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Ultimate Guide on Vape Coils: Types, Life Span & More
Vaping is something almost everyone in the UK is familiar with. But how many of us really know how they work, their different available types, and how to keep them in the best condition? Without a solid understanding of coils, you can end up choosing the one that doesn’t deliver the right flavour and experience. In this guide on vape coils, we’ll discuss all the aspects of coils. We’ll cover the different types, the materials they’re made of, and how they impact flavour and vapour production.
Published on June 06, 2025
Let's Start
Why Coil Matters?
The coil is the central component of the vape system. It controls the amount of vapour, the flavour strength, and your vape's overall performance. Explore it, learn about its varieties, and more!
What Are Vape Coils?
The vape coil is present inside the atomiser/clearomiser. It heats and turns the liquid into vapours when electricity passes through it, supplied by the battery. As the liquid heats up, it evaporates and creates vapour, just as shown in the image below:
The vapours then pass through the mouthpiece and are breathed in, like smoke from a cigarette, but without the harmful tar and toxins.
Read our blog on “What Is A Clearomizer In Vaping Kits?” for a deeper dive into the technicalities.
Understanding Coil Resistance
Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω) and determines how much power is required to heat the coil.
Ohm’s Law is a simple way to understand this entire phenomenon. Ohm’s Law connects three important elements, i.e., Voltage (V), Current (I), and Resistance (R).
Think of your vape device as a circuit where the battery provides voltage (power), and your coil offers resistance. The resistance of the coil determines how much current (the flow of electricity) passes through it. This relationship is shown in the image below:
- Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (V = I × R)
- Current equals voltage divided by resistance (I = V ÷ R)
- Resistance equals voltage divided by current (R = V ÷ I)
Vaping Styles and Coil Resistance
When you have a coil with higher resistance (above 1.0Ω), it limits the current flow, which can produce a cooler vape with less vapour (this is the case with Mouth-to-Lung vaping).
On the other hand, a lower resistance coil (less than 1.0Ω) lets more current flow, creating more heat, more vapour, and a stronger hit, as in Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping.
Coil Resistance and E-juice
For mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, coils usually range from 1.2Ω to 0.8Ω. Both nic salts and freebase nicotine e-juices work well here. Nic salts give a smooth throat hit even with higher nicotine, which is good if you’re quitting smoking.
Freebase nicotine has a stronger throat hit, great if you want a bigger sensation. For restricted direct-to-lung (RDL) vaping, coils are usually between 0.7Ω and 0.5Ω. Choose the right e-liquid for your coil, so that you can enjoy vaping to the utmost.
How Many Types of Vape Coils Are There?
There are two main types of vape coils that you’ll see in the vape shops, i.e., mesh coils and wire coils.
Both have their own benefits and offer a unique vaping experience. Have a look at their differences, advantages, and what makes them unique:
Wire Coils (Traditional Coils)
The most popular kind of atomisers for vaping are wire coils, often known as conventional coils. They are composed of stainless steel, nickel, titanium, or kanthal. These coils are wound into a spiral shape, with the number of wraps determining the coil’s resistance.
Benefits of Wire Coils:
- Wire coils are available in a variety of materials. For example, Kanthal coils are great for wattage mode, and stainless steel can be used for both wattage and temperature control modes.
- Users may adjust their favourite wattage and vaping style by selecting coils with different resistance levels.
Best for: Vapers who want flexibility and personalisation in their vaping experience will find wire coils most suitable. They are often preferred by those who enjoy temperature-controlled vaping or MTL vaping. Wire coils are also great for DIY vapers who like to build their coils.
Mesh Coils
Mesh coils offer better performance. Usually composed of a mesh material. The e-liquid can be heated more evenly because of the greater surface areas of these coils. Now, brands are introducing new types of mesh atomisers, like the QUAQ mesh coils used in most of Elf Bar’s kits.
How Mesh Coils Work:
The structure of the heating element is the primary distinction between mesh coils and wire coils. A mesh coil has a sheet of mesh-like material, often shaped into a grid or honeycomb pattern. This increased surface area ensures that more e-liquid is vaporised at once.l
Benefits of Mesh Coils:
- These atomisers heat the e-liquid evenly because they have a better wick-to-wire contact compared to traditional coils.
- Due to the even heating, mesh coils deliver a more consistent flavour.
- Mesh coils generally have a quicker ramp-up time. This means they reach the desired temperature faster than standard wire coils.
- Because mesh coils don't burn e-liquid as aggressively as wired ones, they typically last longer.
Best for: These coils were predominantly used in sub-ohm tanks with high wattage for maximum vapour production. However, their use expanded to include pod systems and Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) devices.
Different Materials Used for Manufacturing Coils
Vape coils are made from different materials to give users a variety of vaping experiences. The most popular materials for vape coils are as follows:
1. Kanthal
Kanthal is a popular material. It's made from iron, chromium, and aluminium to ensure enhanced durability and resistance to oxidation. This means that Kanthal coils last longer and maintain their performance even with regular use.
Kanthal heats up at a moderate rate. This allows for a consistent vaping experience, as the coil reaches the desired temperature at a steady pace. It's ideal for vapers who prefer a balanced experience, without the extremes of fast heat-ups or long waiting times.
Best for:
- Kanthal’s stable resistance makes it a good option for lower wattage coils (common in MTL setups).
- Good for tight, controlled draws and smooth flavour delivery.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a great choice for vapers. In addition, the material helps to preserve the purity of the e-liquid’s taste.
Stainless steel performs better when used in temperature control (TC) mode. Since TC mode allows for precise adjustments to the coil’s temperature, stainless steel ensures a smooth vape without the risk of dry hits or burning the wick.
