Switching From Disposable To Refillable Vapes

By Josh , Head Of Content
5th Oct 2021

Disposable vapes are great! They’re the easy way to get your nicotine fix without having to faff about with coils or chargers and all that hassle. So, why on earth do people use refillable vape kits then?

It’s a valid question, so no judgement here. Functionally speaking, it’s as simple as this - refillable vapes provide more customisation; whereas disposables provide more convenience. However, convenience isn’t always cheap or eco-friendly, so you may be thinking about switching over. If so, here’s the scoop!

Disposables VS Refillables - What's The Difference?

Disposable Vapes

As we mentioned, disposable vapes are made to be convenient. They come pre-charged and pre-filled with e-liquid, so you can just dispose of them when they're empty. Very simple! They're also easy to carry around and will slip right into your pocket. Plus, disposables are less expensive than vape kits and can cost as little as £3. This makes them great if you want to try vaping without investing in a kit. However, because of the cheaper components used, they don't always deliver the most satisfying vaping experience.

Pros:
  • Simple & Convenient
  • No Maintenance Needed
  • Lightweight & Compact
Cons:
  • Less Eco-Friendly
  • Limited Flavours
  • Costs More Long-Term

Refillable Vapes

Refillable vape kits start off empty, allowing you to fill them up with e-liquid yourself. This means you can choose from lots of different kinds of e-liquid (and there are a lot). Refillable kits come in all shapes, sizes and styles to suit every preference. Generally speaking though, the more you have to do to maintain your vape kit, the more you're able to customise things like flavour intensity, cloud size or even how it feels when you inhale. If you're worried about finding an e-liquid that tastes like your favourite disposable, a lot of brands are taking their best-selling flavours and turning them into e-liquids for your refillable kit, like the Elfliq nic salt e-liquids by Elf Bar.

Pros:
  • More E-Liquid Choice
  • More Eco-Friendly
  • Lower Long-Term Cost
Cons:
  • High Initial Cost
  • Slightly More Complex
  • Requires Maintenance

Are Refillable Vape Kits Cheaper Than Disposables?

Hands down, disposable vapes are more expensive overall. The initial cost of buying a refillable vape kit might put you off. However, when you consider that you'll generally be spending between £3 and £6 on a disposable each time you run out, refillables may not seem so off-putting. For instance, we stock refillable kits that start from £8.99, which would be your initial cost. Thereafter, you could be paying as little as £1 for your e-liquid depending on the brand. We reckon your bank account will definitely thank you for that one!

Disposable Vape
Light User ~£60/Month or ~£730/Year
Heavy User ~£120/Month or ~£1460/Year
Refillable Vape
Light User ~£28/Month or ~£343/Year
Heavy User ~£46/Month or ~£562/Year

Is It Bad For The Environment To Use Disposable Vapes?

Well, they're certainly not the most eco-friendly option. A study found that 3.6 million adults vape daily. Even if only a quarter of those adults use disposable vapes, that's still a whole lot of plastic and battery waste! Especially when you consider how much better for the environment a refillable kit might be. This is one of the many reasons why a lot of vapers start with a disposable vape before moving on to something that generates less waste overall.

Are Disposable Vapes Too Appealing To Kids?

A common question being asked is whether or not disposable vapes are appealing to kids. Disposables, like any other vape product, can not be purchased or used by anyone under the age of 18 in the UK (this is enforced by law). But, much like cigarettes, they are often seen in the hands of the under-18s. Luckily, teenage smoking and vaping rates continue to decline. Nevertheless, the UK government is taking a closer look at disposables and there are some who would like to see them banned altogether. So, familiarising yourself with refillable vapes could come in handy in the future.

How Do I Use A Refillable Vape Kit?

You'll be pleased to know, it's actually not that complicated. All refillable vape kits will have a secure plug or a lid that you can open to refill, which is why it's sometimes called an 'open system'. Then, all you have to do is fill it with the e-liquid of your choice. Simple! E-liquid bottles even come with a nozzle, to make topping up quick, clean and easy. Check out our guide on e-liquids if you want to know more!

In Conclusion

Hopefully, we've given you things to think about. Our advice? Try and pick the vape kit you think will work best for you. If you feel that you need to use disposables until you're ready to transition, we support you. If you're ready to level up, well, we support that too! For more guidance on picking the right kit, contact our customer service team directly or check out our vape guides.

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