What Vapes Can I Use After the UK Disposable Vape Ban?

Now that the UK disposable vape ban is in effect, it's time to look at more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. If you're unsure about making the switch, this guide will walk you through the best reusable vapes that deliver the same convenience and satisfactio, all while saving you money.

Best Alternatives to the Disposable Vapes Ban

There are two different types that fall under the umbrella of ‘reusable vapes’; pre-filled pod kits and refillable vapes. These devices will provide you with the same experience, but they work in slightly different ways.

Your main concern after the ban on disposable vapes is finding a low maintenance vape that is easy to use and delivers the same flavour. Let’s break down how each of these options stack up.

Prefilled Pod Kits: How They Compare to Disposables

Pre-filled pod kits offer the same "puff-to-vape" convenience as disposables, with two additional steps: swapping out the pre-filled pod when it runs out and recharging the device. These kits typically use 2ml pods pre-filled with e-liquid and nicotine, and the experience mirrors that of disposable vapes.

Key Differences

• Replaceable pre-filled pods

• Rechargeable battery

The main difference is that you keep the battery and only the pods are replaced - cutting down on overall waste. The compact, easy-to-use nature of these kits makes them a perfect transition for users of disposables who are looking for a more cost-effective, eco-friendly option. Here are three examples of the types of pre-filled pod kits on offer, from big puff 4 in 1 devices to more compact options:

Big puff pre-filled kits

You can also get pre-filled vapes with far more than 600 puffs. Since the ban, big puff pod kits have become the fastest-growing part of the market, and the technology has moved quickly. Where 6,000 puffs was considered high capacity in 2024, kits like the SKE Bar 15K and MVP 60K have since raised the bar considerably.

Big puff kits work in one of two ways: a rotating chamber that holds multiple 2ml pods (such as the Lost Mary 4-in-1), or a single pre-filled e-liquid bottle that slots into the device and continuously tops up a 2ml pod. Both designs stay within TPD-compliant 2ml pod limits while delivering significantly more vaping time per kit.

They tend to be slightly chunkier than standard pod kits, but the value is hard to argue with. There are also single pod options, like the Elfa Pro pod kit, if you want something slimmer.

Pre-filled pods are ideal if you want something with the convenience of disposables, but with more cost efficiency and less waste.

Our recommendations: The best pre-filled pod kits for beginners

Refillable pod vapes: The most cost effective option

You may be put off by refillable vapes because you think that they’re too complicated and require too much maintenance. It’s true that vape kits of old were convoluted affairs that required lots of unscrewing, cumbersome refilling and button pressing to operate. Things have come a long way since 2012 and modern designs are very straightforward.

Most pod kits work in much the same way as pre-filled and single-use vapes. They’re easy to refill, don’t require complicated coil changes, have bigger batteries, and use inhale activation.

Refillable vapes are also the most cost effective option by far. E-liquid bottles are more economical than 2ml pods. You can get up to 3000 puffs per 10ml and larger 50ml & 100ml shortfill options give you even more bang for your buck, with up to 30,000 puffs per bottle.

Key differences

• Refillable pods

• Coil resistance choices

• Airflow customisation options

• Useful displays

• Bigger batteries

Refillable vape kits are the cheapest option and offer more control over your vape experience. They also give you a much greater selection of flavours and nicotine strengths.

Our recommendations: Best refillable vapes to use after the disposable ban

Do reusable vapes taste the same as disposables?

You can buy premixed bottles of vape juice that taste just as good as your favourite Elf Bar or Lost Mary disposable, and in some cases, better.

Single-use devices led the way with sweeter, more concentrated flavours, but the bottled e-liquid market caught up fast. Most of the major disposable brands now produce their own nic salt ranges designed to replicate their best-selling flavours: Elf Bar's Elfliq, Lost Mary's Maryliq, SKE Crystal Salts and Gold Bar Salts are all made to deliver the same profile in a refillable kit.

What's worth knowing is that the flavour gap has now closed in the other direction for some brands. Hayati, IVG and SKE have developed pod kit flavour ranges built specifically for the reusable format, not ported across from a disposable. The result is a cleaner, more consistent flavour that holds up better over the life of the pod.

Disposable Bar Salts are a double-concentrated range of bottled e-liquids made to rival the intensity of single-use vapes, and most liquid brands now offer their own version. You'll have no shortage of options.

What nicotine levels are available in refillable vapes?

It's also worth knowing that hybrid nicotine e-liquids, which combine freebase nicotine and nicotine salts, are increasingly available in 10ml bottles. They deliver a faster, more intense throat hit that can be closer to what some disposable users are used to, making them a useful option during the first few weeks of switching.

What is the cost comparison between reusable and disposable vapes?

What to expect in your first week off disposables

Making the switch is straightforward, but there is a short adjustment period that most guides don't mention.

The draw on a pod kit can feel slightly different to a disposable, particularly if you move to a refillable kit with adjustable airflow. It's worth spending a few minutes finding the setting that suits you before writing off the device.

You'll also need to get used to recharging. Disposables die when they're empty; a pod kit battery can run low mid-session if you forget to top it up. Most devices charge quickly via USB-C, so keeping a cable nearby for the first week makes the habit easier to build.

Nicotine strength can take a little fine tuning too. If you were vaping 20mg disposables and you find that strength a little too high, try dopping down to 10mg or 5mg. Refillable kits let you gradually lower your nicotine strength over time.

Most people find the adjustment takes no more than a few days. After that, the lower cost and the wider flavour selection tend to do the rest.

Summary

Have you decided which disposable vape alternative to choose? Pre-filled pod systems offer a smooth slide into sustainable vaping with little change to the convenience you’re used to. However, if you want to reap the most cost savings, then a refillable vape kit is the right choice.

Whichever option you choose, both pre-filled pods and refillable kits offer an affordable and convenient alternative to disposables. Plus, you'll be contributing to a healthier environment by reducing waste.

Frequently Asked Questions