What are Vape Tanks?
Vape tanks are mainly used with vape mods, but they are also compatible with pen style vaping devices so long as they are 1 Ohm or above. Vape tanks have the important duty of holding both your favourite e-liquids and your device’s coil.
Essentially, your vape tank is where all the magic of inhaling delicious vapour happens! They allow the e-liquid to soak into the wick, which then comes into contact with the coil. Once a user activates their device through either a firing button or inhalation, the coil will heat up and turn the vape tank juice in the wick into delicious vapour.
Vape tanks can be found on top of your device’s battery, which is the pen-like section on older designs, or the larger, box-shaped part on more contemporary devices. There are many different shapes, sizes and colours of vape tanks, but it’s important to understand that they all have the same fundamental role of housing your e-liquids and coil.
What are the different components of a Vape Tank?
The main components found in most vape tanks include the base, coil, glass tank, top cap, and drip tip. Each vape tank part has a specific purpose in the correct functioning of your tank and the overall performance of your vaping device.
Drip Tip (Mouthpiece)
The first part of your vape tank is your drip tip, the component which allows you to inhale vapour. Drip tips are removable on most vape tanks, meaning they can be cleaned and replaced with ease. Drip tips are available in three sizes: the 8.5mm standard 510, the 10.5mm 710, and the 12.5mm wide bore 810.
Top Cap
Home to the filling port, the top cap seals off your vape tank. You can choose from threaded caps which can be easily screwed off, swivel caps which stay attached to the tank, or ring style caps which pop off with a port on the side.
O-Ring
O-rings are components made from nitrile or neoprene which are used to prevent your delicious e-liquid leaking between your tank’s other sections. O-rings will need replacing once you begin to notice more leakage - this is because they will eventually loosen. You'll also have O-rings on coils to ensure a snug fit.
Coil
Consisting of cotton and a metal wire, the coil serves to turn your e-liquids into that mouthwatering vapour that we all know and love. When a vaper activates their device, the cotton will saturate your chosen e-liquid and wick it to the coil, where it can then be vaporized.
Glass Tank
The glass tank surrounds your coil and holds your e-liquid, keeping them safe and secure.
Base
Inside the base are contact points that your coil is situated on. The exterior of your tank’s base will include a 510 connection, a universal threading which allows your tank to connect to your mod. Many of the best vape tanks on the market also include an airflow ring located in the base, which allows you to tailor how much air is entering your tank and how much vapour is being produced.
What are the different types of vape tanks?
While all vape tanks have the same basic purpose, there are varying types which slightly differ in the vaping experience that they provide. Before choosing a vape tank, it’s important to understand if it is suitable for your experience level. Let’s take a look at which vape tanks are best for both beginner and advanced vapers.
Mouth to Lung Vape Tanks
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape tanks are suitable for devices that replicate smoking a cigarette, making them ideal for those who have just transitioned to vaping. A MTL tank enables vapour to be slowly drawn into the mouth before it is inhaled into the lungs, helping to simulate the sensation felt while smoking. MTL vape tanks are also favoured among beginner vapers due to their ability to produce smaller vapour clouds.
Sub Ohm Vape Tanks
Sub Ohm vape tanks, or direct-to-lung (DTL) vape tanks, are an ideal choice for practiced vapers who are ravenous for large and impressive vapour clouds! Unlike MTL vape tanks, DTL vape tanks replicate how a shisha pipe is smoked, allowing vapers to inhale directly into the lungs. For an extra tailored vaping experience, many experienced vapers also often opt for temperature control vape tanks. These tanks include stainless steel, titanium, or nickel coils which allow your mod device to limit the maximum temperature your coil can reach while vaping.
Disposable Vape Tanks
Disposable vape tanks such as clearomizers are a popular option for those who want to try out vaping first before purchasing any vape gear for the long-term. These vape tanks feature a built-in coil which is non-replaceable, and can be filled with e-liquid. Once your vape juice flavour begins to weaken, this type of tank can be disposed of and replaced. Depending on which materials have been used, some disposable vape tanks can be easily recycled.
Rebuildable Vape Tanks
Rebuildable vape tanks, or rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs) may not be as common as MTL and DTL tanks, but many advanced vapers still prefer to use rebuildable vape tanks with their mod devices. The major difference with rebuildable vape tanks is that users will build their own coils as opposed to buy them pre-made. Not only is this cost-effective, but it also gives vapers the chance to experiment and have more control over the performance of their vape tank.
Are vape tanks interchangeable?
