Disposable vapes are an extremely popular vaping option at the moment but unfortunately, as they are designed for short-term use, they are not a very environmentally-friendly or budget-friendly option when used long-term. In this post we are going to be looking at the benefits of switching to one of the many alternatives to disposable vapes, and talking you through some of the vape kits that offer a comparable flavour and vaping experience, while being more environmentally conscious and affordable.
Reduced environmental impact
Disposable vapes have an extremely simple design and come prefilled with e-liquid and with a built-in battery that is designed to last as long as the e-liquid inside. However, this design also means that disposables must be processed at a specialist facility when they are recycled as they contain a battery and other internal components and must be dismantled by hand.
Standard 2ml disposable vapes offer on average around 600 puffs per device which, depending on how much you vape, can last anywhere from a day to a week. This means having to replace the device regularly and when used long-term can result in a lot of devices ending up going straight to landfill, adding an estimated 10 tonnes of lithium to landfills annually.
Although there are big puff disposable vape options, which come with more e-liquid and last longer than standard disposable vapes, they are still single-use and will need to be disposed of when finished. However, by switching to a reduced impact option like a reusable big puff vape, prefilled pod system or a refillable vape kit, the battery is rechargeable and will not need to be disposed of for a long time. It is only the pod or coil that will need to be replace, contributing less to landfill and reducing the amount of waste you are producing.
A more economical option
One of the most common reasons that people make the switch from smoking to vaping is to save money. Although disposables are an affordable option for a short-term vaping solution, such as if you are going to a festival and do not want to risk losing or damaging your usual vape kit, when used long-term the price can quickly add up.
Most prefilled pod kits are comparable in price to that of one or two disposable vapes, and from there the pods can be purchased separately, each of which will last as long if not longer than a single disposable vape, but at a similar price point. This means that for the same price as a single disposable you can get double the amount of puffs, if not more.
Refillable pod kits can offer even more savings. Although the initial device may cost a bit more than a disposable, from there the cost of pods or coils and e-liquids becomes a lot more budget-friendly. One 10 ml bottle of e-liquid costs less than a single disposable vape, but contains 5 times the among of e-liquid. Comparing the cost per ml of e-liquid, disposable vapes cost a whopping £2 - £3 per ml, whereas the average bottle of e-liquid only costs 40p per ml, and will last you five times as long as a disposable, if not longer.
Reusable big puff vapes
Reusable big puff vapes are a relatively new addition to the vaping market, and feature some unique designs that make them a great option for those who want something a little longer lasting. This is because they are prefilled pod kits that come with more than 2ml of vape juice, either by holding multiple prefilled pods at a time, or coming with a refill container.
The DOJO Blast 6000 is an example of a device often referred to as a 10+2 vape, because it has 2ml of vape juice in a prefilled pod that is used in the same way as standard prefilled pod kits, but also comes with a 10ml refill container, which can be attached to the pod to keep it constantly filled up.
This unique design allows for 12ml of vape juice and up to 6,000 puffs per pod/refill, letting you go much longer before you have to think about changing your pod. It also features a 650 mAh built-in battery which can be recharged whenever needed via USB-C, and a choice of two different user modes: normal and turbo.
The pods for the DOJO Blast are available in a choice of fifteen different flavours in a 20 mg/ml nicotine strength, with selected flavours also available in a lower 10 mg/ml strength option, allowing it to cater to a much wider range of users than most prefilled pod kits.
The IVG Air 4in1 on the other hand utilises a different design in order to hold more e-liquid. This vape is compatible 2ml prefilled pods, like standard prefilled pod kits, but can actually hold four pods at a time. Once one pod is empty you can change to the next with just a twist and keep on vaping without having to change the pod straight away.
This lets you keep vaping four times longer before you need to do a pod change. Not only is the design of the IVG Air sleek and compact, but it is also allows you to use any four pods at a time, so you can mix and match different flavours to include all of your favourites. Replacement IVG Air pods are available in a choice of fifteen fruity flavours, each filled with 2ml of 20 mg/ml nic salt e-liquid.
If you like the idea of a big puff vape, but want something a little more compact, the Pod Salt Pyne Pod is a great option. This device also holds 2ml pods, but has a smaller, slimmer design as it holds two pods at a time rather than four.
The Pyne Pod kit has a built-in 600 mAh battery, and can offer up to 1,500 puffs from two pods, giving you plenty of vaping time before you need to think about replacing them. Once one pod is empty you can simply rotate the mouthpiece to move on to the other pod, and can also mix and match the flavours.
Pyne Pod replacement pods are available in a choice of ten delicious flavours, many of which you’ll recognise as popular disposable vape flavours, and have a 20 mg/ml nicotine strength.
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits are arguably the most simple type of starter kits available, requiring little maintenance or pre-existing vaping knowledge. The actual operation of the device is much the same as disposable vapes, there are no buttons or settings, you simply need to inhale through the mouthpiece. The main difference being that these devices can be recharged whenever needed and have the pod replaced with a new one when empty.
Vuse are known for their affordable and user-friendly prefilled pod kits, which are designed for new vapers and are very comparable to disposable vape kits in terms of flavour, size, and vaping experience.
The Vuse GO Reload 1000 has a compact, palm-sized design and contains a built-in battery that can be recharged quickly and is designed to last the average vaper through the day.
Vuse pods are available in a variety of delicious flavour options like chilled mint, blueberry ice, and creamy tobacco, and selected flavours are even available in different nicotine strength options which allows you to select the strength that best suits your needs or reduce your nicotine strength over time. Each pod can offer up to 1,000 puffs before needing to be replaced, and they are available in packs of two, so for the same price as a single disposable vape you are getting three times as many puffs!
