or someone you love. If you’re a smoker I highly recommend giving the electronic cigarette a try… you may find yourself changing the way you smoke forever.

Best Electronic Cigarette – 7 Features to Consider

June 23, 2011 by  
Filed under Electronic Cigarettes

What is the best electronic cigarette? The fact is that most ecigarette models basically work the same way. In a nutshell, a battery powers an atomizer which vaporizes a nicotine/water solution that is inhaled by the user. The main differences are in overall quality/dependability as well as special/extra features that may appeal to you depending on your personality and needs.

7 Features To Consider When Choosing The Best Electronic Cigarette:

1. Overall look. Most manufacturers make their ecigarettes to look like a real cigarette. The cartridge is brown to look like a filter, the battery is made to look like main body of a tobacco cigarette and the end will even glow red when you inhale to add to a realistic smoking experience.

For smokers who are looking to express their individuality a bit more, you can choose from a variety of colors or exotic designs. Some companies even offer e-cigars and pipes.

2. Color of the LED. As mentioned above, the traditional look is a red LED on the tip that lights up when you take a drag. However, you can also choose a green or blue LED. What difference does it make? If your LED is red, you won’t get as much attention from other smokers because it looks so realistic. On the other hand, if the end lights up green or blue, then you will attract much more attention from curious smokers. This could be good or bad depending on your personality. Do you like to remain anonymous or do you enjoy socializing and answering question from strangers?

3. Vapor volume. How much vapor you’re able to get on one puff is a big deal for many smokers. Generally speaking, more volume equals a more satisfactory and realistic smoking experience.

4. Atomizer. The atomizer is what vaporizes the nicotine solution and contributes greatly to overall vapor volume. The most common problem is a clogged atomizer. You may want to consider a two-piece model where the nicotine cartridge and atomizer are one unit. Every time you change your cartridge you also get a fresh atomizer.

5. Battery life. Are you are going to use your ecigarette frequently throughout the day? If so, you want to make sure your battery has battery life that will last for a whole day. You may also want to consider a battery charger for your car if you’re on the road a lot.

6. Flavors. Do you want the traditional flavor of tobacco or menthol? Many companies also offer you the choice of experimenting with vanilla, chocolate, coffee or fruit flavors.

7. Nicotine strength. The cartridges generally come in several different nicotine strengths: High, medium, low and zero nicotine. If you’re trying to wean yourself off nicotine you may want to consider gradually cutting down on the strength levels.

Now that you know what to look for, with a little bit of research you should be able to find the best electronic cigarette that suits your personality and needs. Just don’t make the mistake of buying the cheapest ecigarette you find. It’s worth while to spend a few extra dollars initially to get a device that gives you the most realistic smoking experience without the mechanical problems found in many of the cheaper models.