Beginner's Guide To Vape Coils

Finding the perfect vape coil can change your vaping experience, whether you're aiming for massive clouds, rich flavour, or a smooth nicotine hit. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. That's why we’ve crafted this expert guide to the best vape coils of 2025, comparing top brands and their most trusted coils. 

And here's the kicker: this guide isn’t just for beginners. Our team of experts, many of whom have made the shift from cigarettes to vaping, have created this guide with vapers in mind. Whether you're chasing thick clouds or a great throat hit, we’ve got you covered!

What is a coil? One essential part of your vape is the coil. It's why some vapes produce huge clouds while others deliver that strong flavour. The coil in an e-cig turns your e-liquid into the vapour you inhale, and it plays a significant role in your whole vaping experience. Let’s dive into how it works and why it matters for your setup.

So, what does the coil look like? It’s usually a tiny metal wire, often in a spiral shape, that sits inside your vape tank or atomiser, ready to heat up and turn your e-liquid into vapor.

Have you ever wondered what is a vape coil? And how does your vape create the tasty, silky clouds you inhale from e-liquid? It all boils down to the vape coil, your device's little yet potent heating component.

A Basic Comparison: Consider an Electric Stove and a Vape Coil

Consider an electric stove. When you turn it on, electricity warms the coil, which distributes heat to the pan, cooking your meal.

The same is true with a vape atomiser:

• The coil receives power from the battery.
• As the coil warms up, the wick is cooled by the e-liquid.
• E-liquid transforms into vapour so you may inhale it.

Many vapers still wonder, what does coil mean? Simply put, a coil is a small wire inside your vape that heats up and turns e-liquid into vapour. It’s key to getting the best flavour and vapour from your device. Understanding the coil helps keep your vape working great! Now that you understand the fundamentals, let's discuss coil resistance (ohms), a crucial component that influences how well your vape works.

Vapers may wonder What ohm coil should I use? Coil resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), and it plays a big role in:

• Vapour production – Lower resistance replacement coils create bigger clouds, while higher resistance coils offer a more discreet vape.
• Flavour intensity – Some coils bring out bold, rich flavours, while others provide a smoother, milder taste.
• Throat hit & nicotine delivery – Higher resistance coils work best with nicotine salts, delivering a stronger throat hit.

Low Resistance Coils (<1.0Ω)

More heat → bigger clouds

• Uses more e-liquid & battery
• Best for Direct-To-Lung (DTL) vaping

Top Low-ohm Coils - Smok LP2 Coils, Mini V2 Coils

High Resistance Coils (≥1.0Ω)

• Less heat → smoother vapour
• More efficient on e-liquid & battery
• Best for Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) vaping

Top Cloud Chaser Coils - LP1 Coil, Innokin Zenith Coils

But what do MTL and DTL mean? Let’s break it down.

MTL vs. DTL Coils – Which One Suits You?

Your vaping style depends on how you inhale vapour, and coils are designed to match different preferences.

MTL (Mouth-To-Lung) Coils – Ideal for beginners & ex-smokers

• How to inhale? Just like a cigarette—draw vapour into your mouth, then inhale into your lungs.
• Best for: Nic salts & higher nicotine e-liquids.
• Coil resistance: 1.0Ω or higher.
• Produces: Small, satisfying clouds with a strong throat hit.

Best Low-wattage Coils - Innokin S Coil, Vaporesso GTX Coils

DTL (Direct-To-Lung) Coils – Ideal for cloud chasers

• How to inhale? Like breathing deeply—inhale directly into the lungs.
• Best for: Low-nicotine, high-VG e-liquids
• Coil resistance: Below 1.0Ω (sub-ohm)
• Produces: Thick, dense clouds with a smooth inhale

Best High-wattage Coils - Voopoo TPP, TFV12 Prince Coils

Which One Should You Choose?

• Love cigarette-style puffs? Go for MTL coils.
• Want massive vapour clouds? Pick DTL coils.

Your coil choice shapes your vaping experience, so choose wisely!

Not all smoker coils are the same! Different coil types affect flavour, vapour production, and throat hit. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vaper, choosing the right coil can take your vaping experience to the next level. After knowing what a vape coil is, let’s break down the different types of vape coils so you can find your perfect match.

Standard Wire Coils (Kanthal, Nichrome, Stainless Steel, etc.)

These are the most common coils, made from different types of metal wire. Each material has unique properties that impact vaping performance.

