If you have made the decision to switch from smoking to vaping, you have come to the right place. At Vapeliquids.co.uk, we carry a huge selection of vape kits, but the vast quantity of products on offer can be daunting at first, leaving you scratching your head and asking yourself questions like “what vape kit should I buy?” and “what vape kit should I choose?”.
In this guide we will run through what to consider when choosing a new vape kit, making the transition from cigarettes to vapes as easy as possible to kickstart your quit smoking journey.
What Features You Should be Looking for on Your New Vape Device:
- Easy to use e-cigarette kit
- Long-lasting battery
- Sufficient power output
- Portable and suitable for on-the-go use
- Compatible with your favourite e-liquid
- Type-C charging with less downtime
- Auto-draw activation by puffing on the mouthpiece
- Well made with durable materials
- Made by a trusted manufacturer where safety is paramount
- Purchased from a respectable vape store to guarantee its authenticity
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your First E-Cigarette Kit:
- How much are you willing to spend on your first vape kit?
- Have you tried using vapes before?
- What do you want your vape to look like? (Pod, Pen, Box Mod)
- Will you be vaping on the go? Live an active lifestyle and want a vaping kits that’s lightweight and compact?
- How much do you smoke? Do you need a larger battery vape kit?
- Are you looking for a beginner friendly starter vape, or something with additional customisable features?
- What are your friends and family using? Are they happy with their vaping devices?
- Have you tried disposable vapes and want to achieve the same flavour and vapour texture?
What are the Different Types of Vape Kits?
With the evolution of vaping and its growing acceptance as a smoking alternative, technology has progressed rapidly, offering a wide choice of e-cigarette options for all types of vapers.
Join us as we explore the vape kits on offer with the hope that we can make selecting your first vape kit an easy task.
- Starter kits
- Pod system vape kits
- Vape pen kits
- Box mod vape kits
- Big puff vape kits
What is a Vape Starter Kit?
A vape starter kit includes all the essentials you need to start vaping right away. These kits are selected with easy-to-use features, offering hassle-free options, ideal for those beginning their vaping journey.
Starter vape kits are inexpensive to purchase, with many available costing £20 or less and come supplied with a free e-liquid and a Type-C charging cable so you can recharge your battery and refill the device with e-liquid as you wish.
To ensure a smooth transition from smoking to vaping, e-cigarette starter kits are uncomplicated and offer limited customisation features, offering a perfect choice when considering a new vape kit.
Should I Choose a Vape Starter Kit for My First Vape?
Yes. Vape starter kits are always the best choice if you’re new to vaping and want an easy-to-use device with limited features and functionality. They are low-cost and come supplied with everything you need to vape immediately.
- Pros: Compact, portable, compatible with most e-liquid styles, easy to use, low upfront cost, coil resistance options, adjustable airflow, rechargeable battery, low waste, compatible with nic salts and freebase e-liquids
- Cons: Requires some vaping knowledge
What is a Refillable Pod System Vape Kit?
Refillable pod system vape kits are compact, lightweight, relatively low maintenance and easy-to-use vape devices that use a pod, instead of a tank to turn e-liquid into a vapour that can be inhaled. Pod systems are eco-friendly and cost effective nicotine delivery devices as unlike disposables, the parts can be reused over again.
The pods are made from a clear plastic material, providing a clear viewing window allowing you to see your e-liquid levels at a glance. The pods are either fixed-coil or replaceable coil, press-fitted to the top section of the device and manually filled with 2ml of e-liquid. Most modern pod system vape devices use a top-filling method, allowing you to easily fill the pod with juice and carry on with your day.
Many pod vapes feature a buttonless design, and are inhale-activated. When inhaling on the mouthpiece, a sensor is triggered to activate the battery which heats the coil, which heats the vape liquid, and turns it into an inhalable vapour.
Pod kits are in most cases much easier to use than other devices, they require less upkeep and maintenance. Pods with built-in atomiser coils are beneficial for first-time vapers, as when the coil gives off a burnt taste, just swap out your pod and replace it with a new one.
Pod vapes with removeable coil pods are also a great beginner option which requires slightly more knowledge, as when the coil needs replacing you need to remove the coil from the pod and replace it with a new coil. Removeable coil vape pods are the most cost-effective and most eco-friendly ways to vape as the actual pod can be refilled with e-liquid and used over again. With a large variety of coils available, you have more options to explore and find the best resistance atomiser for your individual vaping needs.
