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Podmods
If you're a beginner vaper and you're wondering which electronic cigarette you should choose to get started, why not try pod mods?
Indeed, these compact e-cigarettes that combine design and performance have been revolutionizing the vaping market for some time now. They're made up of a small battery, with a cartridge containing a tank and a coil on top. This cartridge can be easily clipped on or off, and a simple press of the button on the battery's side heats the coil and produces the vapor.
These devices are perfectly suited to first-time vapers. They replace the old 'cigalike' electronic cigarettes that tried to mimic classic tobacco cigarettes, which are totally abandoned nowadays due to their obvious unreliability.
You won't have these issues here, though, as pods are effective in any situation and the devices are suited to any kind of vaper. There's something for everyone, and it's the reason why they're so popular today.
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What is a podmod electronic cigarette?
A podmod, also called pod mod or simply ‘pod’, is just a more compact and easy-to-use electronic cigarette. The main feature of this type of e-cigarette is that it works with a removable cartridge, fitted with a tank and a coil like a clearomiser, but in a more condensed form.
This cartridge is connected to a battery that sends the energy to the coil, thus producing the vapour. This system is deliberately kept simple and intuitive so that beginners can pick up a podmod and start vaping right away.
Some models even turn on automatically when you inhale through the mouthpiece. It’s hard to make vaping simpler than that! Podmods are suited for all types of vapers and will be of great help for those who are quitting smoking.
How does a podmod e-cigarette work?
A pod might have a different aesthetic, but it works exactly like a ‘traditional’ electronic cigarette does. It has a battery, an e-liquid tank above it, and a coil.
Where the difference lies is in the podmod’s cartridge system. Indeed, with a podmod cigarette you’ll have to replace the whole cartridge and not just the coil, as is the case for other e-cigs. In the end, this’ll save you a lot of time and energy. Simply unclip the old cartridge and put the new one in its place, and that's it.
Inside the cartridge is a small tank with an average capacity of 2 ml, which can easily be filled through an aperture on the cartridge’s side, protected by a silicone tab most of the time.
The way a podmod e-cigarette works is incredibly simple, as most models don’t require any adjusting before use. Indeed, the devices only have one button that heats the coil and produces the vapour, which you inhale by placing your lips on the mouthpiece, also called ‘drip tip’.
Some podmods even work without having to press any buttons, simply inhaling on the mouthpiece is enough to trigger the coil heating!
Who are podmod electronic cigarettes made for?
Due to its simple and intuitive operation and its very compact size, the podmod electronic cigarette is mainly intended for occasional and average smokers. Those who want a feel similar to that of a classic cigarette will like it.
However, the podmod’s strength is also its weakness. Indeed, its compact shape is at the expense of battery life and settings. The latter are often crucial if the vaper is highly addicted to nicotine. That's why we recommend getting a complete box mod kit if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, in order to get more power, more battery and various settings that’ll meet your specific needs.
Know that podmods aren’t just for beginners, though. They can also suit the more experienced vapers looking for an extra kit or a discreet e-cigarette to carry around with them. Indeed, a podmod produces very little vapour and will easily fit in your pocket or your bag. If you want a no-fuss device, podmods are made for you!
The different types of podmod cigarettes
As we said above, the podmod is made up of two distinct parts, namely a battery and a cartridge that contains the tank, drip tip and coil. However, there are a few subtleties between the kits.
Podmods with sealed cartridges:
Podmod electronic cigarettes with sealed cartridges were the first to hit the vaping scene. They are the simplest kits to use, as their cartridges are already filled with e-liquid. When the cartridge is empty, you simply remove it and put a new one in its place. These podmods require very little maintenance!
Moreover, manufacturers offer cartridges with different e-liquid flavours, so that you can change flavour on the fly. However, you should know that sealed cartridges are more expensive than refillable cartridges.
The Koddopod is a bestseller in this category!
Podmods with refillable cartridges:
Refillable cartridge podmods allow you to refill the device’s tank with your preferred e-liquid as often as you need.
Most of the time, you just have to remove the cartridge from the battery to access the refill well. Some kits have a silicone tab on the side of the cartridge, which must be removed before inserting the tip of your bottle of e-liquid.
With these devices, you only replace the cartridge when the coil is worn out, that is, when you feel a burnt taste, an altered flavour, or if your electronic cigarette doesn’t produce any more vapour. In general, a podmod’s coil lasts between 2 and 3 weeks.
Podmods with refillable cartridges are therefore more economical than the previous ones, and they let you vape the e-liquid of your choice!
Joyetech’s Atopack Penguin V2 is one of the most famous refillable cartridge podmods.
Podmods with removable coils:
This type of podmod is very similar to the refillable cartridge pods. The only difference is that you can replace the coil. You don’t have to change the entire cartridge, just swap the coil when it wears out.
Thus, the cartridge will last much longer, making the device incredibly economical in the long run.
In this category, Smok’s Nord, Voopoo’s Vinci, and Geek Vape’s Aegis Boost are some of the most successful podmods!
How to choose your podmod electronic cigarette
As is the case for any electronic cigarette, there are certain factors that must be taken into account when choosing a podmod.
The main one is the battery autonomy. It’s expressed in mAh and determines what kind of use you’ll get out of the kit:
- a battery of less than 400 mAh is recommended for an occasional use.
- a battery between 400 and 800 mAh is perfect for a normal daily use.
- a battery of more than 800 mAh is suitable for a continuous or even intensive use.
Therefore, it can be a good idea to own two podmods if you opt for a small battery (less than 400 mAh). That way, you can carry on vaping when one of them is charging.
It’s also important to consider what type of vape a podmod e-cigarette can provide. Even if the vast majority of podmods are intended for indirect inhaling (MTL), i.e a tight draw like the one you get with a classic tobacco cigarette, some kits are different.
Indeed, some podmods are built for direct inhaling (DTL) and offer an open draw. Others even offer both types of draw, thanks to a variator that allows you to choose between them.
It’s something you must take into account when you choose your podmod, so that it meets all of your needs.
Which e-liquids can you use in podmod electronic cigarettes?
As with any type of electronic cigarette, there are two things to consider before using an e-liquid in your podmod. Firstly, you need to look at the e-liquid’s PG/VG content, i.e. its propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin ratio.
In general, it’s recommended to use a liquid with a PG content of 50% or more to prevent clogging the coil too quickly.
Secondly, you have to make sure the nicotine content of your pod’s e-liquid is sufficient for your specific needs. Indeed, the vape you get with a podmod is generally smooth with a tight draw, depending on the kits.
Furthermore, podmod electronic cigarettes are a great tool for vaping nicotine salt e-liquids and CBD e-liquids, due to the smooth vape they provide.
How to look after your podmod
The major advantage of podmod electronic cigarettes is that they require very little maintenance. This, of course, makes them ideal for beginner vapers.
Generally, it’s the cartridge that requires the most maintenance, depending on whether it’s refillable, sealed or with a removable coil.
The battery might also need replacing at some point, depending on its lifespan and whether it’s a built-in battery or a removable battery. They will all need charging, though. Most of the time this is done with a USB cable included in the podmod kit, or by using an external battery charger, which you can buy on our shop.
Learn more about choosing an electronic cigarette
- Discover complete kits for a no-fuss vaping experience
- How to find an electronic cigarette that makes a lot of vapour
- Which clearomiser should you use with your e-cigarette?
- How to choose an e-liquid for your electronic cigarette