What is a flat top 18650 battery?

It’s safe to say we’d be lost without our cherished batteries. All electronic devices you possess have some sort of battery buried inside them. From computers to mobile phones, you’ll need batteries to keep them alive and kicking, and this sentiment also rings true for your treasured vape.

So in this blog, we’ve decided to take a deeper look into what flat top 18650 batteries are, and why you need them to keep those precious vapes in full working order…

Let’s take a brief history lesson

18650 batteries or lithium-ion batteries were invented in the late 1970s by a British-American chemist called M Stanley Whittingham. He discovered the intercalation electrodes needed to produce rechargeable batteries and holds the original patents on the concept of using the process in high power-density, highly reversible lithium-ion batteries. Assigned to Exxon he invented the first rechargeable battery in 1977. 

Alongside John B. Goodenough and Akira Yoshino, Whittingham won The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 for the development of these batteries. Awarding the prize for their work in developing the battery, the organisation stated, “They have laid the foundation of a wireless, fossil fuel-free society, and are of the greatest benefit to humankind.” A fitting tribute, indeed.

You can read more about the history of Lithium Ion batteries here.

Since then, these batteries have been used in many devices with benefits including;

• Safety
• Lighter weights
• Longevity
• Power
• Temperature tolerance
• Fast and safe charging
• Eco-friendly.

Lithium-ion cells come in three basic forms; brick shaped, cylindrical and a flat rectangular shape. At Fogstar, we stock cylindrical cells typically used for vapes, video doorbells and solar storage. They come in 5 different sizes; 18350, 18650, 20700, 21700, 26650. Some come as a button top, whereas others are flat topped. We’re here to discuss our smoother flat topped friends.

Why do we use flat top 18650 batteries?

As the name suggests, a flat top battery is completely flat on both ends. They usually need a spring sticking out to make contact with the device. A button top simply describes the shape of the positive end of a battery. Batteries with flat tops are usually in electronic goods with built-in batteries such as laptops or a household torch.

Why do I need a flat top battery for my vape?

It really depends on the device that you're using. 18650 flat top batteries are the most common batteries used in vaping. They are reliable and most are compatible with box mods. However, you will have to find the one that has the best balance between high discharge and high capacity. The best ones will let you go a whole day without having to recharge. There are three things to look out for when choosing the right 18650 flat top battery for you.

Measure of charge calculated in mAh signifying the running time of a battery.

CDR is the maximum current a battery can discharge continuously without damage. It allows the user to easily calculate the maximum current you can safely draw from the battery.

Heat affects battery performance. Li-ion is damaged by heat. If the battery is too hot, you’ll need to replace it much sooner. 18650 batteries need to be stored at a temperature range between -20 and +50°C. The maximum storage temperature should never exceed +60°C, so it’s best to keep the battery in a cold environment.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information across the internet when it comes to 18650 batteries. When it comes to using batteries, safety is of the utmost importance. That’s why our team at Fogstar are always on-hand to answer any questions you may have; we’re more than happy to help you decide the best 18650 battery for your vape device.