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.
How Do Pod Vapes Work?
Pod vape kits work in the exact same way as traditional vape kits. The battery within the pod mod sends an electrical charge up into the coil, which is installed in the pod and surrounded by vape juice.
The coil begins to heat up immediately, which evaporates – or “atomizes” – the e-liquid soaked into the coil cotton. As this occurs, you can inhale the resulting vapour to enjoy both flavour and optional nicotine content without many of the downsides associated with cigarette smoking.
How Do You Use A Vape Pod Kit?
As we’ve mentioned before, pod vape kits are easy to use. Once you have the device charged up and added your vape juice of choice (provided that you’ve picked up a refillable pod kit), you can start vaping by either pressing the fire button or taking a huge puff (only for pod systems with inhale activation).
To give you more context, here is a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to use a refillable pod kit:
- Get the coil and prime it with your e-liquid of choice. Wait for at least 2-3 minutes.
- Install the coil into the empty reusable pod. Many reusable pods have a push-to-fit installation, so there’s no need to use any tool.
- Once the coil is in place, open the rubber hatch. Depending on the pod tank that you have, you can find the hatch on the bottom or the side of the pod tank.
- Pour the e-liquid into the refillable pod and wait for the e-liquid to soak into the coil for at least 10 minutes. On the next refill, you can start vaping from the already-moist coil immediately.
- Turn on your pod vape kit. Most pod kits have the fire button activation doubles as the power button as well. Press it five times and set the optimal wattage (if applicable)!
- Either press the firing button or – in the case of a draw-activated vape – simply begin puffing to start vaping. And that’s the whole process!
Note: If you bought a closed pod system (pod vapes with pre-filled pods), you can skip steps 1 to 4.
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:
- Voopoo Doric E
- Vaporesso Luxe Q2
- OXVA Xlim SQ Pro
Voopoo Doric E
Best Refillable Pod Vape
9.4/10
Total
Features We Love
No Fuss
Simple usability
ITO Choice
Choose between disposable pods and changeable coils
Pliant Pod Grip
Stylish and comfortable leather grip panel
There are a lot of criteria for what makes the best pod vape, and we believe Voopoo have brought them all together for the Doric E Pod Kit.
Many pod vapes sacrifice longevity for travel convenience, but you’ll likely get 72 hours of solid use from the Doric E’s 1500mAh battery. It’s smaller than the sub-ohm-focused LUXE XR Max or DRAG S2 vapes, but it’s still ample for an MTL vape kit.
It’s a very ‘pick up and puff’ kind of vape kit that anyone can use, with confusing menus eschewed in favour of a three-tiered power adjustment, navigated with the firing button of the kit.
And finally, you get plenty of options when it comes to atomisers. The kit comes with an empty ITO Pod and an ITO-M meshed 0.7ohm coil but is also compatible with the disposable ITO Replacement Cartridges, which feature pre-installed coils.
All these facets come together to deliver the best refillable pod vape in the UK, providing you with simple usability, great flavour and total convenience.
Pros
- All-day battery capacity
- Single-button power adjustment
- Pod and coil options
Cons
- No display screen
- No DTL functionality
Price
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£22.99
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
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.
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