Battery operated and sprung into action by a sensor inside the tube which heats the nicotine liquid, a vapor is then released through the mouthpiece. The electronic cigarette even has a device which causes a colorful light to show up resembling the glow of a real cigarette. The batteries are rechargeable and may be plugged into a car's cigarette lighter or any wall socket. But in some models the battery is replaceable only through the manufacturer.

The liquid nicotine commonly referred to as "e-liquid" come in low and high doses although none of the liquid contains a high amount of nicotine itself. Some liquids have no nicotine whatsoever. There are also flavors to suit any smoker, such as regular, menthol or lights. Some are modeled after name brands or have different flavors, such as caramel, coffee and strawberry. It is interesting to note that the city of Hong Kong and Australia consider the electronic cigarette kit illegal. Canada recently issued a warning that even in low doses may cause nicotine poisoning, yet concede it may help with the withdrawal smokers have when they try to reduce or quit smoking on their own.

If someone is living in Denmark or Austria, they would need to go through a physician to obtain the electronic cigarette kit as it is considered a medical device and not an over the counter product. If desiring to try an electronic cigarette starter kit, one only needs to research the Internet as there are various sites selling them. The only requirement is that one is of legal smoking age.