Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Basic Components of SMOKO E-Cigarettes
- The Science Behind Vapour Production
- Different Types of SMOKO E-Cigarette Systems
- The Role of Nicotine Delivery
- Safety Features and Quality Control
- Maintenance and Optimisation
- The Environmental and Economic Benefits
- Future Innovations in E-Cigarette Technology
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do electronic cigarettes work?
- What is inside e-liquid?
- Is vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?
- Do SMOKO E-Cigarettes contain tobacco?
- Can e-cigarettes help people quit smoking tobacco cigarettes?
- References
Key Takeaways
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E-cigarettes heat e-liquid, not tobacco, producing an aerosol without combustion, which reduces exposure to many harmful by-products found in cigarette smoke.
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Key components include a battery, coil, and e-liquid, all working together to deliver controlled nicotine and flavour when the device is activated.
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SMOKO devices are designed for simplicity and consistency, making vaping an accessible alternative for adult smokers looking to switch.
If you're considering making the switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping, understanding how e-cigarettes work is crucial for making an informed decision. SMOKO E-Cigarettes represent cutting-edge UK technology designed to provide a satisfying alternative to smoking cigarettes while helping users gradually reduce their nicotine dependence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricate workings of SMOKO E-Cigarettes, from their basic components to the science behind vapour production.
The Basic Components of SMOKO E-Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes - or 'electronic nicotine delivery systems' (ENDS) as they are known in the scientific community - consist of three main parts: a lithium battery, a vaporisation chamber with a heating element, and a cartridge containing nicotine liquid.
SMOKO E-Cigarettes operate on a relatively simple yet sophisticated principle that transforms liquid into an aerosol, most often referred to as 'vapour', through controlled heating. Every SMOKO device consists of several essential components that work together seamlessly to deliver a consistent vaping experience. The E Cigarette cartridges contain nicotine liquid, which is vaporised by the heating element inside the vaporisation chamber.
Vaping devices and e cigarette products come in various shapes and sizes, including those resembling traditional cigarettes, USB drives, or pens.
Battery System
The heart of any SMOKO E-Cigarette is its rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This component provides the electrical power necessary to heat the atomiser coil. The battery connects to the atomiser through a threaded connection or magnets, ensuring proper electrical contact while maintaining device portability.
Atomiser and Heating Coil
The atomiser houses the heating coil (the heating element responsible for vaporising the nicotine liquid, or 'vape juice'), typically made from kanthal or stainless steel wire. When activated, electrical current flows through this coil, generating heat that transforms the e-liquid into vapour. SMOKO’s precision-engineered atomisers ensure consistent heating temperatures, preventing overheating that could produce harmful byproducts or burnt tastes, and each refill contains a new atomiser and coil so you don't have to worry!
E-Liquid Reservoir
SMOKO E-Cigarettes contain specially formulated e-liquids that combine pharmaceutical grade propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine, and food-grade flavourings. In some vape devices, the reservoir may be a refillable tank, but SMOKO devices use replaceable E Cigarette cartridges. The reservoir system, whether integrated into disposable devices or replaceable cartridges, maintains proper liquid flow to the atomiser. E cigarette cartridges are pre-filled with vape juice and are designed for easy replacement, making it convenient for users to continue vaping without mess or hassle. This design prevents dry hits while ensuring optimal flavour delivery throughout the device’s lifespan.
The Science Behind Vapour Production
Understanding how SMOKO E-Cigarettes convert liquid into vapour involves examining the physical and chemical processes at work. When you activate a SMOKO device, the battery sends electrical current to the heating coil.
The coil rapidly heats to temperatures between 200-250°C, causing the e-liquid in contact with it to vaporise instantly. This process, known as flash vaporisation, creates the visible vapour clouds that users inhale. Unlike combustion in traditional cigarettes, vaporisation occurs without burning organic matter, significantly reducing harmful chemical production.
