(Updated 20/9/17 after a few more weeks of heavy use!)

The Eleaf iCare 2 is, as the name would suggest, an update to the existing iCare e cig and one that is aimed at starters and those wanting a low maintenance vaping experience.

Eleaf’s own website describes the product as an “ultra-compact e-cigarette starter kit”.Eleaf iCare 2 review

The device comprises of a refillable tank, a “fire” button and a 650mAh internal battery. There is no display however there is a coloured LED to display battery status information. The range includes a wide range of colours to appeal to all.

The IC coil head supplied is a 1.3 ohm coil – so it is not targeted at the cloud hungry vapers out there – it is a mouth to lung device.

What’s in the box?

  • iCare device including pre-installed tank and 1.3ohm coil.
  • User manual.
  • USB cable.Icare 2 box contents

Features

  • Size: 31mm x 13mm x 86mm​
  • Weight: 33.5g​
  • Output wattage: 15W max​
  • Resistance range: 0.6-3.0ohm​
  • E-liquid capacity: 2mL​
  • Battery capacity: 650mAh​
  • Colour: black, grey, gold, greenery, red, white
  • Safety features: a vaping time cut off of 15 seconds, short circuit protection, low voltage protection (below 3.3V) and resistance detection.

The LED colour indicates the battery status:

  • Green = 100%-60% charge
  • Orange = 59%-30% charge
  • Blue = 29%-10% charge
  • Red = less than 9% chargeiCare2 battery lights

Build Quality and Design

Everything you require to get started is included in the package except for E-Liquid. So no disappointment of not being able to get stuck in until you have all the equipment ready.

This is a charge up, fill up and off you go device.

It’s not a beautiful design classic – it does sadly feel a bit cheap but then again it is in monetary terms very cheap.

This is slightly in its favour as you really don’t expect it to perform very well – then it surprises you. There is lots packed into this tiny case and the tank takes up a third of it. So ignoring the outside appearance it is very well designed.Eleaf icare 2 size comparison

The user manual is in many languages quite brief but ok to get you started. There is a quick start illustration showing all the components and how to fill the device.

The tank capacity is the maximum permitted by the TPD regulations – so its capacity is the largest the manufacturer is allowed to supply. The fluid level is easy to see at all times.

It is charged using the supplied USB cable – the light is red when charging and the light goes out when the device is fully charged.Charge port on the icare 2

The device itself is so small and light. Perfect for stealth vaping you can almost completely enclose it inside your hand without it being visible.

It has a rubberised coating which does show up lots of finger prints – expect to have an obsession with wiping it! The device I am reviewing is the black version. The tank is black plastic with a clear window to view liquid level. The flat mouthpiece is comfortable and nice to use.iCare 2 components

To power up the device 5 fire button presses and the indicator light flashes 3 times to confirm the device is powered up and ready to go. As mentioned above the LED colour displays the battery status. The fire button is perfectly good to use but does “click” when you press it. It is similar to pressing the keys on a computer keyboard type noise and feeling.

I experienced no leaks or dry hits, straight from when I first started using it. However as I had stored it lying flat overnight it did start spitting at me a bit. Also if you overfill the tank it will spit at you.

(5-10-17 – the second model I purchased has an anti Spitback type shield inside the mouthpiece and this works amazingly well!!)

A Closer Look At The Eleaf iCare 2

How to Change the Coil in the iCare 2

When the flavour starts to taste burnt (unless the tank is empty – check this first), or the performance drops then it’s time for a coil change. Also you have to install a coil to get started when you first buy this.How To Change The Coil on Eleaf icare 2 Preferably the tank needs to be empty to change the coil – if it isn’t just make sure to have tissue around to mop up excess e-liquid.

  • Remove the mouthpiece by simply pulling it away from the body.
  • Pull out the tank from the body – this I found to be a bit tricky at times, use a tissue to help get a good grip. However you only need to remove the tank for cleaning (if changing E-liquid flavour) or replacing the coil. The rest of the time you can leave the tank where it is.
  • Remove the base of the tank. A little arrow shows the securing tab you lift to pull the base off.
  • The coil heads are a bit fiddly to remove and install – the coil head is cylindrical and only a small part of the head is protruding from the tank which makes it difficult to grip and turn especially with e-liquid coating it.
  • Remove the old coil and screw the new coil into the tank and away you go.
  • Install the tank base – again align the clip with the arrow marking – the base will only fit one way round.
  • Install the tank into the body.

How to Fill the iCare 2How to fill the Eleaf icare 2

  • Remove the mouthpiece by simply pulling it away from the body.
  • Squeeze E-liquid into one of the holes either side of the centre. Do not fill through the centre hole! Plus try not to overfill or spill liquid onto the top of the tank.
  • Keep the liquid level just below the top of the viewing window and wipe the top of the tank after filling.
  • Leave the device to stand for 10 minutes for the coil to soak up the liquid.
  • If it spits when you first use it –wipe the top of the tank. Also wrap the device in a tissue and blow hard down the mouthpiece.
  • If this doesn’t clear it press the fire button with the device pointed away from you for a few seconds.
  • Don’t let the level drop to empty as you will get a burnt taste and it could damage the coil.

