In 2012 e cigarette manufacturers and industry retailers began to introduce replaceable coil heads. Most atomizers/ vape tanks are now designed so as to make it easy to change the coils as well as more affordable however there are still some clearomizers such as the CE4 which haven't yet incorporated this technology.

The idea behind moving towards replaceable coils is primarily to save you (the vaper) money as non-replaceable clearomizers must be simply thrown away when done and the whole thing replaced (which is also wasteful). Replacing the coil where this is allowable pretty much makes your clearomizer as good as new and you have paid only for the replacement coils as opposed to a whole new clearomizer.

It is essential that when buying replacement coil heads that you buy the right type for your specific e cigarette device. There are varying styles of coils, some being top coils which have a longer stem and which are replaced via the top of the clearomizer, bottom coils which are replaced as the name suggests at the bottom of the clearomizer and there is a commonly used top coil version which is shorter that the long stem coil. While these coils all work the same and none of them are necessarily better than the alternative the difference between them remains that they all work / fit into different devices.

What Is a Coil Head For?

In order to heat your e liquid to produce a vapour which may be inhaled and exhaled you need to have a coil head. The coil head has an element (heating element) and a wick. While it's a fairly simple design and works the same way as any other coil you can't use your e cigarette without a suitable working coil in place. Simple but very necessary!

Inside a Coil Head

Inside a coil head you will see a wick and coil bundle (which together heats up or atomizes the e liquid), a base or base housing (where the wick and coil are sited in order for the coil wire to connect to the negative and the positive to be able to touch the battery pin), a flute (or stem) which channels vapour to the drip tip and seals it and a separate seal for keeping excess e liquid where it should be.

Properly connected these parts produce a working atomizer which will heat up your e liquid when the positive and negative points are connected (by pressing the power button etc).

In vaping, a coil burn refers to overheating the coil within the atomiser of an e-cigarette or vape device. The coil, usually made of metal wire, is responsible for heating the e-liquid, transforming it into the flavorful vapour that users inhale. However, when the coil is subjected to excessive heat over an extended period, it can become damaged, leading to coil burn.

Coil burn can manifest in various ways, including a burnt taste during vaping, decreased vapour production, and even a decrease in the overall lifespan of the coil. This occurrence is particularly common among users who push their devices to the limits, either by vaping at high wattages or chain vaping, where consecutive puffs do not allow the coil enough time to cool down between draws.

Why Coil Burn Matters?

Vaping Experience: The most apparent reason why coil burn matters is its direct impact on the vaping experience. When a coil is burnt, the taste of the vapour becomes unpleasant, resembling charred or acrid flavours. This diminishes the enjoyment of the vaping session and makes it uncomfortable to inhale the vapour.

Health and Safety: An overheated coil can produce harmful by-products like formaldehyde and other toxic substances. These can harm the user's health and compromise the overall safety of vaping.

Cost-Efficiency: Frequent coil burn necessitates the need for more frequent coil replacements. This can add to significant expenses over time, as coils are essential components that require periodic replacement to maintain the device's functionality.

Coil Longevity: Regular coil burn can significantly reduce the coil's lifespan. Properly maintained coils typically last longer, providing users with a consistent vaping experience and reducing the need for replacements.

Performance: Coil burn affects the overall performance of the vape device, leading to reduced vapour production and a compromised flavour profile. This can be disappointing for vapers who seek satisfying clouds and a rich taste from their e-liquids.

What Are Coil Heads?

Coil heads are needed to help produce the flavoured vapour that you enjoy when you vape. The coil contains a heating element and a wick; this component of the e-cigarette device heats the e liquids you put in the tank. Without the coil, you get no vapour which makes for a pointless vape.

Will I Know If My Coil Is Burning?

Oh yes, you will know if something is wrong with your coil and it is burning as the taste is unmistakable. If you have burnt a panhandle on the stove or caught a whiff of someone burning tyres, these are the mild versions of the whiff from a burning coil. Or so some would say. The bottom line is that a burning coil neither tastes nor smells nice, so it should be avoided at all costs.

