There are so many vape starter kit options available it can be hard to identify which one would best suit you. So, we’re taking you through a few of our favourites this year to help you find the best vape starter kit to help you make the switch.
What are the different types of starter kit?
There are three main types of starter kit: prefilled pod vapes, refillable pod vapes, and traditional tank kits. Each have their own pros and cons, so it is important to find the right type of kit to suit your needs.
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits are arguably the most simple and easy to use type of starter vape kit, as the vape pods come already filled with e-liquid, and once empty can be disposed of and replaced, so there is minimal maintenance and the user doesn’t need to worry about refilling the pod or changing the coil. They are very small and compact, and the battery can usually be charged very quickly as they are smaller than other vape kits.
However, this means that the battery on these devices does not necessarily last as other vape kits, which is something to consider if you are often out of the house for long stretches and will not be able to charge the device straight away. Additionally, although some brands do offer a choice of different nicotine strengths in their replacement pods, most are only available in a high nicotine strength so will not be a good fit for those who need a low nicotine strength.
Refillable pod kits
Refillable pod vape kits still maintain a small size, but are a bit more versatile than their prefilled counterparts. This is because the pods can be repeatedly refilled with your choice of compatible e-liquid, and will only need to be replaced once the coil starts to burn, allowing you to choose the exact flavour and nicotine strength that best suits you.
Depending on the device, either the pod or just the coil will need to be changed for a fresh one periodically, and as the pods will not need to be disposed of as frequently as with prefilled pod kits this also creates less plastic waste and is more cost effective.
Refillable pod mods are still easy to use and a great option for new vapers, but they do require a bit more maintenance than prefilled pod kits due to coil/pod changes and refilling.
Traditional tank kits
Traditional tank kits have a more sturdy design and can be a little bigger than vape pod kits, mainly because they usually have bigger batteries. This makes them a great option if you are often out of the house and need a device that can keep up with you during long days.
Where the exterior design of pod kits is most often made from plastic, tank style kits are usually made from metal, making them a much more robust and durable option, especially for those who work a job that may make damage more likely, or those who are just a little accident prone.
These more traditional refillable vapes will often have additional features like adjustable airflow, which is great if you are looking for a device that lets you tailor your vaping experience to best suit you, however they may require a slightly steeper learning curve which is something to consider if you are wary of having to learn to use a new electronic device.
Best vapes for beginners
The Vuse Pro is a fantastic little prefilled mtl pod kit, and if you are familiar with Vuse products you may recognise it as the new and upgraded version of their incredibly popular ePod 2 vape kit. It has an ultra-simplistic design that is incredibly easy to use, even if you are completely new to vaping.
It is compatible with the full range of Vuse Pro pods, and there are not only a wide selection of different flavours but also different nicotine strengths to choose from. While most pre-filled pods are available only in the highest nicotine strength, Vuse aim to create devices that work for all beginner vapers, no matter what their previous smoking history is. This means that there are prefilled pods with nicotine strengths as low as 3 mg/ml, which is ideal for light and infrequent smokers who do not need a high nicotine content to keep their cravings under control.
A feature that we really love about the Vuse Pro pod device is how quickly it can be charged. Like we said, this device is focused on providing an option for those who are often on the go and need a vape kit that can keep up with them. The magnetic charger can be used to fast charge the device to 80% battery in just 35 minutes, and it can even be used while charging for a seamless vaping experience.
The Elf Mate 500 is a versatile and unique vape pod kit that bridges the gap between prefilled and refillable, this is because it can be used both as a prefilled pod system, and as a refillable pod system, so you can adapt the device to best suit your preferences. This is not an option that is often seen in pod vape kits, and it really makes the Mate 500 stand out as a fantastic beginner vape kit option.
When it comes to prefilled pods, the range of flavours available in the Elf Bar P1 prefilled pods is so diverse and inclusive. There are options from all different flavour categories, but they also include some more traditional options like creamy tobacco and spearmint, which are ideal if you are just making the switch from smoking to vaping and want something that tastes familiar to start off with.
The prefilled pods each contain 2ml of 20 mg/ml nic salt e-liquid, which is great for keeping cravings at bay throughout the day. However, if you feel that a lower nicotine strength would be more suitable for you, or even if you just want the freedom to choose from a wider range of e-liquids, their refillable pods can be paired with any 50/50 or high PG e-liquid, in whichever nicotine strength and flavour you prefer.
The Vaporesso XROS Mini packs a bit more power than smaller options like most prefilled pod kits, with a 1000 mAh built-in battery, providing plenty of power to get you through a full day of vaping. The airflow design of the pods has been specifically curated to replicate the feel of smoking cigarettes, so it feels familiar and comfortable as you make the switch from smoking to vaping. But they don’t just stop there, as the device also offers adjustable airflow which allows you to tighten or loosen the draw to better suit your preferences.