How does the iCare 2 perform?

Battery Life

The life isn’t great but this is to be expected with such a small e cig. I was getting around 4-5 hours of use – but it is very efficient in its power and liquid use and it does charge quick – but you can’t use it whilst charging.

If this was your primary device you would struggle to use it all day at work without charging – so you may need to carry a spare.

When the battery starts to discharge the green light turns blue – be warned you only have about 4-5 vapes on it before it turns red and its game over.

1.3 ohm IC Coil

I used 50/50 VG/PG E-Liquid for this review. The IC coil isn’t designed for high VG E-liquid so I would say 50/50 mix is probably the highest VG concentration to use. If you want to use a higher VG concentration buy some iCare 1.1ohm SC coils.iCare 2 IC coil head

You may need a high nicotine strength E-liquid as this is a 1.3 ohm coil. If using this to quit smoking 12-18mg/ml is a good place to start- you could always get a stronger or weaker strength to fit your needs if you are a first time vaper.

It delivers a surprisingly lovely tasting warm vape and a good amount of vapour. To me the airflow is spot on – the taste comes through well and you get a good throat hit. It was satisfying enough for me not to reach for another device at all whilst I was testing it – my own mod hasn’t been charged in days!

It is one of those devices that because of its price and appearance you expect very little from. It is a very close feeling to smoking a cigarette – again a real bonus for smokers to kick the habit and ex-smokers craving that feeling.

It’s not greedy – the e-liquid consumption is pretty low. I have been using it pretty heavily for around 3 hours and still not needed to refill the tank yet.

As the time of review the device is showing as pre order on most sites and the only coils I have found appear to be the ones for the older iCare devices. The tanks appear to be available on pre-order. The older iCare versions had 2 types of coil – the IC and the SC – both 1.1 ohm.

The SC version is for higher VG E-liquid. I am using the 1.1 ohm IC coils in this now and it’s working wonderfully. The 1.1ohm IC coil does suffer a bit more from spitting than the 1.3ohm did. (20/9/17 -The 1.3 ohm coils are now available so will be going back to them now).

Final Verdict

(I updated this review on 20/9/17 after a few weeks of using the iCare 2 – I love it, have ordered another and have bought several packs of coils for this one. I have been using this more than my own mod and continue to take it everywhere with me!)

The Eleaf iCare 2 is a perfect transition device from the cig-a-likes to refillable devices – a huge improvement in battery capacity, performance and running costs.

This is also great for technophobes or those who want a simple, low maintenance vaping
experience. There are no confusing adjustments or intimidating displays to come to terms with.

In fact I would advise to by-pass the cig-a-likes completely and get this instead. I am a smoker who is moving to vaping and I find this is perfect. It is as satisfying as a cigarette, it is a lovely mouth to lung vaping experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone trying to give up smoking.

In fact buy one as a present for a smoker and do them a huge favour! Combined with a good eliquid – you can’t go wrong .This is enough to keep me away from the stinky ciggies for the majority of the day.

The “Mom” test – could I give this device to my (cig-a-like using) mum to use? 100% I think this is exactly the device I will use to try to get her away from the disposable cartridge cig-a-likes she is currently using. I actually got her to try this and she loved it and wants one herself. My best friend also tried this and was really impressed and also wants one ordering!!

I don’t think she will find this difficult to charge or fill. However I do think she will be asking me to change the coil heads for her.

(Another update – 5-10-17 – I bought a second one of these and the new one has a small shield in the mouthpiece to prevent spitback and it works great!!)

I am comparing the iCare 2 to similar starter devices – not advanced expensive technical vaping equipment. My ratings reflect how it absolutely excels in the user category it is aimed at.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this device and if you own one – how you getting on with it?

Let us know in the comments below!

Pros:

  • It’s functional yet enjoyable. Flavour and vapour were comparable to bigger more
    expensive devices – it definitely outperforms your expectations.
  • Device, replacement tanks and coils well priced.
  • Lightweight and TINY (I have little hands and it still looks tiny!)
  • I love the mouthpiece with its long flat shape – don’t let this put you off it really is nice to use and comfortable.
  • Easy for first time users.
  • No leaks at all and easy to assemble.
  • Perfect as a second/backup device – especially when driving.

