Yes the air flows over the coils which is why I use kanthal.Tried the stem pod on the sx mini. Don't know if it releases metal when using, but it gave the tastiest, terpyest vapor!
I am always suspicious when I see metal glowing....not sure if what is taken in goes past the actual heating parts, but assume it does.
Bubba
Stainless isn't for vaping flower imo.
Never use coils with two different gauge wires as the thinner wire heat up way faster and off gasses.
I use some 22 gauge kanthal wire wrapped 7 times. I buy bulk spools on Amazon and they last years with heavy use.