Some pod vape kits feature variable wattage which allows you to tailor the devices power output to achieve the ideal temperature, flavour and cloud production. To keep things simple, try opting for a pod kit with ‘Smart Mode’, this user-friendly feature will read the resistance of the coil and automatically adjust the wattage to the sweet spot (between the minimum and maximum wattage) for best performance.
These low-powered vape devices are perfect for beginners, as they are low cost, highly portable, beginner-friendly, and you can get started from an initial investment of only £9.99 offering an ideal alternative to disposable vapes.
Should I Choose a Refillable Pod System Vape Kit for My First Vape?
Yes. Refillable pod vape kits are the ideal choice for new and beginner vapers. You have the freedom to choose your preferred vape juice flavour and nicotine strength offering more control over your flavour preferences and nicotine intake.
Refillable vapes are much cheaper when compared to disposable vapes and prefilled vapes, instead of continuously replacing parts, you can refill with juice and carry on.
- Pros: Compact, portable, compatible with most e-liquid styles, large choice of devices, easy to use, inhale activation, low initial investment, low maintenance, rechargeable battery, replaceable pods, low waste, compatible with nic salts and freebase e-liquids
- Cons: Requires some vaping knowledge, some maintenance tasks required
What is a Pre-Filled Vape Kit?
A prefilled pod system vape kit uses pods that arrive already filled with vape juice, the pods contains a built-in coil that will heat the vape liquid until the juice runs out. These non-refillable disposable vape pods are an excellent introduction to vaping, removing steps that some new vapers may find complicated like refilling with e-liquid and replacing coils.
Prefilled vape kits don’t feature any buttons, they are activated by inhaling on the mouthpiece. By placing your lips on the mouthpiece and taking a draw (similar to how you would draw on a cigarette, but longer and slower), the battery will be activated to heat the coil, which heats the e-liquid and turns it into an aerosol that can be inhaled to help curb your nicotine cravings.
One drawback associated with prefilled vape pods is that the pods feature a unique shape and size, which will only work with that particular brand and model. If you run out of pods, they may be slightly more difficult to acquire, when compared to bottles of e-liquid which are more widely available. You are limited to flavours and the prefilled vape flavour pods are generally available in high nicotine strengths (20mg). If you prefer vaping lower nicotine strength e-liquids, prefilled vapes are probably best avoided.
Should I Choose a Pre-Filled Vape Kit for My First Vape?
Pre-filled kits are a great choice for new vapers as they require minimal technical knowledge and maintenance. That being said, refilling the device with e-liquid and replacing the occasional coil is quick and easy. By opting for a refillable vape as opposed to a pre-filled kit, you are presented with more freedom, more choice, less waste, and less expense.
Pre-filled kits have their place, for those who are extremely new to vaping with little to no knowledge, or those with dexterity issues.
- Pros: Convenient, compact, portable, easy to use, cheap to purchase, maintenance free, rechargeable battery, limited vaping knowledge required
- Cons: Quite wasteful, limited flavours and strengths, limited e-liquid styles, shorter shelf span, frequent battery charging, less durable
What is a Vape Pen?
Like all e-cigarettes, a vape pen is designed to heat e-liquid nicotine and turn it into a vapour to be inhaled. These vapes are slim, lightweight and will easily fit on your pocket or bag for use on the go. The features have been streamlined making them an ideal option for those new to vaping.
Pen vape kits resemble a long and thin pen shape (cylindrical tube), the tank sits on the top and the charging port is generally located at the base.
Vaporiser pens include a rechargeable battery, glass vape tank, and a vape coil. Designed with beginners in mind with a single button operation, pressing and holding the power button when inhaling on the mouthpiece will provide vapour by heating the coil element. Pressing the power button 5 times fast in quick succession will turn the battery off and on, to ensure the kit isn’t activated when stored in your pocket.
Refilling pen vape kits with e-liquid is an easy task, and can utilise a wide selection of vape liquids. The kit comes supplied with a USB charging cable to easily power the rechargeable built-in battery.
Vape pen kits are low-wattage devices which use high resistance coils to deliver discreet vapour production with a satisfying cigarette-like MTL draw.
