What is an electronic cigarette?

An electronic cigarette , also known as an e-cigarette or vape , is an electronic device that simulates the act of smoking a traditional cigarette. Unlike the latter, it does not burn tobacco and therefore produces neither smoke, tar, nor carbon monoxide. The principle is to heat a liquid, called e-liquid, until it turns into vapor that the user inhales.

This device consists mainly of three elements:

1. A battery : It provides the energy needed to heat the resistance. Its autonomy (expressed in mAh) determines the duration of use before needing to be recharged.
2. A clearomizer (or atomizer) : This is the part that contains the tank for the e-liquid and the resistance.
3. A coil : A small metal filament surrounded by cotton. When the battery is activated, the coil heats up, vaporizing the e-liquid soaked in the cotton.

Vaping has become a popular alternative for many people looking to reduce or quit their tobacco consumption. In Switzerland , the e-cigarette is widely recognized as a harm reduction tool. It offers precise control over nicotine levels and a huge variety of flavors, making the experience much more customizable than traditional cigarettes.

How to Choose Your Electronic Cigarette? A Beginner's Guide

Choosing your first e-cigarette can seem overwhelming given the multitude of models available. Don't panic! This guide is here to help you find the Swiss e-cigarette kit for your needs. Here are the essential criteria to consider.

1. Your smoking profile

This is the most important starting point.

• Occasional smoker (less than 10 cigarettes/day): A simple, compact model like an e-cigarette pod is ideal. These devices are easy to use, require little maintenance, and are ideal for moderate use with medium nicotine levels.
• Moderate smoker (10-20 cigarettes/day): A slightly more powerful beginner kit, such as a “Vape Pen” or a pod with a longer battery life, will be more suitable. It will give you more vapor and a battery that will last all day.
• Heavy smoker (more than 20 cigarettes/day): You'll need reliable, durable equipment. A box mod kit with good battery life and a large capacity tank is recommended. This will allow you to vape peacefully without constantly refilling the device or tank, with higher nicotine levels at the beginning.

2. The type of inhalation: Indirect (MTL) or Direct (DTL)?

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): This is the closest feeling to a traditional cigarette. You first draw the vapor into your mouth, then inhale it into your lungs. This is the recommended style for a beginner e-cigarette .
• Direct To Lung (DTL): Here, you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to a hookah. This produces a much larger vapor volume and a smoother throat hit. This style is best suited for experienced vapers.

3. Ease of use

To start, stick to a simple model. All-in-one kits and pods are ideal. They often have automatic settings and require minimal maintenance (changing the coil or cartridge). You can explore more complex models later if you feel like it.

4. Autonomy and power

Battery life is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). The higher the number, the longer you can vape. For a full day, aim for at least 1500 mAh. Power, measured in Watts (W), affects vapor volume. For a beginner in MTL, a power between 10W and 20W is more than sufficient.

In short, for your first purchase, look for a beginner pod-style e-cigarette kit or a small box kit with an MTL clearomizer. Don't hesitate to consult our product descriptions to find the one that suits your profile.

The advantages of electronic cigarettes

Opting for a Swiss e-cigarette offers many advantages over traditional cigarettes. Here are the main recognized benefits.

• A less harmful alternative: The main difference lies in the absence of combustion. Without combustion, there is no tar, carbon monoxide, or the thousands of other toxic substances present in cigarette smoke. This is why public health authorities consider it a valuable aid in quitting smoking.
• Complete control over nicotine: E-liquids are available in different nicotine strengths (from 0 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml). This allows the user to choose a level suited to their addiction and gradually reduce it at their own pace, until complete withdrawal if desired.
• No more bad odors: No more stale tobacco smells that permeate your clothes, hair, car, and home. The vapor from an e-cigarette dissipates in seconds and leaves behind only a light, pleasant scent, if the e-liquid is flavored.
• An infinite variety of flavors: The world of vaping is a playground for the taste buds. From classic tobacco flavors to fresh fruits, gourmet desserts, and menthol drinks, there's something for everyone. This diversity helps you break away from the single, monotonous flavor of tobacco.
• More economical in the long run: Although the initial investment in an e-cigarette kit may seem higher than a pack of cigarettes, the long-term savings are considerable. Consumables (e-liquids, coils) cost much less than tobacco.

Types of electronic cigarettes

There are three main families of e-cigarettes on the market.

The Pods

The e-cigarette pod is the simplest and most popular model among beginners. Ultra-compact and lightweight, it consists of a battery and a clip-on cartridge that contains the coil and e-liquid. Ideal for indirect inhalation (MTL) and very effective with nicotine salt e-liquids, it offers an excellent alternative for quitting smoking without complicating your life.

Box Mods

“Box” models are more powerful, more autonomous and more customizable. They consist of a rectangular battery (the “box”) and a clearomizer that is screwed onto it. They allow you to adjust the power (Watts), temperature and other parameters for a personalized vaping experience. They are often used for direct inhalation (DTL) and the production of large clouds of vapor.

Vape Pens (Tube Format)

Halfway between a pod and a box, the “pen” or “tube” format is an excellent option. Cylindrical in appearance like a pen, it is more discreet than a box but generally offers more autonomy and performance than an entry-level pod. Simple to use, it represents a very good balance for those who want a quality vape without the hassle of complex settings.