If your coil has burnt out and you’ve replaced it and refilled the e-juice remember that it might take a few puffs to replace the old burnt smell with something much more palatable.

Thankfully, if you read this guide properly and note the rather clever tips and tricks we’ve shared, you should be able to avoid assaulting your nostrils and upsetting your taste buds for the rest of the day.

What Causes Coil Burnage?

That is a very good question! To ensure you don’t suffer the consequences of coil burn, you first need to understand what causes the burning. The battery sends power through your coil, which starts to heat rapidly and becomes hot enough to turn your wick into your favourite vapour. This vapour is inhaled and enjoyed.

If this clever run of events is disrupted somehow, we start to see problems. If, for example, the battery is dead or not properly connected, we don’t get the heat, and so there is no vapour. If there isn’t enough e-liquid in the tank (or rather no e-liquid), nothing protects the wick from overheating (the e-liquid stops the wick from overheating), and things get nasty.

If there is only a very small amount of e-liquid in place and the e-cigarette is activated constantly, there won’t be enough liquid to absorb the high temperature. Therefore the e-liquid heated higher than it ever would be if the e-cigarette were working properly with adequate e-juice in place, overcooks and, in turn, helps the PG base convert/break down into formaldehyde.

Secondly, if there is no e-liquid or insufficient e-liquid to cover the wick, protecting it from the device's heat once you fire it up, it will be in direct contact with the coil heat. The burning hot, glowing coil. You can guess what happens next, can’t you? Let’s say that if you thought formaldehyde stank, you’re in for a treat with the smell of a burnt cotton wick. Not a taste or scent you will want to revisit any time soon, or ever!

The way the coil works is to soak up the e-liquid inside the tank or pod, which is then heated and turned into the flavoured vapour you draw in via the mouthpiece. For this process to work properly, the coil needs to be primed. It needs to be properly coated and soaked, especially before first use. If you’re using a new tank with coils already in place or have inserted/replaced coils yourself, ensure you saturate the wick and coils before use (so no dry coils to burn!).

Properly priming your coil ensures a satisfying and long-lasting vaping experience. Priming involves saturating the wicking material of your coil with e-liquid before its initial use, allowing it to absorb the liquid and prevent the dreaded dry hit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prime your coil effectively:

Select the Right Coil and E-Liquid: Ensure your chosen coil is compatible with your vaping device. Different coils have varying wicking materials, such as cotton or mesh, and each may require a slightly different priming technique. Additionally, choose an e-liquid with a suitable VG/PG ratio, as high VG blends may be thicker and require more thorough priming.

Disassemble the Tank: Before priming, disassemble the tank from the device to access the coil easily. This will prevent any accidental leakage during the priming process.

Drop E-Liquid onto the Coil: Identify the exposed cotton wick openings on the sides of the coil. Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto these openings, making sure not to over-saturate. This step initiates the absorption process.

Saturate the Coil's Top: With the coil still disassembled, add a drop or two of e-liquid into the centre opening on top of the coil. This helps saturate the inner cotton and prepares it for optimal wicking.

Reassemble the Tank: Carefully reassemble the tank, ensuring all components are securely in place. This prevents any unnecessary leaks during the final steps.

Fill the Tank and Wait: Fill the tank with e-liquid and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This resting period allows the coil to fully absorb the e-liquid, preventing dry hits and potential damage to the coil.

Start with Low Wattage: When using a variable wattage device, start at a low setting and gradually increase it as you vape. This gradual increase in power further ensures that the coil is adequately primed.

Repetitive Or Chain Vaping: Suppose you are a chain smoker/vaper and are constantly puffing away on your device without giving it a chance to catch up, basically not taking time between puffs. In that case, you risk overheating the coil, resulting in a burnt wick and damage to the coil.

Incorrect Voltage: It is easy to burn out or instantly "break" a coil by using a voltage that is too high for the ohms level of your device /coils. A higher voltage level will cause a fast build-up of heat, damaging the coil (listen out for the "pop"), caused by the coil not being adequately covered in e-liquid and the heat not dissipating properly.

