Consumer Report: Electronic Cigarette Reviews
Real Consumer Reviews Since 2009
A new form of smoking, dubbed vaping (as in vapor) is gaining popularity in many countries across the globe, and although these cutting edge Electronic Cigarettes don’t produce actual smoke, they definitely provide the nicotine fix. Best of all, e-cigarettes pose no risk of fire!
The Electronic Cigarette is a logical new alternative to smoking, but how will this e-cigarette affect your health? It is a smokeless and tar-free device that looks like an ordinary cigarette on the outside, but is nothing like it on the inside. During our research we have come across many electronic cigarette manufacturers and made a comparative review of the most popular e-cigarette brands sold online today. You may skip directly to the Best E-Cigarette Starter Kits section at the end of this article, to compare the best electronic cigarettes that we’ve found.
“I can’t believe it’s not smoke!“
The most often asked question is Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe? Millions of smokers worldwide, with more than 1 million smokers in the U.S. alone, have already switched to e-cigs, yet there haven’t been any reports of adverse effects. Quite the contrary! Let’s compare tobacco cigarettes to the e-cig: Tobacco smoke contains some 4000+ different chemical compounds of which at least 69 are known carcinogens, while Electronic Cigarettes have about 10 ingredients altogether. Smoking tobacco increases risks of developing cancer of the lungs, mouth, nose, tongue, larynx, oesophagus, pharynx, pancreas, bladder, stomach, kidneys, and the list goes on… Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death in the USA with over 400,000 victims yearly, nearly 20% of all U.S. deaths. All this trouble just to get a nicotine fix? Maybe the e-cigarette will save the day. Given all these facts, electronic cigarettes may actually save lives!
Randy Tangier, a pack-a-day smoker of 27 years, heard about E-Cigarettes while on a business trip to Los Angeles. He was finding himself more irritable trying to find places to smoke since most bars and restaurants no longer allow their patrons to smoke inside. Then, one day while at a Casino, Randy says he noticed countless people smoking these new e-cigarettes while sitting at the slot machines or playing cards!
A photo from our reader Randy T. comparing the e-cigarette and a regular tobacco cig.
Randy: “I’ve done my research and I can tell you for sure that nicotine by itself is safe, it’s actually a brain stimulant just like caffeine. The real problem as it turns out is with all the additives that are added to tobacco during manufacturing. It became obvious to me then that inhaling some propylene glycol mixed in with nicotine was way safer than smoking tobacco. By the way, propylene glycol is the same ingredient used to make fog at concerts! It’s this transparent paste that turns to vapor when it’s slightly heated. Anyways, I just had to order one of these e-cigarettes to see for myself if it really did feel anything like smoking… and to my surprise it did! Soon after I started vaping my e-cig, I threw away my last pack of tar cigarettes and I haven’t looked back since.” says Randy with a grin on his face.
With Christmas just around the corner, everyone is looking forward to a fresh start and many vow to quit smoking as their New Year’s Resolution. The timing is just right for the e-cigarette as it makes a great gift for family and friends struggling to stop smoking.
Small cartridges, with or without nicotine, are used to refill an e-cigarette. With one cartridge lasting as much as a single pack of regular smokes, switching can potentially save you $1200 or more per year. A recent study showed that regular smokers spend close to $2000 per year on tobacco products. A savings of even half that amount could pay for a new computer, a new bicycle or even a new big screen TV, to name a few. If you could buy yourself a thousand-dollar gift every year, what would it be?
How do these E-Cigarettes Work?
The E-Cigarette owes its success to state of the art micro-electronic technology that provides its users with a real smoking experience, without smoke, flame, ashes or harsh smell.
Electronic Cigarettes, also referred to as electric cigs, have actually been around since 1963 when the first e-cigarette patent was submitted by Herbert A. Gilbert, from Beaver Falls, PA. It took another 40 years however, for manufacturing costs to drop enough to be able to produce e-cigarettes at affordable prices. The modern e-cigarette looks like a cigarette, feels like a cigarette, and even “smokes” like a real cigarette. But how do they work? E-Cigs mainly have five parts: when a smoker takes a puff, an air flow sensor signals the microchip, the microchip in turn activates the atomizer, the atomizer gently heats and vaporizes the nicotine solution, while a rechargeable battery powers the whole process, and a red light glows at the tip for added realism.
