Disposable vapes were an extremely popular vaping option before the disposable vape ban was introduced in the UK. As a result, many previous disposable vape users are now looking to make the transition to a reusable vape kit. 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 offered an extremely simple design and came prefilled with e-liquid and with a built-in battery that was designed to last as long as the e-liquid inside. However, this design also meant that disposables had to be processed at a specialist facility when they were recycled, as they contained a battery and other internal components and had to be dismantled by hand.
Standard 2ml disposable vapes offered on average around 600 puffs per device which, depending on how much you vape, could last anywhere from a day to a week. This meant having to replace the device regularly and when used long-term could result in a lot of devices ending up going straight to landfill, adding an estimated 10 tonnes of lithium to landfills annually. This was one of the leading reasons that the UK disposable vape ban was introduced, aiming to combat the influx of electrical waste produced by disposable vaping products.
Although there were big puff disposable vape options available, which came with more e-liquid and lasted longer than standard disposable vapes, they were still single-use and needed to be disposed of when finished. 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.
Since the introduction of the ban there have been a number of new vape kits introduced to the market which are designed to offer a similar experience to what was offered by disposables, but in a reusable vape kit. These devices make a great option for those looking to make the transition to a reusable vape, as they feel familiar and maintain a simple design. Not to mention, they are compliant with UK regulations so are readily available, making it easy to find the replacement pods/coils you will need at your local vape shop or online.
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 were an affordable option for a short-term vaping solution, such as if you were going to a festival and did not want to risk losing or damaging your usual vape kit, when used long-term the price could quickly add up.
Most prefilled pod kits are comparable in price to that of one or two 2ml 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, but at a similar price point. This means that for the same price as a single disposable you could 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, from there the cost of pods or coils and e-liquids becomes a lot more budget-friendly. One 10 ml bottle of e-liquid can cost less than a single disposable vape but contains 5 times the amount 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 around 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 attaches 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 with 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 are looking for a really long-lasting big puff option, something like the Elf Bar Plus 50 could be just the thing. This device comes with a whopping 30ml of 20 mg/ml e-liquid in the form of three 2ml pods and three 8ml refills, which can together offer up to 50,000 puffs. As each pod and refill runs out of e-liquid they can be easily swapped out for a new one, meaning the device comes with three pod changes in the box!
The 800 mAh built-in battery can also offer plenty of power to get you through the day, ideal if you are often on-the-go and need a vape kit that can keep up. Plus, the Elf Bar Plus 50 maintains a super simple design, with no buttons or settings, which makes it really approachable to those who are still quite new to using vape kits. Simple inhale through the mouthpiece and you will be able to vape.
Replacement Elf Bar Plus 50 pods are available in a choice of ten of Elf Bar’s top flavours, many of which you may recognise from their previous disposable vapes. Each pod pack contains one 2ml pod and one 8ml refill, for a total of 10ml of 20 mg/ml e-liquid and offering up to a further 16,000 puffs.
600 puff disposable-style vape kits
Prefilled pod kits are arguably the most simple type of starter kits available, requiring little maintenance or pre-existing vaping knowledge. These 2ml prefilled pods have actually become commonly known as 600 puff disposable-style vapes and offer a really great first step for those transitioning from disposable vapes to reusable.
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.
Many of the top disposable vape manufacturers now offer a direct reusable alternative, so you can continue to enjoy the same experience and flavour without having to replace the entire device every time the e-liquid runs empty.
The Elf Bar 600 vape kit is one such direct alternative, which is effectively exactly the same as the disposable vape range of the same name but with the addition of a rechargeable battery and replaceable prefilled pods.
Each Elf Bar 600 pod can offer up to 600 puffs and contains 2ml of 20 mg/ml e-liquid. The colour of the initial device will correspond to the flavour you chose, but from there the device is compatible with the full range of 15+ flavours, so you can try a different flavour with each pod change and find your favourites. Plus, the Elf Bar 600 is also cross-compatible with the Elf Bar ELFA PRO pods, offering an even wider range of flavours and allowing you to even use the ELFA refillable pods. This adds a level of versatility to the vape kit, allowing you to choose a refillable pod option too that can be paired with any compatible e-liquid in whichever flavour and nicotine strength you prefer.
Another great alternative for those who were previously fans of Lost Mar disposable vapes is the Lost Mary BM600. This compact little device has the same square, palm-sized design that you know and love, with each pod allowing for up to 600 puffs of smooth nic salt e-liquid.
You’ll recognise the flavours in the Lost Mary BM600 pod range as some of their most popular flavours, found across their previous disposable vape range along with their current prefilled pod kits and the MARYLIQ e-liquid range.
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 5 Mini is a fantastic option if you are moving from a disposable to reusable device, as it has a similar inhale and size to a disposable. It has a powerful 1500 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 5 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.
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 contained 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 a huge range of delicious disposable inspired 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 shortfill 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 ELFLIQ range may be the ideal option for you.
Available in all of 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.