Caramelising: It might sound better than it is. This occurs when there is a build-up on the wick. Gunk builds up more often when some particularly sweet e-liquids or even tobacco-flavoured e-liquids are exposed to excess heat and when the device needs to be cleaned/maintained as well as it might be.

Viscose E Liquids: E-liquids which sport a higher viscosity level, particularly those with a higher concentration of vegetable glycerin (VG) in the base, are prone to a reduced flow level which in turn causes the coil to overheat and be damaged/burn out.

If, despite your best efforts, you do find yourselves having to change your coils a lot more frequently than you would expect to and have been mindful of the list above, it could be that you need to decrease your voltage and increase the ohms of your device. Either this or you should try using a different one.

While mindful of these factors, you must realise that no matter how well you treat and maintain your device, coils will die regularly. This is the disposable element of e-smoking. Thankfully replacement coils are very affordable, more so if you have reached a point where you feel confident enough to make your own (some very experienced vapers do this to save money in the long term and further customise their vaping experience).

Chain vaping, continuously taking consecutive puffs without adequate pauses, has become a common habit among vapers. While vaping can be a satisfying and safer alternative to smoking, chain vaping can lead to several issues, the most prominent being overheating vape coils. This can not only compromise the overall vaping experience but diminish the lifespan of coils and even pose potential health risks. To preserve the longevity of your vape setup and ensure a smooth vaping experience, here are some effective strategies for avoiding chain vaping:

Mindful Puffing: Be conscious of your vaping patterns and avoid excessive, rapid puffing. Take slower, controlled draws and savour the flavour and satisfaction each puff brings. This simple adjustment will help your coils remain at a more moderate temperature.

Proper Coil Priming: Before using a new coil, ensure it is adequately primed with e-liquid. A well-saturated coil is less likely to overheat, as it efficiently vaporises the e-juice without causing undue stress.

Increase Coil Resistance: Lower coil resistances tend to produce more significant clouds but generate more heat. Opt for higher resistance coils as they generally run cooler, reducing the risk of overheating.

Choose Suitable Wattage: Adjust your vaping device's wattage settings appropriately for the specific coil you are using. Refer to the coil's recommended wattage range provided by the manufacturer to find the sweet spot that delivers a satisfying vape without pushing the coil to its limits.

Allow Coils to Cool Down: If you've been vaping consistently, take short breaks between sessions to let the coils cool down. A few seconds of rest can significantly reduce the chances of overheating.

Airflow Management: Properly adjust your device's airflow to balance flavour and cloud production. A well-ventilated tank can help dissipate excess heat and prevent the coil from becoming too hot.

While vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, excessive use, such as chain vaping, can lead to various health complications. If you do start to show any of these symptoms, we recommend stopping vaping immediately and speaking to a health professional if symptoms persist.

Here are some of the main health risks associated with chain vaping:

Nicotine Poisoning: One of the immediate dangers of chain vaping is nicotine poisoning. Ingesting large amounts of nicotine in a short timeframe can result in nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, even seizures.

Heart Problems: Nicotine is a stimulant that affects the heart. Chain vaping can cause a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to a higher risk of developing heart-related issues such as palpitations, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Oral Health Issues: Chain vaping can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and cleaning the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Also, the chemicals in flavoured e-liquids can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and soreness.

Immune System Suppression: The repeated inhalation of vapour can weaken the immune system, particularly in the respiratory tract. This can make the lungs more susceptible to infections. Studies suggest that chemicals in e-cigarettes can impair the function of immune cells, reducing the body's ability to fight off respiratory illnesses.

Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and chain vaping can lead to a stronger dependence on the substance. The rapid and frequent delivery of nicotine can create a vicious cycle of craving and withdrawal, making it harder for individuals to quit and leading to long-term addiction issues.

