Airflow control: set the air supply on the e-cigarette correctly

Airflow Control (AFC) refers to the mechanism that allows you to regulate the airflow on an e-cigarette’s atomiser. It usually takes the form of a rotating ring at the bottom of the tank or pod, or sometimes side sliders or interchangeable inserts with openings of varying sizes. When you inhale, air flows through these openings to the hot coil, picks up the vapour and carries it to the mouthpiece.

The larger the opening, the more air mixes with the vapour. The result: a cooler, smoother draw and bigger clouds, but a slightly diluted flavour. Smaller openings, on the other hand, produce a tighter, warmer draw with a more intense flavour – similar to a traditional cigarette. AFC is therefore not merely a convenience feature, but a key interface between the hardware, coil resistance and your personal vaping style.

When you draw on the mouthpiece, a vacuum is created in the tank. Fresh air flows through the AFC openings beneath the coil, is drawn through the heated cotton and carries the vaporised e-liquid with it. The size and position of the openings determine how much air flows and how precisely it hits the vapour.

MTL – Mouth-to-Lung

With an MTL draw, you set the airflow to a narrow setting. You draw the vapour into your mouth first and then into your lungs, just like with a cigarette. Typical for pod systems, nicotine salt e-liquids and coils from 1.0 ohms.

DL – Direct-to-Lung

With a DL draw, you open the AFC wide. The vapour goes straight into the lungs. This requires low-resistance coils (under 0.5 ohms), higher wattage and VG-heavy e-liquids typical of short-fill kits.

RDL – Restricted DL

The hybrid: half-open, slightly tighter than DL, airier than MTL. Many modern vapes offer a fine airflow adjustment specifically for this range.

The AFC is a component that must function precisely over many puffs. The following points will help you with selection and daily use:

• Check the adjustment range: devices with a stepless AFC ring offer more fine-tuning than models with fixed click-stop settings. For beginners, 3–5 settings are sufficient; experienced vapers often prefer stepless variants.
• Choose the right one for your coil: A 0.15-ohm sub-ohm coil at 60–80 watts needs plenty of airflow, otherwise the vapour will be hot and dry. Conversely, a 1.2-ohm coil at 12 watts requires a tight AFC, otherwise you’ll taste almost nothing.
• Seals and build quality: Cheap AFC rings loosen after a few weeks or shift position when carried in a trouser pocket. Look for clean O-rings and noticeable resistance when turning.
• Plan for cleaning: Condensed e-liquid collects in the air channels. Wiping them dry with a cotton bud once a week extends the device’s lifespan and preserves the flavour.
• Adjust the draw – but gradually: Only change the airflow setting in small increments. A quarter-turn is often enough to make the draw noticeably tighter or airier.

A common mistake: Beginners open the AFC fully and are surprised by the weak flavour. Start with it closed and open it slowly until the flavour and draw resistance are just right.

How do I find the right airflow setting?

Start with the AFC closed and open it bit by bit whilst vaping. As soon as the draw feels pleasantly light without the flavour being diluted, you’ve found your sweet spot. This varies depending on the coil, e-liquid and wattage.

Why is my vaporiser gurgling or spitting?

Usually, the AFC is closed too far or the coil is flooded. Open the airflow one or two notches further, increase the power slightly, or change the coil. E-liquid that is too thin (high PG content) can also cause gurgling with sub-ohm coils.

Does the AFC affect e-liquid consumption?

Yes. A wide-open airflow produces more vapour per puff and consequently uses more e-liquid. A tight MTL puff at 10 watts lasts significantly longer than an open DL puff at 60 watts – often by a factor of 3 to 5.

Do all e-cigarettes have AFC?

No. Simple disposable vapes and some closed pod systems have a fixed airflow setting. Refillable pods and classic tank atomisers almost always offer adjustable airflow control.

Airflow control is the lever that allows you to truly personalise your vaping experience. Whether it’s a tight MTL draw with nicotine salt or airy clouds in the sub-ohm range – the right setting depends on the coil, e-liquid and flavour. In our selection of vaporisers, you’ll find models with smooth and precise AFC for every vaping style. If you’re still looking for the right flavour, have a look at our e-liquids too and put your setup together step by step.