E-Zigaretten Grundlagen

Vapour with an e-cigarette - how to create your vapour cloud

Vapour in an e-cigarette: How it is produced, how you control the vapour development and what you should really pay attention to when choosing a vapour cloud, flavour and device.

The vapour from an e-cigarette is the visible result of a technical process involving e-liquid, heat and airflow. If you understand exactly what happens when you take a puff, you’ll make better choices when buying your device, coil and e-liquid. This guide shows you how vapour is produced, why some setups create thick clouds and others a fine mist, and what you should look out for when flavour, safety and consistent vapour production matter. By the end, you’ll know why your vape’s vapour changes as soon as the wattage, airflow or coil settings are adjusted – and how you can use this to your advantage.

The vapour from an e-cigarette is not smoke. When smoke is produced, combustion creates solid particles, tar and carbon monoxide. When vaping, however, a liquid is heated until it evaporates and condenses back into fine droplets in the cooler ambient air – this aerosol is what you perceive as a cloud of vapour.

The liquid consists of four basic ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and – optionally – nicotine for adults aged 18 and over. PG carries the flavour and creates the noticeable throat hit, whilst VG is viscous and produces dense, smooth clouds of vapour. The ratio of these two substances largely determines how your vape vapour looks and tastes.

The e-liquid is heated by the coil, a heating coil with cotton wool, which is powered by the battery. Depending on the resistance (measured in ohms) and the power supplied (watts), more or less liquid is vaporised per puff.

Vapour production follows a clear process: the battery supplies power to the coil, the coil heats the saturated cotton wool to 150–250 °C, the liquid vaporises, and the aerosol is drawn into the mouth or lungs via the airflow. Small changes to any of these parameters significantly alter the result.

Role of coil and power

A coil with 1.0 ohms and 12 watts produces a fine, aromatic vapour – ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. A sub-ohm coil with 0.2 ohms and 60–80 watts produces large, warm clouds of vapour for direct-to-lung (DL) vaping. More power means more e-liquid is vaporised per second, resulting in visibly denser vapour.

Influence of the e-liquid

High VG ratios (70/30 or 80/20) produce dense clouds, whilst high PG ratios (50/50) emphasise flavour and throat hit. Nicotine salt e-liquids are typically vaped in pod systems at moderate power settings and produce a smaller but flavour-intensive vapour.

Airflow and inhalation technique

A wide airflow cools the vapour and makes it more voluminous. A tight draw concentrates the flavour and produces a warmer, denser vapour. The speed of the draw also plays a role – slow, steady draws give the coil time to vapourise sufficient e-liquid.

Not every setup suits every user. These points will help you make an informed decision:

Decide on your draw style: MTL (mouth-to-lung, like a cigarette) or DL (direct lung, larger, freer draw). This determines coil resistance and power.
Match the PG/VG ratio to the device: Pod systems work better with 50/50, while powerful sub-ohm atomisers work better with 70/30 or more VG.
Change the coil regularly: After 1–3 weeks, the flavour changes and the vapour becomes harsh or burnt. A fresh coil = clean vapour production.
Allow the e-liquid to soak in sufficiently: Wait 5–10 minutes after filling the tank so that the cotton is fully saturated – otherwise you risk dry hits.
Observe battery safety: Use only certified batteries and suitable chargers; avoid damaged coils. This is particularly important for high-power devices.
Choose a realistic nicotine strength: For thick vapour, 3 mg/ml is often sufficient; for smooth MTL vapour, 10–20 mg/ml of nicotine salt is better suited for adults.

A common mistake: higher wattage does not automatically produce better vapour. If the power exceeds the coil’s specification, the cotton will burn and the vapour will taste harsh rather than aromatic.

Is the vapour from an e-cigarette harmful?

Vapour contains fewer harmful substances than tobacco smoke, but it is not harmless. Products containing nicotine are intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. Statements regarding health effects should be left to medical professionals.

Why has my vapour suddenly become weak?

Usually, the coil is worn out, the e-liquid is almost empty, or the airflow is misaligned. First check the e-liquid level, then the condition of the coil. A new coil usually restores the usual vapour production immediately.

How do I produce bigger clouds of vapour?

You’ll need a sub-ohm device, a VG-heavy e-liquid (at least 70% VG) and a wide airflow. Important: Stay within the coil’s specified wattage range; otherwise, the flavour will suffer.

Why does my vape make my throat feel scratchy?

Causes include too much PG, too high a nicotine strength, a dry coil or too high a wattage. Reduce the wattage, change the coil or try a liquid with a higher VG content.

The vapour from an e-cigarette is the result of the interaction between the device, coil, e-liquid and inhalation technique. If you understand these four factors, you’ll get the best flavour and vapour from every setup – without unnecessarily high power or unsuitable blends. If you want to find your way around, take your time looking at e-cigarettes, compare pod systems with sub-ohm devices, and check out suitable e-liquids and coils until your setup matches your vaping style.