Mental Health Effects: While some users vape to relieve stress and anxiety, the temporary relief is often followed by increased anxiety and stress due to nicotine addiction. The cycle of addiction and withdrawal can worsen overall mental health, causing irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

Reduced Physical Fitness: Chain vaping can affect physical fitness levels. Regular and excessive nicotine use can reduce lung capacity and endurance, making physical activities more challenging. This is particularly concerning for young users, who may experience a decline in sports performance and overall physical health.

If you've been chain vaping and are experiencing negative symptoms, it’s important to take immediate steps to manage and alleviate those signs. Here are practical strategies to help you combat the adverse effects of chain vaping:

Switch to Lower Nicotine E-Liquids: Gradually decrease the nicotine strength of your e-liquids to low or nicotine-free e-liquid. This can help reduce nicotine dependence and lower the risk of nicotine poisoning.

Drink Plenty of Water:  Vaping can dry out your mouth and throat. Drinking water helps keep you hydrated and can alleviate some symptoms. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can further dehydrate you.

Controlled Vaping Sessions: Actively take breaks between vaping sessions. Set a timer for yourself to ensure you’re not vaping continuously. Try to distract yourself with activities that keep your hands and mind occupied, such as reading, exercising, or hobbies.

Monitor Health Symptoms: Be aware of signs like nausea, dizziness, or headaches. If these occur, stop vaping immediately. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact a healthcare professional for advice and potential treatment.

When it comes to vaping, choosing the right e-liquid is crucial to enhance your overall vaping experience. Among the various factors to consider, the impact of different e-liquids on coil burn is a significant aspect that directly affects the longevity and performance of your vaping device. Let's explore how various e-liquids can influence coil burn and what factors you should consider.

PG/VG Ratio:

E-liquids have two primary components: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). A higher PG ratio tends to be thinner and may not require as much heat to vaporise, making it easier on coils. On the other hand, high VG e-liquids are thicker and can be more challenging for coils to vaporise efficiently, potentially leading to quicker coil burnout. Finding the right balance that suits your device is essential in prolonging coil life.

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

Some e-liquids contain sweeteners and intense flavourings, which can leave residues on the coil. When heat exposure, these residues may caramelise and gunk up the coil, resulting in decreased performance and a burnt taste. Opting for e-liquids with reduced sweeteners or cleaner flavour profiles can help maintain coil health.

Nicotine Content:

The nicotine level in e-liquids can impact coil burn. High concentrations can contribute to a harsher throat hit, requiring increased wattage to achieve satisfaction. This can strain the coil and lead to quicker burnout. Choosing an e-liquid with an appropriate nicotine level can alleviate this issue.

Quality of E-liquid:

Investing in high-quality e-liquids from reputable manufacturers can make a notable difference in coil longevity. Premium e-liquids often undergo rigorous testing and use better ingredients, reducing the likelihood of impurities that could harm coils.

Device and Coil Compatibility:

Different devices and coil types have unique tolerances and recommended wattage ranges. Using an e-liquid that matches the specifications of your device and coil can help prevent undue stress on the coil and ensure a more satisfying vaping experience.

Frequency of Vaping:

The frequency of vaping also plays a role in coil longevity. Heavy vapers may experience quicker coil burn due to constant exposure to heat. Choosing an e-liquid that promotes optimal coil health becomes even more critical if you vape frequently.

Vaping has gained significant popularity as a safer alternative to smoking, but like any electronic device, vape coils can sometimes encounter issues. One common problem vapers face is coil burn, resulting in an unpleasant vaping experience and diminished flavour production. Understanding how to identify and fix coil burn is essential for any vape enthusiast to maintain the longevity and performance of their device. This section delves into the details of troubleshooting coil burn, enabling vapers to enjoy a smooth and flavorful vaping experience.

Identifying Coil Burn

Flavour Alterations:

The first sign of a burnt coil is a noticeable change in the flavour of your vape. The e-liquid's taste may become harsh, metallic, or excessively bitter, indicating the coil no longer adequately vaporises the liquid. If you notice a sudden and unpleasant shift in taste, it's time to check for coil burn.