It's important to note that e cigarette vapour is not just water vapour. E-cigarette vapour contains nicotine, toxic chemicals, and other chemicals, including toxic metals such as nickel, chromium, and cadmium that can be released from the heating coil. With that said, vaping exposes users to less harmful chemicals than smoking, which is why the evidence reviews from Public Health England have concluded that E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes. (1)
Temperature Control Technology
Advanced temperature control systems monitor and regulate coil temperatures to maintain optimal vaporisation conditions. This technology prevents overheating, which could degrade e-liquid components or create unpleasant flavours. According to research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, proper temperature control in e-cigarettes significantly reduces the formation of harmful aldehydes compared to combustible tobacco products.
Different Types of SMOKO E-Cigarette Systems
SMOKO offers various E-Cigarette systems, each designed to meet different user preferences and experience levels. E-cigarettes can come in various shapes and sizes, including those resembling traditional cigarettes, USB drives, or pens. These vaping devices are referred to as vape pens, pod systems, 'cigalike' e cigarettes, and complex vape mods. Understanding how each type works helps users select the most suitable option for their vaping journey.
Disposable E-Cigarettes
Disposable E-Cigarettes integrate all components into a single, non-rechargeable unit. These devices activate automatically when users draw on the mouthpiece, utilising pressure sensors that detect inhalation. The integrated battery provides sufficient power for the entire e-liquid capacity, typically delivering 300-600 puffs depending on the specific model. While convenient, disposable vapes are now banned in the UK to stifle youth vaping and reduce environmental waste. (2)
Rechargeable Starter Kits
All SMOKO systems feature a rechargeable battery, allowing users to replace e-liquid cartridges while reusing the battery unit. These systems employ magnetic or threaded connections that ensure secure attachment while maintaining electrical continuity. Users can explore SMOKO's complete range of starter kits to find the perfect match for their vaping preferences.
Advanced Pod Systems
SMOKO's pod systems represent the latest evolution in E-Cigarette technology, featuring replaceable pods that contain both the e-liquid and atomiser coil. SMOKO E Cigs offer a straightforward vaping experience that is simpler than some of the more advanced Pod systems that allow for temperature or output control.
The SMOKO VAPE POD is a great choice, featuring our largest range of flavours and nicotine strengths, including a collection of nicotine-free refills.
The SMOKO VAPE MAX is our newest addition, featuring longer battery life, mesh coil technology for a robust flavour experience, and a child-lock mechanism for safety.
The Role of Nicotine Delivery
One of the most important aspects of how SMOKO E-Cigarettes work involves nicotine delivery to users. Unlike traditional cigarettes that deliver nicotine through combustion, creating tar and carbon monoxide, E-Cigarettes utilise a clean vaporisation process that preserves nicotine integrity while eliminating many harmful substances made by the combustion process.
E-Cigarettes use cartridges or pods filled with e-liquid which is vaporised for inhalation. The nicotine content in these e-liquids can vary widely, from very high levels to none at all, allowing users to choose their preferred strength.
Many people use e-cigarettes to help manage nicotine cravings when trying to quit smoking as they have been shown to be more effective for quitting smoking than traditional forms nicotine replacement therapy products (3). The ability to deliver nicotine in a similar way to smoking regular cigarettes, satisfying the hand-to-mouth action but with the harm significantly reduced, has made vaping a successful substitute for smoking.
Nicotine Salt vs. Freebase Nicotine
There are two types of nicotine used in vaping: nicotine salts or freebase nicotine, each offering distinct absorption characteristics. Nicotine salts, derived from natural tobacco leaf nicotine, provide smoother throat hits and faster nicotine absorption, closely mimicking traditional cigarette sensations. Freebase nicotine - used in SMOKO e-liquids - is the purest form of nicotine that provides more of a throat-hit compared with nic salts, but evidence indicates that freebase nicotine can achieve and maintain higher blood nicotine levels (4), potentially reducing the frequency of vaping sessions.
Research published in Nature Scientific Reports indicates that nicotine delivery from e-cigarettes can be effectively controlled through device design and e-liquid formulation, allowing manufacturers like SMOKO to create products that satisfy users while supporting smoking cessation goals.
Safety Features and Quality Control
SMOKO E-Cigarettes incorporate multiple safety features designed to protect users and ensure reliable operation. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the safety of e cigarettes is still under investigation and they are not risk-free. There is a lack of comprehensive scientific data on whether e cigarettes are safe, and more research is needed to fully understand their health effects compared to traditional smoking.
