SUMMARY
What is a clearomizer?
The clearomizer is an essential component of an electronic cigarette. It is essential to its operation. Without a clearomizer, there's no vapour! It determines the quality of the vapour and the delivery of flavour and nicotine.
It's the part of the e-cigarette that screws onto the battery, where you put the e-liquid, and the inhalation tip. It can be found under several different names: reservoir, atomizer, tank, etc. There are several different types of clearo. We're going to focus here on the clearomizer as a single product, which today offers the greatest number of advantages and versatility for an electronic cigarette.
In simplified terms, it's a tank containing the aromatic liquid (e-liquid) from the e-cig, whose role is to transform it into vapour using the atomisation principle: the atomisation chamber built into the clearomiser contains a coil (also known as the atomizer head, coil or 'burner') which heats the e-liquid to a temperature that turns it into vapour, which can then be inhaled.
In short, the clearomizer contains the technology and the very principle of what vaping is all about. It enables the principle of vaporisation that is the key to the electronic cigarette and its desire to reduce risks and put an end to the morbid danger of combustion.
How does a clearomizer work?
As explained above, the clearomizer is an atomizer designed to convert the liquid it contains into vapour.
Of course, the clearomizer is not enough on its own to vapourise. It needs electrical energy to function, which will be supplied by your electronic cigarette's battery.
The cotton (or fibre) on your coil soaks up the e-liquid in the tank. This fibre transports the juice by capillary action to the resistive wire or mesh sheet on the coil.
When you press the switch (fire) button on your electronic cigarette, the mod will send out a certain amount of power that will heat the coil (the resistive wire or the mesh sheet) and therefore the liquid. The liquid is transformed into vapour before being sucked up via the drip tip.
In most cases, the clearomizer is fitted with an adjustable airflow to let in more or less air and create a more or less important air/vapour mixture, but also to cool the resistive wire. This adjustment may seem insignificant, but it's a very important criterion depending on your style of vaping (DL draw or MTL draw) to vary the sensations: hot vapour, cold vapour, more or less vapour or even more or less flavour.
The right steps to follow when using your clearomizer :
Step 1: make sure the coil is properly inserted into the clearomizer.
2ᵉ step: make sure the power of your battery is set correctly (in the case of an adjustable vape) in relation to the model of coil inserted
3ᵉ step: make sure your atomizer is properly screwed on and closed before filling, including the air adjustment ring (airflow) if your model has one.
4ᵉ step: fill your tank with e-liquid, and wait several minutes (you should notice bubbles coming out of the coil, a sign that your cotton is soaking up liquid properly).
4ᵉ step bis in the presence of an airflow ring: once a few minutes have passed, turn your clearomizer upside down and wait another 2 minutes.
5ᵉ step: screw the clearomizer onto your battery set to the correct wattage, make sure the air draft is open (if present), and you can vape!
Anatomy of a clearomizer: the different components that make it up
The base of the clearomizer is also the element connected to the mod (using the 510 or eGo pin), allowing the two elements to work together. It holds the coil in place. It is often the support for the airflow ring (if present and adjustable from below), which allows you to modulate the opening of your tank and its vapour level.
The coil (also known as the coil or atomizer head) is essential for your e-cig to work properly. Inside, you'll find a resistive wire or mesh sheet and a fibre (cotton). The coil heats your liquid, creating the vapour you inhale. The coil has a limited lifespan and should be changed every 2-3 weeks, depending on your vaping style.
Each clearomizer has its own specific coils. For the same piece of equipment, there may be several types of coil, designed for different uses and with different power ratings expressed in W (watts). The value of a coil is calculated in oHm. The higher the number of oHm, the more suitable it will be for a tight MTL draw (indirect inhalation, requiring low power). Conversely, the lower the number, the more suitable it will be for a DL overhead draw (direct inhalation, requiring more power).
But it also depends on the coil technology, whether kanthal, nichrome or SS, and its structure (mesh, classic coil, etc.).
The sealed reservoir contains your e-liquid. It's usually transparent so you can see how much juice is left. A large capacity means greater autonomy. Usually made of Pyrex, tanks vary in capacity from 2 to almost 10 ml (very large capacities are rarer).
The top cap seals the reservoir and also allows you to fill your liquid (for top-filling). Some can be unscrewed, and some even have an 'easy-filler' system, so you can fill your juice without even having to open your clearomizer! Simple and practical! The top cap can also be used to support the airflow ring (if present and adjustable from the top).
