How To Switch From Disposables To Refillable Vape Kits

So, you’ve blown out that last delicious puff from your disposable vape, and now you’re wondering what to do next? That’s where refillable vapes come in! As a beginner, you’ve got two core options available: pod kits and pen-style kits.

In this blog post, we’ll be summarising everything you need to know about switching from disposable vapes to refillable vape kits, including what they are, how they work, and how to use them correctly. 

Navigating the world of vaping may seem tricky at first, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, once you know the basics, vaping becomes as easy as pie. (That reminds us, there is such a thing as pie flavoured e-liquids!)

What are disposable vape kits?

Since you’ve clicked on this guide, we’re sure that you’ve tried disposable vapes already, but it may help to jog your memory on how they work so you know how they differ from refillable vape devices.

Disposable vape kits are portable, inexpensive devices that are super easy to use and carry around. They come pre-filled with 2ml 10mg/20mg nicotine salt flavours with a set puff count, meaning you don’t need to worry about topping up your device. Each disposable vape also comes fitted with a built-in battery, so there’s no need to spend time charging up your device either. 

These types of vaping devices are great for new users who want to practice vaping and test out new flavours before committing to larger, non-disposable devices. While convenient, they’re not the most cost-effective or eco-friendly option, which is why you should try to opt for pod kits or pen-style kits when and where you can. 

Two disposable vapes with features listed, including pre-filled liquid, built-in battery, lightweight, user-friendly design.

How do I use disposable vapes?

Disposable vapes don't have any confusing operative buttons, meaning need only inhale as you would with a cigarette. Once all the pre-loaded juice inside has run out, all you need to do is dispose of your device, replace and repeat. It’s as easy as that! 

What are pod kits?

Pod kits are lightweight, simple-to-operate devices which provide an experience similar to smoking cigarettes, just like what you get from disposable vapes.

As such, they’re considered to be the best option for those who have just quit smoking or those who have tried disposables but want a more long-term device to vape with. 

Rather than tanks like pen-style kits, pod kits come with small detachable pods which hold your eliquid securely in place until it is ready to be heated up and vaporised by the device’s coil. Many pod kits even come with pre-filled pods which usually include a high nicotine content. This is another reason why these kits are popular among those who have just made the switch from smoking to vaping!

It’s great to know that most pod devices offer a tighter draw and a better throat hit, which will help to keep those cravings for cigarettes down.

How do I use pod kits?

To use any pod kit, inhale slowly and hold the vapour in your mouth. Before exhaling, make sure to inhale into the lungs. This is known as Mouth-to-Lung vaping, which is exactly what disposable vapes offer! 

Pod kits are easy to clean and maintain, with some even including variable wattage options, as well as replaceable coils which can be cost effective. 

There’s also a number of advanced pod kits on the market which can utilise both a Mouth-to-Lung and Direct-to-Lung inhalation style. However, these types of kits are recommended for more experienced vapers. 

What are pen-style kits?

Pen-style kits, also known as vape pens are another type of beginner-friendly vape devices which provide customisation through features such as adjustable airflow and variable power.

The best part? These features are able to enhance both your device’s flavour distribution and vapour production! These kits feature high-powered removable batteries, but are still very compact and travel-friendly. Rather than pods like pod-style kits, pen-style kits utilise a component known as a tank, which houses your e-liquid. 

How do I use pen-style kits?

Using a pen-style vape kit couldn’t be easier! They have a single button interface for both turning and firing the device.

What are e-liquids?

Now that you know more about pod-style and pen-style kits, it’s time to start thinking about eliquids.

E-liquids, also referred to as vape juice, e-juice, or even just juice, are what you’ll be putting into your vape device. When your device is activated, whether by inhaling or through the press of a button, the coil inside your vape heats up the e-liquid and turns it into delicious vapour. 

How do e-liquids work in refillable vape kits?

Disposables are pretty handy in that they come prefilled with 2ml 10mg/20mg nic salt flavours, but with a refillable vape, the flavour choice is near infinite! 

