Ceramic coils: pros and cons

Ceramic coils are coils that are made of ceramics to avoid typical wear-out issues of metal coils like oxidation. There are two types of ceramic coils used in vaping. One is the coil encased in a ceramic cylinder like the coil on Vaporesso’s CCELL. The coil features a wickless design and lets the e-juice flow freely to the coil. There are also ceramic coils that look and work just like your regular coils but they are coated and encased in ceramic. These coils are still wicked with cotton but use the ceramic coating to avoid oxidation that metallic coils suffer from. Then, the less common types of ceramic coils are the ones with a layer of cotton placed between the coil and the ceramic cylinder that is encased in.

We are seeing more and more ceramic coil devices pop up in the prime segment of the vaping market. But what are the main benefits of ceramic coils? And why do some vapers consider them dangerous?

One of the key advantage of a ceramic coil is the increased lifespan.  As ceramic does not conduct heat well, it can withstand very high temperatures and, thus, serve you longer than a standard coil — you get to use your coil for several months instead of several weeks.

Another good thing about ceramic coils is that they substantially reduce the chance of getting a dry hit. Since you won’t burn out your cotton, you won’t be tasting any of that nasty flavor that comes from singed wick material.

There is also a reduced chance of spit back as it’s not that easy for the e-liquid to make it all the way through the ceramic encasing.

One of the key selling points highlighted by those selling ceramic coil vaping devices is that it makes for a better flavor experience. As more juice is vaporized with each puff and there is nothing in the ceramic coil that could affect the taste of your e-juice, you do end up getting a purer flavor compared to the devices with standard coils. However, some vapers say they have not felt any difference in flavor — so there may be other factors involved here as well.

However, despite the numerous benefits listed above, a lot of vapers are wary of switching to ceramic coils and their primary concern in safety.

A detailed study of different types of ceramic coils conducted by Uwell has revealed some pretty unsettling results. It has shown that if the ceramic coil is damaged (say, as a result of you dropping your vaping gadget), there is a high chance that small pieces of the ceramic may break off and release silica powder, which you can then inhale as it’s not visible to the naked eye. The powder is composed of tiny, jagged, glass-like crystals that, if inhaled, could cause lung and trachea damage.

So, while there are quite a few benefits to ceramic coils, the potential health risk may be the biggest deterrent in ceramic coil devices going mainstream.

Have you had any experience with ceramic coils? What’s your take on the issue?

iQ Vape