Provided that your vape tank has the standard screw thread known as a 510 connector, you’ll be able to switch up your vape tank with a variety of different kits whenever you wish! This is because many vape tanks can seamlessly fit into any vape kits which require a tank. Swapping between different vape tanks and vape kits can keep things fun and give you confidence to customise and experiment to find your perfect vaping experience.
How do you store vape tanks?
The best way to store vape tanks is to keep them at room temperature and upright to avoid any leakages. To prevent your vape tank from leaking, regularly check for cracks, always leave a small air pocket at the top, and avoid overfilling. We also strongly recommend to always store your vape tanks out of harm’s way from children and/or pets.
How do you clean vape tanks?
Your vaping device won’t be able to deliver it’s optimum performance unless you keep on top of cleaning your vape tank. Over time, residue from e-liquids can build up in your tank and obstruct the internal components, resulting in flavour deterioration and reduced vapour due to limited airflow.
Cleaning your vape tank can be done in three easy steps:
- Remove any excess e-liquid from your tank.
- Hold the tank under warm, running water for at least 60 seconds.
- Using a kitchen towel and cotton buds, dry the tank as much as possible, then set aside for 10 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
Choosing the Right Vape Tank for Your Needs
When deciding which vape tank is best suited to you, it’s important to think about your vaping style, experience level, and the type of vape kit you’re using. A good tank will not only hold your e-liquid securely but also deliver the right airflow, vapour production, and flavour to match your preferences. New vapers may prioritise ease of use and low maintenance, while more experienced users might look for tanks that allow for fine-tuning and customisation. Understanding the key differences between MTL, sub ohm, rebuildable, and disposable options ensures you can make an informed choice that enhances your vaping experience.
MTL Vape Tanks for a Cigarette-Like Draw
Mouth-to-lung vape tanks remain a top choice for smokers making the switch to vaping because they replicate the sensation of inhaling from a cigarette. These tanks are designed to work with higher-resistance coils, usually 1.0 ohm or above, and pair well with e-liquids that have a higher PG content for a sharper throat hit. MTL tanks produce smaller, more discreet clouds and operate effectively at lower wattages, which also makes them more energy-efficient and gentle on your coil life. Many MTL tanks feature adjustable airflow so you can fine-tune the tightness of your draw, giving you a vaping experience that feels familiar yet customisable. Whether used on a simple pen-style vape kit or a more advanced mod, they remain a reliable choice for flavour-focused vaping.
Sub Ohm Vape Tanks for Cloud Production
Sub ohm tanks are built for vapers who prefer direct-to-lung inhalation and want impressive vapour clouds alongside rich flavour. With coil resistances under 1.0 ohm, these tanks heat e-liquid quickly and vaporise more of it with each puff. They generally perform best with high-VG e-liquids, which are thicker and designed for the higher power output that sub ohm coils require. Many sub ohm tanks offer wide-bore drip tips, large airflow slots, and advanced coil designs such as mesh or multi-coil configurations to enhance both vapour density and flavour intensity. While they do consume more e-liquid and battery power, the payoff is a smooth, voluminous vaping experience that appeals to those who enjoy open airflow and warmer clouds.
Rebuildable Tanks for Full Customisation
For experienced vapers who want maximum control over their vape, rebuildable tanks (RTAs) offer the freedom to create and install your own coils. This allows you to tailor resistance, wire type, and wick material to match your preferred vaping style. Building your own coil can be more cost-effective over time and enables fine adjustments to flavour and vapour output. RTAs require a good understanding of Ohm’s law, coil building techniques, and battery safety, so they are not recommended for beginners. However, for those with the skill and patience, rebuildable tanks deliver a highly personal vape kit setup that can rival even the most advanced prebuilt coil systems.
Disposable Tanks for Convenience
Disposable vape tanks are an excellent choice for vapers who want minimal upkeep without sacrificing performance. These tanks come pre-fitted with non-replaceable coils, meaning you simply use the tank until the flavour starts to fade, then replace it with a new one. Many disposable tanks still feature adjustable airflow and top-fill designs, making them easy to use day-to-day. They are particularly useful for trying out new e-liquid flavours without committing to cleaning or maintaining a permanent tank. While not as eco-friendly as refillable options, some models are made from recyclable materials, offering a balance between convenience and sustainability.
Matching Your Tank to Your Vape Kit
Not all tanks are compatible with every vape kit, so it’s essential to check that your chosen tank has the correct connection type and can handle the wattage range of your device. Most modern tanks use a standard 510 connection, which allows them to fit a wide variety of mods and kits. MTL tanks pair well with lower-powered devices, while sub ohm and rebuildable tanks often require high-powered mods capable of delivering the necessary output. Disposable tanks are generally more versatile but should still be matched with a compatible battery for the best performance.
