Verdampfer & Coils

Vaporiser head - function, changing coils and buying tips

Vaporiser head guide for e-cigarettes: Function, changing coils and what you should look out for when buying. All tips on ohms, watts and service life included.

The coil head is the consumable part in your e-cigarette that turns e-liquid into vapour – and is therefore the most important component for flavour, vapour production and draw resistance. If you wait too long to replace the coil head, you risk a harsh taste, leaking tanks or burnt cotton. If you buy the wrong resistance, you’ll be frustrated by too little or too much power. This guide shows you how an atomiser head works technically, how the different types differ, when and how you should change the coil, and what to look out for when buying a replacement atomiser head.

An atomiser head – often also called a coil head, coil or head – is a replaceable unit that sits inside the clearomiser or tank of your e-cigarette. Inside is a heating coil made of wire (e.g. Kanthal, nickel, NiChrome or stainless steel), which is surrounded by an absorbent material. This material, usually organic cotton, absorbs the e-liquid from the tank and transports it to the coil.

When electricity flows from the battery through the coil, it heats up to around 180 to 250 °C and vaporises the e-liquid. The resulting aerosol vapour is what you inhale. Important: An atomiser head is not the entire atomiser, but only the replaceable heating element. The rest of the atomiser – tank, glass, airflow, drip tip – remains attached to the device. This is to be distinguished from rebuildable RBA or RTA heads, where you install the wire and cotton yourself.

Every coil head has a specific resistance in ohms (Ω) and a recommended power range in watts (W). These values are engraved on the head itself, for example ‘0.8 Ω – 12–25 W’. Your mod or pod system must be compatible with the head, otherwise you risk dry hits or overheated cotton.

MTL coils (mouth-to-lung)

These usually have a resistance of 0.8 to 1.8 ohms and operate at 8 to 20 watts. They mimic the draw of a traditional cigarette – tight, cool and rich in nicotine. Ideal for nicotine salt e-liquids and beginners.

Sub-ohm coils (direct-to-lung)

Resistances below 1.0 ohms, typically 0.15 to 0.5 ohms, operated at 30 to 100 watts. They produce dense, warm vapour and are suitable for low-nicotine short-fills with a high VG content. The draw is open and airy.

Mesh coils

Instead of a wire coil, a fine metal mesh is used. This heats more evenly, delivers more flavour and often lasts longer. Mesh is now the standard in pod systems and modern sub-ohm tanks.

Before you buy atomiser heads, check these points – they’ll save you frustration and unnecessary costs:

Compatibility: Every tank has its own thread and coil format. A GTX head won’t fit in a Nautilus, nor will a Caliburn coil fit in a Vinci pod. Make a note of the tank model and coil series.
Resistance for the mod: Pod systems usually handle 0.4 to 1.2 ohms, sub-ohm mods down to 0.15 ohms. The power range on the head is not a suggestion, but a requirement.
E-liquid type: High-VG e-liquids (70/30 or higher) require larger wicking channels, i.e. sub-ohm setups. Thin 50/50 e-liquids with nicotine salt are suitable for tighter MTL coils.
Genuine products: Counterfeits are in circulation and may burn out or leak. Buy from Swiss retailers with direct manufacturer links.
Stock up: A coil head lasts 5 to 20 days, depending on usage and e-liquid. Keeping two to four spare heads in a drawer saves you from having to buy one in a rush.

When changing the coil, follow these steps: empty the tank, unscrew the old head, drip the new head (2–4 drops directly onto the cotton), screw it in, fill the tank and leave it to rest for at least five minutes. This allows the cotton to soak up the liquid fully and prevents it from burning on the first puff.

How often do I need to change the atomiser head?

Depending on the e-liquid and your vaping habits, every 5 to 20 days. Signs include a burnt taste, less vapour, dark discolouration or a ‘gurgling’ sound when taking a puff.

Can I clean and reuse a coil head?\nWith standard coils, it’s hardly worth it – the cotton remains damaged. Only self-built RBA heads can be refreshed by replacing the cotton.

Why does my new replacement coil head taste burnt?

Usually, the cotton hasn’t been soaked enough or the wattage is above the recommended range. Add a few drops of e-liquid, wait five minutes and start at a low power setting.

Do all coils fit in every tank?

No. Coils are model-specific. Always check the manufacturer and model name, such as ‘Vaporesso GTX’, ‘Uwell Caliburn G2’ or ‘Aspire Nautilus BVC’.

A compatible atomiser head determines the flavour, vapour production and lifespan of your setup. Make sure you check compatibility, the correct ohm rating and the recommended power range – then your coil will last a long time and deliver a consistently clean flavour. If you’re currently looking for a replacement, it’s worth taking a look at our selection of atomiser heads and coils, as well as the matching atomisers and tanks. Take your time to compare resistances, manufacturers and designs, and it’s best to stock up on a few right away.