Just so you know, clearomizers and tanks are essentially the same thing. We’ll be using the term clearomizer most often in this blog, but when you hear “tank,” you are hearing about the same piece of kit.

We’ve already established that a clearomizer is a tank. This tank sits within an e-cigarette and is designed to be filled with e-liquid. From its name, clearomizer, you can guess that these tanks are…clear, which means that you can see what’s going on inside. Once upon a time, clearomizers were made from metal. However, what makes clearomizers different from cartomizers (a blog post for another day) is the lack of filling within the tank.

Clearomizers depend upon the reservoir that contains the e liquid which in turn surrounds the wick that is attached to/part of the coil. A cartomizer tends to use a filling, namely an absorbent material which soaks up and holds the e liquid which is in turn transfers to an atomiser that is built in.

Confused? Don’t be. We are concentrating on clearomizers, which are commonly used and often preferred. After you've read this guide and grasped the basics, do your own research on different tanks, including the various types and brands available.

Of course, as with everything vaping related and otherwise, there are a number of different styles, types, shapes and so on to choose from. Clearomizers are no different however the fundamental designs remain more or less the same.

Five main components make up a clearomizer:

The Tank: The part which contains the e liquid. This reservoir is most often manufactured using plastic or glass.

Chimney and Top Section: The so-called chimney is attached to the coil. It allows for air to move through the tank.

Bottom Section: In order to work, a coil needs to be screwed in and connected to the battery which powers your devices. This takes place in the bottom section of the e cigarette.

Mouth Piece or Trip Tip: The mouth piece, as the name suggests, is the part of the device you (the vaper) puts their mouth around in order to take a draw. There are different sizes and styles so that you may choose something that suits you best.

The Coil: Without the coil your vaping experience would be dull indeed as without the coil which heats up the e juice, there would be no vapour. There are various different coil types and what you use will depend of your device and your preference.

There are many different types of clearomizers, and while they all do the same thing, they all do it slightly differently. We stock a number of clearomizers, including popular brands Aspire, Dovpo, Freemax, Horizontech, Innokin, Vandy Vape, Voopoo and more. Types of clearomizers include dual coil clearomizers, bottom dual coil clearomizers, bottom coil clearomizers and variable airflow control clearomizers.

Dual Coil Clearomizers

Dual coil clearomizers feature two heating coils within the atomiser. This design allows for more efficient vapourisation of e-liquid, resulting in increased vapour production and a more intense flavour. The dual coil setup generally provides a warmer vape and can handle higher wattages compared to single coil clearomizers.

Bottom Dual Coil Clearomizers

Bottom dual coil (BDC) clearomizers place two heating coils at the bottom of the tank. This design ensures that the wicks stay saturated with e-liquid, reducing the likelihood of dry hits and improving overall flavour consistency. BDC clearomizers are known for their robust performance and reliable vapour production.

Bottom Coil Clearomizers

Bottom-coil clearomizers have a single coil positioned at the bottom of the tank. This design helps to maintain constant saturation of the wick, as gravity naturally feeds e-liquid to the coil. Bottom-coil clearomizers typically offer smoother and cooler vapour than top-coil designs and are less prone to dry hits.

Variable Airflow Control Clearomizers

Variable airflow control clearomizers come with adjustable airflow options, allowing users to customise their vaping experience. By regulating the amount of air that enters the clearomizer, vapers can influence the draw resistance, vapour production, and even the temperature of the vapour. This versatility makes variable airflow control clearomizers a favourite among those who like to tweak their settings for optimal performance.

Don’t be put off by the different types. The basics are more or less the same regardless, and if you read the accompanying manufacturer’s information prior to use, you will be able to recognise any differences in how they work and how they must be maintained, including being filled!

Once you’ve refilled a brand new clearomizer, you need to let it sit for a good five minutes—or potentially slightly less if you gently swish the e-liquid in the clearomizer around the wick to encourage it to become saturated. This is called priming the coil.

Your patience will be rewarded as if you try and vape straight away with a dry wick you are going to experience a really rather awful burning taste. We’d advise waiting! That way you get to enjoy the pure form of the flavour of e liquid you’ve chosen, rather than a burnt toast version. The better soaked the wick is, the better the vape.

If you’ve chosen to use larger coils ensuring the entire wick is well covered and saturated with e liquid is a must. Make sure this is done effectively by using 4-5 drops of the e liquid, dropping it onto the cotton at the bottom of the base, as well as around the sides and the top of the coil to ensure all material is thoroughly wet and saturated through.

This is one of the tasks you need to learn as it is a basic requirement of vaping. Make sure that you check the instructions that accompany your clearomizer as different brands feature slightly different designs as well as their own advice for how to fill their specific model.

The general rule of thumb is to go steady, be careful, and avoid dropping e-liquid into the centre tube of the clearomizer. This applies regardless of whether your clearomizer is a bottom-filling or top-filling model. Getting e-liquid into the centre section will result in leakage and mess and may disrupt the inner workings of the device, perhaps damaging the parts completely. A steady hand wins the game!

