Deciding between a disposable vape and a refillable pod kit? It hinges on your vaping habits, budget, and priorities. Disposable vapes excel in convenience—no refills, no charging, just vape and recycle responsibly. They’re ideal for short-term use, travel, or beginners seeking a fuss-free start. In contrast, refillable kits like the Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini offer cost savings, customization, and sustainability for regular vapers. At Vapeforest, we stock both to match your needs, so let’s dive into the details to help you choose.
Disposable vapes, such as the Vozol Vista Plug 10K or R&M Tornado T9000, come pre-filled with nicotine salt e-liquid and are pre-charged, ready to use instantly. Their inhale-activated design simplifies vaping, making them perfect for ex-smokers or those needing a portable option. For instance, a 600–4000 puff device suits casual use, while a 15,000-puff vape like the Al Fakher Crown Bar 15K caters to heavier vapers.
That said, disposables have limitations. Their single-use nature increases per-use costs and generates more waste, a concern with the 2025 UK ban looming. Refillable pod kits, like the JNR Aurora 30K, let you refill with e-liquids like Kiwi Passionfruit Guava, replace coils (e.g., Vaporesso Xros Corex 2.0), and recharge, saving money over time. A 10ml bottle of Dr Frost Pink Soda can outlast several disposables, making kits cost-effective for daily use. Refillable kits also allow flavour and nicotine customization (e.g., 5mg or 20mg), with options like Menthol or Blueberry Cheesecake.
Vaping style matters too. Most disposables use Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) inhalation, ideal for beginners mimicking cigarette draws. Refillable kits offer MTL and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) modes, appealing to advanced vapers chasing bigger clouds. Our MTL vs. DTL guide breaks it down. Maintenance is another differentiator: disposables need none, while kits require occasional refills and coil swaps, a small effort for long-term savings. For example, the Aspire Gotek Nano balances ease and durability.
Cost-wise, a 8000-puff disposable might cost £10–£15, while a refillable kit like the Smok Priv N19 (£20–£30) with a £5 e-liquid bottle lasts weeks, cutting costs for frequent vapers. Refillable kits are also greener, producing less waste—a key advantage post-2025.
Feature |
Disposable Vapes |
Refillable Kits |
Convenience |
High (no setup) |
Moderate (refills, charging) |
Cost |
Higher per use |
Lower long-term |
Maintenance |
None |
Refills, coil changes |
Customization |
Limited |
High (flavours, nicotine) |
Eco-Friendliness |
Lower (single-use) |
Higher (reusable) |