Everything You Need to Know About Vape Accessories

John Dunne as summarised;

“Choosing the right accessories is often overlooked by new vapers, yet it plays a pivotal role in prolonging device life and ensuring consistent flavour delivery.”

By Azim Aleem

Published on June 13, 2025

True to these words, these small elements act as the skeleton of vaping devices. Each has a distinct role, like maintaining device performance, improving flavour, or ensuring safety. Knowing how these accessories work and which one to choose per your unique vaping style is, no doubt, necessary. It helps in avoiding issues like leaks, burnt tastes, or malfunctions. Do you want to know all about vaping accessories and how to pick the best ones for you? This guide has you covered! Let’s walk through the different types, materials, and more.

Did you know?

Along with the traditional coils and other accessories, advanced magnetic adaptors and batteries are also taking over the industry. Read on to discover the innovative products you may need to simplify or advance your vaping experience.

Experts’ Corner

John Dunne: Is the Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). He is actively involved with vape policymakers, parliamentarians, and health communities.
British Safety Council: It’s a nonprofit organisation, founded by James Tye in 1957. They offer a range of services to numerous firms to maintain health and safety within their spectrum. .

Evolution of Vaping Accessories

Vaping has changed significantly since its invention in the early 2000s, and with it, a vast range of vape accessories has emerged to support, maintain, and personalise vaping devices.

Early devices were simple and consisted mainly of a battery, a basic coil, and a cartridge or clearomizer. However, today, vape accessories cover everything from essential replacement parts to advanced tech gadgets.

The goal of modern accessories is to make vaping easier and offer the right and personalised experience to every user.

How Many Types of Vaping Accessories are There?

As mentioned above, today we’ve a lot, and the main ones are discussed in detail below:

Coil

Just like the heart in a human body, the coil is the main element of the device. They are responsible for heating the e-liquid, which is then transformed into vapours.

How Does a Vaping Coil Work?

The coil is wrapped around or inside a wick (usually cotton) that soaks up the vape juice (e-liquid).
The coil is heated up to vaporise the juice in the wick.
You then inhale the produced vapour.

What Are Ohms in Vaping Coils?

Ohm (Ω) is the unit of electrical resistance, which measures how much the coil resists the flow of electricity. Note that every vaping coil has a resistance measured in ohms. Here are the main points you need to remember:

Lower resistance coils (called sub-ohm coils) have less than 1 ohm and produce more heat and vapour.
Higher resistance coils have more than 1 ohm and produce less heat and vapour.

Types of Coils

The two main types of coils are traditional wire coils and mesh coils.

Feature	Traditional Wire Coils	Mesh Coils
Structure	Single strand of wire wrapped into a spiral or spring shape	Flat sheet of metal
Material	Kanthal, Stainless Steel, Nichrome, Titanium, Nickel	Kanthal, Stainless Steel, Nichrome
Heating Surface Area	Smaller, concentrated	Significantly larger, spread out
Flavour Production	Good, but can be less consistent	Enhanced, richer, and more consistent flavour
Vapour Production	Good, moderate clouds	Larger, denser clouds of vapour
Ramp-up Time	Slower to heat up	Faster to heat up, almost instant vapour production
Lifespan	Generally shorter due to hot spots and uneven wear	Longer due to even heat distribution and reduced gunk buildup
Best For	Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping, higher resistance coils, those seeking a cigarette-like draw, budget-conscious vapers, and DIY coil builders	Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping, sub-ohm vaping, cloud chasers, flavour enthusiasts
Complexity of Installation (for rebuildables)	Generally easier to build and install	It can be more challenging to install correctly (especially ensuring cotton contact)

When to Replace Coils?

A coil’s lifespan depends on the type of e-liquid, frequency of vaping, and other important factors. Considering these, changing the coil after 1 or 3 weeks is recommended.

Explore our guide on "What Is A Clearomizer or Coils in Vaping Kits?”" to learn more about these accessories.

Battery

Without a battery, a vape device simply can’t work. Every vape device comes with a battery to supply power to the vape.

How Does a Battery Work?

The battery sends electrical energy to the coil when you press the button or take a draw from the mouthpiece, as some kits are draw-activated. The strength and duration of the battery’s power affect how much vapour is produced.

Battery Capacity and Power

Battery capacity, which is expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh), shows how long a battery can run a device before needing to be recharged. The voltage and wattage output of the battery also matter. Higher wattage lets the coil heat faster and produce more vapour, but it drains the battery quicker.

