I get this question a lot at Vapeology — usually right after someone’s taken their first puff on a new kit and says, “I didn’t realise there was so much going on inside this thing.” And they’re right. A vape might look simple on the outside, but there’s quite a bit of clever tech working together every time you inhale.
So let’s lift the lid and break it down — no jargon, no overcomplication — just a clear look at what actually powers your puff.
1. The Battery: The Heart of Your Vape
The battery is the engine of your vape. Without it, nothing happens. Most modern vape kits use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, similar to what you’ll find in smartphones — just optimised for delivering power in short bursts.
Battery size is measured in mAh (milliamp hours). The higher the number, the longer your device will last between charges. Smaller pod kits might sit around 500–900 mAh, while larger kits can go well beyond that.
Why it matters: A healthier battery means more consistent power, better flavour, and fewer “why is this so weak?” moments halfway through the day.
2. The Chipset: Your Vape’s Brain
Inside most modern devices is a tiny circuit board called a chipset. This is the part that controls how power is delivered from the battery to the coil.
Even simple pod kits use chipsets to:
- Regulate power for smooth, consistent hits
- Prevent overheating and short circuits
- Shut the device off if something goes wrong
Years ago, vaping tech was far more basic. Today’s chipsets make devices safer, more efficient, and far more reliable — which is one reason newer kits feel so much smoother than older ones.
3. The Coil: Where the Magic Happens
The coil is where vapour is actually created. It’s a small piece of metal wire (or mesh) wrapped around cotton. When power hits the coil, it heats up and vaporises the e-liquid soaked into the cotton.
Most modern kits now use mesh coils rather than traditional wire. Mesh heats more evenly, which means:
- Better flavour
- Faster heat-up
- Less chance of burnt hits
Why coils wear out: Over time, residue builds up on the coil and cotton. That’s why flavour drops and why replacing pods or coils makes such a big difference.
4. The Pod or Tank: Holding Your E-Liquid
This is the part that holds your e-liquid. In pod kits, it’s usually a small plastic pod; in larger devices, it’s a tank made from glass or metal.
In the UK, all compliant pods and tanks are limited to 2 ml capacity. This keeps everything in line with current regulations.
Some pods are replaceable (you swap the whole pod), while others let you replace just the coil. Both systems work well — it really comes down to convenience versus flexibility.
5. Airflow: Shaping the Feel of Your Vape
Airflow controls how much air mixes with the vapour when you inhale. This is what determines whether a vape feels tight like a cigarette (MTL) or looser and airier.
Many newer kits offer adjustable airflow, letting you fine-tune the draw. Even a small change can affect:
- Flavour intensity
- Vapour warmth
- Throat hit
I often tell customers: if your vape doesn’t “feel right”, airflow adjustment is the first thing to check.
6. The Mouthpiece: Small Part, Big Difference
It might seem minor, but the mouthpiece plays a role in comfort and vapour delivery. Narrow tips concentrate flavour, while wider ones feel airier.
Most pod kits are designed for mouth-to-lung vaping, which works brilliantly with nic salt e-liquids and lower power output.
How It All Works Together
When you take a puff:
- The battery sends power to the chipset
- The chipset regulates that power
- The coil heats up
- The e-liquid in the pod vaporises
- Airflow shapes the vapour
- You inhale — job done
All of this happens in a split second. When everything’s working properly, you don’t even notice it — you just get smooth, satisfying vapour.
Why Newer Vape Kits Feel Better
If you’ve ever upgraded your kit and thought, “Why does this taste so much better?”, this is why. Improvements in batteries, chipsets and coil design mean modern vapes are:
- More consistent
- Safer to use
- Better at delivering flavour
- Less prone to leaks and misfires
You can see how far things have come by browsing our latest vape kits — even budget devices now pack serious tech.
My Take From the Shop Floor
You don’t need to understand every technical detail to enjoy vaping — but knowing what’s inside your device helps you spot issues faster, choose better gear, and get more out of your setup.
When customers understand why coils need replacing or why airflow matters, they have a much smoother experience overall — and far fewer frustrating moments.
Your vape may look simple, but there’s a lot of smart engineering behind every puff. From the battery powering it all to the coil shaping flavour, each part plays its role.
Curious about upgrading or trying something new? Explore our vape kits and e-liquids to see the tech in action.