The Ultimate Guide to Vape Coils
Vape coils are a necessary component of vaping devices. They help convert e-liquid into vapour through the process of heating.
Understanding the differences between common coil types can help retailers better understand the devices and hardware they carry.
The coil absorbs e-liquid from the reservoir or tank inside the vape and heats it so it can be converted into vapour.
Depending on the type of device, this can happen almost instantly, such as with disposable vapes, or may require the user to activate the device before vapour is generated.
The three main coil types covered in this guide are mesh coils, ceramic coils and temperature coils. Dual mesh coils are also commonly used as a variation of standard mesh coil technology.
As a trusted partner for vape wholesale in Canada, Pacific Smoke International helps retailers access a wide range of vaping products and hardware through one wholesale relationship.
Understanding the Main Types of Vape Coils
Different coil designs are used across different vape formats. Understanding where each type commonly appears can make it easier for retailers to explain devices and replacement hardware.
Mesh Coils
Metal mesh provides a larger heating surface area and is commonly found in disposable and closed-pod devices.
Dual Mesh Coils
Dual mesh configurations use two coils to increase the available heating surface area.
Ceramic Coils
Ceramic coils use porous ceramic material to absorb e-liquid and are commonly associated with tank-based and mod devices.
Temperature Coils
Temperature coils are used in more advanced devices that allow users to control the maximum coil temperature.
Mesh Coils
Mesh coils are common in modern vaping devices, particularly disposable and closed-pod devices.
Instead of using a traditional wire configuration, the coil consists of a metal mesh or net-like surface.
The larger surface area allows e-liquid to heat quickly, which is one reason mesh technology is widely used in devices where vapour needs to be generated with very little delay.
- A larger heating surface area than standard coils
- Fast heating of e-liquid
- Common use in disposable and closed-pod devices
- Reduced potential for concentrated hot spots
- Strong flavour and vapour performance
The broader heating surface can also help reduce hot spots compared with traditional coil designs.
Dual Mesh Coils
A dual mesh coil operates on a similar principle to a standard mesh coil but uses two coils to distribute the e-liquid across a greater heating area.
Effectively increasing the available surface area allows the e-liquid to heat quickly and can support greater vapour production.
The main difference is surface area. A dual mesh configuration uses two heating elements rather than one, allowing more e-liquid to contact the coil system during operation.
Dual coils can be particularly useful in rechargeable devices. One consideration, however, is power consumption. Using two coils can place greater demand on the battery than a single-coil configuration.
Ceramic Coils
Ceramic coils are more commonly available as individually replaceable components for use in mods or tank-based devices, although they can also appear in some disposable devices.
Rather than relying on cotton as the primary wicking material, ceramic coils use porous ceramic material to absorb e-liquid from the reservoir.
- Porous ceramic wicking material
- Use in mods and tank-based devices
- Availability in some disposable formats
- Longer service life than some standard coil designs
- Reduced spit-back
- Strong flavour and vapour performance
Temperature Coils
Temperature coils are generally associated with more advanced mods and devices.
Their defining feature is compatibility with devices that allow the user to adjust or control the maximum temperature the coil reaches during operation.
These coils are typically made using materials such as nickel or stainless steel.
Retail consideration: Temperature-control coils are more closely associated with advanced hardware than with straightforward disposable or closed-pod formats.
Vape Coil Types at a Glance
The appropriate coil depends largely on the type of device and how that device has been designed to operate.
| Coil Type | Common Application | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Coil | Disposable and closed-pod devices | Uses a broad metal mesh surface to heat e-liquid quickly. |
| Dual Mesh Coil | Rechargeable devices | Uses two heating elements to increase surface area but can place greater demand on the battery. |
| Ceramic Coil | Mods, tank-based devices and some disposables | Uses porous ceramic material rather than a traditional cotton wick. |
| Temperature Coil | Advanced mods | Designed for devices that allow the user to control the maximum operating temperature. |
Choosing the Right Vape Coil
The most important consideration when choosing a vape coil is compatibility with the device.
Disposable and closed-pod products generally have their coil systems built into the product, while open-system hardware may require retailers and customers to select compatible replacement coils.
What Vape Retailers Should Consider When Stocking Coils
For retailers carrying open-system hardware, replacement coils form part of the wider product ecosystem around the device.
A customer purchasing a compatible tank or device may later return for replacement coils, making availability important after the initial hardware sale.
- Which devices and tanks are already stocked
- Which replacement coils are compatible with those products
- Whether staff can identify compatible replacement components
- How consistently replacement inventory can be replenished
- Whether the supporting hardware still has active customer demand
Pacific Smoke International's wholesale vape hardware and accessories selection includes starter kits, open pod replacements, mods, tanks, coils, batteries, chargers and other supporting hardware for Canadian retailers.
Understanding Vape Coils Helps Support the Full Hardware Assortment
Whether a retailer is evaluating a disposable device with a built-in coil, stocking replacement coils for a mod or helping customers understand compatible hardware, knowing the main coil types makes the category easier to manage.
Mesh, dual mesh, ceramic and temperature coils each appear in different parts of the vaping market and are designed around different device requirements.
Retailers looking for vape coils and supporting hardware can explore Pacific Smoke International's wholesale vaping hardware selection.
For questions about vaping hardware or other wholesale needs, contact Pacific Smoke International.
Explore Wholesale Vape Hardware & Coils
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*The information provided in this article is from May 2023 and may be subject to change.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice, and the authors and Pacific Smoke International Inc. make no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained in this article. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
The authors and Pacific Smoke International Inc. will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of this article. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are complying with all Federal, Provincial, and Territorial laws and regulations regarding vaping products. Please consult with a legal professional or regulatory authority for specific guidance.