Types of Vape Batteries

Most vaping devices use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries because they are compact, have high energy density, and can deliver the necessary power safely. Some other types include:

External 18650 batteries: Cylindrical, removable, and rechargeable batteries widely used in many vape mods.
Built-in batteries: Some devices come with batteries that cannot be removed and are charged through USB ports.
External 21700 and 20700 batteries: Larger than 18650s, offering higher capacity and longer usage time.

Note: Note that vape devices featuring non-rechargeable batteries of any type will be banned in the UK starting on 1st June 2025. If you’re starting now, we recommend buying devices with rechargeable or replacement batteries.

Important: Battery safety is necessary. A study by the British Safety Council found that over 30% of vaping-related device failures are linked to improper battery use or counterfeit batteries. Hence, buy high-quality batteries from reliable and trustworthy vape shops.

Chargers

Just like the typical chargers of our mobile phones, most vaping kits also come with chargers. Depending on the type of battery, these power sources come in various forms, as shown in the table:

Charger Type	Description	Suitable For
USB Charging	Usually included with devices, but the Big Puff Vapes package doesn’t include the charger	Devices with built-in batteries
External Chargers	Separate chargers for removable batteries	External battery types (18650, etc.)

Charging your vape device correctly protects the battery and device. Fast charging is convenient but may reduce battery longevity if overused. Always use chargers recommended by your device manufacturer to avoid damage. Make sure the plug source is appropriate to increase the battery life.

Tanks and Pods

Tanks and pods are often confused, as both hold e-liquids. However, these two parts play different roles, as explained below:

What Are Vape Pods?

Pods, often plastic or metal, are smaller units that combine a coil and e-liquid reservoir in a single cartridge. Note that cartridges are often replaceable.

What are Vape Tanks?

Vape tanks are usually larger components that screw onto a separate battery device or "mod." They feature a glass or plastic e-liquid reservoir, a replaceable coil (atomiser head), a chimney for vapour travel, and a mouthpiece (drip tip).

TPD-Compliance: According to the UK’s TPD guidelines, vaping devices should only support a maximum of 2ml of liquid reservoir. This means tanks and pods with a capacity greater than this number are illegal in the region. For more details, see our in-depth guide on vape tanks.

E-Liquid Bottles

One of the most commonly used accessories is the e-liquid bottle. Good-quality e-liquid bottles are designed to be leak-proof and user-friendly. They often feature child-resistant caps and narrow tips, which make refilling tanks easy and mess-free.

Leak-proof bottles prevent spills and waste, which is especially important if you carry your vape gear on the go. The four main types of e-liquids are:

Nicotine salts
Shortfills
Freebase liquids
Nic shots (especially for short fills)

Some bottles are made with flexible materials that allow you to squeeze the e-liquid out precisely, reducing the chance of overfilling or dripping. Others have dropper tips for exact measurement, which is ideal for DIY e-liquid mixers.

Read the guide on "Ever Wondered What Is In Your E Liquid?" to explore their ingredients, VG and PG ratios, and more. Also, find the best vape juice brands in the UK on our blog.

Drip Tips

The drip tip is the mouthpiece of a vaping device. When you take a puff from your vape, the drip tip is the part that touches your lips. They serve as the channel through which vapours travel from the atomiser to your mouth. But its influence goes beyond just being a passage.

Drip tips come in the following sizes and shapes, and these differences influence how you vape:

Wide Bore vs. Narrow Bore:
- Wide-bore drip tips have larger openings. This typically results in cooler vapour and bigger clouds (great for Direct-to-Lung vaping).
- Narrow-bore tips restrict airflow and concentrate flavour. It’s preferred by those who like a stronger throat hit and more intense taste (Best for Mouth-to-Lung vaping).
Shape Variations: Some drip tips are straight tubes, others are flared or rounded at the mouthpiece. A flared drip tip can be more comfortable for your lips, while specific shapes can subtly change the feel of the vapour hitting your throat.

Cotton and Wicking Materials

The wick is a small, absorbent material that sits inside or around the coil. Its job is to draw e-liquid from the tank or reservoir and supply it evenly to the coil. When the coil heats up, the e-liquid soaked in the wick evaporates, producing vapour for inhalation. Many vapers and industry experts widely regard organic cotton as the best wicking material.

