Buying guide
Everything you need to know about Pod Kits
Refillable or prefilled, MTL or DTL, everything you need to choose the right pod kit for you.
What are Pod Kits?
Pod kits are compact vape devices that use a removable pod instead of a traditional glass tank. The pod cartridge clicks securely into the device, usually via a magnetic connection, making them straightforward to set up and maintain. Depending on the model, you either refill the pod with your chosen e-liquid, or in the case of prefilled systems, simply swap the entire pod for a fresh one when it runs out.
Pod kits have become the most popular types of vape kit in the UK. They are smaller and lighter than traditional box mods, require minimal maintenance, and are well suited to nicotine salts, making them a natural transition for people switching from cigarettes or moving on from disposables.
Simple to use
Most pod kits are draw-activated with no buttons or settings. Insert a pod, draw on the mouthpiece and vape. There is no tank to fill, no coil to prime, just a pod that clicks in and out.
Compact and portable vapes
Pod kits are designed to be pocket-friendly. Most are slim enough to carry around in your pocket and light enough to forget you have them. A full day's battery life is standard across most modern devices.
Optimised for nic salts
Pod kits are the ideal device for nicotine salt e-liquids. The lower wattage output is perfectly matched to nic salt formulas, delivering a smooth throat hit and fast nicotine satisfaction without harshness.
Types of Vape Pod Kits
Your first decision when choosing a pod kit is whether you want a refillable or prefilled system. Both have their place, the right choice depends on how much flexibility you want and how much maintenance you are comfortable with.
Open Pod Systems (Refillable)
- Fill with any compatible e-liquid
- Access to thousands of flavours
- Best long-term value
- Some allow coil replacement
Refillable pod kits use empty pod cartridges that you fill manually with your chosen e-liquid. They offer the best long-term value and allow you to explore thousands of flavours and nicotine strengths. Popular with vapers who want full control over their experience.
Shop refillable pod kits →Closed Pod Systems (Prefilled)
- No refilling required
- Swap pod when empty
- Draw-activated simplicity
- Consistent performance
Closed pod kits use disposable pod cartridges that come prefilled with e-liquid. When the pod is empty, replace it with a fresh one. Designed for simplicity and consistent performance without the need to handle e-liquid directly.
Shop prefilled pod kits →Not sure which pod vape to choose?
Most beginners switching from cigarettes find a refillable MTL pod kit the better long-term option, more flavour choice, more flexibility on nicotine strength, and better value after the initial purchase. Prefilled suits those who want the simplest possible experience with no liquid or coil changes at all.
What is included in a pod kit?
Most pod kits include everything you need to start vaping straight away. Here is what to expect in the box.
The device
The main unit with a built-in rechargeable battery. Most modern pod kits use a 400–1000mAh battery, providing a full day of use on a single charge for the average vaper. Charged via USB-C on most current devices.
One or more pods
The removable cartridge that holds your e-liquid. Pods are typically 2ml capacity in line with UK TPD regulations. Refillable pods have a fill port, prefilled pods come ready sealed. Most kits include one or two pods in the box.
Integrated or replaceable coil
The heating element that vaporises your e-liquid. On most pod kits, the coil is built into the pod itself and replaced when the pod is changed. On some devices, the coil is separate and can be replaced independently, offering better long-term value.
Charging cable
Most current pod kits charge via USB-C, though some older or budget models still use Micro-USB. A charging cable is included in the box, you will need your own USB plug or power bank to charge from.
Pod Compatibility
Some pod kit ranges offer cross-compatible pods across multiple device generations, meaning pods purchased for an older model will fit a newer one. Both the Vaporesso XROS series and OXVA Xlim range are particularly well regarded for this, with pods compatible across the range. Always check compatibility before purchasing replacement pods for your device.
Best E-Liquids for Pod Kits
For refillable pod kits, e-liquid is purchased separately. Pod coils are designed for thinner liquids, using thick, high-VG e-liquids can cause wicking issues and shorten coil life. Here is what works best.
