Skip to main content
Non-Metal Vapes: What Sets Them Apart + Top 6 Devices

Non-Metal Vapes: What Sets Them Apart + Top 6 Devices

By Conrad Kurth · ·10 min read

Updated October 20, 2026

Key Takeaway

A non-metal vape swaps the traditional metal heating coil for ceramic, quartz, or polymer — which can reduce, but not remove, metal exposure from the coil. It matters because a 2025 ACS Central Science study found metal-coil disposables (Elf Bar, Flum, Esco Bars) leached elevated lead and antimony into the aerosol. Below are four devices from other brands, and what we use instead. Our own July 2026 panel (Legend Technical Services, WO #2602062) found arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury not detected in six Gust Pro and Lightning flavors.

In this article

A non-metal vape is a device marketed with a ceramic, quartz or polymer heating element instead of a bare metal-wire coil. Most still heat with a metal element underneath, so the term describes the wick and coil design, not a metal-free device. A 2025 study in ACS Central Science found that disposable vapes with metal coils (ELF Bars, Flum Pebbles, Esco Bars) contained elevated levels of lead and antimony leached from their heating elements.

Coil material is one route to fewer metals in vapor; a lab test is how you check. Our Gust Pro, Gust Core and Lightning all use a double-mesh ceramic coil, and we publish metals results: in Legend Technical Services Work Order #2602062 (July 2026), arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were not detected by ICP-MS in six Gust Pro and Lightning flavors. See our heavy-metals results.

Here’s what non-metal vapes are, why they matter, and four devices from other brands worth considering in 2026 (some contain nicotine), plus what our own Gust Pro and Lightning use instead.

What Is a Non Metal Vape?

A non-metal vape is a device that replaces traditional metal heating coils (typically made from alloys like nichrome or stainless steel) with ceramic, quartz, or polymer heating elements.

The coil is the component that reaches the highest temperatures and directly contacts the e-liquid. Because of repeated heating and cooling cycles, the coil is most likely to leach heavy metals into the aerosol.

Switching to ceramic or quartz removes that direct metal contact in the heating zone. It also allows for more even heat distribution, resulting in a smoother inhale and flavor that stays clean and consistent.

Here’s why that matters in practice.

How Non Metal Vapes Improve Safety, Flavor, and Longevity

Here are four reasons people pick ceramic or quartz coils over metal ones:

1. No Leaching of Metals

In conventional metal vapes, the metal particles from the coil can leach into the e-liquid. 

A 2025 study confirms this fact. It found that disposable vape liquids often contain detectable levels of metals and metalloids (through leaching from coils). In fact, devices such as ELF Bars, Flum Pebbles, and Esco Bars have reported elevated levels of lead and antimony.

These heavy metals can cause serious health problems with long-term exposure. They are known to increase the risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and nerve damage.

What makes it worse is that regular use of these vapes can further degrade the coils, introducing more trace elements into the vapor.

Using ceramic or quartz coils instead keeps the heating zone free from direct metal contact, helping minimize potential contamination.

2. Richer Flavor 

Ceramic and quartz glass coils keep the flavor clean and pure, with no metallic aftertaste. This means you get a more layered flavor experience than with metal coils, especially with fruity flavors.

They also keep the flavor consistent over time, so every draw stays rich, balanced, and doesn’t lose its depth.

3. Smoother Puffs

Ceramic coils are built for even heat distribution, so the e-liquid is heated and vaporized consistently with every draw.

Their porous structure spreads heat evenly, helping prevent hot spots that can cause irritation, dry hits, or an inconsistent vaping experience.

The result is smooth, steady vapor production that feels balanced from start to finish.

4. Longer Lifespan

Non metal coils are more durable than traditional metal options, so they tend to last longer.

They handle higher temperatures and wattages more reliably, reducing the risk of breakdown over time. They’re also less prone to clogging, maintaining consistent performance even with heavy, frequent use. 

Over time, this can lower replacement costs and reduce e-waste, making them a more economical and environmentally conscious choice.

With those benefits in mind, here are four devices from other brands worth considering.

4 Non-Metal Vapes From Other Brands (2026)

As mentioned earlier, non-metal coils typically use ceramic or quartz glass materials. In practice, ceramic coils are far more widely used because they heat evenly and deliver a smoother, more consistent draw.

Since ceramic is the most common choice in non-metal vapes, the four devices from other brands below are all marketed with ceramic coils.

Here are our top picks across two popular vape categories:

A. Disposable Vapes

Here are some disposable options:

● Contains Nicotine (5% / 50mg)

1. SWFT ICON 7500

SWFT ICON 7500 disposable vape with ceramic coil — 7,500 puffs

The SWFT ICON 7500 offers up to 7,500 puffs and features a ceramic coil. It comes pre-filled with 17 mL of vape juice, and includes a rechargeable battery with a smart display.

