- What is the ban on disposable vapes?
- Prefilled pod kits: the best alternatives to use after the disposables ban
- Refillable pod kits: the best alternatives to use after the disposables ban
- Do reusable vapes taste the same as disposables?
- What about big puff disposables after the ban?
- A future after the disposable ban
With disposable vapes now banned in the UK, this is the perfect time to choose alternative options and looking into the benefits of reusable vapes.
The ban was voted on in Parliament and passed into law and disposable vapes are now banned as of 1st June 2025. The Government’s rationale for introducing this ban has two main themes, to discourage underage vaping and to reduce the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
There are a number of different ways to tackle these issues - you can find out more in our guide to the disposable vape ban - but it’s a great idea to start looking into alternatives. There are already lots of great alternatives available and big vape brands are continuing to innovate. Read on to find out more about the great reliable reusable vape options available and the rise in popularity of big puff vapes.
What is the ban on disposable vapes?
The prospect of a disposable vape ban was first introduced by the previous Tory Government in January 2024. In October, the new Labour Government announced that The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024 draft regulations have been tabled to be voted on in Parliament. The ban was brought into force on 1st June 2025 across Englang, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
So, which disposable vapes have been subject to the ban? According to the Government, it includes vapes that are:
“(a) not refillable
(b) not rechargeable, or
(c) not refillable and not rechargeable
For the purpose of (a) and (c), a vape is not refillable unless:
it is designed to include a single-use container which is separately available and can be replaced, or
a container which can be refilled
For the purpose of (b) and (c), a vape is not rechargeable unless if it is designed to contain
a battery which cannot be recharged, or
a coil which is not intended to be replaced by the user in the normal course of use, including any coil which is contained in a single-use cartridge or pod which is not separately available and cannot be replaced.”
This definition means that many of the quick and easy to use vapes that are currently popular are no longer available. However, there are a variety of convenient refillable and reusable vapes to consider.
Prefilled pod kits: the best alternatives to use after the disposables ban
One of the best and most popular alternatives to disposable vapes is sure to be the prefilled pod kit. These handy vape kits are very easy to use and offer lots of the same benefits that disposable vape users know and love.
How prefilled pod kits compare to disposables
There are a variety of similarities between prefilled pod kits and disposables – as well as a few key differences!
Key similarities – Prefilled pod kits may have a very similar size, shape, weight, and design to disposable vapes. You’ll also find that many disposable vape brands already offer a prefilled pod kit, which uses the same e-liquids as their current disposables – so there’s a decent chance you may be able to find your favourite flavour is already available. Prefilled pod kits also offer a very similar vaping experience to disposables.
Key benefits – One of the big upsides to prefilled pod kits is the fact that they come with a rechargeable battery, making them last longer. The pods come prefilled so there are no messy coil changes to deal with and the vapes are very straightforward and easy to use. You can also change flavours quickly by changing the pod.
Top prefilled pod kit picks
Looking for a quick alternative option? Here are just a few of the most popular prefilled pod kits available right now.
This handy big puff pod kit can hold four individual 2ml pods at once, for a total of 8ml of vape juice and offers up to 2,400 puffs per device. This device makes it easy to switch between flavours on the go.
A discreet, slimline pod kits containing one pod prefilled with 2ml of 20 mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid, the SKE Crystal Bar offers up to 600 puffs per pod change.
The DOJO Blast 6000 is a rechargeable prefilled pod kit offering approximately 6,000 puffs, thanks to the fact it comes with a 2ml prefilled pod as well as a 10ml refill.
DOJO offer another great prefilled pod kit, the DOJO Blast 10K. Offering up to 10,000 puffs, it utilises a 2ml prefilled pod and a 10ml refill.
Alternatives to disposable vapes
If had a favourite brand of disposable vape and want to try and replicate the vaping experience as closely as possible, be sure to check out some of these great alternatives.
Elf Bar 600 disposable vape replacements
Loved the Elf Bar 600? Not only are the excellent alternative options of the Elf Bar ELFA PRO prefilled pod kit and Elf Bar Elf Mate 500 prefilled pod kit available right now, but they have also now released the Elf Bar 600 pod kit. This device is almost identical to their disposables, but offers replaceable pods and a rechargeable battery.
Lost Mary BM600 disposable vape alternatives
The experience of using the popular Lost Mary BM600 can be well replicated with its alternative option of the Lost Mary BM600 pod kit. In addition, Lost Mary has introduced some big puff alternatives including the Lost Mary BM6000 and the Nera 30K. All of these kits offer replaceable pods and a rechargeable battery.