Inside the Electronic Cigarette
Throw away your lighters and ashtrays, you won’t need either with Electronic Cigarettes! Since E-Cigarettes are smokeless cigarettes they are not restricted by most U.S. state smoking laws and are legal to use indoors i.e. restaurants, bars, hotels, trains, buses. What looks like smoke from the e-cigarette is really a cool vapor mist from vaporized propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, that carries the nicotine (both are safe FDA-approved food and cosmetic additives). The exhaled vapor disappears into the air within a couple of seconds.
When asked about his opinion on his new electronic cigarette, Randy said:
“I was really excited when I finally got my parcel a few days later. The starter kit came with two electric cigarette batteries, along with 16 medium-nicotine cartridges, as well as the USB charger… and of course the instructions booklet. I charge the battery overnight and the e-cig usually lasts me all day long, about a pack’s worth of smoking. But I always have a spare cartridge and battery in the car, just in case I’m having a really bad day.” Randy goes on to say: “After a couple of weeks of smoking my e-cig, I noticed my lungs felt lighter and I was actually able to breathe easier. Eventually my smoking cravings went down and now a year later, I mostly smoke my e-cigarette after meals and during the evening before going to bed. I even made a gift of one to my older brother… he loves me for it!” Randy adds: “the only bugger is how long the cartridges last. It’s never really a whole pack of 20 smokes like they say. It’s more like 15 ciggies at most, but it’s still worth it.”
To summarize, the new smokeless e-cigarettes have a lot to offer: nicotine delivery without combustion or actual smoke, practically eliminating the risk of cancer. All in all it seems that an electronic cigarette may indeed save a smoker’s life. E-cigs are more effective than simple nicotine inhalers and provide the best clinically tested method to quit smoking, by gradually reducing the brain’s dependence on nicotine. Popularity and demand for such a innovative smoking solution will only grow as more people become aware of its benefits.
Electronic Cigarette Review: Consumer Reports would like to thank Randy for his amazing smoking tips. If you would like to compare electronic cigarette brands, we have provided our readers with a comparison of the best electronic cigarettes on the market today.
Best E-Cigarette Starter Kits
The Top 5 of the Best Electronic Cigarettes - Our 5 Star Rating takes many factors into account such as: taste, price, warranty, flavor selection, compatibility and build quality of the e-cigarette. If you have enjoyed this e-cigarette review please click “Like” at the top of the page for a chance to win a Electronic Cigarette starter kit in our monthly draw!
1. V2 Electronic Cigarette Review
Rating: 
“Editor’s Choice”
Shipping to: All Countries Worldwide (Canada: 0mg nicotine only)
E-Cigarette Starter Kit Price:
-V2 Express Kit: $29.95 $26.95
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 4.2V, 1 x usb charger, 1 x cartridge]
-V2 Economy Kit: $64.59 $53.95
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 4.2V, 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 10 x cartridges]
-V2 Standard Kit: $79.95 $71.95
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V (auto & manual), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 10 x cartridges]
-V2 Traveller Kit: $149.95 $134.95
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V, 1 x notebook-cig 5V (direct usb voltage), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 1 x car adapter, 1 x charging case, 15 x cartridges]
-V2 Couples Kit: $149.95 $134.95
[Includes: 4 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V, 2 x wall charger, 2 x usb charger, 20 x cartridges]
-V2 Ultimate Kit: $189.95 $170.95
[Includes: 3 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V, 1 x power-cig 5.1V (direct usb voltage), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 1 x car adapter, 1 x charging case, 1 x carry case, 25 x cartridges]
V2 Cigs Coupon: Exclusive 10% Off with V2 coupon code eCigaretteReview at checkout (prices listed include discount).
V2 now offers flat rate $5 shipping on all U.S. orders, or free shipping on orders over $200.
E-Cigarette Technology: 2-Piece (cartomizer)
E-Cigarette Color: White, Black (shown), Blue, Stainless Steel.
Flavors: Congress (Parliament-like), Red (Marlboro-like), Sahara (Camel-like), Cola, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee (our favorite), Menthol, Peppermint, Vanilla. Available in Full 18mg, Med 12mg, Light 6mg, and Zero 0mg nicotine strength.
Cartridges: Starting at $9.95 for 5 cartridges, equivalent of 5 Packs or 100 Cigarettes.
Warranty: Lifetime replacement warranty and 30-day money back guarantee (restocking fee may apply).
