A Brief History of Vaping and E-Cigarettes
August 22, 2016Find out everything you need to know about the history of e-cigarettes including who invented them and how they came to be so popular.
Ever wondered where the e-cigarette came from?
They may seem like a very recent invention, but e-cigarettes have been around for quite a while now, in one form or another.
There were devices invented to inhale vapour or replicate cigarettes back in the 1920s and 1960s, but they never quite took off, perhaps because smoking was so popular, and the health risks it posed were less well known than they are now.
Inventing a new prototype
It wasn’t really until 2003 that e-cigarettes as we know them came into being. The prototype electronic cigarette device was invented in Beijing, China, by Hon Lik, a 52-year-old smoker and pharmacist.
The company he worked for at the time developed his prototype and sold it to the receptive Chinese public – it was so successful that the company even changed their name to Ruyan, which means ‘like smoking’.
By 2006 e-cigarettes had made their way to Europe, and then to North America. They started off as quite expensive items, but over the years, as more companies manufactured them, the price came down and popularity went up.
Growing pains
There were some turbulent years for e-cigarette users and makers in North America and Australia as regulations for the devices were put in place, but in the UK they continued to grow in popularity. This was partly due to support from organisations like ASH, who saw the potential for e-cigarettes to help reduce the number of tobacco smokers in the UK, and therefore reduce deaths and illnesses from tobacco smoking.
E-cigarettes suffered some perception knock-backs due to misreporting and tough government legislation many years ago – some people still think that they can be almost as harmful as cigarettes, while others believe they can be a ‘gateway’ to tobacco for non-smokers.
There’s also the problem that because e-cigarettes as we know them are still a relatively new invention, there’s not yet a great amount of data on their long-term usage. However, these perceptions look set to change in the near future.
Recent reports like the Government’s 2015 Public Health England review of e-cigarettes showed that e-cigarettes can be an effective, safe way to quit or cut down on smoking tobacco.
Going from strength to strength
Over the years, as more manufacturers have created vape pens and other e-cigarettes, and as companies large and small have begun to create flavourful e-liquids for electric cigarette users to enjoy, the number of people enjoying vaping has risen.
Since 2012, the number of electronic cigarette users in the UK has increased from 700,000 to some 2.8 million people. It’s a figure that goes up every year, and which mainly comprises smokers and ex-smokers.
The UK even plays host to the largest ‘vaping festival’ in Europe, VapeFest, which has been running since 2010. Here, vaping aficionados and fans come together to vape, listen to music, and buy from top vendors.
With the great selection of electronic cigarette and e-liquid makers available around the world, and an increasing number of people using e-cigarettes, the future for vaping looks bright.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Smart pod vape with 1600mAh battery, 2.01” HD touchscreen and Duomax pod. Advanced Bluetooth features and fast-charging USB-C.
£29.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Smart Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£29.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Compact, powerful pod kit with 3000mAh battery, 80W output and two refillable Vinci E pods for DTL and RDL vaping.
£34.99
VooPoo VooPoo Vinci E80 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£34.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Compact and easy to use pod vape kit with 1000mAh battery. Uses Duomax pods with slide-fill design and adjustable airflow...
£8.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Lite Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£8.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Compact square pod vape with 1300mAh battery, hidden HD display and Duomax pod. Adjustable power up to 30W. Leak-resistant nano-coating.
£18.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa SQ Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£18.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Premium pod kit with 2.5” HD touchscreen, smart Bluetooth features, and fast-charging 1300mAh battery. Compatible with Duomax pods.
£28.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Pro Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£28.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Ultra-compact pod vape with Duomax pod, 1000mAh battery and nano-coated anti-leak design. Ideal for MTL & RDL with slide-fill refills.
£9.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Nano Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£9.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Slide-fill Duomax pods for Rexa kits. Up to 100ml per pod with 3x flavour and 3x lifespan. 3-pack (0.4ohm /...
£7.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Duomax Replacement Vape Pods - 2ml
£7.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Mesh coil refill pods for select Rexa kits. 2ml capacity. Available in five resistances. 3-pack.