• Kanthal – Long-lasting, easy to use, best for wattage mode.
• Nichrome – Heats up faster than Kanthal, good for quick draws.
• Stainless Steel – Versatile; works in both wattage and temperature control mode.

➡ Best for: Everyday vapers who want reliable performance

Mesh Coils Vs Regular Coils: Which Offers Better Flavour?

Mesh coils use a fine metal mesh instead of a wire. They heat up more evenly, reducing hotspots and producing better flavour and vapour.

Regular wire coils have a single or multi-strand wire, which can create hotspots and cause uneven heating.



Feature	Mesh Coils	Regular Coils
Flavour	Superior, more even heating	Decent, but can have hotspots
Vapour Production	Bigger clouds	Moderate clouds
Lifespan	Longer-lasting	Shorter lifespan
Wattage Requirement	Lower wattage, more efficient	Higher wattage needed

 

Best for: Vapers who want stronger flavour, smoother hits, and better efficiency.

Sub-Ohm Vs High-Ohm Coils: What’s the Difference?

What ohm coil should I use? It depends on your vaping style! This guide’ll explore the differences between sub-ohm and high-ohm coils, helping you choose the right one for the perfect vaping experience.

Sub-Ohm Coils (<1.0Ω) ✔ Massive vapour clouds

• Lower resistance = More power draw
• Best for Direct-To-Lung (DTL) vaping
• Works best with high-VG e-liquids


High-Ohm Coils (≥1.0Ω) ✔ Cigarette-like experience

• Less vapour, stronger throat hit
• Best for Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) vaping
• Works best with nic salts & high-PG e-liquids


➡ Which one should you choose?

• Want huge clouds? Go sub-ohm
• Prefer a cigarette-like draw? Stick to high-ohm coils

Rebuildable Coils (For Advanced Vapers)

For vapers who love customisation, rebuildable coils (used in RDA, RTA, and RDTA tanks) allow you to:

• Build your own coil setup
• Choose your own resistance
• Enhance flavour & vapour production

➡ Best for: Experienced vapers who want complete control over their vaping experience.

Which E-cigarette Coil Should You Choose?

With so many vape atomiser options, the best choice depends on your vaping style and preferences:

• New to vaping? A high-ohm standard wire coil is a great starting point.

• Want intense flavour? Mesh coils bring out the best in your e-liquid.

• Love big clouds? Sub-ohm coils are perfect for vapour production.

• Prefer full control? Rebuildable coils let you customise everything.

  No matter which best vape coils you pick, understanding how it works will help you enjoy a smoother, more satisfying vape.

Choosing the right atomiser heads and asking questions to yourself, like what ohm coil you should I use ?can boost your vaping experience, whether you're after bold flavour, massive clouds, or a satisfying nicotine hit. Below are some of the best coils for each vaping style and recommendations to help you find the perfect match.

Best Vape Coils for Flavour Lovers

Okay, so you're chasing that super-rich, intense flavor. Listen, it's all about the best vape coils. You gotta have one that heats your e-liquid evenly: no hot spots, no burnt taste, just smooth, consistent heat. And think about surface area – the more surface area, the more e-liquid vaporises, which means bigger, bolder flavor. Plus, you'll want to think about your e-liquid.

Those balanced 50/50 VG/PG mixes or even high-VG stuff are your best bet for really bringing out those complex flavors. You want the pre-built coil to be able to handle it and get the most out of what you’re vaping.

Top Picks for Flavour:

• Voopoo PnP-TW Mesh Coil (0.3Ω) – Exceptional flavour clarity & smooth hits.
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• SMOK RPM 2 Mesh Coil (0.16Ω) – Deep, rich taste with fast ramp-up time.
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• AF Mesh Coil (0.6Ω Mesh) – Perfect for nic salts & flavour-packed puffs.
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➡ Best for: Mesh coils, moderate wattage (20W- 40W), and high-quality e-liquids.

Best Coils for Big Clouds (DTL Vaping & High VG E-Liquids)

Alright, so clouds are your thing? You want those big, thick, billowing clouds, right? Here's the lowdown: you'll need to dive into the world of sub-ohm coils. We're talking low resistance here, which pumps out the vapor. And to get those clouds, you'll need the wattage to back it up.

Depending on your setup, you can expect 50 watts, 100 watts, or even more. You also need wide-open airflow. That's where DTL, or direct-to-lung vaping, comes in. You want that air flowing freely, letting you inhale all that vapor into your lungs. That's the recipe for serious cloud production.

