What is a vape tank?

A vape tank (also known as an e-cig tank) is the part of your vape device that holds the e-liquid. Inside the tank is a coil which heats the e-liquid, turning it into vapour.

Vape tanks screw on to the main body of a vape device via a threaded ‘510 connection’. As the majority of vape mods also come with a 510 connection, most mods and tanks can be used interchangeably.

Vape tanks come with a variety of options to suit different needs and experience levels. Some tanks come with fixed airflow, while others allow you to adjust the airflow for a tighter or looser inhale. Some tanks come with a fixed coil, which are extra convenient and are ideal for people with dexterity issues, while others allow you to replace the coil, enabling you to experiment with different coil types. The majority of modern tanks are filled from the top, which allows you to fill the tank without removing it from the vape device.

Vape pods are similar than tanks, but are usually smaller and clip into the body of the pod.

Buying guide

5 factors to consider when buying a vape tank

E-liquid type

When using 50:50 e-liquid or nicotine salts, you should choose a Mouth-to-Lung tank such as the Nautilus 3. When using high VG e-liquid such as shortfills, you should choose a Direct-Lung tank such as the iTank 2.

Vapour production

If you prefer lots of vapour, choose a Direct-Lung tank, and make sure it is paired with a mod device that can provide enough power for the coils. (The exact power required is indicated on the coils.) If you prefer less vapour, and a restricted, Mouth-to-Lung vape, choose an MTL tank.

Filling

For speed and ease, choose a tank that is filled from the top. Some bungs can be tricky and fiddly - we suggest looking for a tank that has an easy-to-use filling port which does not use a bung.

Transparent tank

When you use a tank, it’s important to keep the coil saturated in e-liquid. Choosing a tank that allows you to see the e-liquid level really helps with this.

Vape style

Mouth-to-Lung tanks are best for a tighter, restricted vape when the vapour is inhaled into the mouth and held for a second before being inhaled. Direct-Lung tanks are better for larger streams of vapour which are inhaled in a continuous stream into the lungs. (See FAQs below for more detail.)

In reality, many tanks crossover between the styles. If you like to switch between styles, look for a tank which is compatible with a wide range of coil resistances.

FAQs

Why are vape tanks only 2ml?

This is down to regulations, which set a maximum size of 2ml for vape tanks and pods as a safety precaution. The limits were set as part of the EU TPD (Tobacco Products Directive). If you see a larger tank or pod, it’s probably illegal! You can learn more about these regulations with our guide Is Your Vape TPD Compliant?

The maximum tank and pod size allowed under UK and EU regulations is 2ml. This was set by the EU Tobacco Products Direct II.
How long do vape tanks last?

Vape tanks can last months or even years. While the coil in the tank is a consumable, this can be replaced when it comes to the end of its life. The glass in the tank is the most fragile part, but this can also often be replaced if it cracks.
Can I buy any tank for my vape?

Most vape tanks will indeed fit most vape mods, as a 510 connection is common across devices nowadays. But to get the best performance, it’s key to match the tank style to your device style:

  • Use MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) tanks with lower-wattage MTL mods. MTL tanks have a tight draw and a more restricted airflow designed for lower-wattage vaping.
  • Use sub-ohm DL (Direct-Lung) tanks with higher wattage DL mods. Sub-ohm DL tanks have wider airflow holes, larger coil ports and are designed for direct lung inhales and higher-wattage vaping.

Mismatching the tank and mod can lead to a less satisfying vape experience. For example, if you use an MTL tank with a DL mod, you might end up using too much power for the tank, which could lead to a burnt coil. If you use a DL tank with an MTL mod, you might not have enough power for the coil, resulting in insufficient vapour. If you’re new to vaping, the best option is to buy a vape kit where the tank and mod are already well matched.
What are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct Lung (DL) tanks?

MTL tanks have a tight, restricted airflow that allows you to inhale vapour into your mouth first before inhaling into the lungs. They require less power and use higher resistance coils. They are the best option for less experienced vapers.

DL or Sub-Ohm tanks have a wide open airflow that allows direct inhalation into the lungs. They need higher power and use lower resistance coils.

Versatile tanks allow switching between MTL and DL vaping using adjustable airflow control and a choice of MTL and DL coils. RDL (restricted direct lung) tanks offer a mid-point between MTL and DL.

Learn more with our guide to MTL and DL vape styles.
What are clearomisers?

Cleromisers (also spelt as clearomizers) were some of the first tanks available, and combined an e-cig cartridge with a clear window. Originally, the word clearomiser was used interchangeably with vape tanks, but it now tends to be used for smaller, transparent tanks such as the Aspire BVC tank.
What are sub-ohm tanks?

Sub-ohm tanks use a coil with a resistance of less than one ohm. These tanks require more power and produce more vapour than MTL tanks.

The distinction is less important than it used to be, as many Mouth-to-Lung tanks now use lower resistance coils such as 0.8 or 0.6 ohms.

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