When Were Vapes Invented? The History of Vaping

Vapes were invented in 2003 by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist. Learn all about the history of vapes, including how they came to be and why they were created.

It’s been reported that the first commercially successful vape, otherwise known as an e-cigarette, was invented in China in 2003. Although this might have been the first vape to successfully hit the market, the concept of a vape dates further back.

The vape has developed significantly from its conception up to its commercial launch and beyond. There are now a variety of different styles available, including box mods, pod systems, vape pens and disposables.

Who Invented Vapes?

The recorded history of vaping covers nearly a hundred years. But who invented the vape as it is known today? It’s been reported that the first commercially successful vape was invented by Hon Lik, a pharmacist. 

A number of inventors are known to have contributed to the development of vapes prior to Lik, including the following: 

- Joseph Robinson (1930s): Robinson’s patent was approved for a device named the ‘mechanical butane ignition vaporizer. The vape was never released to the public.

- Herbert A. Gilbert (1960s): Gilbert created a device he called the ‘Smokeless’ – a battery-powered device that created flavoured vapour.

Further to these two evolutions, in the 1970s Phil Ray and Norman Jacobson are said to have synonymized the term ‘vape’ with vapourisation devices. In 1979, the pair commercialized a variation to the e-cigarette – a non-electronic device where users had to draw on a nicotine-soaked filter. Although arguably having popularized the term ‘vape’, Ray’s and Jacobson’s invention was not a commercial success.

When Were Disposable Vapes Invented?

Hon Lik’s e-cigarette (patented in the early noughties) may be viewed as one of the first modern-day examples of a disposable vape, which was a single-use.

Today, disposable vapes are a common smoke-free alternative to continued smoking in many areas of the world. They are typically ready to use once removed from their packaging, are often draw-activated (meaning no buttons are required to start using the device), and will usually need to be disposed of once the e-liquid or battery runs out. Find out more about this type of vape in our guide ‘What Are Disposable E-Cigarettes?’ [Internal link to 16.9 - ‘What Are Disposable E-Cigarettes?’] 

Why Were Vapes Invented?

It’s been reported that many of the key figures in the history of vaping worked to develop vapes as a better alternative to smoking. These devices may be less harmful than cigarettes, as they do not burn tobacco, meaning adult users might not be exposed to the damaging components combustion produces – namely tar and carbon monoxide. 

All this considered, whether a specific vape device should be used as an alternative to smoking cigarettes should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis. 

Smoke-free alternatives have undergone significant development over the last century and cover more than just vapes. Heated tobacco devices, such as IQOS, could be another alternative to continued smoking. IQOS HeatControl™ Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. Moreover, switching completely to IQOS presents less risk to your health than continuing to smoke.* 

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine which is addictive.

* Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke. See Important information.

Discover more about the IQOS range of smoke-free alternatives. Discover Benefits of Smoke Free Alternative with IQOS | IQOS Serbia.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.