Highlights: V2 offers Blank (empty) cartomizer cartridges, that can be refilled with any smoke juice or vapor liquid you choose! – KR808D model e-cigs like V2 Cigs are also highly recommended by the e-cigarette forum.
Website: www.V2Cigs.com
Read the complete V2 Cigs Review
2. South Beach Smoke Electronic Cigarette
Rating: 
“Best Value”
Shipping to: Most Countries Worldwide (Canada: 0mg nicotine only)
E-Cigarette Starter Kit Price:
-Premium Starter Kit (3-Piece design): $29.99
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.6V, 1 x atomizer, 1 x wall charger, 6 x cartridges]
-Premium Plus Starter Kit (3-Piece design): $74.99 $67.49
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.6V, 1 x atomizer, 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 1 x car adapter, 1 x carrying case, 6 x cartridges]
-Deluxe Starter Kit (New 2-Piece design): $59.99 $53.99
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V (short & long), 1 x wall charger, 5 x cartridges]
-Deluxe Plus Starter Kit (New 2-Piece design): $104.99 $94.49
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 4.2V (short & long), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 1 x car adapter, 1 x carrying case, 5 x cartridges]
South Beach Smoke Coupon: Get 10% Off Deluxe Starter Kits. Discount will be applied automatically at checkout (prices listed include discount).
E-Cigarette Technology: 2-Piece (“Deluxe”) or 3-Piece (“Premium”)
E-Cigarette Color: White (shown) or Black.
Flavors: Original Tobacco, Menthol, Cherry, Chocolate, Vanilla. Available in Full 16mg, Light 12mg, Ultra Light 6mg, and Zero 0mg nicotine strength.
Cartridges: Starting at $27.99 for 15 Premium cartridges (3-piece technology) or $31.99 for 15 Deluxe cartridges (new 2-piece technology), equivalent of 15 Packs or 300 Cigarettes.
Warranty: Lifetime replacement warranty for active refill members and 30-day 100% money back guarantee.
Highlights: Assembled and tested in USA. – $100 in Free Gas Vouchers (Survey participation required, U.S. only).
Website: www.SouthBeachSmoke.com
Read the complete South Beach Smoke Review
3. Premium Electronic Cigarette Review
Rating: 
Shipping to: All Countries Worldwide (Canada: 0mg nicotine only)
E-Cigarette Starter Kit Cost:
-Single PR110 Starter Kit: $49.95 $44.95
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.8V (100mm), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 6 x cartridges]
-Double PR110 Starter Kit: $79.95 $71.95
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 3.8V (100mm), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 6 x cartridges]
-Single PR111 Starter Kit: $54.95 $49.45
[Includes: 2 x long lithium ion batteries 3.8V (110mm), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 6 x cartridges]
-Double PR111 Starter Kit: $89.95 $80.95
[Includes: 2 x long lithium ion batteries 3.8V (110mm), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 6 x cartridges]
-On-the-go Starter Kit: $49.95 $44.95
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.8V (100mm or 110mm +$5), 1 x portable charging case, 6 x cartridges]
Premium E-Cigarette Coupon: Exclusive 10% Off with coupon ECIGREV at checkout (prices listed include discount).
E-Cigarette Technology: 2 Piece (cartomizer)
E-Cigarette Color: White, Black, Platinum, Gold, Green, Pink, Orange, Purple, Blue (shown), Burgundy, Brown Marble, Green Marble, Brown Camouflage, Green Camouflage, Indigo.
Flavors: Tobacco, Camel, Menthol, Vanilla, Cherry, Coffee, Chocolate, Red Energy, Apple, Pear, Cola, Clove, Peach, Strawberry, Caramel, Irish Cream, Blueberry, Pineapple, Watermelon, Grape. Available in Ultra High 24mg, High 16mg, Medium 11mg, Low 6mg, and Zero 0mg nicotine strength.
Cartridges: Starting at $12.50 for 5 cartridges, equivalent of 5 Packs or 100 Cigarettes.
Warranty: Limited 90 day replacement warranty and 30-day money back guarantee (restocking fee may apply if returned).
Highlights: Premium offers a large variety of fancy battery designs for an extra $30.