Top Picks for Cloud Chasing:

• Vaporesso GTI Coil (0.15Ω) – Insane cloud production & bold flavour.
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• GeekVape Zeus Z Coil (0.2Ω) – Perfect for high VG e-liquids & dense vapour.
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• SMOK TFV18 Mesh Mini Coil (0.33Ω) – Ultimate sub-ohm experience for huge clouds.
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➡ Best for: High VG e-liquids (70% VG or more) and powerful vape mods.

Best Vape Coils for Nicotine Salts (MTL Vaping)

Okay, so you're after that smooth, strong nicotine hit, the kind that satisfies without being harsh? You'll want to look at high-resistance coils, 1.0 ohm and above. These replacement coils are designed to deliver that focused nicotine hit. Then, you'll need to dial in that airflow. Think tighter, more restricted airflow, perfect for mouth-to-lung, or MTL, draws.

That's where you hold the vapor in your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs, just like smoking a cigarette. And to get the most out of that nicotine hit, you'll want to pair it with 50/50 VG/PG nic salt e-liquids. They're designed to deliver that smooth, satisfying nicotine experience you're looking for.

Top Picks for Nicotine Salts:

• Aspire Pockex Coils (1.2Ω) – Clean, satisfying throat hit.
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• Zenith Coils (1.6Ω) – Ideal for strong nicotine satisfaction.
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• Geekvape Aegis Boost Coils 1.2Ω Coil – Long-lasting & great for MTL vaping.
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➡ Best for: Nic salt e-liquids (10mg-20mg) and low-wattage pod systems (10W-20W).

Which Coil Is Right for You?

The perfect smoker coil depends on your vaping style, e-liquid type, and device compatibility. Use this simple decision-making guide to find the best option between different coil types!

Do you prefer big clouds or a strong throat hit?

Your vaping style dictates your pre-built coil choice. If you're chasing those massive, billowing clouds, sub-ohm coils (0.5 ohms or lower) are your go-to. These coils produce more vapor, but they also tend to deliver a smoother, less intense throat hit. On the flip side, if you crave that sharp, satisfying throat hit, mouth-to-lung (MTL) coils with a resistance of 1.0 ohm or higher are what you need. These vaping coils produce less vapor but deliver a stronger, more cigarette-like sensation.

What type of e-liquid do you use?

The VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid plays a significant role in coil selection. High VG e-liquids (70% VG or higher) are thicker and require low-ohm, high-wattage coils to vaporise effectively. These coils can handle the thicker liquid and produce large clouds. Conversely, 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids or nicotine salts are thinner and work best with high-ohm, low-wattage coils. These replacement coils provide a more controlled vaporisation and are ideal for a smoother, more flavorful vape.

What device are you using?

Your vaping device also influences your choice of atomiser heads. Pod systems, which are typically designed for portability and ease of use, generally work best with MTL coils (1.0 ohm or higher). These vape cartridge coils are optimised for nicotine salts and higher nicotine strengths. Box mods, on the other hand, offer more versatility and can accommodate a wider range of coils. Sub-ohm or mesh coils are popular for box mods as they can handle higher wattages and produce larger clouds.

A worn-out coil can ruin your vaping experience, affecting flavour, vapour production, and overall performance. If you notice these signs, it’s time for a coil change!

Does Your Coil Need Replacing?

• Burnt or Strange Taste? – If your vape tastes burnt, bitter, or off, your coil is likely burnt out.
• Weak or No Flavour? – A coil past its prime won’t deliver the same flavour intensity.
• Less Vapour Production? – Struggling to get satisfying clouds? A new coil can restore performance.
• Gurgling or Leaking? – If your vape makes strange noises or leaks e-liquid, your coil may be flooded or damaged.
• Dark or Gunky Coil? – E-liquid residue builds up over time, making your coil look dark and clogged.
• Harsh or Dry Hits? – If vaping feels rough on your throat, your coil might not be wicking correctly.

Explore more coils: Innokin T18 Coils and Nautilus BVC – these come with longevity guarantees from our customers, ensuring better satisfaction for our loyal vapers.

How Often Should You Replace Your Coil?

• Average Coil Lifespan: 1-2 weeks (varies by use and e-liquid type).
• Pro Tip: Using high-sweetener e-liquids or chain vaping burns coils faster.

Replacing coil in e-cig too often? Save money and enjoy better performance with these expert tips to extend your coil’s lifespan!

Prime Your Coil Properly (Avoid Burnt Hits!)

