When you think of a vape, odds are you’re picturing a vape pen — maybe you’ve seen one at a party, in someone’s car, or even sitting on your friend’s kitchen counter. They’re slim, discreet, and wildly popular — but what is a vape pen, really?
Whether you’re just curious, thinking about trying one, or trying to understand what your friends are using, this guide will walk you through the basics, including its components and the different types you’ll encounter.
TLDR
- A vape pen is a portable, battery-powered device that heats a liquid (e-liquid) into a vapour for inhalation
- It has three core parts: a mod which holds the battery power, a tank/pod to hold the liquid, and coil
- The main types are prefilled vape pens and refillable vape pens
What is a Vape Pen?
A vape pen is a type of vape that has a smaller, slim footprint (it’s designed to fit snugly in the hand with minimal discomfort) compared to more advanced kits like vape mod kits.
So, what does a vape pen look like? Well, they can have a cylindrical shape or a flat, rectangular design. Their main appeal is that they are super easy to use, discreet enough to carry around, and offer a fantastic vaping experience without needing a degree in engineering to operate.
Most pen-style vape kits are geared towards MTL vaping. However, don’t be surprised that you’ll come across pen kits that can also offer a DTL vaping experience; many vape brands have integrated DTL capabilities (like the use of sub-ohm coils) to appeal to both types of vapers.
What Is in a Vape Pen?
Pen vapes consist of three elements:
• Appearance: Most look like a thick pen or small cylinder. They typically consist of a battery section and a top tank/mouthpiece section.
• Battery: The main body of the pen provides power. Most are rechargeable via USB and have a single button to activate. Some newer models are “draw-activated” – you just inhale to turn them on.
• Tank / Pod: A small, often transparent chamber that holds the e-liquid. This is where you refill the device or attach a pre-filled cartridge. Inside the pod is the coil, which is a small heating element that gets hot and vaporises the liquid that soaks into it.
How Do Vape Pens Work?
Vape pens work by sending an electrical charge up from the battery and into the coil in the tank or pod. The heating element in the coil atomizes the e-liquid, which has been soaked into the wicks, and you inhale the vaporised e-liquid.
Some pens will have firing buttons that begin the vaping process, whereas others are built with draw-activation, detecting airflow and beginning the vapourisation the moment you begin to inhale.
What Are Vape Pens For?
Vape pens are used by people who want to:
- Stop smoking cigarettes. Many people use vape pens instead of smoking because they don’t burn tobacco.
- Get nicotine in a different way. Vape pens use a liquid (called e-liquid) that can contain nicotine.
- Enjoy flavours. If you get a refillable vape pen, there are thousands of flavours to choose from — like fruit, mint, or dessert.
- Use other substances. Vape pens can also be used for CBD vape juice.
What Are the Different Types of Vape Pens?
When you’re looking at vape pens, most of them fall into two main types:
Refillable Vape Pens
These have a rechargeable battery and a tank or pod that you fill yourself with bottled e-liquid.
- You can choose your own flavours and nicotine strength.
- They’re cost-effective in the long run.
- Great if you want more control and flexibility.
Prefilled Vape Pens
These come with pods or cartridges that are already filled with e-liquid.
- Just pop in the prefilled pod and vape — no refilling needed.
- Super convenient and easy to use.
- Great for beginners or anyone who wants a simple experience.
Refillable vs. Prefilled Vape Pens: What Are the Key Differences?
Choosing the right vape pen comes down to what matters most to you — simplicity, cost, flavour options, or maintenance. Here’s how refillable and prefilled vape pens compare:
Ease of Use
- Prefilled pods are the easiest: just insert the prefilled pod and start vaping.
- Refillable pens take a bit more work. You’ll need to fill the tank yourself and occasionally change the coil or pod
Cost
- Refillable pens cost more upfront, but using bottled e-liquid makes them the cheapest long-term option.
- Prefilled pods are convenient but usually more expensive per use, since you’re replacing the entire pod each time.
Flavour Options
- Refillable pens offer the most choice. You can use any bottled e-liquid in any flavour or nicotine strength (of course, you should consider the PG/VG ratio).
- Prefilled pods come in a limited selection, depending on the brand, but still cover popular flavours.
| Feature | Refillable Vape Pens | Prefilled Pod Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Requires filling e-liquid and changing coils | Just pop in thge prefilled pod — no refilling needed |
| Upfront Cost | Higher (£10–40 for a kit) | Lower (device is cheaper, but pods cost more) |
| Ongoing Cost | Cheapest in the long run with bottled e-liquid | More expensive over time due to pod replacements |
| Flavour Options | Unlimited | Limited to brand’s flavour range |
| Nicotine Strength | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | Limited to available pod strengths |
| Maintenance | Needs occasional coil changes and cleaning | Minimal — just replace the pod |
| Best For | People who want control and variety | People who want something simple and convenient |
FAQ
How Much Does a Typical Vape Pen Cost?
An MTL vaping pen can cost as little as £6.99 and still provide a satisfying experience! Vape pens vary in price, and it’s usually dependent on the features, build quality, and whether the vape pen in question has a longer battery life.
A vape pen MTL kit that costs less than £10 will likely have extremely basic use functions and no additional modes or features, whereas a £30 advanced vape kit will likely have a long-lasting battery power, display screen, and adjustable functions.
When looking for vape pens with a budget in mind, avoid asking, “Which is the more advanced vape kit?” and instead focus on the features that you feel will keep you away from cigarettes.
Is a Vape Pen Good for Beginners?
Vape pens are ideal for beginners as they suit casual, easy use. There’s often no need to concern yourself with settings, modes, and digital display specs, the kinds of things you’d find on a more advanced battery & tank vape kit.
The thin builds of vape pens also serve to provide a familiar hand feeling to smokers who are still craving aspects of cigarette smoking.
Is a Vape Pen Rechargeable?
Vape pens will always have charging ports on them, usually for Type-C USB cables, the same variety used by most brand electronics. Some advanced kits with ‘passthrough’ tech allow you to vape while they charge, whereas some others require you to unplug the cable to allow for vaping.
Ensure you check the contents of any pen-style vape kit you’re considering; some of the more affordable pens do not come with a cable included.
Need More Advice
You’re now an expert on vape pens! You know they’re simple devices that use a battery, a tank, and a coil to turn e-liquid into delicious vapour.
For any beginner, both a classic refillable pen vape and a prefilled vape pen are fantastic starting points. The choice really comes down to your personal preference for style and convenience.
