Complete Guide to Electronic Cigarettes in Switzerland

Everything you need to know to choose and use your e-cigarette. A comprehensive guide based on science and experience.

⏱️ 15-minute read Switzerland

What is an electronic cigarette?

The electronic cigarette is revolutionizing the approach to vaping in Switzerland. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco at over 800°C, e-cigarettes simply heat a special liquid to produce an inhalable vapor.

Did you know? In Switzerland, more than 300,000 people have been using electronic cigarettes since the legalization of the sale of products containing nicotine in 2018.

The essential components

An electronic cigarette consists of four main elements that work together to create the vaping experience:

The battery?

Provides the energy needed to heat the heating element. Modern batteries are rechargeable via USB-C and offer several hours of battery life.

The resistance (coil)

Heating element that vaporizes the e-liquid. Its lifespan varies between 1 and 3 weeks depending on usage.

The reservoir?

Contains the e-liquid and delivers it to the coil via a cotton wick system.

The mouthpiece (drip tip)

Mouth interface designed for optimal comfort and a pleasant vaping experience.

How to choose your first e-cigarette?

Choosing your first e-cigarette depends entirely on your profile and goals. Here's how to identify the right device for you.

Find your profile

?

Beginner

First experience with vaping
Simple pod kit
Montreal Draw
3-6mg nicotine
Recommended
Xros 5 Mini Kit
?

Ex-smoker

Transition from traditional tobacco
Robust Pod
Good battery life
12-18mg nicotine
Recommended
Doric Astra Kit

Expert

Performance and personalization
Advanced box mods
Sub-ohm
0-6mg nicotine
Recommended
Box Drag 5

The determining criteria

⚡ Battery life

Beginners: 1000-1500mAh
Regular users: 2000-3000mAh
Heavy users: 3000mAh+

Initial budget

Entry-level: CHF 20-40
Mid-range: CHF 40-70
High-end: CHF 70+

Types of electronic cigarettes

The market offers several categories of electronic cigarettes, each suited to specific needs. Here is an overview of the main types.

Pod Systems

Pods represent the modern evolution of the electronic cigarette. Compact and intuitive, they are perfect for beginners or for discreet vaping.

✅ Strengths

  • • Ultra-compact and elegant design
  • • Minimal maintenance required
  • • Excellent flavor rendering
  • • Pre-filled cartridges available

❌ Limitations

  • • Naturally limited range
  • • Fixed power, few adjustments
  • • Moderate steam production

Price range: 15-50 CHF

Box Mods

Box mods are aimed at experienced vapers who are looking for performance and customization. They offer total control over the vaping experience.

✅ Strengths

  • • High power (up to 200W+)
  • • Long-lasting battery
  • • Multiple advanced controls
  • • Detailed information screens

❌ Limitations

  • • Larger footprint
  • • Learning curve
  • • Higher financial investment

Price range: 50-120 CHF

Why choose e-cigarettes?

Scientific validation

Public Health England confirms that electronic cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

95%
Less harmful
?
3’120
CHF saved/year
?
4000
Substances less

Classic cigarette

4000+ chemical substances
70+ carcinogens
8-12 CHF/pack
Persistent odor

⚡ E-cigarette

only 4 ingredients
No combustion
Significant savings
Nicotine control

A practical guide for beginners

Getting started with electronic cigarettes requires some basic knowledge. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you going.

1. Choosing your first kit

Our tested recommendations

Xros 5 Mini Kit CHF 19.90

Perfect for beginners, automatic activation, very easy to use

Wenax M2 Kit 19.90 CHF

Ultra simple, clean design, ideal for a first approach

Doric Astra Kit CHF 39.90

Longer battery life, for regular use, excellent value for money

2. Nicotine dosage

Choose the right rate based on your current profile:

?

Non-smoking

0mg
Gastronomic pleasure
?

Casual

3-6mg
Less than 10/day
?

Moderate

6-12mg
10-20/day
⚠️

Heavy smoker

12-18mg
More than 20/day

3. First use

Follow these simple steps for a successful first experience:

Fully charge the battery

Allow 2 to 4 hours for a full initial charge

Fill the e-liquid tank

Avoid filling it completely; leave a small air space

Wait for priming (5-10 minutes)

The cotton in the coil needs to be saturated with e-liquid

Start with small puffs

Test it gradually to get used to the sensations

⚠️

Crucial point of attention

Never use a dry coil! Always ensure the coil is properly saturated with e-liquid before first use.

Maintenance and best practices

Regular maintenance ensures an optimal experience and extends the life of your equipment. Here are the essential steps to take.

Maintenance schedule

? Daily

  • • Check the e-liquid level
  • • Clean the mouthpiece
  • • Wipe away any traces of e-liquid

? Weekly

  • • Clean the tank with warm water
  • • Check the connection status
  • • Check the resistance status

?️ Monthly

  • • Replace the resistor
  • • Perform a thorough cleaning
  • • Check the battery life

Battery safety

Best practices

  • • Use only the charger provided
  • • Charge on a stable and ventilated surface
  • • Monitor the load regularly
  • • Avoid overloading (unplug completely)

Practices to avoid

  • • Charge overnight unattended
  • • Using an incompatible charger
  • • Expose to extreme temperatures
  • • Continue to use if damaged

? Emergency contacts

Swiss Poison Control Center: 145 (24/7)

Medical emergencies: 144

Shifters technical support : info@shifters.chshifters

?

Ready to begin?

Find the perfect kit for your profile and start your transition

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