The drip tip is the only part of the tank in contact with your mouth. It can be customised in a variety of shapes (curved or not), sizes (short or long), diameters (510 or 810), colours or materials, and it's essential not to neglect it, because your comfort and your vaping experience depend on it.
Its diameter (510 or 810) is important, as it partly determines vapour production. A tight diameter (510) limits the creation of vapour during the draw, while a large diameter (810) allows for a big dragon vape. The material of the drip tip will influence the heat felt by your lips. Aluminium or metal drip tips heat up when used. Teflon, delrin, ceramic and ultem tips heat up much less, if at all.
Clearomizer / atomizer / pod cartridges, what are the differences?
An atomizer and a clearomizer are not the same thing and do not target the same type of vapers.
- A clearomizer holds ready-made coils and is very easy to use, making it suitable for all types of vapers.
- An atomizer, on the other hand, is designed for rebuildable vaping and therefore for expert vapers who make their own coils (DIY).
The same applies to pod cartridges, which are very different from a clearomizer:
- Pod cartridges can only be used on their own equipment. They can contain built-in coils (non-replaceable).
- The clearomiser is interchangeable, so you can adapt it to a wide range of equipment.
How do you choose the right clearomizer for your vape?
Choosing a clearomizer with a draw adapted to my needs
There are several types of clearomizer depending on their draw: MTL, sub-ohm (DL), restrictive (RDL) or multipurpose (i.e. MTL, DL and RDL) clearomisers. These vaping styles are influenced by the coil chosen.
Indirect inhalation (MTL): strong flavours and a sustained hit
The MTL clearomizer is perfect for indirect inhalation (MTL tight draw) but also for high nicotine levels (greater than or equal to 6 mg). Here, inhalation takes place first in the mouth and then in the lungs, which is the closest thing to a traditional cigarette. The sensations are virtually the same as when you were a smoker. The result? It's an ideal tank for beginners and for successful smoking cessation.
Equipped with a 510 drip tip, this type of inhalation results in a pronounced hit (a tingling sensation in the throat as the vapour passes through) and promotes excellent restitution of the flavours of the e-liquids, because the air intake is restricted. What's more, the airflow through the coil is restricted, making the MTL inhalation even stronger and more precise. You should be aware, however, that the vapour will be less than with a sub-ohm clearomizer.
The coil is between 1 and 3 ohms. These coils don't need much power, between 8 and 30W.
For e-liquids, you can use any high nicotine levels (6 to 18 mg/ml) or nicotine salts. Choose a ratio of 50PG/50VG, 60PG/40VG, 70PG/30VG or 80PG/20VG. Another advantage is that juice consumption is low, making it economical, and the coil lasts longer.
Direct inhalation (sub-ohm, DL) and restrictive inhalation (RDL): a dense and abundant vapour
The sub-ohm clearomizer, the tank best known to cloud chasing enthusiasts (abundant vapour production), is ideal for direct inhalation (DL draw). The vapour goes directly into the lungs.
This equipment is ideal for vapers looking for big clouds, but also for those who want to vape at a low nicotine level but with the sensation of a much higher level.
You'll usually find an 810 drip tip here. The sub-ohm clearomizer will give you a weaker hit (depending on the nicotine level) with good vapour production, because the air inlets are more open. The air/vapour mixture in the coils is therefore greater.
The coil value is between 0.15 and 1 ohm. On the other hand, the power of the battery should be higher, between 30 and 100W.
For e-liquids, use low nicotine levels (0mg or 3mg). Choose a ratio of 50PG/50VG, 40PG/60VG, 30PG/70VG or 20PG/80VG. The sub-ohm clearo consumes more liquid but also more battery than the MTL tank. The coils also tend to have a shorter lifespan than the MTL.
Restrictive direct inhalation (DLR): halfway between MTL and DL
There is also a variant of DL inhalation called RDL. The vapour goes directly into the lungs, but the production of clouds is less than with DL. This is a good alternative for those who want to move gradually towards DL. It's an inhalation halfway between vapour volume and flavour, with a moderate draw restriction.
The multi-purpose clearomizer: adaptable for every taste
Thanks to the settings and the coil chosen, the multi-purpose clearomizer offers both a tight MTL draw (indirect inhalation) and a DL air draw (direct inhalation). In the vast majority of cases, the air inlets are open (as with DL). It's at the level of the coil's air passage that everything comes into play to make either DL or MTL. Perfect for those who are fans of both indirect and direct inhalation and want to switch quickly from one to the other.
A versatile tank is also characterised by its compatibility with a wide choice of coils, including at least one MTL and one DL. Depending on the coil used, these clearomizers are compatible with most nicotine levels.
