If you currently have an electronic cigarette you may be wondering which parts and cartridges from other companies will fit your model. This may be because your current supplier no longer stocks your model, has went out of business, or you just haven’t been happy with the service.

Compatibility between e-cigarette models is not easy as there are many models, many names for each model and suppliers often change their product line. The definitive answer comes from the e-liquid. E-liquid can be used to refill almost any cartridge from any model. It is more difficult when using cartomizers (and not recommended as they are meant to be disposable) but any model where the atomizer and the cartridge are separate pieces can be refilled with e-liquid.

If you are wondering about cartridges sizes, this is also difficult to answer due to the reasons stated above. However, each bottle of Instead E-Liquid comes with 5 empty cartridges. If you are looking for e-liquid and new cartridges, we recommend keeping your old, used cartridges that you know fit. Then when you purchase a bottle of Instead E-Liquid, even if our cartridges don’t fit, you can still use the e-liquid to refill your old cartridges.

The Instead electronic cigarette is compatible with many popular brands. If your e-cigarette, when fully assembled, is 4 inches long, then it is likely our batteries and atomizers will fit. If you have the RN4081 or DSE101, it is likely our parts will fit.

The Instead e-cigarette charger will fit almost all brands. The batteries do not screw into the charger, but rather slide in. They have been designed to accommodate almost every brand battery on the market.

If you purchase a battery, charger or atomizer from Instead and it doesn’t fit your current model, you can return it for a full refund minus shipping.

So what is the different between a cartomizer and an atomizer? The simply explanation is that a cartomizer is a cartridge that contains a disposable atomizer while an atomizer is reusable and is attached to a cartridge which is usually refillable.

For instance, below is an atomizer. This is essentially the heating element that screws onto the electronic cigarette battery.

And here is a mouthpiece with a cartridge in it (pushed out using a toothpick) that slides over the atomizer (shown above). The little white cartridge shown can be filled and refilled with e-liquid. The mouthpiece slides on and off of the atomizer for easy refilling.

Now, compare that to a cartomizer, shown below. The cartomizer has an atomizer and a cartridge together. They do not come apart. Although some do manage to refill cartomizers (by popping off the end), for the most part they are one time use.

Refilling your own cartridges is cheaper. Using cartomizers is more convenient. The choice is up to you!

Buy Electronic Cigarette Cartomizers
Buy Electronic Cigarette Atomizers
Buy Electronic Cigarette Cartridges

Looking for an easy, inexpensive way to try out an electronic cigarette? Need a Christmas gift for a smoker, but not sure if they will like using an e-cigarette? Instead now offers very simple electronic cigarette starter kits that allows smokers to quickly and easily try out the technology.

The kit consists of a USB passthrough and 2 pre-filled cartomizers (an atomizer / cartridge combination). It’s simple, just plug the USB passthrough into a USB port on your computer, screw in the cartomizer, and puff away! There is no need to charge any batteries or fill any cartridges. Of course this kit will only work while it is plugged into a USB port, but it will give any smoker the chance to try it out. If they like it, there are rechargeable batteries to e-smoke on the go, bottles of e-liquid with refillable cartridges, car chargers, and a variety of other accessories.

The USB passthrough is a must have for any e-smoker who spends any time on the computer. And the cartomizers produce good vapor, are simple to use, and last much longer than most other cartridges. In fact the average life of a cartomizer is approximately 15 tobacco cigarettes with light smokers getting an entire pack out of one cartomizer. Here is a picture of our new starter kits:

Buy The INSTEAD USB Passthrough Starter Kit on Sale!

Please note the e-liquid in the cartomizers is made in America, but it is not the same formulation as our American made e-liquid in the bottles. For those currently using the Instead brand e-liquid in the bottle, there is a taste difference with this e-liquid.

So what is a cartomizer?  Unlike the Instead Electronic Cigarette kit which comes with a reusable atomizer and refillable cartridges, the cartomizer is prefilled and contains a disposable atomizer.  Here are the pros and cons of the cartomizer:

Cons: they are more expensive to use as they shouldn’t be refilled.

