What Are the Different Types of Vape Coils?

When it comes to wick and coil devices, the internal coil - part of the atomizer – is usually an important element that should not be overlooked. There are various types of vape coils according to the manufacturer and brand, and each type often has a different impact on a vaping experience. Otherwise known as the atomizer’s head, the coil is a small yet effective piece of wire which takes on a lot of responsibility in various vapes. For many adult smokers or vapers, the variety of vape coil types might seem confusing, so it is important to understand that they all generally serve the same purpose.

What Do Vape Coils Do?

Vapes, or e-cigarettes, produce a vapour instead of smoke. They typically achieve this by heating and consequently vapourising an e-liquid solution. Usually, a vape’s coil is partially responsible for this process, making it an important part of many vape devices. When activated, the battery in these vapes should power the atomizer containing the coil. When this happens, the coil will typically heat to a controlled temperature which, through the device’s wick, warms and thereby vapourises the e-liquid. While they all tend to work in the same way, the different types of vape coils each have a unique impact on a vaping experience. That is because they are not only made from different materials, they come in different forms and sizes too.

Types of Vape Coils

When it comes to coils, there are plenty of ways to categorize them. The material is often an important factor, but it is not the only variable - coils may come in different shapes and sizes, and even in multiples.

For instance, some vapes will make use of dual coils. Dual coils generally vapourise e-liquid quicker than a single, or core coil variant. A greater number of coils may result in quicker vapourisation. Triple and even quadruple coils are also available, and they are likely to speed up the vapourisation process accordingly. This will of course depend on the product type and the brand. While swift vapourisation might seem appealing at first, multiple coils typically go through batteries and e-liquid quicker. This means personal preference could be important in determining whether or not an adult vaper should use a single or multiple coil. Mesh coils are another example of a different type of vape coil because they commonly don't use the shape and style of a traditional round wire. These modern coils typically have more surface area to vapourise e-liquid, generally speeding up the vapourisation process without putting additional strain on the battery and e-liquid.

Every vape coil type has its own unique impact on a vaping experience, depending on factors such as the shape, size, number of coils, and material. When it comes to materials, vape coils are often crafted from one of several metals.

• Kanthal Coils - a combination of iron, chromium and aluminum, they usually heat up quickly. The result is often quicker vapourisation but at the potential cost of greater reliance on the battery and faster e-liquid depletion.
• Stainless Steel Coils - these coils come in different grades of steel. They may feature an increased durability. No matter the grade, a stainless steel coil is likely to last longer than its counterparts, but this depends on the exact coil and brand.
• Nichrome Coils - generally a blend of around 20% nickel and 80% chromium, these coils typically heat up rapidly, which often provides quicker vapourisation. Nichrome coils might help to prevent oxidation - an unfortunate issue in some vapes where e-liquid becomes discoloured and foul-tasting.
• Titanium Coils - soft and malleable, they usually possess the ability to provide a potentially better performing vape.
• Ceramic Coils - these are porous coils which arguably provide a more flavourful experience – of course this depends on personal preference. They may be able to tolerate high wattages and the ceramic design tends to boost longevity while possibly helping to prevent oxidation.

Which Vaping Coil Type Is Right?

Fundamentally, there is no single answer to this question. There are plenty of options, and the right vape coil for one adult vaper is not guaranteed to be right for another. If you are an adult smoker switching from cigarettes, you may want to identify key preferences. Whether it is flavour, convenience, or less maintenance, it is worth identifying the number one priority in a vape device. This information could be crucial in finding the right vaping coil. 

Resistance is also important when it comes to vaping, and you can learn more with our guide and vape wattage calculator. To give a brief overview - certain coils are usually required for higher or lower resistance vaping, depending on the preference. Lower resistance coils may use less e-liquid which might be useful for those looking to make theirs last. On the other hand, coils with a higher resistance often use more e-liquid. Coils with a higher resistance usually provide for a particular style of vaping known as Sub-Ohm vaping.

Keep in mind that coils will generally, and no matter the type, need to be replaced over time. Generally, the length of time varies depending partially on how much the device is used, and the type of coil. It is recommended to change a device’s coil with a like for like replacement. Device modification may have unintended consequences on a vape. Always follow manufacturer guidance according to your device. For more information on replacing a vape coil, read our article How to Change Vape Coils. This inconvenience might be something you would prefer to avoid. If that is the case, you may be glad to know that certain modern devices.

IQOS’ Innovative Vape and Smoke-Free Products

Vaping technology is ever-evolving, especially when it comes to coils. As a matter of fact, some modern vapes are designed to prevent frequent coil replacements.

* Battery performance may vary over time and depends on personal consumption.

Smoke-free products, including vapes and heated tobacco, do not rely on combustion like cigarettes do.  Although not risk-free, the potential absence of combustion in vaping and heated tobacco products has the potential to reduce the levels of harmful chemicals generated. However, the lack of combustion and the reduction in formation of harmful chemicals should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis. 

Innovative IQOS Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco is a smoke-free option for adult smokers switching from cigarettes, especially those who would prefer a device without a coil. IQOS devices utilize heat not burn technology to heat authentic tobacco, instead of burning it. IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.* IQOS features heated tobacco innovation - explore the technology on the dedicated page.

Furthermore, IQOS is the #1 tobacco heating system.** Find a variety in flavour, intensity and aroma in the HEETS tobacco stick range that work with the IQOS device. Explore IOQS heated tobacco in our online store – simply follow the link.

Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free. 

* ”95% less” represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. See Important Information on IQOS.com.

** PMI global estimate of total In-Market Sales of Heated Tobacco Units as of September 2022. (excluding China and US).

Those looking for a device that makes use of the latest in smoke-free technology, might want to consider IQOS ILUMA, the latest device in our heated tobacco range. IQOS ILUMA has been crafted with a SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM. In addition, it might be useful to know that IQOS ILUMA does not need cleaning. Explore IQOS ILUMA in the online store.

IQOS products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. IQOS products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. 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.