The atomizer is the element that hosts the coil, which, thanks to the power of the current delivered by the battery, will heat the e-liquid up and will trigger the evaporation. There are different types of atomizers: standard atomizers such as cartomizers or clearomizers and rebuildable atomizers.

Cartomizers

A cartomizer is made of the tank (also called cartridge) and the atomizer. Its principle is quite simple: you put e-liquid on the wick (generally made of cotton), which is in contact with the coil. The atomizer will be directly inserted in the tank. Cartomizers are today a well-mastered technology where there are not a lot of innovations anymore. This is because it’s the oldest atomizing system.

Clearomizers

Clearomizers are made of a tank and a ready-made coil. Contrary to the cartomizer, the clearomizer is partly or fully see-through. The principle is also different. The e-liquid is brought to the coil through wicks that are soaked with e-liquids.

You have clearomizers with top coils (GS Air – Joyetech) for a warmer vapor and with bottom coils (TFV8 – Smoketech) for a colder vapor.

Rebuildable atomizers

Rebuildable atomizers are quite similar to clearomizers because they vaporize the e-liquid. The only difference is that the coil is hand-made with resistive wire (kanthal, SS316, Nichrome, Ni200…) and fiber (cotton). Experienced vapers will try to build the coil that will enable them to reach the best experience. They will optimize the power settings to improve their performance and the flavors.

Drippers

A dripper is a rebuildable atomizer with no tank. The principle is similar because you have to build your own coil(s). But you need to put e-liquid directly on the cotton wicks. The main advantage of drippers is that flavors are enhanced. Besides, you can also change flavors more easily to discover new tastes. Drippers are privileged by vapers who design their own juices (DIY).