With all the hype about second hand smoke and the dangers of cigarettes, a new safer, healthier invention has hit the market. E-Cigs are electronic cigarettes that are composed of a battery, an atomizer, and a flavor cartridge. E-Cigs deliver nicotine in a water vapor form that looks like smoke. So now you are not smoking, you are “vaping”. E-Cigs can be charged from a computer, car, or standard wall outlet.  According to an article in the LA Times, Hon Lik, a pharmacist and inventor living in China  invented the Electronic Cigarette in 2003 after his father died of lung cancer.  However, evidence suggest that a man named Herbert A. Gilbert, from PA, invented and patented a battery powered smokeless cigarette in 1963.

How does an E-Cig work?

An E-Cig is about the same size as a real cigarette with a removable cartridge filter that contains liquid nicotine and a flavor. The amount of nicotine in these cartridges are available in different levels to match regular (18mg), light (12mg), and ultra light (6mg) cigarettes. Most companies also offer (0mg). As you draw on the E-Cig, the battery heats an atomizer that turns the liquid into vapor that you inhale. You get your nicotine but you don’t get all the bad cancer causing additives that are in a regular cigarette and neither does anyone around you.

Are E-Cigs healthier?

I think that E-Cigs are healthier. Most companies that sell Electronic Cigarettes say that they contain no known cancerous agents and you are breathing vaporized water not Carbon Monoxide. Similar to a nicotine patch, you are getting your nicotine through vapor. There is no second hand smoke (only vapor), no tar or other bad additives, no tobacco, and no ashes. Best of all, your teeth don’t stain and you don’t smell like an ashtray.  I suggest for more information about E-Cigs and health, read the articles on the side bar provided by Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association.
Unlike regular cigarettes, you can use an E-Cig just about anywhere. If you have concerns about using an E-Cig somewhere, I would tell the manager what it is and that there will be no smoke. I haven’t had any problems. I heard that there is a ban on E-Cigs in San Francisco. The E-Cig has eliminated all the arguments against smoking and still some people still want to control your personal life. For more information on E-Cigs and health go to FAQ on E-Cigs or read one of the other artiles from CASAA in the sidebar.

How long will the E-Cig battery last?

The E-Cig battery (the upper end that the cartridge screws into) lasts 3-4 hours up to a day (depending on how heavy of a smoker you are). Most companies offer a portable charging case. blu E Cigarette has a charging case that looks like a pack of cigarettes with room for an extra battery and 5 cartridges.

How much does an E-Cig kit cost?

There are many E-Cig starter kit promotions going on all the time at different prices. I’ve found that a good E-Cig starter kit sells for $60 – $150 depending on how many batteries and various charging adapters that are included.  You can also get an E-Cig that has a wire to a USB port to use at the computer for about $25.  Refills will cost about half the price of cigarettes. One of our latest affiliate, South Beach Smoke , is offering a free starter kit for anyone in the military in the form of a full rebate after purchase.  Great deal for our soldiers!

V2 CIGS , will give you 10% off your order if you use the coupon code: MORLOCK
Green Smoke offers a 5% discount using the code: disc5-25713

Some E-Cig companies have a throw away model to try for about $15 usually sold in convenient stores.  The ones that I have tried are of low quality and don’t taste very good.  I wouldn’t buy one.  You are better off investing in a starter kit from one of the companies mentioned here and they all have a 30 day money back guarantee so you won’t be out anything.

What brand E-Cig should I Buy?

V2 CIGS , blu E Cigarette , Green Smoke , The Safe Cig, SmokeTip, and South Beach Smoke , sell very good units.    These E-Cig units use a new atomizer with each cartridge sometimes called a cartomizer.  Their customer service is very good, prompt and they offer a money-back guarantee. Some E-Cig companies sell 3 piece units which have a separate atomizer that is used over and over. The ones that I have seen tend to clog and not work very well. In 2008, I purchased my first E-Cig and it was a 3 piece unit.  It quit producing vapor after a few weeks. I have seen instructions on how to clean the atomizers but I think it’s a lot of trouble. The E-Cig companies I named above sell the 2 piece E-Cigs and some also sell a 3 piece unit.  I think some of the newer 3 piece units work just fine.  Other things to consider are: What type of E-Cig charger do I need? One for the car, computer, or just a wall charger. What E-Cig flavors do they carry? Are different nicotine strengths available?  I’m sure that one of these E-Cig companies have a starter kit to fit about any need.

What E-Cig flavor cartridges can you get?

Most E-Cig companies sell a variety of flavors that are similar to your brand of cigarette tobacco and flavors like: Cherry, Vanilla, Coffee, Mint, and Menthol. I would recommend to start with tobacco flavor in regular or menthol if you prefer, V2 CIGS offers a sampler pack with one cartomizer of each of their nine flavors.

Will cartomizers(cartridges) from one E-Cig company fit a battery from another company?

Some may fit. However, some cartomizers have a male end and some a female end and some company’s E-Cigs are different in diameter. You should ask before buying if cartomizers will fit your brand of E-Cig battery.  Also, adapters can be purchased.  V-2 has recently started selling universal adapters to use V-2 cartomizers with a variety of batteries.  See info and link at Universal Adapters.

Can E-Cig cartridges be refilled?

Yes. You can buy a liquid nicotine in a variety of flavors to refill your cartomizers from E-Liq or from eSmoke .  They have several flavors and you can buy a 30ml bottle for about $15 (fills 30 or more cartridges) or buy separate nicotine, flavor, and base liquid to make your own mixture.  E-Liq has instructions on mixing your own E-Cig liquid at their site.  You should be able to refill an E-Cig cartomizer several times before the atomizer quits working well. However, some E-Cig companies advise against refilling their cartridges and you can short out the battery if you don’t clean the end well.  Big savings if you want to do a little experimenting.  More information at  E-Liquid Mixing Information page .

In addition to the regular E-Cig with a cartomizer, there are a couple of other types of E-Cigs gaining popularity. The first is a Drip tip E-Cig. This device works by putting a few drops of E-Liquid directly on the atomizer. This will last for about 10 – 12 puffs. The advantage is that you get the full flavor of the E-liquid. However it is labor intensive as you have to keep dripping and not too practical outside the home. The second type and the one I prefer, is the Tank E-Cig. Instead of a cartomizer, it has a mouth piece (tank) that holds about 1.2 ml of E-liquid. As you draw on the E-Cig, the E-liquid is used up. You get a lot more vapor than a cartomizer. The 1.2 ml tank is equivalent to about 1 and 1/2 packs of cigarettes. There are also larger tanks available in some models. Volcano Fine Electronic Cigarettes. offers both the Drip Tip and Tank E-Cigs as well as regular E-Cigs.

Enjoy vaping and being tobacco free!

Contact –  rhoda@electroniccigarettesbroker.com

Copyright 6/21/2011