There is no denying it—vaping has taken over the world. What may have started as a niche device or a different way of doing things is now widespread worldwide. 

But how did it get this way? Vaping’s rise to global popularity wasn’t exactly an overnight phenomenon. Indeed, the device has been around for nearly a century. 

Dive in for a brief history of vape and the factors that caused vaping’s success to accelerate so quickly. 

A Century of Innovation

It might seem hard to believe, but the first notions of what we now call a ‘vape’ had their start as early as 1927. Vape was a century of innovation that pushed the vape device to its international prominence. 

Joseph Robinson submitted a patent application in 1927 for a machine that would heat tobacco rather than burn it. Although his invention was never commercially successful, his patent made this technological possibility possible.

Herbert Gilbert submitted yet another patent application for a comparable product in the 1960s. It is actually very similar to modern technology, albeit not nearly as advanced. Gilbert also produced prototypes, but once more the concept was not successful in the marketplace.

In the late seventies, computer engineer Phil Ray and physician Norman Jacobson created the first commercialized ‘e-cigarette.’ Its name was somewhat of a misnomer, as it wasn't an electronic device at all. It worked through the evaporation of nicotine rather than the burning of it. Unfortunately, the idea never became successful. Instead, Ray gets credited with introducing the term ‘vape.’ 

While the valiant efforts of Robinson, Gilbert, Ray, and Norman were never commercially successful, their contributions laid the groundwork for the new millennium and the modern vape to take shape.

One Inventor’s Bad Dreams and Tragedy

The early 2000s were abuzz with excitement for what the future could hold, especially concerning technological advancements. Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik was no exception to this, but it wasn’t solely optimism that drove him. 

Hon became aware that the nicotine patches he was using to stop smoking his 2-3 packs per day were causing him nightmares in 2002. He started developing the device that would revolutionize the world of nicotine consumption soon after.

Tragically, tragedy struck in 2004. Lung cancer caused Hon's father's death. The tragedy only made him more determined. He succeeded in creating a tool that made using nicotine easier and cleaner.

The initial designs were cumbersome and challenging to operate. They weren't at all like the modern, sleek designs that vape users are accustomed to, and maintaining them frequently was often necessary. It wasn't the best. Still, Lik had invented something others had failed to, inspiring a whole new generation of follow-up inventions.

Power in the Hands of the Consumer

The idea of a compact, electrical device that heated tobacco rather than burning it was enamoring to many. For convenience, if nothing else, carrying around a single device rather than a whole pack was understandably desirable. Before the idea could take off, however, innovations had to happen.

Amazingly, many of these innovations started at home in the hands of the consumer. People began to use power tool batteries to customize their devices, which provided a bigger nicotine hit. These consumer innovations are where the term ‘mods’ originates. Customers were modifying the devices they purchased, as they weren't satisfied with what was on the market already.

A Lasting Legacy

Sadly, these modded devices were not to last, but they left a  lasting legacy that would shape the new era of vaping.

In the earliest days of the vape, most devices simply consisted of a battery and a heating coil. You don't need an MA in electronics to understand why pairing any old battery with a heating coil wasn't the best idea. Inefficient designs with inappropriate battery use are largely where the reputation of vapes ‘unexpectedly exploding’ originates. 

It wasn't until manufacturers started to include more sophisticated circuitry in their devices that the DIY modding could subside. Chinese manufacturers spearheaded these early efforts, mass-producing regulated mods that did not require excessive additions to achieve the desired hit. 

Then the real tipping point of popularity entered the scene: the introduction of the vape pen.

A Late Bloomer

Almost a decade after Lik first released his invention into the world, the era of vaping appeared to be drawing to a close. However, in the early 2010s, the vape pen hit the scene and changed everything. We can largely attribute the global popularity of vaping to the introduction of the vape pen. Its size and design were immediately appealing to many, and the numbers speak for themselves.

Between 2011 and 2018, the estimated number of vapers jumped by over 34 million. This significant boom in international recognition cemented the vape as a recognized alternative for consuming nicotine. It was quick, easy-to-use, compact, and looked good too. 

Enormous innovations have occurred since that point. The market has exploded with new additions to the vaping family, winning new fans worldwide. There is a vape out there for everybody, whether you are a casual vape beginner or an experienced veteran, and this market shows no signs of slowing down.

Why Does Vaping Remain So Popular?

A significant contributor to the continued success of the vaping industry is the level of customization for vape available. 

First, there are the different categories of vapes available (pens, mods, pods, and beyond). Not to mention, there is also vast variance within those categories. There is an abundance of flavors to suit every taste, from fruity vape flavour to minty vape flavour and everything in between. Basically, vape has its customer base covered.

This customization extends far beyond simple flavor and design, too. Many vaping devices allow the user to have complete control over how much they inhale at any given point. 

This level of consumer choice is unheard of in any other form of nicotine inhalation and allows users to consume puffs amount they're comfortable with and nothing more. That is a substantial bonus to many people and ultimately gives you more agency over what goes into your body.

Where Does Vape Go From Here?

The future of vaping is open as there are even more vape technology innovations coming out, and the industry shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. From humble beginnings to the global behemoth vaping exists as today, whatever the future holds for vape, you can be sure that we're excited to see how it unfolds.

Visit Effervape to kickstart your vaping journey. Effervape Collection will enhance your vaping experience.