Now that the disposable vape ban is in play, it’s only natural to start wondering how long a reusable vape is likely to last. The huge influx in innovative designs and convenient reusable vape kits means that there are a lot of different products now on the market. How long they last tends to vary depending on a variety of factors, ranging from their build and e-liquid capacity, to how well they are looked after.
In this handy guide we will be looking at the expected lifespan of various types of reusable vapes as well as the things you can do to potentially extend their use and enjoy even better long-term value.
The shift to reusable vapes: understanding device lifespans
Unlike disposable vapes, the reusable vapes that are now available are not sold with a predetermined lifespan. Disposable vapes were designed so that the battery life and amount of e-liquid lasted for approximately the same amount of time, and did not allow for the e-liquid to be refilled. This resulted in the most efficient and least wasteful design for a disposable but also meant that the lifespan was very limited.
Reusable vapes, on the other hand, are made to last for a much longer period thanks to the use of rechargeable batteries and either a refillable pod/tank or replaceable prefilled pod. Their longevity can also be influenced by things like the durability of its various components and the maintenance habits of the user.
Here at a Evapo, we sell a massive range of reusable vapes and, following the disposable ban, you will see a huge number of new options that have been recently introduced. These new options have some different characteristics to the reusable vapes sold previously, meaning there is now a much wider choice and options to suit a wide range of vapers.
For example, those who have recently made the switch from disposables will likely be best suited to a prefilled pod kit like a 600 puff disposable-style vape or a big puff vape kit. Many of these devices have been specially designed as a direct reusable replacement for disposable vapes, with a similar design, flavour and vaping experience.
Others may prefer a refillable vape kit that allows them to experiment more widely with e-liquids. This allows the freedom to not only try a bigger range of flavours but also to choose the specific nicotine strength that will best suit your needs, ideal for those who were previously lighter smokers and do not need a high strength e-liquid.
Meanwhile, those who have been vaping for a while or consider themselves hobbyist vapers may opt for an advanced kit or sub-ohm device. These devices are not designed with the aim of closely replicating the feel of smoking, but instead are usually aimed at larger vapour production, direct-to-lung vaping styles, and intense flavour.
Breaking down the lifespan of a vape by component
The various components of a reusable vape can vary widely depending on the type of device it is, as well as the brand and model, and the lifespan of a reusable vape is determined by the different parts that make it up. Here is a closer look at the longevity of each key component.
The vape device
The device itself, as in the body which houses the battery and chipset, can last for a very long time. The durability of each depends on things. like the build quality, the material used (whether it is plastic, zinc alloy, etc.), and how well it is maintained.
Another big determining factor is whether the battery is built-in or not. When a device does not have a removable battery, its lifespan is essentially determined by the lifespan of the battery.
The vape battery
The lifespan of a battery is typically measured by the number of charge cycles it can go through before degrading and losing the ability to hold a charge. There are two main types of battery to consider:
- Built-in batteries: The battery is part of the device and is designed to provide hundreds of charge cycles, with their capacity gradually decreasing over time. Manufacturers often advise that these batteries can last anywhere from 6 – 18 months before the battery starts to noticeably degrade, depending on the frequency of use and charging, and how well the battery is maintained. Built-in batteries are found in all types of vape kits but are most common in starter kits and pod kits. These batteries are usually charged via micro USB or USB-C cable.
- External batteries: These are replaceable batteries that can easily be removed from the device. This means that the device itself can last indefinitely, as long as the battery is replaced when needed. Again, with care these batteries can last up to 18 months before needing to be replaced. External batteries are only usually found in sub-ohm and advanced vape kits, although there are some pod kits with this feature. External batteries can be charged through the device, but it is widely recommended to use a battery bay charger to optimise lifespan and help them last longer.
Replaceable coils & pods
The coils and pods are the parts of vape devices that need replaced most frequently, and which you will need to replace varies depending on the type of device you have. Discover more about pods, coils and how and when they might need to be replaced.
- Coils: A coil's lifespan varies greatly depending on usage, e-liquid type, and wattage settings. Typically, a coil will last for somewhere in the region of 1-2 weeks, is they are used correctly. However, it is important to bear in mind that higher powered devices which are used at high wattages will usually burn out the coil faster. This means that starter vape kits will usually need the coil replaced less frequently than advanced kits. Using the correct e-liquid type, the right wattage settings, and priming the coil well will help maximise the lifespan. You can find out more in our handy guide to how long vape coils last.
