Electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette, is a battery-powered device that provides inhaled doses of nicotine by way of a vaporized solution. It is an alternative to smoked tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. In addition to purported nicotine delivery, this vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no smoke or combustion is actually involved in its operation.

Electronic cigarette is designed to resemble the outward appearance of real smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. 

An electronic cigarette employs the same basic components: a mouthpiece, a heating element, a rechargeable battery, and various electronic circuits.

Mouthpiece ("cartridge")

The mouthpiece is a small disposable plastic cup-like piece affixed to the end of the tube. Inside the mouthpiece is a smaller plastic cup which holds an absorbent material that is saturated with a flavoured liquid solution that may contain nicotine. This inner cup is made such that air is able to flow around it and through a hole in the end of the outer piece; this is necessary for the device to provide the ability for suction to move the vapour into the user's mouth. The mouthpiece is referred to as a "cartridge". When the liquid in the cartridge has been depleted, it can either be refilled by the user or replaced with another pre-filled cartridge.

Heating element ("atomizer")

The heating element serves to vaporize the liquid in the mouthpiece so that it can be inhaled. This component is referred to as an "atomizer". 

Battery

An electronic cigarette battery connected to a USB charger. Electronic cigarettes employ a lithium-ion rechargeable battery to power the heating element. Battery life varies depending on frequency of use, and operating environment. Many different battery charger types are available in our store, such as wall outlet, car, and USB chargers.

Nicotine solution

Nicotine solutions sold separately for use in refillable cartridges are sometimes referred to as "e-liquid", and contain flavoring. They consist of nicotine dissolved in propylene glycol (PG) and/or glycerin (glycerol). Both PG and glycerin are common food additives.

Solutions are also available in differing nicotine concentrations, to let the user decide the amount of nicotine to be taken in. Concentrations range from Zero Nicotine, low, medium, to high and extra-high doses. The concentration ratings are often printed at the e-liquid bottle or cartridge, although the standard notation "mg/ml" often gets abbreviated to just "mg".

Some flavour varieties resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, and some mimic specific cigarette brands, such as USA Mix or Kamel. Fruit and other flavors are also available, such as watermelon, apple, and coffee.