Differences Between Kanthal and Nichrome - Are you a round wire user? And you must be wondering which round wire material is the best? Kanthal or Nichrome?

Well, you've come to the right place, because this time we're going to break down which of these two round wires is better. And we'll do it with science!

Before reading this article, you should know that Kanthal and Nichrome (Ni80) were not originally created for vaping; they have existed for decades and have been used by humans as heating elements.

Kanthal Wire

Hans Von Kantzow was the inventor of Kanthal. What Hans essentially did was mix several types of metals to form a metal with a specific composition.

Hans mixed iron (70%), chromium (20-30%), aluminum (4-7%), and thus a new metal alloy was created. Hans then named this mixture Kanthal.

Why did Hans mix these materials? His goal was to find a material that was inexpensive, heat-resistant, and had stable resistance for industrial use.

The Kanthal brand is now owned by Sandvik and licensed to several other companies such as TemCo.

Can Other Companies Make Kanthal Using Its Recipe?

They can, but if they don't buy a license, it's a violation, and Sandvik can sue that company. And they frequently do catch companies that infringe on this patent.

So, when you see an unfamiliar round wire brand without a license from the company, it's highly likely to be fake or illegal.

Kanthal Characteristics

Here are the characteristics of Kanthal:

• Stable resistance (ohm)
• Excellent oxidation resistance
• Melts at 1500 degrees Celsius
• Can be used continuously at 1425 degrees Celsius
• Has magnetic properties

So, let's break them down one by one.

Stable Resistance

Stable resistance means that when the temperature rises, Kanthal maintains the same resistance. In everyday use, if you use Kanthal from day one to five days later at 100 watts, the resistance will remain the same.

Other wires tend to fluctuate, but the changes are not drastic, for example, from 0.24 to 0.25. This can actually be ignored because the change is very small.

If your mod shows a drastic change, for example, from 0.3 to 0.5, it's most likely due to the RDA, such as loose screws or small wire fragments in the RDA.

Oxidation Resistance

Having good oxidation resistance is the main purpose of using Kanthal. Oxidation or rust can occur when metal is exposed to air and water. Kanthal is highly resistant to oxidation, so it can be used for a long time.

Vape offers the perfect recipe for rust: heat, air, and water (from e-liquid), and Kanthal can handle all of this.

At 1,425 degrees, which is very high, Kanthal can withstand the heat and still perform to specifications. This means its resistance doesn't change, and it doesn't release any substances or particles. However, Kanthal will melt at 1,500 degrees.

Magnetic Properties

Kanthal has magnetic properties because it consists of Fe (iron). This means Kanthal will be attracted to a magnet; feel free to try it. If you want to test fake Kanthal, you can stick a magnet to it; if it doesn't stick, it's not Kanthal.

Metallic Taste

This falls into the subjective realm. For some people, Kanthal gives a metallic taste when used. This might come from Kanthal's main composition, which is Fe (iron). I call it subjective because some people cannot taste this, including myself.

Nichrome Wire

Nichrome was born over 100 years ago, specifically in 1906, by Albert Marsh. To this day, Nichrome is the most commonly used heating element for household appliances, from water heaters to hairdryers.

Nichrome typically comes with a chromium alloy. Ni80 means it consists of 80% nickel and 20% chromium.

Nichrome Characteristics

Here are the characteristics of Nichrome:

• Forms chromium oxide when heated for the first time
• Melts at 1,400 degrees Celsius
• Does not have magnetic properties
• Has low conductivity

Again, let's break them down one by one.

Chromium Oxide

Chromium oxide will form when chromium is heated for the first time. This layer will protect the chromium from rust because it does not interact heavily with air. This greatly helps chromium not to rust for a long time.

Unfortunately, I haven't found comparative data on which is more rust-resistant. However, in practice, this doesn't have much impact because we tend to change coils every 2-5 days.

Melts at 1,400 Degrees

Chromium has a lower melting point than Kanthal. However, in everyday use, it usually won't reach 800 degrees (even without cotton and e-liquid), so this difference is not very significant.

No Magnetic Properties

Chromium does not have magnetic properties, so it will not stick to a magnet. If your nichrome wire sticks to a magnet, then it's not nichrome.

Poor Conductivity But That Means Good

Nichrome does not conduct electricity as well as other metals, which for us is something we want. Because by not conducting electricity well, the current will be held back and converted into heat. This is why nichrome heats up faster (ramp up).

Beware of Nichrome Allergy

Some people are allergic to jewelry because it contains nickel. The same thing happens with nichrome, because 80% of its composition is nickel.

Symptoms of Nickel Allergy

Symptoms of nickel allergy include:

• Red skin
• Itching
• Rash

Those who have a nickel allergy and use nichrome usually experience symptoms such as sore throat, swelling in the throat and face, headaches, tongue numbness, and even difficulty breathing.

It is estimated that about 10-20% of the world's population has an allergy to nickel. It should be noted that the tolerance will vary; some are very allergic, while others only experience slight itching.

Those who are allergic to nichrome can use Kanthal as an alternative. Although there are also people who are allergic to nickel and do not experience any symptoms when using nichrome.

So, Which is Better, Kanthal or Nichrome?

Now we enter the realm of subjectivity again. Many people out there will say that Kanthal is better or nichrome is better.

Some even say Kanthal has a rounder flavor, or nichrome has better flavor separation (layers). However, there is no scientific way to prove this.

From the experience of several vapers, both have no significant difference and do not even enhance the flavor at all.

Their job is to heat, and as long as they perform their task, the flavor will tend to be the same. After all, these are the two most widely used heating elements in the world.

You can choose Kanthal if:

• You are allergic to nichrome
• You want to save money because Kanthal tends to be cheaper
• The nearest store only sells Kanthal
• Conversely, you can choose Nichrome if:
• You want low ohms
• You are not allergic to nichrome
• You want a faster ramp-up
• You can taste metal in Kanthal

About Ramp-up, Faster Isn't Always Better

Although Nichrome has a faster ramp-up time (heats up faster, vaporizes faster), this doesn't mean it's better.

Everyone has a different drawing style; for some, a ramp-up that is too fast can be startling and even cause coughing.

Some people prefer a slower ramp-up and a more relaxed draw.

Do Your Own Experiment

Make 3 pairs of Kanthal and 3 pairs of nichrome, make a small hook between one pair. Shake them in a container and then install them. Can you tell the difference?

Of course, this method won't work for people who can already distinguish Kanthal and nichrome wire just by looking at them. You can also ask a friend to install them to help validate this experiment.

Kanthal vs Nichrome Conclusion

So, in conclusion, there is no significant difference between the two. No wire has a better flavor than the other, unless you are targeting the same ohm.

Nichrome will require more wraps than Kanthal to achieve the same ohm. This extra number of wraps means a larger cross-sectional area and is likely to enhance flavor due to increased vaporization.

Ultimately, whether it's good or not is up to you to decide, and your comfort lies in what type of round wire you prefer. Simply put, don't worry too much about the difference between Kanthal and Nichrome. Nickel allergy? Use Kanthal. Can taste metal in Kanthal? Use nichrome.

Closing

By now, you should understand Kanthal and Nichrome, right? If you're still confused, you can visit your nearest Vapeboss retail store, where our Vaporista will assist you and direct you to various products you're looking for, such as the round wire type that suits your needs.

Because certainly, Vapeboss is the most complete and trusted vape store since 2014, so your vaping needs will definitely be available there.

Hopefully, this article can help you! Always stay safe while vaping and always follow health protocols during the current pandemic. Have a nice day, Bigboss!

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