With a refillable pod kit, you can use this same device with THOUSANDS of e-liquid flavours of your choice, allowing you to experiment with different juices and make the most out of your vaping sessions. There’s not just one vape juice flavour variety to choose from, but many, including fruit, sweets, dessert, drinks, menthol, and tobacco! 

Plus, not only can you vape with nicotine salts, but you can also use 50/50 e-liquids, a freebase form of e-liquid which offers a balanced blend between flavour and vapour production. 

How much nicotine should I vape with?

Before you go, let’s quickly go over nicotine strengths. First off, it helps to know that nicotine strength ranges from 3mg-20mg.

So, if you were previously a light smoker, you’ll benefit most from 3mg-6mg

For mid-range smokers, 12mg is advised, however if cravings increase, we recommend upping your intake until you’re satisfied. It’s always best to go for a higher strength nicotine e-liquid than risk going back to cigarettes.

If you consider yourself as a heavy smoker, we recommend starting off with higher strengths of 18mg-20mg.

Making the Most of Your New Refillable Vape Kit

Once you’ve made the decision to switch from a disposable to a reusable vape, the real fun begins — getting the most out of your new device. A refillable kit gives you the freedom to experiment with different e-liquids, strengths, and styles of vaping, while still keeping the familiar satisfaction of a good puff.

Choosing the Right Pods for Your Needs

One of the biggest advantages of reusable devices is the variety of pods available. Unlike disposable kits, which come preloaded with one flavour and strength, pods give you the flexibility to swap between flavours or nicotine strengths in seconds. Many pods are magnetically connected to the device, making them quick to change, and some offer clear windows so you can see exactly how much e-liquid you have left.

If you enjoy the smooth hit of nicotine salts, there are plenty of pods designed specifically for these e-liquids. Salts work well in lower-powered vape devices and offer a quicker nicotine delivery, which is ideal if you’re looking to manage cravings while still enjoying consistent flavour.

Extending Pod Life and Performance

With a reusable system, a little maintenance goes a long way. Priming the coil before your first puff, cleaning the contacts between the device and the pod, and avoiding letting the e-liquid run too low can all help extend the life of your pods. While a disposable is used until empty and thrown away, pods in a reusable kit can last for several refills, giving you more value per puff.

Keeping spare pods ready means you can swap flavours mid-day without needing to finish the existing one — something you can’t do with a disposable. This not only improves the vape experience but also makes it easier to find your go-to combinations of flavour and nicotine strength.

Understanding Nicotine Strengths and Salts

If you’re used to disposable devices, chances are you’ve been using 18mg or 20mg nicotine salts. These give a smooth throat hit and quick absorption, making them the most common choice for people switching to reusable kits. The great thing about refillable pods is that you’re not limited to one strength — you can adjust over time.

For example, you might start with high-strength salts to replicate the vaping experience you’re used to, then gradually reduce your nicotine level. This is one of the biggest benefits of a reusable vape: you have control over exactly what goes into your pods and how strong your puff is.

Puff Counts and Realistic Expectations

Many disposable vapes advertise around 600 puffs, but this can vary greatly depending on how you vape. With reusable devices, the number of puffs you get from a single fill depends on your pod capacity, the coil resistance, and your vaping style. While pods may not always match the same puff count per fill as a disposable, they more than make up for it with the ability to refill and reuse them multiple times.

For example, a 2ml pod filled with nicotine salts might give 400–600 puffs before needing a top-up. Refill that same pod five times, and you’ve matched — or exceeded — the total puff count of multiple disposable devices at a fraction of the cost.

Cost Savings and Eco Benefits

Switching from disposable to reusable isn’t just about better flavour and flexibility; it’s also about reducing waste. Every disposable vape contains a battery, coil, and casing that’s discarded after use. With a reusable kit, you keep the main body of the device and simply replace the pods or coils as needed. This cuts down on landfill waste and lowers your overall environmental impact.

From a cost perspective, the savings add up quickly. The average vaper could spend significantly less per month using reusable pods with bottled e-liquid compared to buying disposable vapes. Even if you opt for premium nicotine salts, the cost per puff is dramatically lower.

Need some further vaping guidance? Be sure to read our related guides below, all written by our in-house vape experts!

How To Vape Guides

Guides by product type