Never install a dry coil! Always soak the cotton with e-liquid before use. Here's how:

• Step 1: Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the coil’s wicking holes.
• Step 2: Install the coil and fill your tank.
• Step 3: Wait 5-10 minutes before vaping.
• Step 4: Take a few primer puffs (without pressing the fire button) to help the e-liquid soak in.

Use the Right E-Liquids for Your Coil

Not all e-liquids are coil-friendly! Choosing the right one prevents gunk buildup and extends coil life.

• For Sub-Ohm Coils (Low-Resistance, Big Clouds) – Use high VG e-liquids (70%+ VG).
• For MTL Coils (Higher-Resistance, Nic Salts) – Use 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids.

❌ Avoid overly sweetened e-liquids – They caramelise quickly, burning coils faster!

Vape at the Right Wattage

Pushing your Vapor coil beyond its recommended wattage burns it out faster.

• Always check the wattage range printed on your coil.
• Start at lower wattages and gradually increase for better longevity.

Cleaning Vs Replacing Coils: What Works Best?

Cleaning your coil can extend its life but won’t make it last forever.

• Cleaning Method: Rinse with warm water or soak in vodka or rubbing alcohol, then air dry for 24 hours.
• When to Replace? If flavour is permanently off, the vapour production is weak, or the burnt taste persists, it's time for a new coil.

Bonus Tips for Longer Coil Life:

• Use temperature control (TC) mode if your device supports it.
• Avoid chain vaping – let your coil cool down between hits.
• Keep your tank topped up – dry cotton burns faster!

Replacing your e-cigarette coil is a simple task that can vastly improve your vaping experience. Over time, coils lose their effectiveness and can result in poor flavor and a harsh throat hit. Here’s a simple guide to replacing your vape coil:

Step 1: Disassemble Your Vape Tank

• Unscrew the tank from your device. Most tanks have a screw-on design, so it should come off quickly.
• Separate the tank's base from the other components (such as the glass and top section). This will expose the coil.

Step 2: Remove the Old Coil

• Grab the old coil: Gently twist or pull the old vape cartridge coil out of its socket with your hands or tweezers.
Dispose of the old coil properly: Replacement coils are typically disposable after their lifespan, so ensure you dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.

Step 3: Clean the Tank (Optional but Recommended)

• Clean the tank: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe down the interior of the tank to remove any leftover e-liquid or residue.
• Dry it off completely to prevent e-liquid from mixing with the new coil when installed.

Step 4: Install the New Coil

• Insert the new coil: Place the new coil into the coil slot in the tank's base. Make sure it fits snugly and sits securely.

Step 5: Prime the Coil

Priming the coil is crucial to avoid dry hits or burning the new coil immediately.

• Add e-liquid: Drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wicks of the coil.
• Soak the coil: Fill the tank about halfway with your chosen e-liquid. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to ensure the coil is fully saturated.

Step 6: Reassemble the Tank

• Screw the tank back together: Once the vaping coil is primed, reassemble the tank by attaching the top and bottom sections.
• Check for leaks: Make sure everything is screwed on tightly to avoid any e-liquid leakage when you start vaping.

Step 7: Attach the Tank to Your Vape Mod

• Reconnect the tank to your vape mod: Screw the tank back onto your mod or device. Ensure it is properly seated.

Step 8: Test the New Coil

Before taking a full hit, take a small puff to test the coil. If you notice any odd flavors, it's likely the coil wasn’t fully primed or seated correctly. If the flavor is burnt, stop and give the coil a bit more time to soak.

Safety Tips to Avoid Dry Hits or Short Circuits

• Always prime the coil: Ensure it is properly saturated before using it. A dry coil can burn the cotton wicks, leading to a bad flavor and damage to the coil.
• Check your wattage settings: Use the recommended wattage for the coil to avoid overheating. A coil used at too high a wattage can burn out quickly.
• Avoid over-tightening: While it's important to ensure the tank is securely fastened, overtightening can cause damage to the coil or tank, leading to leaks or poor performance.
• Replace your coil regularly: Atomiser heads lose efficiency over time. Replace them regularly to ensure your vaping experience stays fresh and enjoyable.
• Inspect for leaks: Before you start vaping, make sure there are no leaks around the coil or tank to avoid wastage of e-liquid or potential electrical issues.
• Proper battery maintenance: Ensure your vape mod's battery functions appropriately and check for any signs of wear or damage. A faulty battery can cause short circuits, which are hazardous.

• Why are my vape coils burning out so fast?

