Choosing your first vape kit can feel like you’ve been dropped in the middle of a tech convention. You’re surrounded by strange-looking devices, confusing jargon, and a mountain of options. All you want is something that works, without needing an engineering degree to figure it out.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to cut through all that noise. We’ll show you exactly how to choose a vape that fits your life, explain the different vape types in plain English, and help you feel confident about your first purchase.
TLDR
- For new vapers, a prefilled vape or a refillable pod system is your new best friend. They offer the perfect balance of simplicity and performance.
- The main choice is between a super-simple pod kit or a slightly more powerful pod mod.
- Start with a simple device, find a few flavours you love, and you can always upgrade later if you feel the need to.
- Most beginners find that pod systems offer the best balance of ease and performance
Your 3-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Vape
Picking your first vape is easier than you think. Just focus on these three steps.
- Choose a Vape Type: Decide if you want the ultimate simplicity of a pod system or the longer battery life of a slightly larger pod mod.
- Match Your Habits: Think about your daily routine. Do you need a tiny device for portability, or is a bigger battery more important for heavier use?
- Pick a Simple Kit: The easiest way to begin is with a pod vape kit with simple features.
Step 1. Choose a Vape Type
Before you buy a vape, it helps to know what’s actually on the shelf. Here is a quick comparison of the various vape types available online and in stores. Keep in mind that disposables are already banned in the United Kingdom!
| Device Type | Best For | Ease of Use (1-5) | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refillable Pod Systems | New vapers who want to use and try different e-liquids | 4.5/5 | £10-£50 + pods or coils/liquid |
| Prefilled Pod Systems | New vapers who don’t want to deal with e-liquid refills | 5/5 | £6-£20 + prefilled pods |
| Vape Mod Kits | Experienced users only | 1/5 | £40-£150+ |
- Refillable Pod Systems are the ultimate grab-and-go devices. They have a simple two-part design (a mod and a pop-in pod) and are incredibly easy to refill and use. Some refillable pod vapes have a built-in coil (meaning you will replace the entire pod eventually), while others have removable coils. Between the two pod options, a replaceable coil is more cost-efficient.
- Prefilled Pod Systems take the simplicity and convenience of refillable pod kits to the next level by using prefilled pods instead of refillable ones.
- Vape Mod Kits are the big, powerful vape devices with external batteries, 510 vape tanks, and a host of customisability options, such as temperature control. And, yes, you will have to build your own coils.
Step 2. Match the Device to Your Habits
Now that you know the types, it’s time to think about you. Asking yourself a few quick questions will help you narrow down the perfect kit.
1. How much faff are you willing to put up with? (Ease of Use) Are you looking for zero maintenance? A simple prefilled pod system where you just replace a brand-new prefilled pod and recharge the device is perfect. If you’re okay with one extra step, a refillable pod vape, where you change a small coil or pod, charge, and refill, is also a great and easy option.
2. Where will you be using your vape? (Portability & Size) If you need something to slip into your pocket for use throughout the day, a compact prefilled or refillable pod system is your best bet.
3. How often do you want to be charging? (Battery Life) A battery’s capacity is measured in mAh—a bigger number means more time between charges. If you’re a light user, a 350-500mAh battery will be fine. If you think you’ll be using it a lot, look for something with 800mAh or more to get you through the day.
4. What’s your budget? (Cost) A good refillable pod kit will cost between £10 and £40. The ongoing cost will be for e-liquid and replacement pods or coils, which usually work out to be great long-term value.
Step 3: Pick a Kit
You’ve done your research, and now it’s time to get your gear!
IF you want a prefilled pod vape, here is our recommendation:
Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit
Elf Bar’s prefilled version of their popular disposable vape
Why We Recommend It
Tastiest prefilled e-liquid we’ve tried
Affordable
Rechargeable battery
Price: £5.99
IF you want a refillable pod vape, you should get this:
Voopoo Argus G3 Mini
Ultra compact device with maximum flavour output
Why We Recommend It
No buttons to deal with
Incredibly lightweight (40.85g)
1350mAh battery capacity with fast charging
Price: £15.95
Don’t Forget the Juice! A Quick Guide to Your First E-Liquid
Your vape kit is the car, but the e-liquid is the fuel! Here’s a quick guide to picking your first bottle:
- Nicotine Strength: Match this to your old smoking habits. Former heavy smokers often feel comfortable with 10-20mg, while lighter smokers might prefer 3-6mg.
- Nicotine Type:
- Nicotine Salts are perfect for pod systems, giving you a smooth throat hit even at higher strengths.
- Freebase Nicotine is the traditional choice, best for lower strengths.
- Flavour Profile: Start with something you know you’ll like! Common starting points are fruit, dessert, menthol, or a familiar tobacco flavour.
The Main Takeaway
You now understand how to choose a vape that fits your needs. The key takeaway? Start simple. A pod system provides the best entry point for most new users.
Remember, finding the right device and flavour makes switching successful. Don’t stress about getting everything perfect immediately. Many vapers try several devices before finding their ideal setup.
Now you know how to choose a vape, you’re ready to find your perfect starter kit. Visit a reputable vape shop where staff can answer questions and let you handle different devices before purchasing.