If you’re looking into buying your first electronic cigarette, you’re probably a little puzzled by the different types. While there are several styles to choose from, there are really only three basic types of electronic cigarettes: the single-piece disposable, the two-piece and the three-piece. Each type has its pros and cons.

Single-Piece Electronic Cigarettes

Most beginners start with the inexpensive, single piece, disposable e-cigarette. If you’re new to e-cigs and uncertain if they’ll work for you, this might be a good option.

Disposable electronic cigarettes and cigars use a pre-charged battery with a non-refillable nicotine cartridge. One-piece e-cigs have to be activated to work. Usually you twist the mouthpiece or push it in to connect the battery by breaking the foil seal. The disposable electronic cigars last longer than the e-cigarettes because they have a larger nicotine reservoir and hold more e-liquid. Electronic cigarettes are meant to be small and portable. They are more realistic for the user to enjoy. Most disposables are of the single-piece variety, although some have a two- or three-piece design with a refillable or replaceable nicotine cartridge and a battery that cannot be recharged.

Two-Piece Electronic Cigarettes

With two-piece e-cigs, the nicotine cartridge contains the atomizer. The atomizer is replaced every time you swap cartridges. Most batteries and atomizers need to be replaced after 6 to 12 weeks of use. It’s easy for a new user to damage the atomizer and render the unit useless.

The best aspect of the two-piece design is that you get a fresh atomizer with each nicotine cartridge replacement. You can also swap out cartridges easily to change the strength or flavor of the vapor. All you do is unscrew the cartridge and screw on a new one. Since you use a new atomizer with each cartridge, the flavors don’t mingle when you switch them. The bad part is that the cartridges cannot be refilled easily since they contain the atomizer. The user can also get an occasional bad cartridge that doesn’t work properly.

Three-Piece Electronic Cigarettes

Three-piece e-cigs contain a nicotine cartridge, a battery and an atomizer. The atomizer screws onto the battery and the cartridge is then screwed or pushed into place behind the atomizer. The obvious benefit to the three-piece e-cig is that the nicotine cartridge can be refilled easily and quickly by simply removing it from the atomizer. The only drawback to the three-piece design is that atomizers need to be replaced when they wear out after about two months.