- Refillable pods: The first thing to note is that there are pods with built-in coils (which are disposed of when the coil burns out) and pods with replaceable coils (which can be reused multiple times so that you can carry on using the same refillable pod). Pods that have built-in coils are generally expected to last for 1-2 weeks, but this will depend on a number of factors, and using the right e-liquid, wattage, and priming technique will help.
- 2ml prefilled pods: These very commonly used prefilled pods are designed to be used until the e-liquid inside has run out. 600 puff disposable-style devices use 2ml prefilled pods, which usually offer up to 600 puffs. Prefilled pods have a closed design that cannot be refilled, so the pod will need to be replaced when empty. This allows vapers to regularly change flavours and offers a simple and approachable option for those just starting out.
- Big puff pods & refills: Big puff pods and refills are also prefilled, but offer more longevity than standard 2ml prefilled pod kits. This is because the device can either hold multiple 2ml pods or features a 2ml pod along with a larger refill, and you will not need to replace them until all of the pods/refills are empty. Big puff vapes come in a wide variety of e-liquid capacities ranging from 4ml to 24ml, and how long the pod and refills will last before needing to be replaced will be determined by how much e-liquid they hold, along with other factors, such as your vaping style and frequency of use. Interested in finding out more? Check out our guide to big puff vapes.
Maximising your device's lifespan
No matter which type of reusable vape you are using, there are some good practices to follow if you want to expand the lifespan of your device. Familiarise yourself with the most important ones below.
Proper charging habits
Learning and sticking to proper charging habits is one of the best things you can do to help your battery and device last longer. The top things to watch out for are overcharging (leaving a battery on a charger for much longer than necessary), using damaged cables, and letting the battery drain completely before recharging.
Where possible, it is best to use the charging cable that came with the device. If a cable was not included, then checking the packaging to ensure you pick up a suitable alternative is a top priority. It is generally recommended to charge vape kits through a computer or games console, or by using a plug with a 1 amp output or less.
Most vape kits will have overcharge protection, but it is still best to not leave your vape on charge for extended periods of time, like charging overnight, to help maintain the health of the battery.
Where possible, avoid letting your vape battery drain completely before putting it on charge. Letting the battery repeatedly become completely depleted can actually make it degrade faster. It is also best to always let it reach a full charge before removing from charge.
Maintenance and cleaning
Regular cleaning can also make a huge difference to the lifespan of your device. Taking the time to regularly clean the pod or tank, the connection points, and the mouthpiece will help prevent e-liquid build-up and ensure optimal performance. We recommend using tissues and cotton buds to wipe away dirt or build up. However, be sure not to use water, as this can cause damage. What’s more, do bear in mind that coils should not be cleaned and reused, as once the cotton starts to burn this cannot be undone.
Another great tip is to not let your tank or pod run completely empty. Ensuring that there is always enough e-liquid to cover the cotton contacts of the coil will help extend the lifespan by preventing the cotton from drying out and burning prematurely.
Choosing the right e-liquid
When it comes to improving the lifespan of a coil, choosing the right e-liquid is paramount. It is important to match the right kind of e-liquid to the right kind of device. For example, high VG vape juices are most suitable for sub-ohm and advanced kits, while start kits and simple reusable vapes will fare better with 50/50 ratios. What’s more, heavily sweetened or darker e-liquids can gunk up a coil more quickly than clear, simple flavours. It is worth considering the e-liquid's impact on the life of your coil when you are making your pick. For more insight, be sure to read our guide to picking the right vape juice.
The long-term value of reusable vapes
The great range of reusable vapes available offers a great range of benefits, over and above the fact that disposable vapes are now banned.
Financial and environmental benefits
One of the great side effects of making the switch to a reusable vape is the fact that they offer significant long-term cost savings. Buying e-liquid and replacement coils or pods is far cheaper than buying disposable devices was. Prefilled pod kits and big puff vapes offer great savings compared to disposables, but ultimately the most cost-effective option is a refillable kit.
There are also big environmental benefits to changing to reusable vapes. For example, there is a marked reduction in electronic waste, as only a small part of the device needs to be recycled or replaced.
Reusable vapes: the smart choice for the future
While reusable vapes do have components that need to be replaced, the device itself is a durable and long-lasting investment – and offers a great way to reduce both costs and environmental impacts. Make the smart choice for your wallet and the planet, by exploring our full range of reusable vape kits and accessories.