  • Flavors: This disposable vape pen comes in 10+ flavors, including:
    • Blue Cotton Candy
    • Clear
    • Cool Mint
    • Rainbow Candy
  • Key Features:
    • Up to 7500 puffs
    • 17mL pre-filled e-liquid capacity
    • 5% nicotine strength (50mg)
    • Smart display for battery and e-liquid levels
    • USB-C rechargeable battery
    • Draw-activated for effortless use

  • Price: $12-$29.99, depending on the retailer.

Pros

Cons

Large e-liquid capacity (17mL)

High nicotine strength may lead to dependence and cause heart health issues.

Wide range of flavors

Limited customization (no airflow control)

Rechargeable battery extends use

Battery drains out quickly during heavy use

Bulkier than smaller, pocket-friendly disposables


2. ULAX Tornado 7000

ULAX Tornado 7000 disposable vape with ceramic coil and RGB lighting — 7,000 puffs

The R&M ULAX Tornado 7000 is a vaping device that delivers up to 7000 puffs. It uses a ceramic coil, includes 12mL pre-filled e-liquid, and comes with a rechargeable battery.

  • Flavors: This vape product comes in 10+ flavor options, including:
    • Blue Sour Raspberry
    • Cherry Cola
    • Cool Mint
    • Grape Ice
  • Key Features:
    • 12mL pre-filled e-liquid capacity
    • 5% nicotine strength
    • 850mAh rechargeable battery
    • USB-C charging
    • Draw-activated operation
  • Price: $9.99-$17.99, depending on the retailer.

Pros

Cons

Simple, no-maintenance usage

No battery level indicator

Eye-catching RGB lighting design

No e-liquid indicator 


RGB lights may drain the battery faster


3. RELX Crystal 15K Disposable

RELX Crystal 15K disposable vape with ceramic coil technology — 15,000 puffs

The RELX Crystal 15K Disposable is a rechargeable vape with a 15mL pre-filled capacity and up to 15,000 puffs. It uses ceramic coil technology and has a draw-activated operation for straightforward use.

  • Flavors: Here are some flavor options for this vaping device:
    • Grapefruit Voltage Ice
    • Green Grape Ice
    • Longjing Ice Tea
    • Hibiscus Ice Tea
  • Key Features:
    • Up to 15,000 puffs
    • 15mL pre-filled e-liquid
    • 5% nicotine strength (50mg)
    • Draw-activated operation
    • Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
  • Price: $12.99-$19.99, depending on retailer

Pros

Cons

High puff count compared to many disposables

Limited control over vapor production

Wide range of tea-based flavors

Nicotine vape may lead to addiction and serious health issues

Tea-based flavors may not appeal to all users

B. Pod Vapes

Pod systems let you swap flavors without replacing the whole device:

4. MLV PHIX Vape Pod System

MLV PHIX pod vape system with ceramic cCell coil — compact and portable

The MLV PHIX Vape Pod system is a slim e-cigarette designed for portability and ease of use. It uses pre-filled pods with ceramic coils and features draw-activated operation, offering a consistent mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience.

  • Flavors: It offers pods in multiple flavors, including:
    • Cool Melon
    • Hard Strawberry
    • Butterscotch
    • Original Tobacco

  • Key Features:
    • Up to 400 puffs per pod
    • 1.5mL pre-filled pod capacity
    • 280mAh built-in rechargeable battery
    • Ceramic (cCell) coil technology
    • Draw-activated operation
    • Compact, sleek designs
  • Price: $14.99-$19 for the device. $8-$22 for a 4-pack of pods

Pros

Cons

Very compact and lightweight for easy carry

Small battery requires frequent charging

Ceramic coil provides a relatively clean flavor

Pods are sold separately

Pod system reduces mess compared to refilling

Not suitable for heavy vapers 


Limited airflow (tight draw may not suit all users)


Low vapor production compared to larger devices


Difficult to monitor e-liquid levels

What We Use Instead

Our Gust Pro, Gust Core and Lightning aren’t non-metal vapes. All three use a double-mesh ceramic coil, and the mesh that does the heating is metal. What we can show is a metals test: in Legend Technical Services Work Order #2602062 (July 2026), arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were not detected in six Gust Pro and Lightning flavors.

Cyclone Pods Gust Pro Nicotine Free Disposable Vape

Cyclone Pods Gust Pro nicotine-free disposable vape — 20,000 puffs, USB-C rechargeable

The Gust Pro is our rechargeable disposable, with a 15ml flavor tank and a separate 6ml ice tank.

