The UK ban on disposable vapes has left many people wondering what’s next. For some, disposables were the easiest way to make the switch from smoking, offering convenience without much thought. But now, with disposables off the shelves, vapers are exploring refillable devices, pod kits, and bottled e-liquids.
The good news? Moving away from disposables isn’t just better for the environment – it’s also much kinder to your wallet. With a little know-how, keeping vaping affordable is simple. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you get started.
Life After Disposables – Why Reusable Vaping Makes Sense
Disposables were easy to grab and use, but they came at a cost – both financially and environmentally. Buying them week after week quickly added up.
Refillable vape kits, on the other hand, are designed for long-term use. Once you’ve bought the device, all you need are coils or pods and your favourite nicotine salt e-liquid. Not only does this save money, but it also gives you more choice in flavours, nicotine strengths, and vaping style.
Choosing the Right Starter Kit
If you’re new to vaping or moving on from disposables, a pod kit is the best place to start. These compact, user-friendly devices mimic the smooth Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) draw of a cigarette or disposable, making the transition feel familiar.
When choosing a kit, look for:
- Refillable pods or prefilled pod options
- Long-lasting battery life
- Easy charging (most use USB-C)
- Simple coil replacement
Pod kits are designed with convenience in mind, but they’re much cheaper to maintain than constantly buying disposables.
Prefilled Pods vs. Refillable Pods & Bottled E-Liquid
Once you’ve chosen your kit, you’ll need to decide between prefilled pods and refillable pods.
- Prefilled pods: Mess-free and straightforward – just click in and vape. While they’re more affordable than disposables, they’re not always the cheapest option if you vape often.
- Refillable pods with bottled e-liquid: The most budget-friendly choice. A single 10ml bottle of nicotine salt e-liquid can last several days, costing much less than buying the equivalent in disposables or prefilled pods.
If you’re looking for the best balance of convenience and cost, refillable pods with bottled e-liquid are the clear winner.
Buying E-Liquids the Smart Way
Nicotine salt E-liquids are ideal for anyone used to the smooth, satisfying hit of disposables. They absorb into the body faster than freebase nicotine, meaning you’ll feel satisfied with fewer puffs – which makes your liquid last longer.
To save even more:
- Buy in multipacks or take advantage of mix-and-match deals.
- Explore shortfill bottles if you vape more frequently, as they offer more liquid per pound.
- Stick with trusted brands to avoid wasting money on poor-quality juice.
Maintain Your Device to Avoid Extra Costs
Looking after your vape kit is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down. A little care goes a long way when it comes to coils, pods, and batteries. For example, always make sure to prime your coils before you use them. This simply means adding a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton and letting it soak before you start vaping. It helps prevent that burnt taste and extends the coil’s lifespan, saving you from replacing them too often.
It’s also important to keep your pod topped up and avoid chain vaping. Running your coil dry even once can damage it, leading to wasted money on replacements. Similarly, regular cleaning can help prevent leaks and sticky build-up, ensuring your pod or tank works properly for longer.
Don’t forget about the battery either. While most vape kits are built to last, overcharging or letting the battery completely drain repeatedly can reduce its overall life. By charging it properly and treating it with care, you’ll avoid the cost of replacing your device sooner than necessary.
Finding the Best Deals
Prices vary between online vape stores and local shops, so it’s worth shopping around. Online retailers often run bundle deals, clearance sales, and loyalty schemes, while subscriptions can save you money if you know what you’ll use each month.
Buying in bulk not only saves cash but also ensures you won’t run out of pods or liquid when you need them most.
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Finding the right nicotine level is key to both satisfaction and savings. Too low, and you might vape more than you need; too high, and it might feel too harsh.
Most ex-disposable users are comfortable with 20mg nicotine salt e-liquids, but there are lower strengths available if you prefer a gentler hit. The right balance will help you vape less frequently, making your e-liquid last longer.
Long-Term Savings: Vaping vs. Smoking
Even without disposables, vaping remains far more cost-effective than smoking. The average smoker spends hundreds of pounds per month on cigarettes, while a refillable pod kit paired with nicotine salt e-liquids is just a fraction of the cost.
By switching, you’ll not only save money but also gain more freedom to personalise your vaping experience.
Final Thoughts
With disposables banned in the UK, now is the perfect time to explore refillable pod kits and nicotine salt e-liquids. They’re better for the environment, more customisable, and – most importantly – far more affordable in the long run.
Switching might feel like a change at first, but once you find the right kit and flavour, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the move sooner.
Ready to make vaping more affordable? Explore Pod Salt’s range of nicotine salt e-liquids and starter kits designed to help you make the switch with ease.
