What are Clearomizers and Cartomizers?

Vaping devices come in a wide range of styles and models, but they all use the same fundamental technology: all types of vape devices require an atomizer, which comprises the coil and wick, components responsible for converting e-liquid into vapor. Without an atomizer, a vape simply wouldn't work.

There are two main types of atomizers: cartomizers and clearomizers. But what exactly is a clearomizer in a vape, and what about a cartomizer? Keep reading and find out in this article.

Clearomizers combine the coil, wick, and e-liquid into a single component, and as their name suggests, they use a transparent tank that allows users to monitor the e-liquid level in the device. A clearomizer has a ready-to-use vape coil, which can be easily replaced when needed.

The atomizers in these devices are disposable and can be removed from the clearomizer to be replaced. Additionally, clearomizers come in a variety of capacities to hold different volumes of liquid and can last longer than other vapes. Compared to some reusable atomizers, clearomizers may also have a smaller structure, making them easier to transport and store.

Some users may find clearomizers limiting, as they do not allow the use of custom coils and may not offer the power that users desire. Additionally, these devices require users to manually refill their e-liquids, unlike capsule-based devices.

Clearomizers attach to a compatible vaping device at the base of the tank. Open systems, like mods, typically support a wide range of clearomizers. They function similarly to other atomizers: the wick absorbs e-liquid from the tank, and the coil heats it before producing vapor.

The term cartomizer is a combination of cartridge and atomizer. Cartomizers combine the atomizer (coil and wick) with the cartridge or tank. Unlike most mods and reusable vapes, which house e-liquid in a separate tank, these devices surround the atomizer with e-liquid, housing the coil and wick inside the cartridge. These combined elements are directly connected to a battery. Due to this combination, cartomizers are more compact than other vapes and are sometimes called cigalikes for their slim design, similar to a cigarette.

A cartomizer works very similarly to a clearomizer: it attaches to a compatible device and is activated. Cartomizers can be manually filled, but they are often pre-filled cartridges that must be replaced once the e-liquid has been consumed. When a cartomizer coil burns out, the entire unit must be discarded.

Cartomizers are a type of disposable vape, as they contain pre-loaded cartridges with a built-in coil. When the liquid runs out, the cartomizer can be discarded and replaced.

The choice between a clearomizer and a cartomizer will depend on the vaping device you use and how simple you want the process to be. Generally, cartomizers are a simpler option than clearomizers, as they come pre-filled: you only need to connect them to the device and they're ready to use.

For those looking for an alternative to tobacco that doesn't require filling tanks or capsules, there are heated tobacco products, like IQOS. Unlike a vaping product, which uses liquids, IQOS is a device that heats specially designed tobacco units, rather than burning them.

IQOS heats tobacco instead of burning it, and emits, on average, 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.*

If you're looking for an alternative to conventional cigarettes and vapes, IQOS devices are your best choice.