Tilt the clearomizer when filling, taking care to not fill past the maximum fill markings, if your tank has these. A top tip for filling is to use an e liquid bottle with a very fine tip to it. This makes dropping the e liquid in easier, cleaner and reduces wastage.

Again, ensure that you make yourself familiar with the brand or model you hold by reading the contained manufacturer instructions for use.

A clearomizer won’t last forever and, therefore, will need to be cleaned and maintained periodically. A build-up of e-liquid on the coil and ensuring the general cleanliness of the clearomizer will go a long way towards ensuring that you enjoy a clear and tasty hassle-free vape each and every time. If, upon examining your clearomizer, you find cracks or other damage, it might be time to retire that particular tank and start again.

Cleaning a clearomizer needs to be done very carefully. Some vapers consider their clearomizer to be entirely disposable and discard it entirely once it becomes apparent that cleaning is required. During cleaning, damage can occur, which would affect the quality of the vape or make vaping impossible altogether,

That said, giving your clearomizer a clean when appropriate will prolong the life of the parts, making it the thriftier choice.

A basic rinse will clear up most build-up. This is easily done by breaking down the clearomizer parts and holding them under a hot tap. You may do the same with the wicks (gently) however when it comes to drying the wicks this must be done incredibly carefully as damage could easily occur. Use an absorbent kitchen roll or paper to remove the majority of the moisture and then allow the wick/s to dry out somewhere dry and warm for at least another twenty-four hours before replacing them again.

Coils are disposable parts of an e cigarette therefore inevitably they will need changing once they’ve burnt out. Generally speaking, it works out cheaper to replace the coils than replace the whole clearomizer. Changing the coils is actually really easy, simply unscrew the burnt-out coils and replace with the new head. Again (this old chestnut, we know), do read the instructions as there are slight differences between makes and models.

Here are the basic instructions for changing a vape tank coil.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

●    A new coil compatible with your e-cigarette tank
●    Paper towels or a cloth (for any spills)
●    E-liquid (to prime your new coil)
●    Your e-cigarette device

Step 2: Disassemble the Tank

1.    Turn off your device: Ensure your e-cigarette is powered off to avoid any accidents.
2.    Remove the tank: Unscrew the tank from the battery/mod. The method may vary, as some tanks have a top-fill system and others are bottom-fill.
3.    Empty the tank: If any leftover e-liquid remains, pour it out to avoid spills during the process.

Step 3: Remove the Old Coil

1.    Unscrew the base of the tank: This will expose the coil. Depending on your tank, the coil might be screwed into the base or simply pressed in.
2.    Remove the old coil: Unscrew or pull out the old coil. If it's stuck, use a cloth for a better grip.

Step 4: Prepare the New Coil

1.    Prime the new coil: Before installing the new coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid to the exposed cotton on the coil. This helps to saturate the wick and prevent dry hits.
2.    Check for proper saturation: Make sure the cotton looks fully saturated but not overly soaked.

Step 5: Install the New Coil

1.    Insert the new coil: Screw or press the new coil into the tank base securely. Ensure it's firmly in place to avoid any leaks.
2.    Reassemble the tank: Attach the base (with the new coil) back to the tank.

Step 6: Refill the Tank

1.    Fill with e-liquid: Refill your tank with your preferred e-liquid, being careful not to overfill.
2.    Reassemble the tank: If you have to disassemble further, reattach all the components securely.

Step 7: Reattach the Tank and Prime the Coil

1.    Reattach the tank: Screw the tank back onto the battery/mod.
2.    Prime the coil: Allow the tank to sit for a few minutes to ensure the e-liquid fully saturates the coil. You can also take a few dry pulls (inhale without pressing the fire button) to help the process.

Step 8: Start Vaping

1.    Power on the device: Turn your e-cigarette back on.
2.    Adjust settings: If your device has adjustable settings, start at a lower wattage and gradually increase to your preferred setting to break in the new coil.

It would be great if everything was plug and play, and while this does occur most of the time with vaping, there are times when things don’t go to plan. Here are some quick tips for those times when things aren’t working as they should.

Read the instructions! You’d be surprised how many people call manufacturers and hit forums, waiting for someone to come back and hopefully have the right answer to a model-specific enquiry when all they had to do was read the instructions their clearomizer and parts came with. If these have been lost, a quick Google for the manufacturer’s website should help. Make it easy on yourself and make this your first port of call when something isn’t working right.

Make sure everything is properly connected. The clearomizer needs to be properly secured/screwed-on to the base in order to work.

Check the battery or vape mod. Yup, if things aren’t firing up and you are sure that you’ve connected everything up properly you might find that it isn’t actually a clearomizer issue at all. Power issues more often than not start with the battery or the vape mod itself.

