Ultimate Guide to Pod Kits
Our ultimate guide to pod kits details everything new vapers need to know to get started with their pod system, from types to features and more.
Pod vape kits hit the scene a few years ago, offering a beginner-friendly option for new vapers who were put off from making the switch to vaping by those bulky, complicated mod devices used by more advanced vapers.
Thanks to innovations in vaping technology, pod kits have made it easier than ever for transitioning smokers to make the switch to vaping thanks to their low-cost, low-effort, low-maintenance design.
Our guide to pod vapes covers everything you’ll need to know to help you make an informed choice, from the different types to the various features available. Let’s dive in!
What is a Pod Kit?
A pod kit is pocket-friendly, low-maintenance vape kit that has a built-in battery and a leak-resistant plastic pod in lieu of a glass tank. Most pod vape kits are easily portable, taking up no more space than a packet of cigarettes, and are very simple to clean and maintain. Their design makes them the ideal choice for new vapers looking to switch to vaping.
Many pod kits offer inhale activation (also called a manual draw or auto draw feature), where the device can sense airflow and will fire up when you inhale from the mouthpiece. This means no fiddly buttons—just inhale to vape. Some pod vapes even offer adjustable airflow via a toggle or switch, allowing you to tailor your draw tighter or looser to suit your preferences.
What Comes With a Pod Kit?
A pod kit typically comes with a device (which is usually pre-charged out of the box), a single pod (sometimes two), and a user manual. If the pod system utilises replaceable coils, one will come with the device.
It’s important to note that some cheap vape kits don’t come with a charging cable, so if you don’t have a USB Type-C charging cable handy, you’ll have to purchase one separately.
You’ll also have to purchase E-Liquids separately for use in your device, but ensure that you’re buying the correct type of E-Liquid for your pod kit. You can learn more about which type of E-Liquid to buy in our beginner’s guide to vape juice.
Types of Pod Vape Kits
When choosing your next pod kit, you’ll want to take into account the different types and features. Do you want a refillable pod, or one that comes pre-filled? Are you a new vaper looking to vape Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), or an experienced vaper looking for a new sub-ohm pod mod?
Let’s explore your options.
Open Pod Systems
An open system or refillable pod kit utilises refillable vape pods, which you can fill and refill with your favourite vape juice. Open pod kits come with an empty pod, and you’ll have to purchase E-Liquids separately.
An open pod kit is an excellent option for vapers looking to save money, especially those who are transitioning from smoking or who normally use disposable vapes. You’ll save a lot of money using an open system pod vape, and it’s also much better for the planet compared to disposables.
We break down how much you can save in our article on the best alternatives to disposable vapes.
Closed Pod Systems
Prefilled pod kits use pre-filled pods, so they’re a great option for vapers who don’t want to have to mess around with refills. The pods come filled with nic salt E-Liquid, and the only real maintenance they’ll require is the occasional recharge—though the devices don’t always come with a pod.
Closed pod kits are a good step-up from disposable vapes, since you don’t have to discard an entire battery once the vape juice runs out. Instead, when the vape pod is empty, discard it and replace it with a new one. It’s that easy!
Closed pod kits are ideal for new vapers, and they’re also great for those who struggle with the intricacies of vape kits. They’re also an excellent choice for vapers with dexterity issues like arthritis who can’t easily access the fill port on standard vape pods.
MTL Pod Kits
A majority of pod vapes available today are designed for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping. These pod kits can be used with high-dose nicotine vape juice, like nic salt E-Liquid, which offers a quick nicotine fix and a stronger throat hit than traditional E-Liquids would.
For this reason, an MTL pod vape kit is the go-to choice for a heavier smoker looking to replace their smoking habits with a high nicotine strength vape juice.
Pod kits can also be used with other high-PG (propylene glycol) juices, like freebase 50/50 E-Liquids, which come in a wider variety of nicotine strengths, including lower options that you can’t get in a nicotine salt.
Sub-Ohm & Advanced Pod Kits
Sub-ohm pod systems are designed for advanced vapers employing a DTL vaping style and typically have larger batteries to deliver more power per puff. These “pod mods” use sub-ohm vape coils (either built-in or replaceable) and are designed for use with high-VG (vegetable glycerine) E-Liquid, like shortfills.
A sub-ohm pod mod can be simple or complex, with some models offering everything from adjustable wattage and various coil resistances while others only have a simple single-button design.
Regardless, they all utilise sub-ohm coils and require a DTL vaping style. And as far as E-Liquid use is concerned, sub-ohm pod kits will typically use more than your standard MTL kit would due to the higher ohm coil.
If you’re unsure what vaping style you fall under, check out our guide to MTL & DTL vaping for a more detailed explanation.