Choosing the right coil value for your clearomizer
Compatible coils to suit your needs
As you can see, the selection of your coil is essential, depending on your style of vaping, your preferences and your needs. As we explained earlier:
- If you want to start or continue the process of giving up smoking, choose coilq designed for a tight draw (MTL) that are compatible with high nicotine levels and salts. These coils will produce less vapour but more flavour and 'hit'. They are also more economical in terms of liquid consumption and lifespan.
- If you're more comfortable with indirect puffing (or DL) and you're keen to produce dense, compact vapour, then go for coils designed for overhead vaping. These will consume more e-liquid and last less over time, but the flavour reproduction is still of high quality and you'll be able to vape with low nicotine levels without any problem.
- If you're a fan of DL vaping, but want to produce a little less vapour, then you'll want to consider RDL coils.
We hope that after these explanations, the choice of coil to adopt will be more obvious. If you still have doubts, don't hesitate to consult our guide "What is a coil and how to choose one?", which goes into more detail on this subject.
Make sure your clearomizer is compatible with the different e-liquids
The PG/VG ratio of the e-liquid
Generally speaking, it's the clearomizer coil that will determine your choice of PG/VG ratio or the manufacturer's recommendations. But do you have any e-liquid left? Then find the coil, and therefore the clearo, that will suit your juice.
The PG/VG compatibility of a coil is specified on the product sheet. However, here are the recommended compatibilities:
- MTL coil/clearo: 50PG/50VG or 60PG/40VG or 70PG/30VG or 80PG/20VG
- DL coil/clearo: 50PG/50VG or 40PG/60VG or 30PG/70VG or 20PG/80VG
Good to know: You are free to choose an e-liquid containing more VG than PG, but beware of "dry hits" (tingling sensations in the throat)! On the other hand, if an e-liquid contains more PG than VG, you run the risk of your clearomizer oozing, which can damage your experience.
These compatibilities will be important for the lifespan of your coil and for the transcription of flavours. E-liquids high in propylene glycol will not be suitable for certain coils and vice versa with liquids high in vegetable glycerine. This can clog up your coil and cause problems during your vaping experience. You should also make sure you choose your equipment according to your needs, as explained above.
You should also be aware that a clearomizer can just as easily hold your standard e-liquid as a DIY e-liquid car.
Clearomizers and e-liquids with nicotine salts
For you, the use of nicotine salts is imperative? Then choose a clearomizer with a tight MTL draw. Also, choose a coil with a rating of around 1.0 ohm (or, for some models, less) that doesn't need a lot of power to work, i.e. between 10 and 15W. Don't panic, here too the compatibility of the coil and/or clearomizer with nicotine salts is specified on the product sheet.
Good to know: E-liquids containing nicotine salts are not compatible with DL-oriented clearomizers, as they break down the molecule contained in the latter.
For more information, visit the guide to choosing the right e-liquid.
Clearomizer and CBD
To find out more about the compatibility of your equipment with CBD you can consult our guide "Which electronic cigarette for vaping CBD?".
Is my clearomizer compatible with my electronic cigarette battery?
Compatibility with your battery's power
If you've already chosen your mod, it's important to choose a clearomizer that matches it, especially in terms of power. To do this, you need to look at the power range of the coil, specified on the coil itself, the coil box or the product sheet. This range depends on the Ohm value of the coil.
For example, you've bought a mod that delivers a maximum power of 40W. You like it and want to use it with a clearomizer. So you choose a tank that can be used with coils that need a maximum of 40W to work optimally.
Tank size (diameter)
There are as many clearomizer models as there are sizes. In fact, each tank has its own size. MTL clearomizers are generally more compact. DL tanks, on the other hand, are often larger.
If you've already chosen your box, pay attention to the diameter of the clearomizer. Each tank has its own size and therefore its own diameter. For a 'flush' kit, i.e. when your tank fits your mod perfectly, choose a clearomizer the same width as your mod. For example, if your box is 22 mm wide, choose a 22 mm tank for an optimal flush kit. However, you can still choose tanks of less than 22mm if the design doesn't interest you.
The type of connector (pin)
There are 2 types of pin (connector) or screw thread: eGo and 510. These connectors enable the mod and the clearomizer to be assembled (screwed together). The eGo connector is becoming increasingly rare among manufacturers and is tending to disappear. Generally speaking, clearomizers with this pin are sold with the battery and/or an adaptor. The 510 connector is widely used on the electronic cigarette market and is therefore compatible with a wide range of batteries.
