The temperature of the vapor produced by a personal vaporizer is a critical element of the overall experience. While the process of turning liquid into an aerosol requires heat, the resulting vapor should typically feel warm, not painfully hot or scorching. Excessively hot vapor is generally a sign that the device is operating outside of its normal parameters. This sensation often indicates a technical issue with the device settings or the user’s technique, prompting investigation into the vaping setup.
The Expected Temperature of Vaping Vapor
The vapor that reaches the mouth is meant to be warm, similar to a hot beverage, or sometimes slightly cool. Vaping devices heat the e-liquid inside the coil chamber to a range generally between 390 and 490 degrees Fahrenheit (199 to 255 degrees Celsius) for aerosolization. The vapor’s temperature is immediately lowered by the air drawn in through the device’s airflow channels. This mixing of the heated aerosol with ambient air is the primary mechanism that cools the vapor before it reaches the user. A properly functioning setup ensures the vapor’s temperature is comfortable and non-irritating.
Technical and Usage Factors Causing Hot Vapor
High Wattage Settings
The most common cause of overly hot vapor is a mismatch between the device’s power output and the coil’s ability to process the e-liquid. Setting the device’s wattage too high for the specific coil resistance and e-liquid composition will generate excessive heat. A high-wattage setting requires the coil to vaporize the liquid much faster than the wick can re-saturate, leading to overheating. Low-resistance coils, often called sub-ohm coils, can also heat up very quickly, requiring careful power management to prevent a hot experience.
Chain Vaping
Another frequent contributor to overheating is chain vaping, which involves taking multiple puffs in rapid succession. When a user does this, the coil and the surrounding tank components do not have sufficient time to cool down between draws. This constant heat application prevents the wick material from fully re-saturating with e-liquid.
Restricted Airflow
Restricted airflow also significantly increases the vapor temperature. The airflow mechanism is designed to pull cool air over the heated coil to temper the vapor. If the vents are partially or fully closed, less ambient air mixes with the aerosol. This restriction results in a denser, warmer, and harsher sensation upon inhalation.
Low E-Liquid Level (Dry Hits)
A low e-liquid level is another cause that leads to a harsh, hot experience often described as a “dry hit.” Without enough liquid to soak the wick, the coil directly heats the exposed cotton or other wicking material. This lack of liquid causes the wick to scorch, which produces a highly unpleasant and excessively hot vapor that tastes distinctly burnt.
Health Implications of Overheated Vapor
Inhaling excessively hot vapor carries two main types of risk: immediate physical irritation and chemical degradation. The physical risk involves irritation or minor burns to the mouth, throat, and respiratory tract. This is often accompanied by a harsh, scratchy feeling or an uncontrollable coughing reflex.
The chemical risk relates to the thermal degradation of the e-liquid components. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) can break down when heated past their thermal limits. When e-liquids are heated to excessive temperatures, harmful carbonyl compounds can be produced, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. This degradation occurs when the device is pushed to high temperatures or when a dry hit occurs. Propylene glycol is generally more susceptible to this thermal decomposition than vegetable glycerin.
Strategies for Cooler Vaping
To ensure a cooler and more comfortable experience, the most direct solution is to reduce the power sent to the coil. Users should operate the device at the lower end of the recommended wattage range printed on the coil head. This lower setting allows the e-liquid to vaporize efficiently without generating excessive heat.
Another effective strategy is to maximize the device’s airflow by fully opening any adjustable air vents. Increasing the airflow draws in more cool air, which mixes with and rapidly cools the aerosol before it is inhaled. Users can also change their puffing technique by taking longer, slower draws, which increases the time ambient air is pulled over the coil for cooling.
Preventing dry hits is crucial, meaning the tank must be kept adequately filled, and the wick material must have time to fully saturate between puffs. Choosing an e-liquid with a higher ratio of vegetable glycerin (VG) can also help. VG is less prone to thermal degradation and delivers a slightly cooler, smoother vapor, while also tending to produce larger clouds.