The SS anti-leaking mesh pods have been designed to prevent the e-liquid from leaking out when it is being stored, even if it is hanging around at the bottom of your bag! The pods can be filled with your preferred 50/50 or high PG e-liquid which allows you to select from a wide range of nicotine strength options. This is great for those who were light to moderate smokers, and so need a lower nicotine strength than the 20 mg/ml e-liquid that is commonly used in prefilled pods. You can select the exact strength that reflects your previous intake to allow you to effectively manage your nicotine cravings.
This device is a great option if you find the concept of having to change coils a little bit daunting, as the pods have built-in coils and so you can simply replace the pod when it starts to taste burnt.
Best vapes for flavour
The Lost Mary Tappo pod kit is brand new to the vaping market, releasing right at the end of 2023, and it is already making waves!
This device is perfect for those who are frequently on-the-go, as it’s ultra compact size means it is very pocket friendly, and the square design fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. The pods click in and out with ease, so you can swap out the pod in seconds, even when on the move. However, they are held in place with a magnetic connection, so you can rest assured that when not in use they will remain securely in place.
If you are familiar with the Lost Mary disposable vape range you may recognise many of the flavours in the Tappo pod range, as they contain the same e-liquids as their disposable vapes. Each pod contains 2ml of 20 mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid, with 15 different flavour options to choose from. The Lost Mary Tappo is also compatible with the ELFA and ELFA PRO pods, giving you plenty of choice.
Something we love about the Elf Bar ELFA PRO is that it is compatible with the full range of original ELFA pods and Lost Mary Tappo pods, as well as the new range of ELFA PRO pods, which feature a QUAQ mesh coil for even better flavour and longevity. The coil design allows for more e-liquid to be vapourised at a time, for an incredibly flavourful vapour that remains consistent throughout use, from the first puff to the last. The ELFA PRO pods are available in a choice of 14 different flavours, with each pod containing 2ml of 20 mg/ml nicotine salts e-liquid.
The device is very similar in size and shape to a Elf Bar disposable vape, with a slim and lightweight body that is simple yet sleek. The built-in 500 mAh battery can be recharged whenever needed using a USB Type-C charger cable, and there are no buttons or variable features which makes it extremely easy to use through inhale activation.
The SMOK Novo Master pod kit is a refillable pod kit that is both easy to use and versatile. It comes with a choice of two different pods, so you can test them both out and find out which one feels most comfortable to you. The Novo Master is also both button and draw activated, so you can use it in whichever way you prefer to vape.
The 1000 mAh built-in battery offers plenty of power to get the average vaper through the day and is easy to charge whenever needed, plus the three level LED battery indicator light makes it easy to keep track of your remaining battery life and when to think about charging.
Once the coil starts to taste burnt it is easy to replace, and the pod can continue to be used, so there is no plastic waste that you will need to throw away. The coils utilise a metal mesh which offers optimal flavour and helps to maximise longevity, giving you the best possible vaping experience.
Best vapes for mtl vaping
The Innokin Endura T18 II is a more traditional vape pen, with a robust metal body and a tank rather than a pod. It is a little larger and heavier than your average pod kit, but this is due to the different materials used and the bigger 1300 mAh battery that powers the device.
If you are looking for a device that really lets you experiment with vaping to find your perfect inhale, this is an excellent place to start. The T18 II not only has an impeccable mouth-to-lung inhale and adjustable airflow, but also has three different power settings accessed through the firing button, allowing you tailor your experience to suit you.
The push fit coils are easy to change, and provide a flavourful vapour perfect for mtl vaping and with just the right amount of throat hit, plus the device comes with a magnetic cap goes over the mouthpiece when not in use to keep it clean and free from lint.
If you are looking for a stylish little pod kit, the LUXE Q2 SE is a great device that comes in a choice of four sleek colour finishes that let you show a little of your personality in your vape. But just because it looks cute does not mean that the LUXE Q2 SE doesn’t pack some smart internal tech, as it has an integrated AXON chipset that helps offer a really top-notch user experience.
The pods for this device have Vaporesso’s SSS anti-leaking technology letting you store your vape when safe in the knowledge that all of the vape juice is going to stay exactly where it is supposed to be. The pods house mesh coils and utilise COREX heating technology to phenomenal flavour payoff and help the coil last as long as possible before the pod will need to be changed.
We hope this post has helped give you some inspiration for which starter vape kit will best suit you, and if you want to quit smoking and start vaping, we have plenty of information to help you get started in our ‘Switching to vaping’ post.