Carrying Cases and Protective Covers

Carrying cases protect your vape from damage, dust, and moisture during transport. They come in silicone, leather, and fabric variants and often have compartments for batteries, coils, and e-liquids.

Additional Vaping Accessories

When most people think about vaping, they often focus on the device itself, such as mods, tanks, and coils. However, smaller vape accessories play a crucial role in maintaining your device. Examples are:

Vape Bands
Cleaning Tools

Vape Bands

Vape bands are simple silicone rings that wrap around your vape tank’s glass section. Their primary purpose is to protect the glass from cracking or shattering if the device is accidentally dropped or knocked over.

Glass tanks are delicate and prone to damage, which can be costly to replace. Vape bands absorb impact and provide extra grip. They come in various colours and designs, allowing vapers to personalise their devices while keeping them safer.

Cleaning Tools

Over time, residue from e-liquids, dust, and dirt can accumulate on your tank, mouthpiece, and mod, affecting vapour quality.

Cleaning tools like small brushes, cotton swabs, and microfiber wipes help keep your device in top shape. Specialised brushes can reach tight spots, such as coil heads and airflow holes. Wipes are handy for removing sticky residue and fingerprints from the exterior.

Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your vape but also ensures you get the best flavour and smooth vapour every time you vape.

Replacement Parts

Vape devices contain several components that wear out or get damaged over time. Having replacement parts on hand, like spare glass tubes, seals (O-rings), and screws, can save you time and money.

Spare glass tubes help quickly fix your tank without needing a full replacement.
Seals and O-rings keep your tank airtight and prevent leaks; they degrade over time and need replacing.
Even small screws can come loose or get lost—having extras prevents frustration or delays.

Battery Wraps

Battery wraps are protective plastic sleeves that cover the outer surface of rechargeable batteries. They prevent damage to the battery’s casing, which is essential because any tears or nicks can increase the risk of short circuits or battery failure.

Damaged batteries can be dangerous, so replacing worn wraps promptly is a simple but effective way to enhance your safety. Battery wraps come in various colours and designs, allowing for a bit of customisation while ensuring protection.

How to Choose the Right Vape Accessories?

Choosing the right vape accessories involves balancing several important factors. Start by ensuring compatibility with your device, then consider your experience level to decide between simple or advanced options.

Consider the budget, keeping in mind both initial costs and ongoing replacements. Finally, align your choice with your personal preferences for flavour, vapour, and portability.

Factor	What to Consider
Compatibility	Accessories must fit your specific device model
Experience Level	Beginners often prefer pods and pre-built coils. Experienced vapers may opt for advanced kits
Budget	Factor in ongoing replacement costs
Preferences	Consider flavour intensity, vapour volume, and portability

For advice on selecting e-liquid nicotine strength to match your device and preferences, check our detailed article on choosing the right nicotine strength.

Trends and Innovations in Vape Accessories

The vaping industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and innovations continually improving the vaping experience. Vape accessories, once simple and purely functional, are now becoming smarter and more user-friendly. Let’s explore some of the latest trends and innovations in vape accessories:

Smart Coils with Sensors: These coils are embedded with sensors that monitor their condition and notify the user when they need to be replaced.
Advanced Temperature Control: The temperature control feature allows devices to regulate the heat applied to the coil, preventing it from overheating.
Adjustable Airflow Systems: Adjustable airflow systems are another popular innovation in vape accessories.
Magnetic Attachments: These are used to attach tanks, pods, batteries, and even drip tips securely but allow for quick detachment without screwing or unscrewing components.

Conclusion

Vape accessories play a vital role in device performance, safety, and personalisation. Understanding each accessory’s function and keeping up with maintenance improves your vaping experience.

Expert advice and recent statistics stress the importance of regular coil replacement, battery safety, and choosing genuine parts.

Stay informed, replace worn parts promptly, and invest in quality accessories for a consistent, safe vaping experience.

Azim Aleem - Vaping Expert & Industry Specialist

Digital Marketing Consultant

Azim Aleem is the Head of Digital Marketing at Alectrofag, with a strong background in the vaping industry. A former smoker, Azim personally understands the life-changing benefits of switching to vaping, a perspective that brings authenticity and depth to his work. He began his career as a vape shop assistant, gaining valuable, hands-on insight into customer needs and industry trends. Today, he combines that practical knowledge with strategic digital expertise to highlight the positive impact of vaping and support others on their journey to quit smoking for good.