£6.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa Replacement Vape Pods - 2ml
£6.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Lightweight pod kit with smart coil/pod recognition, adjustable airflow and hygienic magnetic cap. Ideal for everyday MTL and RDL vaping.
£17.99
VooPoo VooPoo Argus Klyc Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£17.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Sleek, compact pod kit with 1300mAh battery, adjustable power up to 30W, and a hidden HD display. Uses Duomax pods...
£18.99
Freemax Freemax Rexa S Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£18.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Easy-to-use pod vape kit with Smart Mode, adjustable airflow, and built-in 1000mAh battery. Ideal for MTL & RDTL vaping.
£8.99
Elf Bar Elf Bar ElfX Mini Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£8.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Simple, compact pod kit with Smart Mode and adjustable airflow for MTL, RDL and DTL vaping styles.
£12.99
Aspire Aspire Pixo Aura Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£12.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Stainless Steel mesh pods with top-fill design for use with the OXVA Xlim Pro 2 DNA. Available in 0.6ohm, 0.8ohm...
£8.99
Oxva Oxva Xlim Top Fill Stainless Steel Replacement Pods
£8.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Advanced 30W pod vape kit with PC Connectivity, Evolv Replay Mode, DNA chip, 1300mAh battery and smart temperature control.
£39.99
Oxva Oxva Xlim Pro 2 DNA Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£39.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
A user-friendly pod vape kit with a 1600mAh battery, up to 35W power, three user modes, and airflow control for...
£25.99
Geekvape Geekvape Digi Q Vista Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£25.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
A mellow tropical blend of Pineapple and creamy Pawpaw. Nic Salt 10ml e-liquid for MTL vaping.
£3.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Pineapple Dream 10ml Nic Salt E-Liquid
£3.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
A sweet, sun-soaked fusion of Mango, Pineapple and Blood Orange. Nic Salt 10ml e-liquid for MTL vaping.
£3.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Mango Paradise 10ml Nic Salt E-Liquid
£3.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
A sweet, sun-soaked fusion of Mango, Pineapple and Blood Orange. Freebase 10ml e-liquid for MTL vaping.
£3.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Mango Paradise 10ml Freebase E-Liquid
£3.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
A bright, tangy blend of Golden Kiwi and Tangelo with a cool exhale. 50/50 Freebase 10ml e-liquid for MTL vaping.
£3.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Kiwi Cooler 10ml Freebase E-Liquid
£3.99
A creamy, exotic medley of Curuba, Passionfruit and Banana. 50ml High-VG shortfill for sub-ohm vaping.
£11.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Passionfruit Splash E-Liquid Short Fill 50ml
£11.99
A mellow tropical blend of Pawpaw and Pineapple in a smooth Nic Salt 10ml E-Liquid.
£15.99
Vampire Vape Vampire Vape Tropical Pineapple Dream 100ml Shortfill E-Liquid
£15.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Simple and reliable pod kit with 1100mAh battery, adjustable airflow and leak-resistant GPP pods for MTL or RDL vaping.
£9.99
Uwell Uwell Caliburn G4 Mini Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£9.99
Simple and compact pod kit with inhale activation, smart output and refillable 2ml mesh coil pod – great for everyday...
£12.99
Geekvape Geekvape Wenax M2 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£12.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Highly Customisable MTL & RDL pod kit with 1500mAh battery, adjustable power, 0.88" display six themes & airflow.
£24.99
Vaporesso Vaporesso Xros 5 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£24.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking.
Easy-to-use MTL & RDL pod kit with 1500mAh battery, adjustable airflow and auto-draw activation.
£17.99
Vaporesso Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£17.99
Smart, stylish pod kit with a 1750mAh battery, adjustable power, and airflow control. Ideal for both MTL and RDL vaping.
£17.99
Innokin Innokin Ne-Mo Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£17.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
3-pack of 2ml refillable pods with built-in mesh coils for the Innokin x Okino Ne-Mo Pod Kit. Available in 0.4ohm,...