All the parts of the vape tank can be removed for cleaning before replacing the coils. Regularly cleaning your tank and not letting your e-liquid levels run too low will prolong the life of your vape coils and save you money.
Vape pen kits offer an accessible entry point for newcomers, or a fuss-free alternative for seasoned vapers searching ease of use with minimalist design. They are generally inexpensive to purchase and you can pick up an excellent kit for between £9.99 and £19.99 which includes all the parts necessary to vape right away.
Should I Choose a Vape Pen Kit for My First Vape?
Yes. Vape pens are one of the most popular choices for first time vapers, as they’re small, slim and uncomplicated to use. If you are looking for cutting-edge vaping technology, you may be best selecting a pod system vape kit.
- Pros: Compact, portable, compatible with most e-liquid styles, easy to use, low initial investment, compatible with nic salts and freebase e-liquids
- Cons: Limited choice of devices, button-triggered activation, requires some vaping knowledge, some maintenance tasks required
What is a Vape Mod?
A vape mod or box mod is the bottom section of an advanced vape kit which houses the battery and other electrical components that offer you the ultimate control over the way you vape through various settings. Vape mods can be purchased on their own, or included in a kit.
Vape mods are generally intended for seasoned or advanced vapers, who are looking to level up their vaping game with more power thanks to the use of high-powered removeable batteries including 18650 and 21700, and in some cases dual-batteries for even more power. These kits offer huge power outputs up to 230W, which are used in association with low resistance coils for epic cloud production.
These devices are usually highly advanced with settings that allow you to fully customise your vaping experience from temperature control, variable wattage, variable voltage, safety features, etc.
Many advanced vape mods feature a colourful display screen that will provide vital vaping data including puff count, wattage selected, coils resistance, remaining battery, and loads more.
While these kits maybe something to look at later on your vaping journey, they’re probably not the best choice when choosing your first vape.
Should I Choose a Vape Mod for My First Vape?
Vape mods are enthusiast-grade devices intended for experienced vapers. They offer high power outputs, advanced features and while they feature safety protections like short circuit protection, low voltage protection and overcharge protection, they require prior knowledge for safe use.
Box mods are worth avoiding if you possess limited vaping experience. Try opting for a ultra-compact pod kit which is ideal for people looking to quit smoking and start vaping.
What is a Sub-Ohm Vape Kit?
A sub ohm vape kit is a type of vaping device for more experienced vapers, which supports DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping. The term ‘sub-ohm’ refers to vapes that use coils with a resistance below 1Ω, these coils require more power to heat thicker e-liquid.
DTL vape kits feature a sub-ohm tank which are compatible with high VG e-liquids (liquids with a greater ratio of vegetable glycerine to propylene glycol). VG heavy vape liquids will produce thicker, smoother and more intense flavours, but will require a specific inhaling technique. Instead of drawing vapour into your mouth then down into your lungs, draw the vapour from the e-cigarette directly into your lungs bypassing the mouth. The result is thick clouds of dense vapour.
These kits offer high power outputs, more customisation features and more control over the way you vape than all other vape kit options. Whilst these kits are popular amongst vape enthusiasts, they are not practical for vaping beginners and require extensive prior knowledge for safe use including a good knowledge of battery safety and Ohms law.
Should I Choose a Sub-Ohm Vape Kit for My First Vape?
No. Sub-ohm vaping requires a specific inhaling technique that new vapers may find foreign at first. You should select a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape kit for your first device as the inhale impersonates that of a tobacco cigarette for a seamless transition into the world of vaping.
- Pros: Large clouds of vapour, fully customisable experience, advanced features,
- Cons: Expert-level knowledge required, high e-liquid consumption, feels different to smoking, button-triggered activation, large and bulky devices, compatible with high VG e-liquids and shortfill e-liquids
Summing Up
Refillable pod kits are an excellent choice for new vapers transitioning from smoking. These devices are compatible with widely available bottles of e-liquid, offering flexibility in flavour and nicotine strength. Simple to use and often inhale-activated, they provide a seamless and intuitive vaping experience. With rechargeable batteries, they are cost-effective and require minimal upkeep. Additionally, refillable pod kits are the most eco-friendly option, reducing waste by allowing you to reuse pods instead of discarding disposable vapes. Affordable, convenient, and beginner-friendly, refillable pod kits make starting your vaping journey easy and sustainable.