e-cigarettes NZ FAQ

What is an Electronic Cigarette?

e-Cig FAQ

- updated February 2023

The e-Cigarette or electronic cigarette is one of the newest and most successful alternatives to traditional tobacco cigarettes on the market today.

Thousands of Kiwi's have now discovered the benefits of vaping instead of smoking.

Common terms used for e-cigarettes - e-cig, ecigs, vapor cigarettes, ecigarettes,e smoke, vaping, best e cigarettes

The electronic cigarette can look and act like a real cigarette, except that it does not burn any tobacco, although today they typically look nothing like a cigarette at all due to the fact that devices this small have a very limited endurance and "satisfaction" factor.

Devices designed to produce a good experience for the user typically start at around the size of a white board marker, this allows good endurance (battery life) and power to drive the clearomizer (the bit that does the vapourizing).

The electronic cigarette is the tobacco alternative that smokers all over the world have been waiting for.

No more putting up with increased taxes and prices that make smoking tobacco nearly impossible. The electronic cigarette is sweeping across nations all around the world and are now finally available in New Zealand.

How Does An Electronic Cigarette Work

There are two or three main parts to an electronic cigarette in the most basic breakdown.

• A Clearomizer - the tank that holds the e-Liquid to be vapourized
• A Clearomizer Head - the bit that via several wicking methods has a coil that heats up to vapourize the e-Liquid
• A Battery - the power source, standard devices used a fixed voltage output, advanced devices are variable voltage and or wattage and may also have other advanced features to drive some of the latest product offerings

The Clearomizer contains a liquid (we call e-Liquid) that determines the flavour and nicotine strength of your e-cigarette.

Clearomizers are purchased empty and can be filled flavours like Tobacco and Menthol right through to any flavour you can imagine.

FYI: Naked Vapour currently offers more than 3 dozen varieties - Naked Vapour e-Liquid

You also can decide between nicotine strengths such as Regular (18mg), Light (6mg) and even nicotine free as sold here to keep within the current legislation in New Zealand, for those that are interested in reducing their nicotine intake without losing the pleasure of smoking.

The Cleaormizer Head has a small heating element (non-flammable) that heats the e-Liquid inside into a "smoke-like" vapour, much like a miniature smoke machine. The Cleaormizer Head is fitted inside the Clearomizer tank - most sold via Naked Vapour are user replaceable - heads need to be changed with use to keep the vapour produced optimal.

The battery supplies the electronic cigarette with power. Since the e-cigarette is powered by the battery, there is no open flame or ash to deal with.

Batteries are also key to a great e-cigarette experience, the larger the battery, the less often you will need to recharge it, smaller 510 type batteries (cigarette sized) will require charging several times a day, whereas larger capacity batteries may only need a re-charge once a day or every few days depending on how often you use it, and can deliver a lot more power to produce a far superior vaping experience.

Most experienced vapers (the term for an e-cigarette user) prefer manual power control over automatic systems - this requires the user to press and hold a button for the vapourizer to produce vapour. Automatic systems often work with an air flow sensor that triggers the device to power on when detected - these are also prone to failures caused by e-Liquid leaks and condensate build ups and are rarely found in devices sold by specialists.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Electronic Cigarettes?

The benefits of vaping electronic cigarettes compared to smoking regular tobacco cigarettes are huge, to say the least. You may be able to use e-cigarettes in places that you can't smoke, like bars and restaurants, offices and work places and so on. Check with the owner/manager/proprietor first though.

• No tar or carbon-monoxide, in fact, electronic cigarettes contain about 1400 less chemicals than regular tobacco cigarettes.
• Control your nicotine level.
• Electronic cigarettes let YOU choose how much nicotine if any.
• No more smelly clothes or car or home.
• No more bad breath or stained yellow teeth, your dentist will love you for it!
• The freedom to smoke without worrying about second hand smoke.
• Since electronic cigarettes produce no smoke there is no need to worry about bothering others nearby - always be considerate of others of course.
• Save money. Once your setup and using an electronic cigarette instead of tobacco the ongoing costs should be much cheaper than smoking.
• Non-Flammable. No more burns in couches, car seats, clothing etc.
• Easy to use, like anything new there is a learning curve, but most people adapt very quickly and there is plenty of support out there.

Who shouldn't use an electronic cigarette?

• e-Cigarettes are designed to be used by long term committed smokers as an alternative to smoking tobacco.
• People under the age of 18. Sales are restricted to people over the age of 18.
• Woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have an existing medical condition, consult your regular GP or medical practitioner first.

Where to Start?

 Visit our Complete e-Cigarette Kits Section here.