The aesthetics of the clearo
The aesthetics of your clearomizer are important! By aesthetics, we mean material, colour and shape. We don't have any specific advice here, because it's up to you to choose according to your taste.
However, we do offer a wide choice of different colours, materials and Pyrex (reservoir) for a design that suits you.
The replacement tank or pyrex for a clearomizer can be made of :
- Plastic: very strong and resistant to UV rays.
- Glass: high resistance to corrosion and no residual flavour when changing liquids. Used in most tanks.
- Aluminium and/or stainless steel: maximum strength despite its opacity.
You can also opt for disposable clearomizers for a simple but high-performance vaping experience. They're ideal for vapers who don't want to bother with all the technical aspects of a "standard" clearomizer.
Other selection criteria for your clearomizer
Tank capacity (in ml)
The capacity of the clearomizer is also an important point to consider. The tank isn't just a question of size, it's also a question of liquid consumption. You might think that a large tank would give you longer juice autonomy. This is true of the MTL tank, which consumes very little e-liquid. However, the DL clearomizer consumes a lot of juice. For MTL, choose a tank between 2 and 4 ml. For DL, choose a tank between 3.5 ml and 5 ml.
As well as e-liquid consumption, it's also a question of the design of your electronic cigarette. If you want a compact e-cigarette, opt for a smaller tank. Bear in mind, however, that a small tank in DL will need to be refilled more often. If design isn't important to you, then all options are possible.
The type of filling
It's simple: there are 3 types of filling: top-filling, side-filling and down-filling. In fact, 90% of Freevap clearomizers are top-filling.
From the top, the top cap can either be unscrewed or pushed back to reveal the filling hatch. It's the simplest system, so it's perfect for beginners or those who don't want to complicate their lives! What's more, it's the system that causes the fewest leaks, and recently some manufacturers have been innovating with a child safety lock, as on the Zeus Subohm SE clearomizer from Geek Vape. From the side, simply open the filler cap and insert your favourite e-liquid. The bottom is a different matter! To do this, you often have to unscrew the clearomiser from the battery and then the bottom cap (base of the tank).
Good to know: new solutions have recently been introduced, including tanks fitted with a cap that retracts when the e-liquid pipette is inserted. Once the tank has been filled, the cap closes automatically, ensuring a perfect seal.
Adjustable airflow
Most tanks have an adjustable airflow. An adjustable airflow usually takes the form of a ring with orifices. But it can also be a small lever that you push to open or close the airflow. Located at the base of the tank (bottom airflow), it provides a better air/vapoue mixture. Located at the top of the tank (top airflow), it limits e-liquid leaks.
The smaller the airflow, the more restrictive the draw (MTL) and the more intense the flavours. Conversely, the more open the airflow, the less coil there will be to the draw (DL) and therefore the greater the vapour production. There are no right or wrong settings, you'll just have to decide for yourself if it's right for you.
The Drip-tip
Every clearo has a drip tip with its own characteristics: size (short or long), diameter (510 or 810) or material (delrin, silicone...).
First of all, let's start with the diameter of the tip (510 or 810), which will influence the amount of vapour. Generally speaking, the MTL tank will be topped by a 510 drip tip and the sub-ohm (DL) tank, by an 810. As the 510 diameter is smaller, it will produce little vapour. The 810, on the other hand, will produce big clouds of vapour! The tip is usually interchangeable, meaning you can change it for another drip tip of the same diameter. Note that some drip tips are proprietary and therefore integrated into the top cap. Beginners will prefer the 510 drip tip, as it resembles the feel of a traditional cigarette. Some 810 tips can be changed to 510 using an adaptor, for more flavour and less vapour.
Summary table
| Drip-tip diameter | Inhalation type | Vapers type |
|---|---|---|
| 510 | MTL (low vapour) | Beginners or vapers who prefer flavours to vapour |
| 810 | DL (a lot of vapour) | Fans of cloud chasing or big clouds |
The size of the drip-tip will allow you to personalise your vape as you wish.
Finally, let's look at the different tip materials. Plastic and metal drip tips (particularly aluminium) can be uncomfortable for some people because of the way they feel in the mouth. What's more, they can heat up during use and cause discomfort on the lips. Teflon, delrin, ceramic and ultem tips, on the other hand, can give a very good mouthfeel with little or no heat build-up.
How do I use and maintain my clearomizer?
To find out more about coils, go to our guide dedicated to coils.
If your clearomizer has a burnt taste or is leaking/collapsing, go to our guides "Why is my electronic cigarette leaking?" and "Why does my electronic cigarette taste burnt?"
You'll also find help on all our product sheets on how to change the coil of your favourite clearomizer.