Atomisers, Clearomisers & Cartomisers: What’s the Difference?

If you’re buying vape kits or e-cigs online in the UK, you’ve probably come across terms like atomiser, clearomiser, and cartomiser. While they all play the same role - turning e-liquid into vapour—the differences matter when choosing the right vape for your style. Let’s break it down.

What Is an Atomiser?

In general, an atomiser is any device that turns liquid into vapour. In vaping, the term once referred only to the coil (the heating element), but over time it expanded to cover tanks and rebuildable devices.

Today, “atomiser” usually means rebuildable atomisers (RBAs, RDAs, or RTAs) - devices where vapers build their own coils and wicks. These are popular with experienced users who want maximum flavour, customisation, and long-term savings.

✅ Best for: Advanced vapers seeking performance and custom builds.

What Is a Clearomiser?

Clearomisers are the most common vape tanks sold in the UK. The name comes from “clear” + “atomiser,” because the tanks are transparent, letting you see your e-liquid level.

A clearomiser typically includes:

• A glass or plastic tank

• Replaceable coil heads

• A mouthpiece

• A central chimney

These are often used for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, though sub-ohm clearomisers are also available for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. They’re easy to refill, maintain, and pair with a wide range of vape mods.

✅ Best for: Everyday UK vapers who want a balance of simplicity, flavour, and performance.

The ePuffer 629 ePipe Tank

One of our most popular clearomisers is the ePuffer 629 ePipe tank, designed specifically for the award-winning 629 ePipe series. This tank combines traditional pipe aesthetics with modern clearomiser performance, offering a smooth draw and excellent flavour. The transparent chamber lets you easily monitor e-liquid levels, while the replaceable coil system ensures long-lasting use and low maintenance.

For UK vapers who love the feel of a classic pipe but want the convenience of a modern clearomiser, the 629 ePipe tank is the perfect choice.

What Is a Cartomiser?

Cartomisers are the simplest of the three and were especially popular in the early days of vaping. The word combines “cartridge” + “atomiser.”

They usually:

• Attach directly to a small battery (cigalikes)

• Come pre-filled with e-liquid

• Use polyfill wicking material

• Are disposable once empty

Cartomisers deliver a cigarette-style experience, making them ideal for new vapers who want something familiar.

✅ Best for: Beginners looking for convenience and a smoking-like feel.

SNAPS E-Cigarette Cartomisers

At ePuffer, our SNAPS e-cigarette cartomisers take the classic cartomiser design and make it smarter. Instead of messy refills or complicated tanks, you simply snap in a pre-filled cartomiser, and you’re ready to vape. They’re compact, portable, and designed to give a smooth throat hit with authentic flavour.

Each SNAPS cartomiser comes pre-filled with premium e-liquid, so you can enjoy consistency and quality without hassle. When one is finished, just replace it with a fresh one - no cleaning, no coil changes, and no wasted time.

If you’re looking for a convenient, cigarette-like vaping experience in the UK, SNAPS cigalike cartomisers are the perfect fit.

Atomiser vs Clearomiser vs Cartomiser - Which Should You Choose?

• For simplicity → Choose a cartomiser. Great for smokers transitioning to vaping, but limited in performance.

• For balance → Pick a clearomiser. They’re easy to use, offer great flavour, and are widely available online in the UK.

• For performance → Go with an atomiser. Ideal for hobbyists who enjoy building coils and chasing flavour.

Final Thoughts

The best vape is the one that works for you. Whether you go for a cartomiser, clearomiser, or rebuildable atomiser, the key is finding the setup that matches your style. With the variety of vape kits, tanks, and e-cigs available online in the UK, there’s something for every vaper.