If your coil isn’t lasting as long as it should, it is most likely because it wasn’t appropriately primed before use. A dry coil burns the cotton wick instantly, leading to that horrible burnt taste. Another big mistake is vaping at too high a wattage—if you exceed the recommended range, you’ll burn through coils much faster.

Sweetened e-liquids can also be a culprit, leaving a sticky residue that clogs the coil. Lastly, chain vaping (taking constant puffs without a break) prevents the coil from soaking up more e-liquid, which leads to dry hits.

Quick Fix: Always prime your vape cartridge coil before your first use by letting it soak in e-liquid for a few minutes. Stick to the recommended wattage range, go easy on super-sweet e-liquids, and take short breaks between puffs to let the wick stay saturated.

• Why is my vape leaking?

Nothing’s worse than grabbing your vape and realising e-liquid has leaked everywhere! If this keeps happening, the first thing to check is whether your coil is installed correctly—a loose coil can let e-liquid escape. Overfilling your tank can also cause leaks as there’s no room for airflow to balance the pressure.

Another common reason is using the wrong e-liquid—if your replacement coil is designed for thicker, high-VG e-liquids but uses a thin, high-PG juice, it may seep through the wicking holes. Lastly, worn-out O-rings or seals around the coil or tank can cause slow leaks.

Quick Fix: Make sure your coil is screwed in tightly, but not too tight. Don’t overfill your tank—always leave a little space at the top. Use the proper VG/PG ratio for your coil type, and check for damaged O-rings, replacing them if needed. Also, store your vape upright to prevent leaks.

• Why is there no flavour from my vape?

If your vape suddenly tastes weak or bland, your coil might not work correctly. An old, clogged-up coil can mute the flavour, so it might be time for a change if you’ve been using the same one for over a week or two. Another factor is low wattage—if the coil doesn’t get hot enough, it won’t fully vaporise the e-liquid, leading to a dull taste. Using the wrong e-liquid for your coil can also affect flavour.

For example, sub-ohm coils work best with high-VG e-liquids, while MTL coils need a balanced 50/50 VG/PG mix. Airflow settings also play a role—too much airflow can dilute the flavour.

Quick Fix: Swap out your old coil for a fresh one, increase your wattage slightly, use the right e-liquid for your coil, and adjust airflow to find the perfect balance for potent, tasty vapour.

• Why does my vape taste burnt even with a new coil?

So, you just put in a brand-new coil, but your vape still tastes burnt? That’s frustrating! This usually happens when the Vapor coil isn’t primed correctly before use—if you start vaping too soon, the dry cotton burns instantly. Another reason is vaping at too high a wattage right from the start. It’s always best to start low and gradually increase to the ideal level.

Chain vaping can also cause this problem because the wick doesn’t have time to absorb more e-liquid between puffs. Lastly, using an e-liquid that’s too thick for your coil can lead to dry hits.

Also, if your previous coil burned out and you continued using the same e-liquid, that liquid might have absorbed the burnt flavour. So, even after installing a new coil, you might still get a burnt taste. In this case, make sure to clean your tank thoroughly and refill it with fresh vape juice to eliminate the burnt flavour fully.

Quick Fix: Before using a new coil, drip e-liquid directly onto the wick and let it sit for a few minutes. Start vaping at a low wattage and slowly increase it. Take short breaks between puffs, and make sure your e-liquid is compatible with your coil type.

Still having coil troubles? Sometimes, a simple vaping coil replacement or adjusting your wattage and airflow can fix everything. If your coil keeps burning out too quickly, leaks too much, or gives a poor flavour, it might be time to explore better-quality coils.

Not all replacement coils are created equal! Some are better for flavour, others for cloud chasing, and some are designed specifically for nicotine salts. What does the coil look like? Different brands offer various designs and shapes of coils to suit your vaping style. Here’s how the top brands stack up:

Are you not sure which atomiser head fits your vape kit? Check your device’s manual or visit Greet Vape for expert advice. Click on the message icon in the bottom right corner and submit your question!

Finding the right vape atomiser can change your experience, from the flavour to the clouds you blow. Knowing which is best for you can be challenging with so many options. That’s why we’ve compiled a simple guide to the best vape coils in 2025 and are answering the question of what is a coil or what does coil mean, comparing the top brands and their best coils. Whether you’re after huge clouds, intense flavour, or a smooth hit with nicotine salts, we’ve got something for you!

Shop top-rated vape coils at Greet Vape – the UK’s leading online vape store, with four locations nationwide!