Since the electronic cigarette conquered the DA-CH region, it has also become very popular. This technological marvel has established itself as an alternative product to conventional tobacco products. In short, the article is about the development, the technical progress and the changing perception of consumption in society, then and now.
The origins of vaporizers and first developments
The idea of making the consumption of tobacco products – and smoking in general – less harmful to health is certainly old news. For decades, people have been looking for an alternative to conventional cigarettes and pipes. The first attempts to make smoking possible in electronic form were made as early as the 1960s. However, these early technical attempts were in their infancy, were immature and not fully thought through, so that these inventions at the time did not prevail. At the turn of the millennium, i.e. around 2000, the Chinese pharmacist “Hon Lik” succeeded in constructing a device that produced aerosol containing nicotine. This construction worked without having to burn tobacco.
The idea behind it, which Hon Lik was able to successfully implement, was to vaporize liquids containing nicotine. An integrated battery heated the liquid, which could then be inhaled as vapor.
This invention was the groundbreaking for the modern electronic cigarette in many parts of the world. The first models ready for sale came onto the market in China in 2004 and spread like wildfire, especially in Europe and the USA.
Technological innovations and advances
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Since the launch of the first e-cigarette, the technology has been refined and developed rapidly. While the original models were relatively simple and straightforward, the vaporizers have become considerably more complex and powerful over the years. The original devices mostly consisted of a vaporizer, a small tank for the liquid and a rechargeable battery.
More modern devices, the so-called “mods”, have vaporizers that can be individually adjusted to suit individual needs. This allows users to read and control the temperature and also optimize the performance of the device. Modern mods offer users a digital display and the option to adjust their own consumption.
The development of “sub-ohm vaporizers” was another important milestone in the history of vaporizers. Since these devices work with very low resistance, the vapor production increases with a very intense perception of the aroma.
There are also milestones to be achieved with regard to batteries. While the first batteries were relatively weak and ran out quickly, modern batteries have proven to be very powerful, which leads to a longer user experience. Some devices are particularly efficient because they even have replaceable batteries. If the first battery is empty, a full second battery can be used immediately. This doubles the operating time of the vaporizer.
Which vapers have developed from the Chinese pharmacist’s original model?
Since the first vaporizer saw the light of day, many successor models have been established on the market, tailored to the different needs of consumers. This neutral overview is intended to be purely informative and not to entice anyone to consume tobacco and nicotine products!
Cigalikes
In terms of size and shape, Cigalikes resemble ordinary cigarettes. Someone who wants to start vaping usually chooses Cigalikes as a starting point. Due to the low maintenance requirements and their ease of use, Cigalikes are particularly practical for consumers who do not like technical sophistication and do not want to spend time on it. They consist only of an atomizer and a battery, enclosed in a compact housing. Their ease of use and design evoke nostalgic feelings in former smokers.
Pod systems
These are small, compact and portable devices that consist of a battery and a replaceable cartridge with the e-liquid. In general, pod systems are very user-friendly and require little maintenance. The cartridges do not have to be laboriously refilled, but can simply be replaced.
All-in-one devices (AIOs)
If you want something really simple and uncomplicated, these vaporizers with battery, vaporizer and tank in a compact housing are worth mentioning. Operation is very straightforward and requires little maintenance. For people who want to start vaping, these devices offer a good balance between user-friendliness and performance.
Mods
The top class among vaporizers offers a range of setting options to customize the vaping experience to your own preferences. They tend to be used by experienced vapers, as maintenance is rather complex and requires a certain amount of technical interest.
How has usage changed over time and what is the social perception?
With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, the way they are used has also changed dramatically. Originally, the vaporizer was seen as an alternative to traditional smoking, but over the years vaping has developed into a recreational drug in its own right.
The market now offers a wide range of different flavours – from fruity to bitter and even tobacco flavours. Since almost every liquid flavour is available on the market these days and the selection takes on almost exotic forms, this variety of flavours has made a significant contribution to vaping being recognised as a pleasure in its own right.
Die social perception of electronic cigarettes has also changed dramatically. While in the early stages vaping was still seen as an exotic, with smokers and non-smokers being somewhat skeptical, vaping itself has become established in many countries and vaping is being met with widespread acceptance and tolerance. In some countries, e-cigarettes are even subsidized if you want to quit smoking, as e-cigarettes contain fewer harmful substances than traditional cigarettes.
It can therefore be stated without a doubt that the e-cigarette is an outstanding success story and a milestone in technology. A lot has changed since the first prototypes in 1960 until today. Increasing social acceptance and tolerance have contributed significantly to the spread of the electronic vaporizer and promoted its expansion. On the one hand, e-cigarettes are a good method of quitting smoking, and on the other hand, e-cigarettes are said to be less harmful to the health of those consumers who do not want to quit smoking.