Vuse are making a huge effort to become more sustainable and lessen the environmental impact of their products. In the last year they have changed up their packaging to eliminate any unnecessary or unsustainable elements so, depending on your local recycling restrictions, most of the packaging can be recycled.
If you regularly use disposable vapes you have likely used or at least heard of Elf Bar, as they are one of the most popular manufacturers of disposables on the market. However, you may not have realised that they also offer reusable vape kits that make an excellent alternative to disposables.
Elf Bar’s ELFA PRO pod kit has been designed specifically for disposable vape users who are looking to switch to a more environmentally and economically friendly long-term alternative. The ELFA PRO has the same shape, look, and inhale as a disposable Elf Bar, but has a rechargeable built-in 500 mAh battery and uses prefilled pods.
Like disposables, this device has no buttons and is draw activated, so you just need to inhale through the mouthpiece to vape. The pods click easily into place and are available in all of the most popular Elf Bar flavours so you can still enjoy all your favourites.
However, if you feel you are ready to decrease your nicotine strength, or would just like to explore more flavour options outside of the prefilled pod range, they do also offer a refillable pod option which can be paired with any compatible e-liquid of your choice.
Another great prefilled pod kit comes from SKE Crystal with their Crystal Plus kit. Again, SKE Crystal are known for their range of Crystal Bar disposables, making their reusable vape kit option an excellent alternative.
The Crystal Plus has an almost identical design to their Crystal Bars, with the exception of a rechargeable battery and replacement pods, allowing it to feel approachable and comfortable to those who are used to disposables.
This also means that the Crystal Plus prefilled pods are filled with the same e-liquid as their disposable vapes, so you can continue to enjoy the same flavours you know and love, but in a reusable and rechargeable device!
Refillable vape kits
If your main concern when making the switch from disposables to an alternative is the environmental impact, a refillable vape kit is your best reduced impact option. These devices have a pod or tank that can be repeatedly refilled with your choice of compatible e-liquid, and the pod or coil will only need to be replaced once the coil has started to burn out, meaning you will be producing much less waste.
The Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini is a fantastic option if you moving from a disposable to reusable device, as it has a similar inhale and size to a disposable. It has a 1000 mAh built-in battery, which offers plenty of power to keep you going between charges, and can be refilled with any 50/50 or high PG e-liquid in whichever flavour or nicotine strength takes your fancy.
The pod has a top fill design and leak-resistant technology so it is easy to store in your pocket or bag without having to worry, this also makes it really easy to top up your e-liquid on-the-go. It also offers adjustable airflow, so you can precisely alter how loose or tight the draw feels, to best suit your preferences.
Another great thing about the XROS 4 Mini is that the pods for this device are cross compatible with the entire XROS range, giving you a choice of different pod options to try.
Proving that they are certainly a force to be reckoned with on the vaping market, Elf Bar also offer an exclusively refillable pod vape kit in their ELFX device. This is a simple and approachable vape that houses not just a powerful battery but also some pretty intuitive tech!
The device will automatically adjust its power output to best suit the pod you have chosen to use, ensuring you get the best vaping experience and that you pod lasts as long as possible. This combined with the adjustable airflow means you can personalise your vaping experience to exactly suit your preferences.
The ELFX also makes it easy to know when to think about charging thanks to its five level LED indicator light, that clearly but discreetly demonstrates the remaining battery power through different colours, keeping you informed on the battery status.
The Argus Z from VOOPOO is a popular option among vapers thanks to its super small size, sleek yet simple design, and powerful 900 mAh battery housed inside.
The replacement pods are secured in the device via an invisible magnetic connection and feature VOOPOO’s patented multi-layer leakage-proof design, offering you peace of mind knowing you can store the device without having to worry about the pod leaking or falling out. The airflow design of the device is perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping and can be adjusted to loosen or tighten the draw to suit your preferences.
Disposable vape style e-liquids
With the popularity of disposable vapes some brands have brought out ranges of disposable style e-liquids known as bar salts, so you can enjoy the flavours you love in a refillable vape kit.
Disposable vapes commonly contain more flavour concentrate than most traditional e-liquids, so Ohm Brew have released their latest range, Double Brew, to help you get that same intense flavour experience in any compatible vape kit.
With double the concentrate you get double the flavour, and can choose between eight delicious disposable inspired flavours, including some of your favourite BrewBox flavours!
Double Brew are ideal if you are looking for a lower nicotine strength or would like the option to decrease your nicotine intake over time, as they are available in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg/ml. They also offer some of their most popular flavours in a larger 100ml short fill bottle, which has a nicotine-free formula, with room to add nicotine if needed, letting you stock up on your favourites.
If you’re a lover of Elf Bar then their new ELFLIQ range may be the ideal option for you.
Available in all their most popular flavours, these e-liquids have the same flavour concentrates and smooth nic salts, but are available in a 10 mg/ml or 20 mg/ml strength, offering you the ability to select the strength that best suits your needs.
The 50/50 formula makes these e-liquids perfect for pairing with the refillable devices mentioned above, or with any starter kit or refillable pod kit.
If you want to learn more about alternatives to disposable vapes, or have any questions about reusable vape kits, pop in to your local Evapo store and speak to a member of our team, or reach out to our online customer service hub. You can also take a look at our guide to switching from disposable to reusable vapes for more information and advice.
