There is a growing trend towards larger vapes, with vapers consistently on the hunt for longer lasting or more powerful devices. This can be partly explained by the transition away from the traditionally small disposable options now that the disposal vape ban is in effect, but there is more to it than that.
Bigger and more powerful vapes are appealing to vapers for a variety of reasons. Find out why in our guide to the types, features, benefits, and things to think about when it comes to “big vapes”.
Are vapes getting bigger?
The short answer is yes, vapes are absolutely getting bigger. In fact, at the rate puff counts are expanding, you would be forgiven for thinking that we might soon see 100k, 500k, and even a million puffs! However, barring the introduction of some revolutionary and as-yet-unimagined technology, puff counts are limited by the amount of e-liquid a pod, tank or refill can physically hold.
What exactly are big vapes?
The term “big vapes” is a way of describing all types of vapes that are larger than the traditional small pen style devices vapers are used to seeing. Under the umbrella of “big vapes”, we can include everything from high puff count prefilled pod kits (formerly also disposable) to advanced pods kits and high-powered device setups with larger batteries.
Why people are choosing bigger vapes
The increased demand for bigger vapes has been driven by a few different factors, including everything from increased convenience to lower environmental impacts.
The UK disposable vapes ban
With the ban on single-use disposable vapes coming into play in the UK on 1 June 2025, the biggest and best vaping brands ensured that they had compliant reusable alternatives to disposables on offer. The ban aims to address environmental concerns, such as litter and e-waste, as well as tackle youth vaping. The larger, reusable systems now available offer a more responsible choice for adult vapers that also happens to be long-lasting and easy to use.
Disposable vapes were the first to popularise the idea of puff count and big puff vapes to the vaping market. Now, many vapers who were previously using big puff disposables are looking for a reusable option that offers the same longevity, helping to drive an appetite for bigger vapes.
Longer-lasting convenience
Longer-lasting vapes that can contain higher volumes of e-liquid are highly convenient and ideal for busy individuals or on-the-go use. High-puff prefilled systems with big batteries, for example, offer an extremely convenient option because vapers can enjoy extended use without needing to carry extra bottles or chargers.
To put it simply, a 12ml big puff vape can last up to six times longer than a standard 2ml prefilled pod kit before it needs a pod change. Many big puff devices also utilise slightly larger batteries, which means they can often last longer between charges – freeing vapers up to go about their day with confidence.
Cost-effectiveness
Big vapes also offer a more cost-effective option for vapers than many alternatives. While the initial outlay might be higher, these devices can be more economical over time compared to repeatedly purchasing smaller disposable-style devices or replacement pods for less efficient devices.
Enhanced performance
Another significant benefit of bigger vapes is the fact that when it comes to sub-ohm vapes and advanced devices, they typically deliver superior vapour production and provide richer, more intense flavours.
What’s more, when choosing more advanced kits like these, it is often possible to opt for a bigger battery that needs to be charged less often. Some devices even use external batteries, which means you can take spare batteries with you whenever needed, so you don’t need to charge throughout the day. This also means that when the batteries start to degrade the user can buy replacement batteries rather than a whole new vape kit, helping them save money.
As mentioned above, many of the newer pod kits that are designed to offer more puffs also make use of bigger batteries.
More customisation and control
When it comes to sub-ohm devices and advanced vape kits, there are also more opportunities to customise your experience. For example, you often have the option to fine tune the way you vape, thanks to features like adjustable wattage and airflow, as well as a wider range of coil options. Many new big vapes with prefilled or refillable pods offer a version of these features, such as a limited choice of coils or adjustable airflow, for maximum convenience alongside a tailored vaping experience.
Reduced waste and environmental impact
One of the biggest bonuses offered by rechargeable and refillable big vapes is the fact that they generate less waste than their former counterparts. When compared to disposables, prefilled pods kits create less waste because you only need to replace the pod and not the whole kit once the e-liquid runs out. However, the most environmentally friendly option overall is a refillable vape kit.
The types of big vapes
As we touched on above, "big vapes" come in a variety of forms, each catering to different vaping styles and preferences. With options ranging from ultra-convenient high-puff bars to powerful sub-ohm devices, there are a huge variety to choose from. Learn a little more about the options in our quick guide.
