Find the right pod kit at Vape Superstore
Compare refillable and prefilled pod kits, choose the right e-liquid and find a pod vape that suits how you vape.
What are Pod Kits?
Pod kits are compact vape devices that use a removable pod instead of a traditional tank. The pod clicks into the device and either comes prefilled with e-liquid or can be refilled with your chosen vape juice. This makes pod kits simple to set up, easy to maintain and ideal for everyday vaping.
Pod kits are one of the most popular types of vape kit in the UK. They are smaller and lighter than box mods, usually require less maintenance, and work especially well with nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids. For many people switching from cigarettes or moving on from disposable vapes, a pod kit is the most straightforward place to start.
Simple to use
Most pod kits are inhale-activated or use simple button controls, with very little setup required. Insert the pod, draw on the mouthpiece and vape. There is no glass tank to manage and, on many devices, no separate coil to change.
Compact and portable vapes
Pod kits are designed to be pocket-friendly, with slim shapes and lightweight builds that are easy to carry day to day. Most modern pod kits offer enough battery life for regular daily use, depending on how often you vape.
Ideal for nic salts
Pod kits work especially well with nicotine salt e-liquids. Their lower power output suits smooth, higher-strength nicotine options, making them a popular choice for MTL vaping and disposable vape alternatives.
Choose your pod kit type
Your first choice is whether you want a refillable or prefilled pod kit. Refillable pod kits give you more flavour choice and better long-term value, while prefilled pod kits are the easiest option if you want no refilling, no coil changes and very little maintenance.
Open Pod Systems (Refillable)
- Fill with your chosen e-liquid
- Wider flavour and strength choice
- Best long-term value
- Replace the pod or coil when needed
Refillable pod kits use refillable pod cartridges that you fill yourself with compatible e-liquid. They are a popular choice for regular vapers because they offer more flavour choice, more nicotine strength options and lower long-term running costs.
Closed Pod Systems (Prefilled)
- No refilling required
- Swap the pod when empty
- Simple inhale activation
- Consistent flavour and performance
Closed pod kits use sealed pods that come prefilled with e-liquid. When the pod is empty, replace it with a fresh one. They are designed for convenience and are ideal if you want a rechargeable vape with minimal setup.
Not sure which pod vape to choose?
Choose a refillable pod kit if you want more flavour choice, lower long-term costs and flexibility over nicotine strength. Choose a prefilled pod kit if you want the simplest possible setup, with no refilling, no coil changes and no need to handle e-liquid.
What is included in a pod kit?
Most pod kits include the device, one or more pods and a charging cable. Refillable pod kits usually need e-liquid bought separately, while prefilled pod kits come with sealed pods that are ready to use. Always check the product details before buying, as box contents vary by brand and model.
The device
The main rechargeable unit that powers the pod. Most pod kits use a built-in battery and are charged by USB-C, although some older or budget models may use Micro-USB.
One or more pods
The removable pod holds the e-liquid. Refillable pods have a fill port, while prefilled pods come sealed and ready to use. Most pod kits include one or two pods in the box.
Integrated or replaceable coil
The coil heats the e-liquid and turns it into vapour. On many pod kits, the coil is built into the pod and replaced when the pod is changed. Some devices use separate replaceable coils, which can reduce ongoing costs.
Charging cable
Most current pod kits charge by USB-C. A charging cable may be included, but you’ll usually need your own USB plug, power bank or compatible charging point.
Pod Compatibility
Some pod kit ranges use cross-compatible pods, meaning pods bought for one device may also fit newer or older models in the same range. The Vaporesso XROS series and OXVA Xlim range are good examples, with pods designed to work across multiple devices. Always check compatibility before buying replacement pods.
Best e-liquids for pod kits
Refillable pod kits work best with thinner e-liquids that wick easily through smaller pod coils. Nic salts, 50/50 e-liquids and bar salts are usually the best match. Thicker high-VG shortfills are designed for sub-ohm kits and can cause dry hits or burnt coils in most pod devices.
Nicotine Salts
Nic salts are one of the best choices for pod kits. They deliver a smooth inhale at higher strengths, making them well suited to low-powered MTL devices. Available in popular strengths such as 10mg and 20mg, they are a strong option for anyone switching from cigarettes or disposables.
Shop nic salts →50/50 E-Liquids
50/50 e-liquids are thin enough to work well in pod coils and usually provide a more noticeable throat hit than nic salts. They are a good choice if you prefer freebase nicotine or want more flexibility on strength, with options commonly available from 3mg to 18mg.
Shop 50/50 e-liquids →Bar Salts
Bar salts are nic salt e-liquids inspired by the bold flavour profiles of disposable vapes. If you want intense fruit, ice or candy flavours in a refillable pod kit, bar salts are usually the closest match.
Shop bar salts →What to avoid
High-VG shortfills are designed for sub-ohm devices and may not wick properly in most pod coils. Using them in the wrong kit can lead to dry hits, burnt coils and weaker flavour. For most pod kits, stick to nic salts, 50/50 e-liquids or dedicated bar salts.
Browse all pod e-liquids →MTL, RDTL and DTL pod kits
Most pod kits are designed for MTL or RDTL vaping, giving you a cigarette-style or slightly airier inhale from a compact device. Some advanced pod mod kits support a looser DTL draw, but these are better suited to experienced vapers and lower nicotine strengths.
Mouth to Lung (MTL)
MTL pod kits offer a tighter draw that feels closer to smoking a cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale. This makes MTL pod kits a natural choice for beginners, ex-smokers and anyone using nic salts or 50/50 e-liquids.
Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDTL)
RDTL pod kits give you a slightly airier draw than MTL, with more vapour while still feeling controlled. They are popular with vapers who want more flavour and airflow without moving to a full sub-ohm kit.
Direct to Lung (DTL)
Some advanced pod mod kits support DTL vaping, with a more open inhale and increased vapour production. These usually work best with lower nicotine strengths and selected higher-VG e-liquids, depending on the coil and device.
If you are new to vaping or switching from cigarettes, an MTL pod kit with 10mg or 20mg nic salts is usually the best place to start. You can move to a more open draw or lower nicotine strength once you know what suits you.
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.