Alternatives to SKE Crystal Bar disposable vapes
SKE Crystal have come out with alternative options such as the SKE Crystal Bar, SKE Crystal Plus and the SKE Crystal Pro 600 prefilled pod kits. In fact, SKE was one of the first brands to pivot in the face of the ban and a spokesperson said, “The vape sector’s success is based on its ability to disrupt and adapt.“
Alternatives to disposable vapes comparison guide
In the below table, we’ve gathered options by the same brand/with the same e-liquid as well as products with a similar design, or similar puff count to the options already available. Here are a few of the biggest current disposables and their alternatives.
Refillable pod kits: the best alternatives to use after the disposables ban
A refillable pod kit is another great alternative to disposables and they offer some great benefits too.
Key similarities – Most refillable pod kits will offer a similar vaping experience to using disposables because they use a similar MTL design. They also tend to have a compact style, meaning they’re not much bigger than disposable vapes (especially big puff disposables). You’ll also find that many disposable vape brands also offer an e-liquid range, which can be paired with your refillable kit so you can often find the flavours you’re already a fan of.
Key benefits – Refillable pod kids offer a larger battery capacity than your standard disposable and their pods can be refilled multiple times before needing to be replaced. What’s more, they can be used with any compatible vape juice so you can choose the exact flavour and strength you’re looking for.
Top refillable pod kit picks
There are lots of refillable pod kits to choose from, but here are a few of our top picks from some of our biggest brands.
With a compact design, this handy refillable pod kit has a 1000 mAh internal battery, a maximum 30W output and top-filling pods.
This handy pod kit offers an adjustable airflow for a tailored vaping experience and has a 1000mAh internal capacity battery with convenient USB-C charging.
This clever vape kit lets you choose between variable power, or smart mode which allows it to automatically adjust to the best wattage for the V2 or V3 pods you’re using, ensuring longer coil life and improved flavour production.
Do reusable vapes taste the same as disposables?
One of the reasons that disposable vapes grew so popular is the fact that they tend to offer a strong flavour experience. This can be replicated by using bar salt e-liquids, which have been designed to replicate that disposable vape taste. Made using nic salts, these flavourful vape juices often have a higher amount of flavour concentrate for stronger flavour and are available in a variety of different nicotine strengths, allowing you even greater control.
In many cases, you’ll find that reusable options like prefilled or refillable pod kits taste very similar to their disposable counterparts. This is largely because lots of brands are now making both and offer the same e-liquids in their other ranges as they do in their disposable lines. Just check out bar salts from ELFLIQ by Elf Bar, Double Brew, MARYLIQ by Lost Mary and SKE Crystal Salts for a seamless switch from disposable to refillable pods.
Which flavours will still be available?
Here are a few of the switches you can make if you’re looking to enjoy the same flavours from a reusable kit. And don’t forget that we expect to see a lot more options in the near future.
| Disposable vapes | Alternative e-liquids |
| Elf Bar disposable vapes – Elf Bar 600, Elf Bar AF5000. Elf Bar 1200 2-in-1 | ELFLIQ vape juices are made using the same flavour concentrates as your favourite Elf Bar disposables. |
| Lost Mary disposable vapes – BM600, BM6000 | MARYLIQ e-liquids are available in the same delicious flavours as Lost Mary vapes, perfect if you’re looking for a seamless switch. |
| Crystal Bar disposables | SKE Crystal Salts have a smooth nic salt formula that replicates the feel of using a disposable vape as well as a high flavour concentrate. |
| BrewBox disposables | Ohm Brew offer Double Brew, a great range of e-liquids inspired by popular disposable vape flavours with double the flavour. |
| Ohm Brew CBD disposables | You’ll find a great range of flavours suitable for refilling compatible devices from the Ohm Brew CBD e-liquid range. |
What about big puff disposables after the ban?
Big puff vapes have been enjoying a rapid rise in popularity recently and it’s no surprise, thanks to the fact they last much longer than a standard disposable vape, saving vapers time and money. Whether your favourite big puff vape is available after the ban depends on its design, because there is some variation around device types.
For example, there are many big puff vapes with replaceable pods, which means they may be classed as reusable. However, any big puff vapes which need to be disposed of when the e-liquid runs out will fall under the Government’s classification of disposable. Now, brands have introduced reusable big puff vapes that are both rechargeable and utilise replaceable pods, meaning they aren't. effected by the disposable ban.
A future after the disposable ban
Now that disposable vapes are banned, it is the perfect time to start trying out some of the many excellent alternatives to disposable vapes. That way, you may be able to find a refillable, prefilled, or reusable vape that offers the kind of vaping experience that best suits you ahead of time.
What’s more, we’ve already seen a lot of innovation in recent years, with manufactures looking for ways to best replicate the disposable experience in longer-lasting devices, and we anticipate many more to come.
