Cannabis atomizers: definition, types and maintenance

The atomizer is the heating component of a vape pen or dab pen that transforms cannabis concentrate, oil or e-liquid into inhalable vapor. It's the heart of the device: without a working atomizer, there's no vaping. The term refers both to the heating element itself and, by extension, to the whole unit that contains it: coil, wick and chamber.

How does an atomizer work?

The principle is simple: an electrical resistance (the coil or coil) is powered by the vape pen's battery. When current flows through it, it heats up rapidly, bringing the substance in contact with it (oil, concentrate or e-liquid) up to vaporization temperature. The resulting vapour rises to the mouthpiece and is inhaled.

In most cannabis atomizers, a wick cotton, ceramic or quartz wick is in permanent contact with the substance and carries it to the coil by capillary action. The quality of the wick material directly influences the taste of the vapor: ceramic and quartz are appreciated for their aromatic neutrality, while cotton is more economical but can slightly alter flavors at high temperatures.

The different types of cannabis atomizers

Cartridge Atomizer (cart atomizer): the most common in entry-level and mid-range vape pens. The cartridge, pre-filled with cannabis oil or distillate, is screwed directly onto the battery. The atomizer is integrated into the cartridge and is discarded with it. Simple to use, discreet, but not very customizable and generally of poorer aromatic quality than refillable atomizers.

Refillable atomizer (refillable atomizer): the user himself fills the chamber with the oil or concentrate of his choice. More economical over time and offering better control of the product used, but requires a little more maintenance.

Atomizer with drip tip (drip atomizer or RDA, Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer): the user pours a few drops of e-liquid or oil directly onto the coil before each session, without the need for a tank. This system delivers cleaner flavours and denser vapour, but it is restrictive: you have to re-drip every 3 to 5 puffs or so. It is not widely used for everyday cannabis.

Atomizer for concentrates (wax atomizer or dab atomizer): specifically designed for solid or semi-solid concentrates: wax, shatter, crumble, Piattella, rosin. These atomizers generally have an open chamber into which the concentrate is directly deposited with a dabber, A quartz or ceramic coil vaporizes it on demand. They are mounted on dab pens - vape pens dedicated to concentrates, more compact and discreet than a dab rig traditional.

Atomizer vs. vaporizer: what's the difference?

The atomizer is a component, the heating element inside a device. The spray is the’complete device which includes the battery, atomizer, charging chamber and mouthpiece. In other words, every vape pen contains an atomizer, but an atomizer alone is not a vaporizer.

How do I maintain an atomizer?

A dirty atomizer produces lower-quality vapor and impaired flavor. Regular maintenance prolongs its life and preserves flavours.

For a disposable cartridge atomizer, maintenance boils down to avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and not leaving it in the inverted position, which can cause leaks in the coil.

For refillable or concentrate atomizers, clean with 90°+ isopropyl alcohol after a few sessions to remove residues. Soak removable parts for 15-30 minutes, rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely before re-use. The coil itself should generally be replaced every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on use.