What Does the Amount of Smoke from Vapes Depend On?

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking, and one of its most noticeable aspects is the thick, billowy clouds produced by some devices. Whether you’re chasing big clouds or prefer a more discreet puff, you’ve likely wondered: What exactly determines the amount of vapor—often referred to as “smoke”—that a vape produces?

Although vaping doesn’t technically create smoke (since nothing is burned), it produces an aerosol commonly referred to as vapor. The amount of vapor released with each puff can vary dramatically based on several factors, ranging from the type of device to the composition of the e-liquid. In this article, we’ll break down the key variables that influence vapor production and explain how each contributes to the size and density of the clouds you see.

1.Type of Vape Device

One of the most influential factors in vapor production is the type of vape device being used. Different devices are designed for different purposes. Some prioritize portability and discretion, while others are built specifically for producing large clouds.

Cig-a-likes and low-power pod systems typically generate a small, thin stream of vapor. These devices mimic the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette and are often favored by beginners or those who prefer subtle vaping.

Vape pens and mid-range devices produce moderate vapor and offer a balance between convenience and performance. These are suitable for users who want a bit more cloud without the complexity of larger mods.

Box mods and sub-ohm devices, on the other hand, are engineered for high vapor production. They often come with adjustable power settings, large coils, and advanced airflow systems. These devices are commonly used by “cloud chasers”—vapers who enjoy creating dense, voluminous vapor clouds.

2.Coil Resistance

The resistance of the coil inside the vape device plays a critical role in how much vapor is produced. Coil resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). Generally, lower resistance coils—called sub-ohm coils—produce more vapor because they allow more electricity to pass through, which heats the e-liquid more rapidly and intensely.

Sub-ohm vaping typically involves resistances below 1.0Ω and is paired with higher wattage settings. This results in more e-liquid being vaporized per puff and therefore larger clouds. Coils with higher resistance, often found in beginner-friendly devices, are more conservative in vapor output.

3.Wattage and Power Settings

Most advanced vape devices allow users to adjust the wattage, which directly affects how much power is sent to the coil. Higher wattage settings produce more heat, which in turn vaporizes more e-liquid, resulting in thicker and larger clouds.

For example, vaping at 20 watts might produce a modest amount of vapor, while increasing to 70 watts or more can create dramatic, room-filling clouds. However, more power also means faster e-liquid consumption and a warmer vape, which may not be comfortable for everyone.

4.E-Liquid Composition

The ingredients in your e-liquid—or vape juice—also have a big impact on vapor production. Most e-liquids are made from four main components: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine.

VG and PG serve as the base of the e-liquid, and their ratio is key to cloud production. VG is a thicker, sweeter liquid that produces dense vapor clouds. PG, on the other hand, is thinner and provides a stronger throat hit but less vapor.

E-liquids with a high VG content (such as 70% VG and 30% PG) are ideal for cloud chasing. These are often labeled as “Max VG” and are used with sub-ohm devices for best results. E-liquids with higher PG content are better suited for discreet, flavorful puffs with less visible vapor.

5.Airflow

Airflow plays a crucial role in both the density and volume of vapor. Devices with adjustable airflow allow users to control how much air mixes with the vapor during inhalation. More airflow generally results in larger, cooler clouds, as more air helps the coil vaporize the e-liquid efficiently.

Cloud chasers often keep airflow wide open to produce large, airy clouds. In contrast, vapers who prefer a tighter draw, similar to cigarette smoking, tend to close off the airflow. This results in warmer, more concentrated vapor, but usually in smaller quantities.

6.Inhalation Technique

How you inhale also influences how much vapor is produced. There are two main techniques: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL).

MTL vaping is similar to the way one smokes a cigarette—drawing vapor into the mouth first and then inhaling it into the lungs. This method typically produces less vapor and is used with higher-resistance coils and low-wattage devices.

DTL vaping involves inhaling the vapor directly into the lungs in one continuous breath. This method uses more air and vapor per puff, producing significantly more visible clouds. DTL vaping is typically done with sub-ohm devices and high VG e-liquids.

7.Battery Strength

The strength and capacity of the battery also affect vapor production. A strong, fully charged battery delivers consistent power to the coil, ensuring optimal heating. Weak or drained batteries may fail to heat the coil adequately, resulting in reduced vapor output.

This is especially important for mechanical mods or unregulated devices, where the battery’s charge level directly influences the vape’s performance. In regulated mods, most devices compensate for battery drain to some extent, but cloud size may still decrease as the charge runs low.

Final Thoughts

The amount of vapor—or “smoke”—produced by a vape is not random. It’s influenced by a combination of factors including the device type, coil resistance, power settings, e-liquid composition, airflow, battery strength, and inhalation technique. Understanding how each of these elements contributes to vapor production can help users fine-tune their vaping experience to match their preferences.

Whether you’re looking for massive clouds or a more discreet puff, the key lies in selecting the right combination of hardware and e-liquid—and mastering your technique. With the right setup and some experimentation, you can control exactly how much vapor you want to produce and enjoy vaping on your own terms.