Nicotine Salts
Nic salts are the gold standard for pod vaping. The smooth throat hit and fast nicotine absorption make them well suited to low-wattage pod devices, and they are available in 10mg and 20mg strengths across hundreds of flavours. If you are switching from cigarettes or disposables, start here.
Shop nic salts →50/50 E-Liquids
50PG/50VG freebase e-liquids are thin enough to wick well in pod coils and deliver a more pronounced throat hit than nic salts. A good choice if you prefer freebase nicotine or want more flexibility on strength, available from 3mg to 18mg.
Shop 50/50 e-liquids →Bar Salts
Bar salts are nic salt e-liquids inspired by the flavour profiles of popular disposable vapes. If you want to replicate the intense sweetness and bold fruit flavours of disposables in a refillable pod kit, bar salts are the closest match. Available at 10mg and 20mg.
Shop bar salts →What to avoid
High-VG shortfills (70VG and above) are designed for sub-ohm devices and will not wick properly in most pod coils, leading to dry hits, burnt coils and muted flavour. Stick to nic salts, 50/50 or dedicated bar salt formats for pod kits.
Browse all pod e-liquids →MTL vs DTL Pod Kits
Pod kits are available in two main vaping styles. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right device and the right e-liquid to go with it.
Mouth to Lung (MTL)
MTL pod kits replicate the tight, restricted draw of a traditional cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs, the same action as smoking. This makes MTL pod kits the most natural transition for people switching from cigarettes.
MTL devices work best with higher-PG e-liquids and nicotine salts, delivering enhanced throat hit and flavour concentration. Nicotine strengths of 10mg to 20mg are typical. The majority of pod kits sold in the UK are designed for MTL vaping.
Direct to Lung (DTL)
DTL pod kits offer an airier, more open draw. Vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs without being held in the mouth first, similar to taking a deep breath. This style produces larger vapour clouds and a warmer, more intense vape.
DTL pod kits are better suited to higher-VG e-liquids at lower nicotine strengths (3mg–6mg). They are popular with experienced vapers who want more vapour production from a compact device without moving to a full box mod setup.
If you are new to vaping or switching from cigarettes, MTL at 20mg is almost always the right starting point. You can always move to a more open draw and lower strength once you are settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between refillable and prefilled pod vapes?
Refillable kits use empty pods that you fill manually with your chosen e-liquid, giving you full flexibility over flavour and nicotine strength. Prefilled kits use ready-to-use pods that you simply swap out when empty, no handling of liquid required. Prefilled kits are simpler; refillable kits offer better long-term value and more flavour choice.
How long do pod vapes typically last?
The battery in most pod kits will last a full day of average use on a single charge. The pods themselves last anywhere from three to ten days depending on how frequently you vape and the type of e-liquid used. Sweeter e-liquids with higher sweetener content can shorten coil life, as residue builds up on the coil faster.
Are pod kits better than vape pens?
Pod kits are generally considered the evolution of the classic vape pen. They offer a more modern, compact form factor, better coil technology, and are better suited to nicotine salts. Most people switching from pens to pod kits find the experience noticeably better, particularly for flavour and nicotine satisfaction.
What type of e-liquid works best in a pod kit?
Nicotine salts and 50/50 e-liquids are the best choice for pod kits. Both are thin enough to wick effectively in pod coils and are available in strengths suited to the low-wattage output of most pod devices. Avoid high-VG shortfills, these are too thick for pod coils and will result in dry hits and premature coil burnout.
Do pod kits come with a warranty?
Yes, all pod kits purchased from Vape Superstore include the manufacturer's warranty as well as our own six month guarantee on defective devices.
Which pod kit is best for beginners?
For most beginners, particularly those switching from cigarettes or disposables, a simple MTL refillable pod kit is the best starting point. Look for a draw-activated device with a 2ml pod capacity and USB-C charging. Pair it with a 20mg nicotine salt for the closest match to cigarette satisfaction. Our team is available via live chat if you need a personal recommendation.
