Did you know there’s more to the vaping world than just disposables? Here Vaping 101 breaks down the pros and cons of both disposable and refillable vapes.
Not Just Disposables, Refillable Vapes Exist Too!
It’s no secret that vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes in recent times, and disposable vapes in particular have become a common choice. But did you know that refillables exist too? Many people are often surprised to find out just how technical vaping can get, and with so much choice out there it really can be tough to narrow it down.
Both disposables and refillables are not without their pros and cons and it’s important to know which type of vape is best suited for you.
What is a disposable vape?
A disposable vape is a type of vaping device that is designed to be used until the battery and e-liquid are used up and then thrown away. Unlike refillable vaping devices, disposable vapes come pre-filled with e-liquid and do not require any assembly or maintenance. All you need to do is remove the device from its packaging and take a puff. Once the e-liquid is gone, the device is intended to be disposed of (hence the name). Disposable devices are convenient and easy to use, making them a popular choice for both new and experienced vapers who just want a quick, on-the-go device.
Pros of disposable vapes
No maintenance required: A huge reason for the rise in popularity of these types of vapes is that they’re very low maintenance. Disposables come pre-filled with e-liquid and have an in-built battery, meaning they’re ready to vape straight out of the box. This is perfect for those who just want a quick, convenient vape when they’re on the go.
Affordability: Disposables are by far one of the cheapest and most affordable ways to vape, with the ever popular Elf Bar 600 priced at just £4.25 and slightly more expensive options such as Geek Bar being priced at just £4.79. This is great if you’re not someone who vapes frequently.
Convenient: Disposable vapes are also very convenient and portable. They fit easily into your pocket or purse, so you can take them with you wherever you go. For example, the Lost Mary BM600 has been praised for its extremely pocket-size design which disappears into the palm of your hand.
Simple to use: There is no easier way to vape out there than a disposable. Ready to use right out of the box, there’s no need to concern yourself with coils, tanks, or picking the right vape juice – simply remove the plastic off the top and bottom of the device, purse your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale.
Cons of disposable vapes
Environmental impact: Because they’re designed to be thrown away after a few uses, disposable vapes are not the most eco-friendly choice available. If you’re looking for a vaping option that won’t create as much waste, you might want to consider one of the reusable alternatives.
Expensive in the long-run: Disposable vapes may seem like a good deal when you first purchase them. After all, they’re often cheaper than buying a pack of cigarettes. However, over time, the cost of disposable vapes can really add up. If you vape on a daily basis, you’ll soon find yourself spending quite a bit of money on disposable vapes each month.
Lack of flavours: Vaping with disposables can be limiting when it comes to the number of different flavours to choose from. Whilst there may seem like an abundance, it is simply nothing compared to the immense variety of different e-liquids available.
Fixed nicotine strength: Because these vapes come pre-filled with e-juice, it also means they come with a fixed amount of nicotine. Most disposables come in 20mg, which is great for those who have just quit smoking and would consume a lot of cigarettes per day. However, this can be quite strong if you’re more of a casual smoker. Whilst there are less strong vapes out there, they’re sometimes harder to come by.
What is a refillable vape?
A refillable vape is one that is not designed for single-use. Instead, these vape devices are intended to be reused by refilling either the tanks or pods. This gives users more control over different e-liquids, the flavours, nicotine strength, and vaping style. These are also called rechargeables as they are the two main qualities that differentiate them from disposable vape devices.
Pros of refillable vapes
More cost-effective: Whilst the initial upfront cost purchasing a reusable vape is more than a disposable, it is significantly cheaper in the long run. After the initial purchase, the only items that need to be purchased are coils or pods and e-liquid which you will purchase a lot less frequently than disposables. Long term, it’s a much cheaper option.
On average, smokers spend an estimated £4,827 per year on cigarettes. For those who get through two disposable vapes a week, it will cost around £500 per year. Whilst this is significantly cheaper than cigarettes, buying a reusable device and nicotine salts or shortfills is cheaper still.
Better Quality: As we just mentioned, the upfront cost is a bit more than a disposable vape, but as well as saving yourself money in the long run you’re also investing in a much higher quality e-cigarette. These devices are built to last, with many of the bigger mods such as the Geekvape Aegis Legend 2 being designed with shockproof, waterproof and dustproof technology.
Eco-friendly: There’s no competition when it comes to which option is more eco-friendly. Unlike disposables, refillable vapes are intended to be used over and over again. If you’re using a pod kit it will require you to swap out the pods eventually once the coil is burnt out, however a pack of three can last an average vaper up to three weeks. That means far less plastic goes to landfill!
More choice: There’s much more choice with refillable vapes, from the amount of nicotine, e-liquid flavours and coils that can be used. For example, with disposables, you are stuck with a fixed amount of nicotine, whereas with refillable vape devices you have the choice to experiment with a range of e-liquids with varying nicotine levels.
Create a tailored vaping experience: Refillable vape kits come with a variety of different features to help create a more tailor vaping experience from adjustable airflows, temperature control modes and much more. Not only that, but there are refillable devices designed for mouth-to-lung or sub-ohm vaping allowing vapers to choose a style that they prefer.
Cons of refillable vapes
Require maintenance: Refillable e-cigarettes require a lot more maintenance than a disposable, from knowing how to prime a coil, ensuring you remember to refill your tank to changing the batteries before they die.
Need recharging: Rechargeable vapes are great, until you forget to recharge them. This can be a real nuisance when you’re out and about and go to inhale your favourite e-liquid only to be met with nothing.
Conclusion
Both types of vapes have their own individual advantages and disadvantages, and what it really comes down to is what the user is looking to get out of their device. For long-term vapers, a rechargeable device is the way to go as it will not only save you money in the long term but provide you with a much better vaping experience. For the more casual vapers, there’s no problem dipping into the world of disposables every now and then.
For unbeatable prices on your new vape, check out Vaping 101’s online store and explore all the hundreds of vape products including disposables, vape kits and much more!