Types of Vape Pods
There are two major factors to consider when buying vape pods for your pod kit: refillable vs. prefilled pods, and built-in vs. replaceable vape coils.
Most pod vape kits will only be compatible with one type of pod or a small range of pods, so ensure you know what you want before purchasing a pod vape.
The choice for each factor will come down to how much maintenance you’re willing to perform.
Refillable vs. Prefilled Pods
How do you feel about refilling? Would you prefer ease-of-use and lack of maintenance over the thousands of flavour options on the E-Liquid market?
Refillable Pods
Refillable or open pods are used in refillable pod kits, allowing you to fill and refill the pod with an E-Liquid of your choosing. These are the cheaper choice, and they open a whole world of E-Liquid options, but they require you to keep track of how much E-Liquid you have left. In addition, you’ll have to refill the pod every so often.
Prefilled Pods
Closed pods, also known as prefilled vape pods, come already filled with nicotine salt E-Liquid, so you’ll never have to buy E-Liquid or remember to refill. They’re only compatible with specific closed pod kits, and you’ll have a more limited range of flavour options depending on which vape kit you choose. They’re also more expensive overall.
Built-In vs. Replaceable Coils
How do you feel about replacing coils? Would you sacrifice a longer coil lifespan in exchange for easier maintenance?
Built-In Coils
Pods with built-in coils are an absolute breeze. With these, the coil inside the pod is integrated, meaning it cannot be removed. Instead of changing the coil, when the vape starts to taste burnt or begins losing its flavour, simply discard the whole pod and replace it with a new one.
Built-in coils make maintenance incredibly simple, since all you’ll need is a new pod when the old one burns out. They’re not as eco-friendly, since you’ll have to throw away the plastic, but they’re easier to use for new vapers.
The main downside to these pods is that their coils don’t last as long. Vape pods with built-in coils tend to last about a week before they need to be replaced.
Replaceable Coils
If you’re down to replace coils, you should opt for a pod vape with changeable coils. They’re better for the planet, since you’re not throwing away plastic every time you need a coil change, and they also tend to last a bit longer than their built-in counterpart.
With this type of coil, once the vape starts to taste burnt or begins losing its flavour, you’ll need to remove the coil and replace it with a new one. Most pod vapes use press-fit coils, which are really easy to install—simply slide the new coil into place until it’s fitted.
Changeable coils will last you about 1 to 2 weeks before they need to be replaced, though time isn’t a great measurement when it comes to lifespan. Check out our coil life guide to learn more.
Benefits of Pod Kits
Pod vape kits have many benefits and are a great entry point for new vapers, recent ex-smokers, and those looking to switch over from disposable vapes. They’re easy to use, require less cleaning and upkeep than older vape kits do, and they’ll save you loads of money in the long run—all before you even start considering the flavour options.
Beginner-Friendly
Vape pod kits are about as easy as it gets if you’re not into disposable vapes. They’re perfect starter vape kits for newbies switching from smoking to vaping, with very few parts and settings. It doesn’t require a lot of know-how to use a vape pod—just a charging cable, some E-Liquid, and a desire to quit smoking.
Less Maintenance
Older vape kit models had a ton of breakable, removable parts and required loads of upkeep, but vape pods are so easy to use. All you’ll need to do to clean it is give it a quick wipe with some tissue once a week to remove any E-Liquid condensation.
To maintain the device, you’ll only need to replace your coil or pod every so often. If the pod has built-in coils, each one should last about a week. For changeable coils, these should last one to two weeks.
Cost-Effective
After the initial cost of the device—which can be as little as £10 for refillable kits or £7 for prefilled kits—you’ll only need to buy pods or coils, plus whatever E-Liquids you’re using.
A vape pod kit can save you thousands of pounds a year compared to smoking, and if you’re switching from disposables, you’ll save nearly a thousand a year as well.
E-Liquid Options
There are literal tens of thousands of E-Liquid flavours on the market, from nicotine salt E-Liquids to shortfills and more. Whether you’re after a sweet berry blend or an earthy tobacco flavour or even a rich, decadent pastry vape, there’s an E-Liquid for you.
There’s enough choice on the market to keep you occupied for decades. And with a pod kit, you can use any compatible E-Liquid you fancy. So, what are you waiting for?
Summary
Hopefully, our beginners guide to pod kits will help make your vaping journey nice and smooth. Whether you want to try that new nicotine salt range or your disposable vape habit has your wallet feeling light, there’s a pod kit out there to suit your needs, budget, and experience level.
If you’re stuck on what to buy or you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to us via phone, email, or live chat. Our expert team of vapers is on standby to help guide you and answer any questions you may have.