Website: www.PremiumEcigarette.com
Read the complete Premium Review
4. Safe Cig Electronic Cigarette Review
Rating: 
Shipping to: All Countries Worldwide (Canada: 0mg nicotine only)
E-Cigarette Starter Kit Price:
-Safe Cig Starter Kit: $69.95 $66.45
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.7V, 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 5 x cartridges]
-Safe Cig Starter Kit Pro: $89.95 $85.50
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 3.7V, 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 5 x cartridges]
-Safe Cig Starter Kit Deluxe: $137.95 $131.05
[Includes: 3 x lithium ion batteries 3.7V, 1 x wall charger, 2 x usb charger, 1 x car adapter, 1 x carrying case, 10 x cartridges]
-New Safe Cig Micro Kit E-Cigarettes are Smaller and Smarter! $59.95 $56.95
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 3.7V, 1 x usb charger, 7 x cartridges]
Safe Cig Coupon: Get 5% Off everything with Safe Cig coupon code GoSafe at checkout (prices listed include discount).
E-Cigarette Technology: 2-Piece (cartomizer)
E-Cigarette Color: White (shown).
Flavors: Traditional, Classic, Menthol. Available in 24mg, 18mg, 14mg, 11mg, 6mg, and 0mg nicotine strength. The New Micro line features more flavors: Traditional, Classic, Menthol, Trinidad, Mandalay, Columbian, Brazilian, Magadascar, Madrid, Moroccan, Royale, Saharan and Turkish (you’ll see a taste gauge for each flavor in terms of Sweet, Spicy, Earthy and Woody on the SafeCig website).
Cartridges: Starting at $12.50 for 5 cartridges, equivalent of 5 Packs or 100 Cigarettes. $16.95 for 7 new Micro cartridges.
Warranty: Lifetime replacement warranty and 30-day money back guarantee (restocking fee may apply).
Highlights: Free Shipping in U.S.A. – The Safe Cig was the first to introduce electronic cigarettes to the American market 5 years ago! – Designed and Engineered in California.
Website: www.TheSafeCig.com
Read the complete Safe Cig Review
5. Green Smoke Electronic Cigarette Review
Rating: 
Shipping to: All Countries Worldwide (Canada: 0mg nicotine only)
E-Cigarette Starter Kit Price:
-Social Smoker Kit: $109.00 $98.10
[Includes: 1 x lithium ion battery 3.6V, 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 5 x cartridges]
-Basic Starter Kit: $139.00 $125.10
[Includes: 2 x lithium ion batteries 3.6V (short & long), 1 x wall charger, 1 x usb charger, 5 x cartridges]
-Love Birds Kit: $270.00 $243.00
[Includes: 4 x lithium ion batteries 3.6V (2 short & 2 long), 2 x wall charger, 2 x usb charger, 10 x cartridges]
Green Smoke Coupon: Get 10% Off all Starter Kits! Use Green Smoke coupon code DISC10-25374 at checkout (prices listed include discount).
E-Cigarette Technology: 2-Piece (cartomizer)
E-Cigarette Color: White (shown), Pink.
Flavors: Absolute Tobacco, Red Label Tobacco, Menthol Ice, Smooth Chocolate, Mocha Mist, Vanilla Dreams. Available in Strong 24mg, Full 18mg, Light 12mg, Ultra Light 6mg, Low 4mg, and Zero 0mg nicotine strength.
Cartridges: Starting at $14.75 for 5 cartridges, equivalent of 5 Packs or 100 Cigarettes.
Warranty: 1 Year replacement warranty and 30-day money back guarantee (restocking fee may apply).
Highlights: Free Shipping in U.S.A. (over $25)
Website: www.GreenSmoke.com | www.GreenSmoke.co.UK
Read the complete Green Smoke Review
*Must be of legal smoking age to order. Prices shown are already discounted with applicable coupon and are subject to change.
That’s it for the Top 5 Electronic Cigarettes:
See the rest of the Best E-Cigarette Brands.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Consumer’s Best E-Cigarette Reviews 2011-2012 and remember to come back again next week for more great electric cigarette tips!
2-Piece VS 3-Piece E-Cigarettes: What's the Difference?
Dennis Quaid has quit smoking and is now a regular vaper as seen in this next picture taken in Hollywood.
eople and especially children, look up to their favorite celebrities and even mimic them, sometimes subconsciously. Movie stars are aware of this fact and always try to project a positive image of themselves, but that’s not easy with the constant media attention and spotlights! Smoking is viewed negatively by most, which makes the 