Pros: easy to use (just screw it on and puff), produces good vapor with less inhalation pressure, they last longer than a refillable cartridge that is full (a cartomizer is about 15 cigarettes while a refillable cartridge filled up is about 2 or 3 cigarettes)

For those who already have the Instead Electronic Cigarette Set, YES, you can use our new cartomizers.  They fit the Instead batteries.  So if you are looking for a more convenient way to e-smoke, buy a pre-filled cartomizer to try out!

Now available from INSTEAD; the USB Passthrough! This electronic cigarette accessory allows e-smokers who sit at their computers for any length of time to enjoy e-smoking without their e-cig battery ever going dead. Rather than using a rechargeable battery, you use the USB passthrough. Just screw in your atomizer, put on a filled cartridge, and plug your the USB connector to the USB port on your computer. At least while in front of your computer; never worry about charging a battery again. It is the perfect accessory for the computer using electronic smoker!

This USB passthrough works with the Instead brand atomizers.

Buy a USB Passthrough today!

USB Passthrough Picture:

USB Passthrough

Anyone who does a bit of research on electronic cigarettes will soon find that there are a variety of types and sizes.  Some are better than others, but in general they all have their pros and cons.  Below is a list of some of the most popular types and their most common names along with what we believe to be their strengths and weaknesses.

Super Mini Cigarette (RN4088) – One of the smallest models on the market.  It is basically the same size as a regular cigarette. Pros: It’s small size makes it comfortable for many smokers to use.  Cons: It’s small size also makes it’s battery, atomizer, and cartridge pretty small so battery life is weak, it produces less vapor than others, and you will need to refill or change the cartridge more often.

Super Cigarette (DSE101, DSE103, RN4081) – Slightly larger than a regular cigarette, but still looks like a tobacco cigarette.  Pros: Most smokers find the size comfortable and it produces good vapor and has decent battery life.  Cons: The cartridge is a bit smaller than others so you will need to refill or change cartridges more often, although it’s cartridge is larger than the Super Mini Cigarette.

Mini Cigarette (DSE901, RN4075) – About the same girth as the Super Cigarette, but longer and has a tapered mouthpiece. Pros: Produces good vapor and has a good battery life.  Cons: Some smokers find the feel and design to be too different from a traditional cigarette and more like a small cigar.

Penstyle (DSE801, RN4072) – This was one of the first designs on the market.  It is quite a bit larger than a tobacco cigarette.  Pros:  It produces a lot of vapor and has a strong battery with a large cartridge.  Cons:  It is large an awkward to hold for many used to smoking a traditional (analogue) cigarette.

Screwdriver – As you guessed, this is shaped like a screwdriver.  It is basically just a really big battery.  Pros: Battery life is extended.  Cons:  It is very large and can be uncomfortable to hold.  Users have complained that they don’t like using them in public because they look strange.

Disposables – Disposable electronic cigarettes are all one piece with no rechargeable battery or refillable cartridge.  They come in different sizes, but are generally the same size as the Mini Cigarette.  Pros: Convenience.  Cons: They cartridges can’t be refilled, the batteries can’t be recharged.  Produces more waste.

The Instead Electronic Cigarette falls into the category of Super Cigarette.  We have tried models from every category and found that our electronic cigarette is a good balance of size, function, and vapor production.  We believe this model is the most satisfactory for long time smokers looking for an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. To see our kits visit Electronic Cigarette Kits.

Created for smokers, by smokers, the INSTEAD Electronic Cigarette comes with 2 atomizers, 2 batteries with blue LED’s and wall charger, all within an engraved stash tin. Never misplace your components again! All sets also include a velvet pouch that nicely fits 2 batteries, 2 atomizers and your eliquid or some extra cartridges for when you need to tuck them into your pocket or purse!

Most sets only offer you one atomizer. So what happens when you need to replace your atomizer and you only have one? You have to cross your fingers and wait until your new atomizer arrives. You may even find yourself at the local 7/11, purchasing another pack of tobacco! With two atomizers, you can keep smoking your e-cig, rain or shine.

The INSTEAD Electronic Cigarette Stash Tin is the most eco-friendly cigarette packaging in the electronic smoking industry. Every single thing you receive is reusable. There are no longer pretty packages that present the e-cig to you, and then end up in the rubbish bin! Each tin also comes with a starter guide to get you started. INSTEAD has decided that in order to be truly eco-friendly, the INSTEAD Electronic Cigarette manual can now be found online in English, Spanish and French. There, you will find dosing information, a care guide, as well as eliquid assistance!

