Getting to know your kit, one part at a time
If you’ve ever opened up a new vape and thought, “Wait… what’s this bit?”, you’re not alone.
When I first started vaping, I didn’t have a clue what half the parts were called — let alone what they actually did. Luckily, once you break it down, it’s all pretty straightforward. And once you know what’s what, maintaining your device and getting the best experience becomes way easier.
So whether you’re rocking a simple pod kit or exploring more advanced mods, here’s a no-nonsense guide to the anatomy of a vape — and what each part does.
🧩 The Main Parts of a Vape (and What They Do)
Let’s start with the basics. Most vapes — whether pod systems or box mods — are made up of the same essential components:
🔋 1. Battery (a.k.a. the power source)
This is the heart of your vape — the bit that heats the coil and powers the whole thing. It can be:
- Internal (built-in, rechargeable via USB-C)
- External (removable 18650 or similar battery)
Most starter kits come with an internal battery, while more advanced mods use external ones for longer life and higher power.
Top tip: Don’t overcharge your battery — and always use the recommended charger!
🧃 2. Tank or Pod (where your e-liquid goes)
This holds your e-liquid, usually 2ml in the UK due to TPD regulations.
- Pods are pre-shaped containers (usually plastic), often magnetically attached to the battery
- Tanks are glass or plastic chambers (mostly on sub-ohm mods), with more moving parts
Some pods have built-in coils; others are refillable and let you swap the coil separately.
🔥 3. Coil (the bit that heats up)
The coil is the little metal and cotton component that heats up and vaporises your e-liquid. It’s the part that wears out the quickest — usually lasting 5–14 days depending on use.
Coils come in different resistances:
- Above 1.0Ω = MTL (mouth-to-lung), tighter draw, works well with nic salts
- Below 1.0Ω = DTL (direct-to-lung), looser draw, bigger clouds
If your vape starts tasting burnt, odds are the coil’s had enough.
🌬️ 4. Airflow System
This is how air moves through your device when you puff. Some vapes have adjustable airflow rings — little sliders or rings that let you fine-tune your draw:
- Tight airflow = more cigarette-like, stronger throat hit
- Loose airflow = more vapour, smoother draw
Many beginner pod systems have fixed airflow, but even subtle differences make a big impact.
👄 5. Drip Tip or Mouthpiece
The bit you puff on. Some are:
- Built into the pod
- Replaceable on tanks
- Wide-bore (for clouds) or narrow (for MTL precision)
Drip tips are one of the easiest ways to personalise your setup — and a fresh tip can actually change the feel of your vape.
⚙️ 6. Firing Button / Auto-Draw Sensor
Depending on your device:
- Button-firing means you press to vape
- Auto-draw means just inhale to activate
Some vapes have both! Button-fire is more common in sub-ohm kits, while most modern pod kits are draw-activated for simplicity.
Bonus Features You Might See
As tech has advanced, many devices now include:
- Display screens for wattage, puff count, battery life
- Wattage control to adjust power
- Smart chips to auto-detect your coil type
- App connectivity for usage tracking (yes, really)
Don’t worry — you don’t need all the bells and whistles to enjoy vaping. But if you love a gadget, there’s a vape for you.
Once you understand the anatomy of your vape, everything else makes more sense — from fixing issues to choosing the right juice. Whether you're using a sleek little pod kit or a beefy mod, the same principles apply.
And if you ever get stuck? Come see us. We’ll open it up, show you the parts, and make sure it’s working how it should — no jargon, no judgement