Unusual Smell:

When activated, a burnt coil emits a distinct, foul odour. If you detect an acrid or burnt smell while vaping, your coil is likely compromised. This smell is an unmistakable indicator that the coil needs attention.

Discolouration:

Visually inspecting the coil is another way to identify burn issues. A burnt coil may exhibit a dark, charred appearance, or you might notice a buildup of dark gunk on the coil's surface. Regularly inspecting the coil will help you catch the problem early.

Properly maintaining and cleaning coils is essential for the optimal performance and longevity of various appliances and systems, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and vaping devices. Coils are responsible for heat transfer and cooling, and when they become clogged or dirty, their efficiency diminishes, leading to higher energy consumption and potential equipment malfunctions.

Coils play a crucial role in heat exchange processes. In air conditioners and refrigerators, they facilitate the transfer of heat, allowing the systems to cool and maintain desired temperatures. In vaping devices, coils vaporise the e-liquid, producing flavour and vapour. Over time, coils accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, forming a thick layer that acts as an insulator. This buildup restricts heat transfer and reduces efficiency, making the equipment work harder and consume more energy. Regularly cleaning coils can prevent these issues and ensure smooth operation.

While the coil is an integral part of ensuring you’re getting the most out of your e-liquid, there are other ways to elevate your vaping experience - such as steeping your e-liquid.

Some people buy a new e liquid or e juice and want to use it straight away while others, often those who have been enjoying e cigarettes for a while may be looking at ways to enhance the way that their vape juices tastes.

Much the same way that Christmas pudding chefs steep their Christmas puddings over a period of time to allow the alcohol to mature and enhance their flavour, vapers are now taking steps to enhance the flavour of the e juices in a similar way.

There is nothing “wrong” with using an e liquid just as it is when it arrives. Most manufacturers you will know that what you get through the post or in store is the real deal and bound to taste great and be ready for immediate use. Steeping is purely a way for people to enhance the experience, dependant on their individual tastes. Steeping allows flavours to blend together and become mature, whilst rounding off any harsh flavours. The PG and VG and flavourings needs time to fuse together to release a fuller more smoother flavour.

Stepping E-liquid Using Oxidation

The general rule of thumb for steeping is to find a cool and dark place, to leave the lid off and to allow the e juice time to mature as the air causes oxidation of the liquid. Between three and ten days initially is what is suggested although seven days is the popular choice.

Once you’ve tested your e juice, which may have changed colour (interaction of liquids with nicotine causes this) as part of the process which is entirely normal, you may be satisfied or you may wish to leave it a little longer. Frequently squeezing the air out of the bottle and allowing fresh air to go into the bottle, will aid the process. This method of time delay steeping, is natural and the most popular around but does have its disadvantage of taking a while to reach optimum results(user dependent).

Steeping E-liquid Using Warm Water

A second method that some vapers seem to favour, especially when they are looking to slightly reduce the time it takes for the e juice to mature or steep is to use warm water.

Some recommend leaving the e juice bottle in warm water (no hotter than body temperature), giving it a shake from time to time and then repeating, renewing the water obviously for anything from a few hours to a few days. This method is trial and error however the idea behind it is that the heat helps to quicken the reactions. Again the e juice may darken in colour which is simply a by-product of the reaction.

There are also other methods such as using microwaves to increase the molecular particle infusion of the liquid and also methods using ultrasonic, but we do advise using only the above for best steeping results.

There is no hard and fast rule which governs steeping and while some swear by it others remain sceptical. The only way to know if this process does indeed enhance the e juice flavour is to give it a go.

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Knowing how to take care of your coil is the first step towards consistent, flavourful vaping. Whether you have made the jump from disposable vapes to a vape kit and need to know the basic maintenance steps, or you simply want to better understand your vape device, keeping your coil in top condition will really pay off. At Go Smoke Free, we stock a huge range of spare coil heads and atomizers from leading vaping brands, as well as premium e-liquids to suit all tastes and budgets. For a safer, happier vaping experience, choose Go Smoke Free!