As a new vaper, surrounded by strange-looking vape gear, you’re probably feeling really confused and a little afraid of what you’ve gotten yourself into. 

While there’s a lot to go over, we can give you a stepping stone to get you started. Possibly one of the most essential parts of a vape is the vape atomizer, and we’re here to tell you all about it. Generally, an atomizer is a device that emits water, perfume, or any other kind of liquid in a spray-like form (vaporizing it). But here, we are going to be focusing more on atomizers for vapes. 

What is an atomizer?

The atomizer is the coil of the vape tank used to turn the e-liquid into vapor form.  Eventually, this whole function was stretched to include the tank itself and is now commonly understood as the vape atomizer tanks. 

Atomizers are considered part of the rebuildable vape gear, where the vapers have to build their own coils. While it may seem easier to simply buy than build your own vape, there are certain benefits to it. A vape atomizer will give you the liberty to choose your own coil and the cotton wool wick. Choosing your own coil can help create a more satisfying vaping experience. In addition to that, the building will cost significantly less compared to buying and maintaining vape gear. 

Now that we know what an atomizer is, let’s break down all the different kinds out there and which one you might be most comfortable using. 

Atomizers vs. Cartomizers vs. Clearomizers

While keeping our primary focus on atomizers, we will dabble in the world of vape cartomizers and clearomizers as well. These three devices have the same primary function, you attach them to the power bank or battery, and they take in the vape juice to produce in vapor form. 

All three work on the same premise of heating vape juice to the point of vaporization. We’re going to go into a little more detail with these vaporizing atomizers.

What is a vape cartomizer?

You may hear many experienced vapers say that vape cartomizers are outdated or not as efficient as the advanced versions now available in the market. In fact, they are not considered an atomizer rather an extended part of one. They are generally found in low costing e-cigarettes and are the least popular among the three vape atomizers mentioned above. 

One of the many reasons for this is that they are typically attached to a disposable cigarette and have a limited lifespan. While they can be refilled, the effort is not considered worth it by many vapers. Hence, e-cigarette cartomizers are usually a one-and-done device. 

Now that we’ve covered what other people think, here’s a little positive insight. Vape cartomizers are actually remarkable for beginner vapers. It can help you get a good idea of whether vaping is really your thing at a lower price. Furthermore, if you’re getting into vaping to quit smoking, an e-cigarette cartomizer will give you the same hand-to-mouth feel as a regular cigarette. This gives you an easier transition. 

Lastly, not only are they easily found in stores, they come prefilled in most devices and easily disposable whenever you’re done with it. Hence, giving you a hassle-free vaping experience. It’s like they say, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

What are vaping clearomizers?

Clearomizers are popular vape atomizers, especially among new vapers. They provide a great vaping experience with very little work. In this, the atomizer is stored at the bottom of a tank. They are easily replaceable by simply unscrewing the base of the tank. 

Vape clearomizers are most commonly referred to as tanks. They are popular among newbies because they have a high level of customization, especially once you get into the practice of building your own coils. You can also use disposable coils. 

They have a large juice capacity and are even suitable for heavy vape use. If you’re looking into going long-term with vaping, e-cigarette clearomizers give you an excellent place to start. 

Some drawbacks to consider, however, are the higher costs compared to vape cartomizers or the type of clearomizer tank you may be using. Glass tanks are at risk of cracking or breaking, while plastic tanks may taint the vape juice flavor. In addition to this, older vape juice flavors may linger in the tank, affecting the current juice’s taste.

Types of atomizers 

Vape atomizers can be divided into 3 main types, i.e., disposable atomizers, replaceable coil head atomizers, and rebuildable atomizers, also known as RBAs.

Our primary focus will remain RBAs. This is because RBA is a universal term used to describe all atomizer units. Physically, the word RBA refers to the process of wrapping your coil and fixing it to the system, then adding a wick that allows a smooth vapor production. However, with their varying properties, RBA’s can be further divided into 4 categories: 

Rebuildable Tank Atomizer (RTA)  

This particular vape atomizer refers to a rebuildable atomizer that includes a tank to hold the vape juice. It comes with a posted deck that is sealed off with a metal chamber cap. This cap is linked to the chimney that positions the vapor to the drip tip. The pressure pulls the vape juice done in the chamber and then up the channels present on the deck. The soaking wicks are placed into these channels, and through the process of diffusion, the vape juice passes the wick to reach the coils for vaporization. 

With their flexibility in coil builds and large cloud production, rebuildable tank atomizers are cheaper and easier to use than a Sub Ohm tank.  The only drawback of tank atomizers such as these is the constant upkeep with the replacement and building of coils. In addition to that, if you want to try a new flavor, the old flavor must be discarded, and the tank cleaned out properly. But other than that, they are a good option for anyone looking for a flavorful vaping experience. 

Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer (RDA)

This vape atomizer requires you to drip the vape juice over the coils. It contains a deck and post. This means the coils can be fastened to create a path for electricity to heat up the coils. Unlike the tank atomizers, this does not have a tank to hold the vape juice. It is dripped on the coil directly before vaping. Sometimes, however, a small reservoir holds a tiny amount of e-liquid (around 1ML). 

RDA’s have become one of the most popular vape atomizers for advanced vapers. Its pure and intense flavor output and giant cloud production have become ideal for cloud chasers. Furthermore, with their cheap upkeep and easy management, they are easy on the pocket and provide a customizable vape experience. You can get as creative as you like with your coils and ensure the best vape experience for you. 

However, it is essential to note that it is not recommended for beginners while it may be considered one of the best atomizers. Wicking and coil building are complex practices that require experience. And while upkeep is cheap, the initial investment in buying an RDA is expensive. 

Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer (RDTA)

This is a dripper-type atomizer for vapes. In simple terms, an RDTA is a combination of an RDA and an RTA. While it has a tank to hold the juice, unlike with an RDA, you do not have to manually remove the cap and drip the vape juice over the cotton. Instead, they have a function known as the drip tip or the auto dripper. You simply press down, and the juice drips onto the cotton automatically. 

Some dripper tank atomizer types are as follows: 

• A deck for one or two coils (can be more than that as well) 
• A tank section placed above the deck 
• No bell or chimney system, like one seen in an RTA. 

The original RDTA, however, was created by sub-ohm innovations, known as the big dripper. It was not as advanced as modern dripper tank atomizers. In fact, it required a manual pump to feed to coils and wicks and a spring-loaded tank section on top of the deck.    

How does an atomizer work?

Modern atomizers are all built and operated in a similar way. Here we have given a step-by-step process on how to use an atomizer. Gather up your basics tools, which include coil (or a wire) and a wick (usually used is cotton), and follow the instructions given below: 

• Attach your coil to the atomizer’s build deck. You may have to repeat this step if the atomizer requires more than one coil. 
• Check your coil’s resistance using an Ohm meter. It is crucial you are always aware of your device’s limits to avoid any accidents. 
• Next, dry burn your coils and to even out the heating and ensure an even glow. 
• Let it cool for 15 minutes or until it comes down to room temperature. 
• Then place your wick (cotton) inside your coil. 
•  Position the wick tails so that they are in the wicking channels. 
• Then prime your wick by dripping your vape juice over your coils. 
• Allow for it to saturate for a while. 
• Fire up your atomizer and start vaping. Start off on low power levels and slowly build it up until you reach your desired vaping level. 

How long does an atomizer last?

You know your vape atomizers, and you know how to use them. But how long can you use the same one for? In recent years the functionality and durability of atomizers have improved significantly. With advanced quality control, modern atomizers can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. Under normal use, however, they can give a good month or so. 

It is essential, though, that you know how to take proper care of your vape atomizer. This will not only give you an excellent vaping experience but also help keep your atomizer free from damage and early breakage. For example, take extra that you are not dry vaporizing your atomizer, which will burn it out. So make a habit of always refilling the vape juice after a certain number of drags.  

Let’s vaporize what we’ve learned

 This may be the ultimate guide to vape atomizers. Know the types, their functioning, and how to get the most out of all of them. Now the decision is up to you. What kind of vape atomizer do you believe suits your vaping needs best?

As a beginner, you have many great options with vape cartomizers as well as clearomizers. If you’re more into building your coils and wanting that customizable vape experience, you have all the knowledge on vape atomizer types at your disposal. Before we leave you to your vaping, we came up with one last list to help you out. 

Here is a list of the top 9 best rebuildable atomizers that we found: 

• Vandy Vape Kylin Mini V2: A single-coil RTA that holds up to 5ml of vape juice.
• Dovpo Blotto Mini: RTA that can be used for a single and double coil configuration. 
• Vandy Vape BSKR Mini V2: An RTA with 3 drip tips to get that intense mouth to lung draw. 
• Vaperz Cloud Asgard: Well-equipped RDA that can fit just about any dual coil build you throw in it
• Hellvape Dead Rabbit SE: An RDA with massive deck space a deep well juice tank making for the best, leak-free vaping experience. 
• Wotofo Profile V1.5: RDA with a versatile airflow and unmatched flavor performance. 
• Augvape Druga 2: An excellent RDA for beginners. 
• Geekvape Zeus X Mesh: One of the best mesh RTA’s in the market. With 4.5ml space for vape juice. 
• Wotofo Profile M: Mesh-powered RTA that accommodates single coil builds.