Cons:

  • It has the appearance of a cheap torch. It does feel light and cheap in the hand.
  • The USB cable is awful – too short.
  • It can “spit” liquid at you if you over fill or leave it lying flat- not as bad with later models as the shield helps prevent this.
Shell Ecigclick Photo
Michelle Jones

I am an engineer and Technical Author by trade. My journey in vaping began around 2016, in the days of Tornado tanks, Ego batteries and Variable Voltage. It took me a few years to fully quit smoking but I finally stopped in June 2019 and that is all thanks to vaping! 20mg Nicotine Salts are my hero! Oh and I am partial to a nice pod mod and Bubblegum e-liquid! I have reported on the latest news on Ecigclick since 2017 and love being part of this great team! My passion for Tobacco Harm Reduction has also led me to becoming a Trustee for the NNA (New Nicotine Alliance) aiding in Advocacy

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Build Quality
Design
Flavour
Vapour Volume
Replace if Lost or Damaged?
I am an engineer and Technical Author by trade. My journey in vaping began around 2016, in the days of Tornado tanks, Ego batteries and Variable Voltage. It took me a few years to fully quit smoking but I finally stopped in June 2019 and that is all thanks to vaping! 20mg Nicotine Salts are my hero! Oh and I am partial to a nice pod mod and Bubblegum e-liquid! I have reported on the latest news on Ecigclick since 2017 and love being part of this great team! My passion for Tobacco Harm Reduction has also led me to becoming a Trustee for the NNA (New Nicotine Alliance) aiding in Advocacy
eleaf-icare-2-reviewIf you want to stop smoking and turn to vaping – the Eleaf iCare 2 is the perfect place to start – bypass the cig-a-likes and get this. I love it – and am still using it daily. This is a wonderful little gadget and it will exceed your expectations.

16 COMMENTS

  1. Hi Michelle,

    Love your review. Had a quick question. Is it pretty quiet? I work in an office, and we’re in cubes. I love the Aspire Breeze 2, but it’s noisy when I hit it. I have to use my old Istick Mini to get some hits.

    I did like the Suorin but was tired of the pods being hit and miss, and they were too expensive.

    Eleaf has done me well in the past so I look forward to another. But I just wanted to know if it’s a noisy vape or not.

    Thanks!

    Jenn

    • Hiya Jen thank you so much for your kind words!
      I am so sorry like the majority of devices I review I end up giving them away to people!
      I do currently have in my hand the Innokin EQ which is the best Pod Mod I have ever used – and it does gurgle slightly but not noisy as such! I would highly recommend it!
      The EQ uses Mesh coils and I have found the coil life so far to be excellent! In excess of 2 weeks on the same pod!
      https://www.ecigclick.co.uk/innokin-eq-pod-mod-review/

      Shell xx

  2. Michelle you have done a well written and informative review. I just had the one question. Is the airflow adjustable?

    • Hiya Matt – thank you so much for your kind words!
      Nope you cant adjust the airflow on this one, sadly – however I did find it spot on for MTL vaping.
      Shell

  3. Excellent review, Michelle! I am an experienced vaper and have many high-power vaping devices but wanted a small stealth vaper for use while traveling. The Eleaf iCare 2 fits the bill perfectly. This is perfect for any person trying to quit the nasty cigarette habit or for experienced vapors who just want a small stealth device.

    The fact that the tank is refillable is the game changer. There are several devices out there that want you to buy their overly-expensive refill pods. Do not fall for that. Insist on a refillable device with a minimum of a 650 Mah battery. If this is your primary device get 2 unless you have the means to recharge it on the go. As stated, a battery life of about 4-5 hours of moderate vaping is typical.

    Vaping devices have really come a long way since the Ego pen devices from years ago, and Eleaf just keeps making devices that work really well.

    • Hiya John, thank you for your lovely words!
      I am so glad you like the iCare 2 as well – it is a surprisingly good little pod mod!
      Like you say being able to refill the pods and just change the coil head on its own saves money and waste.
      Everyone I got to try mine loved it and I ordered some for friends!
      I have reviewed a few more pod mods since this and the iCare 2 was the best all round performer in my eyes. Others had better taste or vapour – but they suffered with battery life or other issues. The iCare 2 was pretty solid in all aspects.
      Michelle

  4. Can you post a picture of the spitback shield that you refer to in your update ? I am facing issues with spitback and want to understand what is missing. Thank you so much

    • Hi there, sorry for late reply – sadly I haven’t got this device now – basically the spitback shield is in the mouthpiece – like a small block?
      What coils are you using? I found the earlier 1.1ohm coils did have a bit of spitback but the 1.3 for the icare 2 were better?
      Shell

    • It is so much better than you expect it to be isnt it!
      I have had bigger more expensive devices not perform this well!
      For the size and the price it does really surprise!

  5. thanks for your review. i just bought it but the problem coils 1.3ohm is not yet available in mu country. only1.1ohm. refer to your article 1.1ohm in iCare2 will be no problem right? thanks

    • HI there yep you can use the 1.1 ohm Icare IC coils in this – which are used on the previous icare models – also the icare SC coils which are for higher VG liquid – the SC are a bit rarer. The 1.3ohm coils are just starting to come through some online stores slowly now so they will be available soon I think.
      Its a brilliant little kit isnt it – really exceeds your expectations! xx

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