This personal vaporizer can be used where ever smoking is not allowed and offers no second hand smoke. The traditional issues with smoking are GONE! No ashtrays, butts, lighters and cigarette burns, the INSTEAD Electronic Cigarette is a must have for every smoker!

Join the tobacco free smoking revolution! Leave the tobacco behind once and for all and continue to enjoy your smoking habit. Say “INSTEAD, I smoke electronically!”

Other accessories available: The Car Charger Adapter, The USB Charger, Batteries with Orange LED’s and coming soon, replacement Stash Tins, Baggies, Velvet Carrying Pouches, and Empty Cartridges.

For our current customers who have already purchased and would like to purchase a Stash Tin, Baggies and/or Velvet Carrying Pouches, please contact us via our online form. We will email you as soon as the extras are in and pricing for current customers is determined.

With the addition of the second atomizer, we have also changed our warranty. Please feel free to visit our warranty page so you can see that we are in this to help you have a successful brand switch! One thing that hasn’t changed in our warranty is that we want happy smokers. Whether you are a customer or not, if you have an issue of any kind, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to work through anything with you and our door is always open.

Thanks for choosing INSTEAD and have a happy tobacco free smoking day!

This comparison will be about size.  To give you an idea of the size of our mini e-cigarettes, here is a picture of our mini side by side with a regular length Parliament tobacco cigarette:

e-cigarette vs tobacco cigarette

As you can see, our mini is slightly larger than a regular tobacco cigarette (it is about the same length as a 100 tobacco cigarette).  The girth of the device is also slightly greater than a tobacco cig.

First, it is important to note that this is not the smallest electronic cigarette you can buy.  It is also not the largest.  We have tried many, many products and based on our testing, we have found 2 things to generally be true:

1) The larger the device, the longer the cartridges last, the longer the batteries last, and the more smoke (vapor) that you’ll get.

2) The electronic cigarettes that are as small or smaller than a regular cigarette are not of the quality, yet, to where we want to sell them.  I am not making any comments about any particular brand or model, just saying that the smaller ones we have tested get hot quickly (the atomizer) and don’t produce enough vapor.

The Instead Mini Electronic Cigarette is the smallest one we have found that produces a good amount of vapor and has quality components.  It is also quite comfortable to hold and does mimic a real tobacco cigarette quite well.

The Instead Regular Electronic Cigarette is about a half of an inch longer than our Mini, has the same girth, and has a tapered mouthpiece/cartridge.  We will get some pics of it up soon.

If you didn’t get your electronic cigarette in your stocking, well we hope to see your order soon!  What a great way to start out the new year with a change in your smoking habit.

After our travels and lots of consumer requests, we have determined that the blue LED light on the electronic cigarette is becoming more popular for smoking the electronic cigarette in public.  As the Instead E-Cigarette looks just like a real cigarette, we are finding that many would prefer the blue light as it makes the appearance slightly different than a real cigarette.  Have you ever seen a real ciggy burn blue?  We haven’t.

Currently, we offer the Instead Electronic Cigarette Sets with blue LED’s only.  If you prefer orange, a spare battery with an orange LED can be purchased separately.

And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  We are here and ready to help you!

I’ve had some questions about the Super Cigarette. This arises from the fact that the packaging on our mini electronic cigarettes says “Super Cigarette”. The difference is in versions. The super is a mini. It is the latest version of the electronic cigarette. Well…almost. There is one smaller yet, however the reports I am getting from the manufacturer is that the battery life has been further reduced as has the amount of puffs you can take per cartridge. They are working out these issues. So, the Super Cigarette is the Mini Electronic Cigarette that we carry. It is relatively proven (although it hasn’t been out that long) and works very well for the customers I have spoken with. When the time comes to move on to the next generation, I’ll post and let everyone know and include instructions about re-ordering e-cigarette refills for the older versions.

You can now get a regular electronic cigarette or a mini electronic cigarette combo set, which includes additional nicotine cartridges above the 5 refills that come with it, for a reduced price.  This includes flavored nicotine refills as well! This sale is one week only.

Visit Electronic Cigarette Combo Set Sale to save now.

UPDATE: Please visit our Electronic Cigarette Sets page for the latest packages we offer.