Big puff vapes
Big puff vapes are a new range of TPD-compliant reusable devices that use clever designs, such as multiple 2ml pods or larger refill containers, to deliver thousands of puffs. They are very easy to use and mimic disposables in their design, while also offering a significantly longer lifespan and vaping experience.
The name refers to the fact that these devices are designed to offer very large puff counts, ranging all the way from approximately 2400 puffs to 6000, or even 30000. They also have rechargeable internal batteries (often recharged via USB-C) and make used of prefilled replaceable pods.
Some big puff vapes are designed to hold multiple 2ml pods, which you can switch between until they are all empty. Others are made to hold a 2ml pod as well as a larger refill container, which keeps the pod topped up. Once both are empty, they can be replaced. Big puff vapes are available in variety of flavours and often use nicotine salt e-liquids.
Not only are big puff vapes long-lasting, convenient, and better for the environment than disposables, they are very easy to use. This makes them a great choice for beginner or intermediate vapers. However, with big puff vapes, the opportunities to customise your experience are limited and flavour and nicotine strength options are tied to a particular brand and the pods they offer.
There are lots of exciting big puff vapes to explore, with Lost Mary BM6000, IVG 2400, DOJO Blast 6000 and PIXL Duo 12 proving particularly popular.
High-wattage vape kits
High wattage vape kits can be thought of as the original big vapes. Intended for experienced users, these are kits that offer substantial power output and customisation, as well as the ability to top up the e-liquid whenever needed. They offer a high wattage output (80W, 100W, 200W+) and are often designed to be used with external, replaceable batteries (18650, 21700).
Other benefits of high wattage vape kits is the fact they tend to feature advanced chipsets for precise control, various modes such as Variable Wattage (VW) and Temperature Control (TC). They also typically have large screens, to let you easily customise your experience, and they tend to be paired with sub-ohm tanks for high vapour production.
Alongside the potential to create large vapour clouds and the opportunity to tailor your experience, high wattage vape kits also offer intense flavours, long battery life (as well as the option of spare external batteries), and durability. That said, they are more complex and less portable than options such as big puff vapes. They also have a higher initial cost and require more maintenance, such as coil changes and wicking. They also often need specific e-liquid ratios (high VG ones suitable for high wattages).
High wattage vape kits typically only offer a DTL vaping style, which means they do not offer an inhale which feels so similar to smoking. What’s more, the production of large vapour clouds uses up more e-liquid, so they may need to be refilled more frequently than lower powered devices.
They are typically enjoyed by more advanced vapers who love intense flavours and dense clouds, as well as the ability to tailor their experience. The Geekvape Aegis Legend and Voopoo Drag series are perfect examples of highly customisable high wattage kits, packed with features.
Advanced pod kits
There are also a variety of advanced pod kits that perfectly bridge the gap between basic pod systems and more complex customisable devices. They tend to offer more power and additional features, while remaining more compact than traditional high wattage kits. Advanced pod kits offer medium to high wattage (e.g., 40W-80W) and can feature built-in or sometimes external batteries. Most have adjustable airflows, and they often use replaceable coils.
Advanced pod kits offer a good balance of power and portability. They are more versatile than simple kits, and easier to use than full advanced kits. Advanced pod kits are often considered to be intermediate vape kits, although some have so many features that they extend into advanced kits. One nice bonus is the fact that many advanced pod kits offer both MTL (mouth-to-lung) and RDTL (restricted-direct-to-lung) vaping, making it easy to transition from one style to the other simply by replacing the type of pod inserted.
While advanced pod kits aren’t as powerful or customisable as full advanced kits, they can be a good choice for those who want more power than a starter kit style device can offer. A few popular options include devices like the Vaporesso Luxe XR Max and XROS Pro, SMOK devices, OXVA NeXLIM and Vprime.
Key features and considerations for big vapes
When it comes to picking out the right big vape for you, there are many different factors to consider. Here are the key things to bear in mind when you are making your decision.
Puff count & e-liquid capacity
When you are looking for a long lasting big vape, be sure to pay attention to the puff count and the e-liquid capacity. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the e-liquid capacity, the higher the puff count. That said, the puff count listed is subjective. This is because it varies depending on a number of factors like inhale length, frequency of use and the type of e-liquid used.