If you smell burning… stop! First, check your e-liquid level, as this is a common cause of burning smells. Next, look to make sure that there isn’t a build-up of e-liquid “gunk” around the coil. If this isn’t the problem, have a good look at the wick. Is it burnt out? It’s important to remember that wicks/coils are disposable item, and so won’t last forever. Sometimes, the quick fix is just to replace the part.

Take note of the gasket (silicone and sitting on top of the heating coils). If this is out of place it can cause a blockage.

As you know, clearomizers aren’t permanent parts. They do break, wear out, and need replacing. In the long term, it makes sense to choose a clearomizer that allows you to replace the coil heads yourself, as this works out cheaper. A clearomizer may last as little as a few weeks to a good few months. It all depends on the type, how you use it, and how well-maintained it is.

If you spot cracks or chips and if you still smell burning after replacing coils/checking wicks etc replacing the clearomizer is often the best course of action. You might want to read our Stop Your Coil From Burning Out blog for more information avoiding non-clearomizer coil burning problems.

The best way for you to become an expert in the field of coils, wicks and clearomizers is to practice. Refer back to this guidance, get to know your device and read the instructions. Over time, with practice, caring for your device will become something you do quickly and easily, allowing you to enjoy seamless vaping without interruption.

Keep it Topped Up

One of the most common clearomizer issue is allowing the e liquid level to drop too low, burning out the atomizer which either shortens its life or destroys it altogether. If you have chosen a clearomizer you should be able to see with a glance how much e liquid is left in, so remember to check regularly.

Don’t Vape Straight Away

On filling your clearomizer up give the wick a minute (or three to five) to be coated/soak up your e liquid. This avoids that not-so-fun burning taste of a burned out tank/burnt wick. If your clearomizer houses sub ohm wicks you’ll need to leave it a bit longer.

Take Shorter Draws

If you are someone attempting to take huge, long, prolonged draws on your e cigarette you are going to damage the atomizer, particularly if this is a low-ohm atomizer. Take care not to over-extend your device like this. You don’t need to take ultra-long draws to enjoy your vape. Have a try with different draw times/strengths and see how you get on.

Avoid E-Liquid in the Chimney

When you read the e cigarette device instructions for filling up with e liquid you will no doubt see something along the lines of “Do not allow e liquid to go into the chimney or it will flood”. It does indeed flood. If you drip your e liquid into the central tube you’ll soon know as you’ll hear a somewhat unpleasant gurgling noise. If this occurs the best way to fix the issue is the unscrew/remove the bottom and blow through it sharply onto some kitchen roll or similar.

Switch Off Before Pocketing

It always pays to ensure that your device is properly switched off and locked (if this function exists) before putting it in your pocket or your bag. Not only is this good safety advice, it also protects your clearomizer. If your e cigarette has been bubbling away in your pocket it is going to burn dry and it is going to cause damage, as well as an unholy stink. Check your device instructions for the best way to switch the e cig off (many have a five-click function where you must press the device button 5 times in quick succession to either switch the device on or off properly).

Top or Bottom Filling?

Clearomizers may be filled from the top or the bottom. When you buy a new device, make sure you check which way is the right to avoid a messy clean-up job and the risk of damage.

Secure it Properly

When you construct your clearomizer make sure that the coil is properly screwed in place. Don’t tighten it too much, but be firm. If you are struggling, turn it a half turn the wrong way before smoothly turning back and screwing closed. This can help you thread it properly. If you make sure your clearomizer is properly screwed down/on you’ll avoid leaks.

Top Fill Settings Disasters

If your device, as with quite a few of the new devices, has two top fill settings, vape and fill modes, make sure that once you’ve refilled with your e liquid that you turn it back to vape mode before you vape. If you don’t you’ll be looking at burnt coils and leaking e liquid, neither of which add up to a pleasant vape.

Line Up The Air Holes

Take note of your air holes as if these aren’t properly lined up and open you might well struggle to get a decent draw, or any draw at all. This oversight usually occurs post-filling so make checking the air holes part of your filling and maintenance routine.

Match Your Kit Up Properly

There is little point buying yourself a new, higher specification clearomizer only to try and screw it onto an old and less powerful battery. Vaping tech is evolving rapidly and so it is important to make sure that your battery and your clearomizer match up. Again, check with the manufacturer of your clearomizer, read the instructions or ask us if you’re unsure.

Top tip: Remember to charge your new battery fully for at least four hours before use.

Leaks, poor performance, damage, and burning (not pleasant) are all wastes of your vaping time. If you learn to use your device properly, maintain your clearomizer regularly, and keep an eye on those things mentioned above, you will find yourself with much better performance and an altogether more enjoyable vaping experience.

Overall, it pays to read the instructions for your device before you do anything and to keep them safe for reference. This really is one of those times you do need the instructions as all devices are not build the same.

Here’s to a healthy clearomizer and a fabulously flavoursome and satisfying vape!