£5.99
Innokin Innokin N Replacement Pods 2ml
£5.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Simple to use yet powerful and versatile pod vape kit with Smart Mode, airflow control and long-lasting 1350mAh battery for...
£15.99
VooPoo VooPoo Argus G3 Mini Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£15.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Easy-to-use 30W pod kit with smart touchscreen, fast charging, and puff tracking for MTL and RDL vaping.
£28.99
Oxva Oxva Xlim SQ Pro 2 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£28.99
A smooth tropical fruit blend in slim, tobacco-free pouches. Available in 6mg and 9mg strengths.
£6.50
A smooth mix of Blackberry, Raspberry and Blueberry in soft, tobacco-free pouches. Available in 6mg and 9mg.
£6.50
A cool, fruity blend of Peppermint and Berry in slim, tobacco-free pouches. Available in 9mg and 11mg strengths.
£6.50
A bright, cooling Mint flavour in slim nicotine pouches. Choose from 9mg or 11mg strengths.
£6.50
A crisp, straightforward Mint flavour in slim nicotine pouches. Available in 6mg, 9mg and 11mg strengths.
£6.50
Lost Mary BM600 Kit plus three packs of replacement pods. Seven pods total. Rechargeable pod system with up to 4200...
£14.99
A fresh, tangy Raspberry flavour in soft, tobacco-free pouches. Choose from 6mg or 9mg strengths.
£6.50
A soft, sweet Spearmint flavour in discreet pouches. Available in 6mg, 9mg and 11mg strengths.
£6.50
A smooth, sweet Mint flavour in slim, tobacco-free pouches. Available in 6mg, 9mg and 11mg strengths.
£6.50
A soft, sweet Spearmint flavour in discreet pouches. Available in 6mg, 9mg and 11mg strengths.
£6.50
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
A flexible pod kit with smart output, fast charging, and refillable pods for both MTL and RDL vaping – great...
£23.99
Geekvape Geekvape Soul 2 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£23.99
The SKE Bar Prefilled Pod Kit provides a super-satisfying and convenient way to vape, combining a compact reusable device with...
£5.99
Compact, refillable pod vape kit with 1100mAh battery, up to 40W output, Smart Detection and adjustable airflow for MTL and...
£22.99
Eleaf Eleaf iVeni Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£22.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
Refillable 2ml pods for the Eleaf iVeni kit, with built-in mesh coils and a simple side-fill system. Available in 0.4ohm,...
£5.99
Eleaf Eleaf iVeni Replacement Vape Pods - 2ml
£5.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow. DTL (Direct-to-Lung): Vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs for larger clouds of vapour.
Compact and powerful vape mod with 75W output, 3000mAh battery and Smart Mode. Designed for sub-ohm tanks and direct-to-lung vaping.
£34.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
The world's first pod device with a large HD touchscreen, the Vozol Ace Max Pod Vape Kit offers an outstanding...
£24.99
Vozol Vozol Ace Max Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£24.99
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
A compact and reliable MTL pod kit with 1300mAh Built-in Battery, 0.75” Display Screen, airflow control, and real-time usage stats....
£11.99
Vozol Vozol Ace Go Pod Vape Kit
£11.99
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Mimics traditional smoking by drawing vapour into the mouth before inhaling into the lungs.
Easy-to-use MTL pod kit with airflow slider, OLED screen, 1300mAh battery and top-fill mesh coil pods.
£25.99
Uwell Uwell Caliburn G4 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£25.99
Simple-to-use Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit. Rechargeable battery, easy-swap pods, and no buttons - just inhale to vape.
£4.99
Cherry Cola Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pods (2-pack), compatible with the Elf Bar 600 Pod Kit.
£4.95
RDL (Restricted-Direct-to-Lung): A balanced vaping style slightly restricted airflow.
The Voopoo Argus G3 is a powerful yet pocket-sized pod kit featuring a 1500mAh battery, 30W output, smart controls, and...
£28.99
VooPoo VooPoo Argus G3 Pod Vape Kit
FREE E-Liquid Flavour
£28.99