Stainless steel heats up faster than some other materials. This fast heating time also means the coil can deliver vapour more quickly.
Best for:
- Versatile for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Restricted To Direct Lung (RTDL).
- Durable and corrosion-resistant, which makes it reliable for all coil types and vaping preferences.
3. Nichrome
Nichrome coils allow e-liquid to heat up quicker than other materials like Kanthal. This rapid heating makes it an excellent choice for sub-ohm vaping, where high wattages are used to produce large clouds of vapour.
Because of its low resistance, Nichrome coils tend to heat up very fast and maintain a high power output.
Best for:
- For those who enjoy DL (direct-to-lung) vaping.
- Also good for RDTL vaping style.
4. Titanium
Titanium coils are widely used in temperature control (TC) vaping due to their low resistance. Titanium is known for its ability to maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for TC mode.
It heats up quickly, which means less waiting time between puffs. Once it reaches the desired temperature, it maintains that temperature consistently. This makes it ideal for vapers who want a reliable and consistent vape.
Best for:
- Ideal for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) and Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDTL) vapers who want precise temperature regulation.
- It requires careful handling to avoid overheating and is best for experienced vapers using TC devices.
How Long Do Vape Coils Last?
The table below shows the life spans of different coil materials. Keep in mind that coil life spans vary based on the e-liquid you use, how frequently you vape, and how well you maintain your coils.
Which Vape Coil Should You Choose?
The following table lists the main coil types, their typical components, and the applications for which they work best:
| Coil Type | Materials Used | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Coils (Traditional) | Titanium, Nickel, Stainless Steel, and Kanthal | Adaptable vapers seeking personalisation, excellent for MTL and temperature control vaping. |
| Mesh Coils | Primarily stainless steel (sheets of mesh) | Vapers looking for a quick ramp-up, strong flavour, and large clouds. Perfect for high-wattage, sub-ohm DTL and MTL vaping. |
How to Clean a Vape Coil
Cleaning coils can extend their longevity. However, how can that be accomplished without damaging the coil? The steps to properly clean coils are as follows:
- Empty the e-liquid by removing the tank.
- Simply rinse the coil with warm water and allow it to air dry to clean it quickly.
- You can soak the coil in alcohol or other cleaning supplies for a few hours and then rinse for a deeper clean.
- Before reinstalling the coil in the device, make sure it is dry.
Common Coil Issues and How to Fix Them
Here are some of the most common coil issues and how to fix them.
| Coil Type | Causes | Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Leakage |
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| Burnt Taste |
|
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| Weak Flavour |
|
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| Spitting or Gurgling |
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How to Build Your Own Coils at Home (For Experienced Users)
Vapers want to enjoy a personalised vaping experience that offers the right amount of vapours, flavour intensity, etc. One of the best ways to achieve that is to create your own coil. Note that it’s often recommended for advanced vapers only. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start building your coils, get your hands on these materials and tools:
- Coil wire
- Wick material
- Screwdriver
- Coil wrapping tool
Got them? You’re ready to start building your coils.
Building Coils Step-by-Step
-
Step 1: Cut the Wire
First, cut your coil wire to the desired length. The length will vary depending on the size of the deck and the number of wraps you want to make. Newbies can start with a longer piece of wire and trim off any excess after they've finished wrapping. -
Step 2: Wrap the Wire Around a Rod
Place the wire on the rod and wrap it around to create your coil. It's best to start with 5-6 wraps. More wraps will create a coil with a larger surface area. However, fewer wraps will result in a quicker heat-up time. -
Step 3: Install the Coil into Your RTA or RDA Deck
Once the coil is wrapped, install it into the posts of your RDA or RTA deck. Secure the coil by tightening the screws. This is important because the coil must heat evenly without short circuits or hotspots. -
Step 4: Heat the Coil
After the coil is installed, it’s time to heat it up. Use your mod to fire the coil at a low wattage to heat it up slowly. You should see the coil glow from the centre outwards. If you notice any hot spots (areas that glow brighter than others), gently pinch and adjust the coil with your ceramic tweezers until it heats evenly.
That’s all!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right coil for your vaping starts with understanding your vaping style and how to troubleshoot the issues. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coil types to find what works best for your preferences.
Shop for premium coils and vaping accessories at Alectrofag. Find the perfect coil for your setup today.
FAQS
Why is my vape burning my throat with a new coil?
One of the most common questions that we encounter is, “Why does my vape taste burnt with a new coil?” This usually happens if the coil or wick isn’t properly primed before setting up the device. In addition, this can happen if the wattage setting is too high for the coil. To avoid burnt coils, ensure that you properly prime the coil and check your wattage.
How to change the coil in a vape?
First, make sure your tank is empty. Next, unscrew the tank’s base and the old coil. Now place the new coil carefully and screw it (if applicable). Prime the coil before adding e liquid.
How often should I change the vape coil?
A coil can last up to a few days or 2 weeks (this depends on the e-liquid type and frequency of vaping). Look for the signs, like a burnt taste, rough throat hits, or reduced vapour production, to know exactly when to replace the coil. If any of these signs occur, it’s better to replace the coil right away
How to prime a vape coil?
First, add a few drops of e-liquid onto the wicking hole. Leave it to saturate. Next, install the coil into the tank, fill it with e-liquid, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Before vaping, take a few primer puffs to draw more liquid into the coil.
Nick Nortcliffe runs the Alectrofag shop in Old Swan, Liverpool, where he’s been helping people switch from smoking to vaping for over six years. Having quit a 30-a-day cigarette habit himself back in 2014, Nick knows exactly how tough it can be, and how worth the switch really is. That experience helps him connect with customers on a real level, offering advice that comes from someone who’s been there.
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