Big puff vapes offer an easy way to work out the approximate puff count and they tend to be a fair bit larger than standard 2ml prefilled pod kits. However, they are only available in high nicotine strengths, so will not be suitable for all vapers. Big puff vapes are also typically starter kit style devices, which may not be satisfying if you are looking for a high powered or DTL (direct-to-lung) device. Don’t forget that while the pod/refill will last much longer, the device will still need to be charged regularly.
Battery life / type
It is also worth looking closely at the battery life and the type of battery used. For a start, if a device uses an internal battery, then it will need to be recharged whenever it runs out. If the device is an advanced one and has an external battery, then a depleted battery can be swapped for a spare. It is also worth looking to see whether the battery offers fast charging, as well as checking its mAh rating.
The mAh rating will help you work out how powerful the battery is, but a high mAh rating does not always mean that the device will last much longer between charges. For example, a smaller device with a 1000 mAh battery and 18W output may last just as long as a 2500 mAh battery on an 80W output, simply because it is not exerting as much power when used. It is also worth bearing in mind that higher mAh batteries are also usually larger in size, resulting in larger vape kits.
Vape wattage
The vape wattage is another important consideration, as the wattage can make a big difference to the vaping experience.
Higher wattage = bigger vapor production
Higher wattage = faster use of e-liquid
Most starter kits and pod kits have a fixed wattage setting or do not offer variable wattage, whereas intermediate and advanced devices usually do.
Be sure to remember that just because a device has a max wattage output of 200W, it does not mean it should necessarily be used at this wattage. Make sure you are using the right wattage setting for your chosen coil.
Coil compatibility
Along the same lines, it is essential to think about the type of vaping experience you enjoy, and which coils will help you achieve that. Coils are available in traditional or mesh styles, mesh coils are known for better flavour experiences, longevity and vapour production. There are also a variety of coil resistances to consider.
Starter kits and smaller pod kits usually have only one or two coil options which are optimised to offer a similar experience to smoking. More powerful kits like advanced and sub-ohm kits usually have more coil options, including ones that can be used at a higher wattage for a sub-ohm DTL experience.
Each coil has a recommended wattage range, if using a variable wattage device be sure to remain within this range. The important thing to remember is that the lower the coil resistance, the higher the wattage that can be used. Higher resistance coils are designed to offer less vapour production and are more geared towards MTL vaping experiences.
Airflow control
When looking at big vapes, you may also want to check whether they offer an adjustable airflow feature. Airflow control is important for allowing you to modify your experience to change your vaping style from MTL, RDTL or DTL.
The airflow on starter kits is usually designed to offer a similar feeling to smoking a cigarette. Advanced kits typically offer more precise control, allowing you to tailor it to your preference.
Durability
If you are choosing a big vape for a longer-lasting experience, you want a kit that is also robust and rugged. Be sure to look out for things like an IP68 rating, which can tell you how water or drop resistant the device is.
Display screens
A good display screen can help you customise your experience and discover everything you need to know about your vape at a glance, including things like the amount of battery remaining or the current puff count.
These screens are especially useful for more advanced kits because they will display the power/wattage settings and will also often show the coil resistance, so you can easily check what power setting or coil option you are using.
Ease of use
Of course, when you are choosing a big vape you want to know that it matches your needs and experience level. If you are new to vaping, then a big puff starter kit might be the ideal choice. Meanwhile, experienced vapers may prefer the extra features offered by advanced kits.
Compliance
It is always important to ensure that you are buying products from a legitimate and trustworthy source. All vapes sold in the UK should be compliant and adhere to the 2ml tank and pod limit.
Under UK law all tanks must hold no more than 2ml of e-liquid at a time, so intermediate/advanced vape kits are limited to this. That said, they can easily be refilled on the go. Big puff vapes must also navigate these regulations, and will instead contain either multiple 2ml pods or a pod and a refill container.
Choosing your vape: is bigger better?
Bigger vapes can certainly be much more convenient and better for the environment than smaller alternatives, but the choice always comes down to your own individual preferences. If you are keen to explore the wide range of bigger vapes available now, be sure to check out our selection of big puff vapes and advanced vape kits.