Then there’s what’s inside the liquid.

Our e-liquids are made with no added nicotine, and without diacetyl or vitamin E acetate.

Instead, it uses high-purity VG (vegetable glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), and flavorings. The vape juice is third-party lab tested and formulated with an optimal VG/PG ratio, delivering smooth, satisfying clouds and full, consistent flavor.

It is rated at 20,000 puffs and recharges over USB-C. 

  • Flavors: This disposable nicotine free vape pen comes in 14 flavors, including these best selling options:
  • Key Features:
    • Durable plastic body
    • Soft silicone mouthpiece for a smooth, cushioned feel
    • Leak-resistant build for reliable use
    • Four customizable ice levels, from light cool to glacier chill
    • Turbo mode to increase power for a stronger hit
    • Battery indicator to track charge levels
    • E-liquid indicator to monitor remaining juice
    • USB-C charging for fast, easy recharges
  • Price: $20.00 (you can save 10% when you subscribe to regular deliveries, and enjoy free US shipping on orders over $60)

Pros

Cons

Screen display shows battery and e-liquid levels

Limited to two preset wattage settings

Wide range of flavors, including mint, fruits, and drinks

No options for direct-to-lung vaping

Zero nicotine


Long-lasting performance due to large e-liquid capacity and a durable battery


Cyclone Pods Lightning Nicotine-Free Pod Kit

Cyclone Pods Lightning nicotine-free pod kit in Mint — 10,000 puffs per pod

The Lightning pod kit is designed for vapers who want more control over their experience. 

It pairs a 7mL replaceable pod with the Lightning battery in a clean snap-in system (the starter kit includes both). When the pod runs out, you simply click in a new flavor and keep going. 

With fast USB-C charging and a dedicated Turbo Mode for deeper, more intense draws, the Lightning adapts to how you like to vape

A sharp LED screen makes it easy to monitor battery life at a glance.

Most importantly, it’s a nicotine-free vape that uses e-liquids tested by independent 3rd-party labs.

  • Flavors: The Lightning Pods are available in a wide range of flavors, including these best selling options:
  • Key Features:
    • Up to 10,000 puffs per pod
    • Leak-resistant construction for reliable use
    • Durable plastic body
    • Turbo button to increase output when needed
    • Battery indicator for easy monitoring
    • USB-C charging for quick, convenient recharging
  • Price: $20 for the starter kit, which includes a battery and one pod. $14 for a flavor pod.

Pros

Cons

13 pod flavors that click onto the same battery

No liquid level indicator

Slim, discreet form factor similar to a compact pod system

No options for direct-to-lung vaping


Smooth, flavor-focused vapor production


Zero nicotine


Pre-filled pods require zero setup (no refilling, no handling e-liquid)


Magnetic pod connection ensures secure and quick installation


Why Coil Material Matters

The 2025 ACS study is the clearest reason to check coil material: the metal-coil disposables it tested leached lead and antimony into their aerosol. Heat matters too, because e-liquid that overheats forms more formaldehyde.

The Gust Pro, Gust Core and Lightning use a double-mesh ceramic coil. The mesh that does the heating is still metal, as it is in most ceramic coils, so no vape (ours included) is completely metal-free. That's why we publish a metals test instead of leaning on coil material alone. The Gust Pro and Lightning lab reports are on our lab testing page.

Cutting out nicotine? We've written about the full withdrawal timeline and what to expect. For people exploring alternatives beyond vapes, our guide to fake cigarettes and smokeless alternatives covers non-electronic options too.

Not sure which device fits? Our buying guide compares every device, or browse the full nicotine-free collection.

Ready to try nicotine-free?

Three rechargeable devices. No added nicotine, no tobacco.

  • Gust Core

    Rated 50,000 puffs, 18ml, 3 power levels, OLED screen. Assembled in the USA. $25.

  • Gust Pro

    20,000 puffs, 15ml flavor tank + 6ml ice tank, 4 ice settings. $20.

  • Lightning

    Pod system: 10,000 puffs per 7ml pod. Starter kit $20, pods $14.

Compare all threeSee our lab resultsHelp me choose

Share
CK
Conrad Kurth

Founder, Cyclone Pods

Conrad Kurth founded Cyclone Pods in 2018 to offer a genuinely nicotine-free vaping alternative. Based in Santa Monica, California, the brand focuses on ingredient transparency and third-party lab testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cyclone Pods products are not smoking or nicotine cessation products and have not been tested as such. The best course of action for tobacco and nicotine vapor consumers concerned about their health is to quit.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.