What is an Atomiser in a Vape?
April 28, 2026 • 4 min read
An atomiser is the component in a vape that is responsible for heating and vapourising the e‑liquid. All vaping devices have them, from basic disposable vapes and refillable pod systems to more advanced devices with customisable settings.
What's the Difference Between Vape Coils and Atomisers?
The word “atomiser” describes all of the components responsible for storing, heating, and vapourising e‑liquid, while vape coils represent one of these components.
An easier way to think about this is to imagine a hob on an oven. The atomiser represents the entire hob, while a vape coil is one of the burners. The other burners on the hob represent the different components needed to heat the e‑liquid and produce vapour:
- Coil
- Wick
- Tank (or pod)
- Mouthpiece
How Does an Atomiser Work?
Here's a quick tour of what goes on inside your vape atomiser:
- E‑liquid is filled into the clearomiser or tank
- The e‑liquid flows into the atomiser
- The wick inside the atomiser absorbs the e‑liquid
- A heating element heats the wick, turning the e‑liquid into vapour
- The vapour passes through the device airflow system
- The vapour flows out through the mouthpiece
What Are the Different Types of Atomisers?
There are several different types of atomisers. Some allow more experienced users to customise their devices, while others are designed for simplicity and ease of use.
- Pre‑filled
- Built‑in
- Clearomisers
- Cartomisers
- Sub‑Ohm
- RBA
Pre‑Filled
Some devices use pre‑filled pods that contain the coil, e‑liquid and pod in a single unit. This makes them convenient and easy to use, as there is no need to refill the pod or replace the coil separately.
Pre‑filled pods are designed to be replaced with a new one once the e‑liquid is depleted. Pods are available in a variety of flavour options depending on product availability and local regulations.
Built-In
Some disposable vape devices have built‑in atomisers, meaning the coil and e‑liquid are contained inside the device itself.
These devices are designed for convenience and typically require no maintenance or setup. They are intended to be used until the e‑liquid is depleted or the battery is no longer functional, after which the device should be disposed of responsibly according to local electronic waste guidelines.
Clearomisers
Clearomisers, or “clear atomisers,” are commonly used with refillable tank systems.
They allow users to refill the tank with e‑liquid and replace coils when necessary. These systems require a little more maintenance, including refilling the tank and changing coils periodically. Proper maintenance is important to help prevent issues such as leaking or burnt flavours.
Cartomisers
Cartomisers, or “cartridge atomisers,” are earlier atomiser designs often used in cig‑a‑like or entry‑level vaping devices.
They combine the coil and e‑liquid in a single replaceable cartridge. Once the e‑liquid is depleted, the cartomiser can be replaced with a new one.
Sub‑Ohm
Sub‑Ohm tanks are designed to operate with lower resistance coils, which can produce larger amounts of vapour.
Some models may include adjustable airflow or power settings. Like other refillable systems, they require routine maintenance, including coil replacement and tank cleaning.
RBA (Rebuildable Atomisers)
Rebuildable atomisers provide a high level of customisation. They allow experienced users to install their own coils and wicks.
Because building coils requires knowledge of device safety and resistance levels, rebuildable atomisers are generally recommended for more advanced users.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only, intended for adult nicotine consumers (18+) in Canada, and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources, and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity, or completeness of such information.
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