Vape pod kits are simple and convenient vape devices that make it easier than ever to transition away from tobacco smoking. All the major vape manufacturers have stepped up production of pod devices to meet the growing demand, but what precisely are pod kits?
Here at MIST, we have years of experience in all vape varieties and get the chance to put almost every pod vape kit through its paces upon release. Today, we’d like to use our experience to better inform you and to answer every beginner vaper’s question, “what are vape pod kits?”
What Are Vape Pod Kits?
Vape pod kits or e-cigarette pod kits are one of the most popular vape types to date. Instead of featuring replaceable batteries or glass and steel screw-in tanks seen in traditional vapes, they have an acrylic pod tank and internal battery.
It also has coils, but not the ones that require you to twist or loop a kanthal wire to the correct ohm and wick cotton. You can pick up a compatible pod replacement coil, which just requires you to prime it with e-liquid before installing (via push-to-fit) it into the mentioned acrylic pod tank. Coil type varies, but essentially, there are resistance options for DTL and MTL vaping.
Pod systems often include fewer features than traditional tank & battery vapes but offer a more streamlined vaping experience for a beginner vaper. Even advanced users have a backup pod kit or two because of how convenient and pocket-friendly these vape devices are.
What Are the Types of Pod Vapes?
In general, there are two types of popular pod vape kits – closed and open. Closed pod systems feature pre-filled vape pods (with built-in coils). On the other hand, open pod kits have vape pods that allow you to replenish the e-liquid.
- Closed Pod Vapes: Comes with prefilled vape pod that is also equipped with fixed/built-in coils. More convenient and fuss-free, but fewer vape juice flavour options and nicotine strengths.
- Open Pod Vapes: Uses refillable pods with a rubber hatch that allows you to add an e-liquid of your choice. Some have fixed/pre-fitted coils, which means you’ll have to replace the entire tank once the coil is used up. Others have interchangeable coils, so you can dispose of the old coil without throwing out the tank and try different coil ohms. Although it offers more options and freedom of use, there are more opportunities for mistakes (incorrect e-liquid thickness, purchasing the wrong replacement coils, etc). If you bought an MTL pod kit, nicotine salts (nic salts) are the preferred vape juice.
What Are the Parts of A Vape Pod Kit?
A vape pod kit consists of a vape pod mod and the pod tank itself. Keep in mind that pod kits generally have fewer components than traditional vape kits and, as such, are easier to maintain and use frequently without running into hardware issues.
- Vape Pod Mods: The battery casing you insert your pod into. Usually a rectangle or cylinder, sometimes featuring a display screen or airflow slider. Some pod mods have a firing button, whereas others rely on draw-activation to fire.
- Vape Pod/Pod Tank: This is the acrylic cartridge, AKA tank. You will come across these three tanks for pod kits:
- Pre-filled with vape juice and has a pre-installed, fixed (not removable) coil. Common for closed pod systems.
- Completely empty but with a rubber hatch and coil slot. Common for open pod vape kits or refillable pod kits.
- Completely empty but with a rubber hatch and pre-installed, fixed (not removable) coil. Common for open pod vape kits or refillable pod vape kits.
Note: In general, tanks and coils are not cross compatible between pod vape kits. Always check the specifications and description.
Which Vape Pod Device is the Best?
Many elements decide which are the best pod kits, as vaping is never a one-size-fits-all pursuit. If you’re interested in acquiring well-regarded pod vape kits, here are our top three choices. We have a separate best pod vapes guide if you want a more detailed review.
The Best Vape Pod Devices are:
- Vaporesso Luxe Q2
- OXVA Xlim SQ Pro
- Geekvape Sonder Q / ELFLIQ Bundle
Vaporesso Luxe Q2
Best for: Beginners
9.2/10
Total
Features We Love
First Puffs: Fool-proof kit for a first-time vaper
No Fuss Pods: Disposable pods which eschew awkward coil changes
Back In Action: Very fast 2A-rated 30-minute charge speed
If you’re new to all this vaping malarky – or know someone who is – the Vaporesso LUXE Q2 is the perfect starting point.
A fully refillable kit, the LUXE Q2 takes some standard vaping maintenance off your hands. The pods come with pre-installed mesh coils, so there’s no need to busy yourself with awkward coil changes. The pods are also entirely transparent, so you can instantly gauge your e-liquid levels.
New vapers won’t have to worry about learning wattage ranges either, as the LUXE Q2 automatically assigns the optimal power output for whichever coil you’ve inserted, freeing you from the frustrating technical aspects of vaping.
We’d call the LUXE Q2 idiot-proof, but that would be rude. Suffice it to say that it’s the perfect starter kit for anyone who wants to start vaping but is nervous about learning the ins and outs of modern nicotine delivery methods.
Pros
- Simple and elegant starter pod kit
- Optional draw-activation
- Super fast recharge speeds
Cons
- Colour units are slightly garish
- Nothing to interest the experienced vaper
Price
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£21.99
OXVA Xlim SQ Pro
Best for: Travel
9.2/10
Total
Features We Love
Tiny Titan: Compact and ergonomic travel build
Accessorise: Lanyard included to keep the device within reach
Up Top: The top-side pod port allows for clean refills on the move
Pod vape kits are always easier to travel with than traditional vapes, and the OXVA XLIM SQ Pro goes all in on portable convenience.
Built in a tight, thin square shape, the XLIM SQ Pro is small enough to fit into any pocket or purse, with rounded edges for total grip comfort. It only weighs 88g, much lighter than other pod vapes featured above, like the 124g LUXE XR Max and easier to take anywhere you go.
The XLIM SQ Pro even comes with a free lanyard, so you can wear it as a necklace and have it within quick reach at all times; it is perfect for when travelling while laden with luggage!
The 1200mAh battery will see you through any transit time, and a default Smart mode ensures you won’t accidentally fire at the wrong wattage while on the move.
Pros
- Highly compact and comfortable design
- It fits in any pocket and can be worn as a necklace
- Optional Smart mode prevents coil burns
Cons
- Extra menu themes are unnecessary
- No changeable coil option
Price
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£24.99
Geekvape Sonder Q / ELFLIQ Bundle
Best Disposable Vape Alternative
9.2/10
Total
Features We Love
Make The Switch: The easiest way to stop buying disposables
Easy Peasy: Beginner-friendly pod vape kit
Elf Excellence: Genuine Elf Bar e-liquid included
Closed pod kits like the aforementioned Lost Mary Tappo are a great stepping stone away from disposables. Still, if you want to leap straight into the land of refillable vaping value, the Geekvape Sonder Q Pod Kit / ELFLIQ Bundle is the best way to get started with a genuine vape kit.
The Sonder Q has a 1000mAh battery, outpacing kits like the Voopoo Doric Q while keeping the price nice and low. The included Q Cartridges can convey rich, pure flavour due to Geekvape’s new pod designs.
But fans of disposable vapes don’t have to worry about switching over to standard e-liquid, as this bundle comes with a 10ml bottle of ELFLIQ e-liquid, manufactured by Elf Bar themselves. It’s the same vape juice used in their disposable vapes, so you can continue enjoying the flavours you’ve come to love and rely on.
Pros
- It uses the same e-liquid used in Elf Bar Disposables
- Geekvape Sonder Q is easy for anyone to use
- Q Cartridges impart rich and clear flavour
Cons
- No wattage adjustment
- The bundle only features 20mg strength e-liquids
Price
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£11.99
Need More Advice
We hope this leaves you with a better understanding of what exactly pod kits are! If you think pod vape systems are what you need to quit smoking, then don’t hesitate to visit the MIST online store today for great deals on vape devices.