The reality is that there is a huge discrepancy between UK manufactured e-liquids and those made elsewhere. Many of the constituents found in e-liquids made in the United States, for example, have long been banned from inclusion in e-liquids made here in the UK. Vitamin E acetate is a chemical linked to E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) in the U.S (5), but it is prohibited from being used in UK-made e-liquids.
In the UK, there are strict regulations governing e-liquid manufacturing, covered by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) and the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This means that SMOKO devices, refills and e-liquids are sent to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in every flavour and at every nicotine strength for approval.
Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
As a UK-based manufacturer, SMOKO adheres to strict quality control standards throughout the production process. The company's commitment to quality has helped prevent over 850 million cigarettes from being smoked over the past 12 years, demonstrating the effectiveness of their approach to e-cigarette design and manufacturing.
Maintenance and Optimisation
Proper understanding of how SMOKO E-Cigarettes work extends to their maintenance and optimisation. Regular care ensures optimal performance and extends device lifespan, maximising the value of your investment.
Battery Care and Charging
SMOKO E-Cigarette batteries perform best when properly maintained. Users should charge their devices using only SMOKO-approved chargers and avoid overcharging by disconnecting devices once fully charged. Storing batteries at moderate temperatures and avoiding complete discharge helps maintain battery capacity over time.
Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning of connection points and mouthpieces ensures optimal flavour and vapour production. Users should wipe down their devices with clean, dry cloths and store them in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight. For those interested in learning more about proper vaping maintenance, SMOKO's comprehensive blog offers detailed guidance and expert tips.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits
Understanding how SMOKO E-Cigarettes work also reveals their environmental and economic advantages over traditional smoking. The reusable nature of the SMOKO rechargeable batteries and accessories reduces waste compared to traditional cigarettes, while the efficiency of vapour production means users consume less nicotine-containing product overall. You can also recycle your empty refills with SMOKO for free!
E-Cigarettes and related products are widely available for purchase in retail stores and online, with various outlets selling E Cigarettes to consumers. The economic benefits of switching to e-cigarettes are supported by their widespread availability and the marketing of these products in retail environments, making them accessible and appealing alternatives to traditional smoking.
SMOKO customers have saved over £510 million by switching from traditional cigarettes to E-Cigarettes, demonstrating the economic benefits of this technology. Public Health England’s evidence review, and the UK's NHS, supports the use of e-cigarettes as effective smoking cessation tools (6), highlighting their potential for both individual and public health benefits.
Future Innovations in E-Cigarette Technology
SMOKO continues to innovate in E-Cigarette technology, developing new features and improvements that enhance user experience while maintaining safety and quality standards. Future developments may include improved battery technology, more sophisticated temperature control systems, and enhanced flavour delivery mechanisms.
Conclusion
Understanding how SMOKO E-Cigarettes work empowers users to make informed decisions about their vaping experience. Whether you're considering your first e-cigarette or looking to upgrade your current device, SMOKO's range of products offers options for every preference and experience level. The company's 12-year track record of helping users transition away from traditional cigarettes demonstrates their commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Ready to experience the benefits of SMOKO E-Cigarettes for yourself? Visit SMOKO's starter kit collection to find the perfect device for your needs and join the hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers who have successfully made the switch to vaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do electronic cigarettes work?
E-cigarettes use a battery to heat a coil, which vaporises e-liquid into an aerosol that users inhale—without burning tobacco.
What is inside e-liquid?
E-liquid typically contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings, and optional nicotine in varying strengths.
Is vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?
While not risk-free, vaping eliminates combustion and significantly reduces exposure to many harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Do SMOKO E-Cigarettes contain tobacco?
No. SMOKO devices do not contain tobacco and instead use nicotine-containing or nicotine-free e-liquids.
Can e-cigarettes help people quit smoking tobacco cigarettes?
Many adult smokers use e-cigarettes as a harm-reduction tool to help transition away from combustible cigarettes, particularly when choosing regulated products like SMOKO.
References
(1) E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review
(2) The 2025 Disposable Vapes Ban: What You Need to Know
(5) Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
(6) NHS: Vaping to quit smoking
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Dan Overgage
Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.
Last updated 18/12/2025
