If you’re new to vaping or looking to upgrade your setup, understanding the different types of vapes is the first step to finding the right device for your lifestyle. With the UK ban on disposable vapes now in effect (as of 1st June 2025), many users are switching to reusable kits—but which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most common vape categories—from basic pod kits to advanced box mods—so you can make an informed and confident choice.
Why Choosing the Right Vape Matters
Vaping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different types of devices offer different experiences. Some mimic the feeling of smoking, while others produce large clouds. Some are easy to use, while others offer full control over vapour production and flavour intensity.
Key factors that affect your choice:
Your vaping experience level
Your nicotine strength preference (e.g. 10mg or 20mg nic salts)
How often you vape during the day
Portability and convenience
Cost of maintenance and refills
Now, let’s explore the main types of vape devices available today.
1. Disposable Vapes (Now Banned in the UK)
Until recently, disposable vapes were the most common entry point into vaping. Brands like Elf Bar 600, SKE Crystal Bar, and Lost Mary made prefilled, single-use vapes available at convenience stores across the UK.
However, as of 1st June 2025, all disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK due to concerns around underage use and environmental impact. This means users now need to transition to legal, reusable alternatives.
Why disposables were popular:
No charging or refilling required
Compact and easy to carry
Usually prefilled with 20mg nic salts
Legal alternatives include:
Elf Bar Elfa Pro (prefilled pods with Elfliq Nic Salts)
SKE Crystal 4-in-1 Pod Kit (rotating prefilled flavours)
Refillable pod kits using bottled e-liquids like Elux Nic Salts or Gold Bar Nic Salts
2. Cig-a-Likes
Cig-a-likes are early-generation vapes that look and feel like traditional cigarettes. They’re slim, lightweight, and use disposable cartridges called cartomisers.
Features:
Low vapour output
Very small battery
Limited flavour options
Designed for a cigarette-style experience
While cig-a-likes are still available, they’re now considered outdated. Most new vapers prefer pod kits for better performance and flavour quality.
3. Pod Vape Kits
Pod systems are now the most popular type of vape in the UK. They are compact, easy to maintain, and ideal for nicotine salt e-liquids.
There are two main types of pod kits: prefilled and refillable.
a) Prefilled Pod Kits
These kits use pods that come preloaded with e-liquid. You simply insert the pod into the device and start vaping. Once the pod runs out, you replace it.
Popular examples:
SKE Crystal 4-in-1 Prefilled Pod Kit
Advantages:
No mess or refilling
Consistent flavour
Easy to use for beginners
Best paired with:
Preloaded pods containing 20mg nicotine salts (such as Elf Bar Elfliq flavours)
b) Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable pod kits let you manually fill your pod with e-liquid from a 10ml bottle. These systems offer more flavour choices and long-term savings.
Top picks:
Vaporesso XROS 4
Key features:
Refillable 2ml pods
Compatible with popular nic salts like Elux Nic Salts and Gold Bar Nic Salts
Often include airflow control or adjustable wattage
Best for:
Intermediate to advanced vapers who want flavour flexibility and lower daily costs.
4. Vape Pens
Vape pens are slightly larger than pod systems and use tanks with replaceable coils. They produce more vapour than pods but are still beginner-friendly.
How they work:
Built-in battery powers a tank
You refill the tank with e-liquid
Replace the coil every few days
Ideal for:
Users who want to upgrade from pod kits but don’t need advanced settings.
Note:
Many vape pens support both freebase nicotine e-liquids and nic salts, depending on the coil resistance.
5. Box Mods
Box mods are powerful, customisable vape devices that offer full control over performance. They consist of a battery unit (the mod) and a separate tank.
Features include:
Adjustable wattage and temperature
Large tanks for extended vaping
Replaceable batteries
Digital screens and safety settings
Who they’re for:
Experienced users
People who want large vapour clouds
Users of low-nicotine freebase e-liquids
Important:
Do not use 20mg nicotine salts with box mods. The high power makes the throat hit uncomfortably strong. Stick to 3mg or 6mg freebase liquids for box mods.
6. All-in-One (AIO) Vapes
AIO devices blend the ease of a pod system with some of the power and flexibility of a box mod. They usually feature a built-in battery and an integrated tank or pod, with basic controls.
Why AIO kits are popular:
Compact and travel-friendly
Slightly more power than a pod system
Some allow switching between salt and freebase e-liquids
Best for:
Vapers who want control without complexity. Some models come with adjustable wattage, airflow control, and even OLED displays.
Matching Vape Types to Your Needs
Now that you know the main categories, here’s how to match the right vape to your personal style:
If you're new to vaping or quitting smoking:
Use a prefilled pod kit like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro or SKE Crystal 4-in-1. These are simple, satisfying, and require no refills.
If you want variety and flexibility:
Try a refillable pod system like the Vaporesso XROS 4. You’ll save money and enjoy a wider range of flavours, including Elux Nic Salts and Gold Bar Nic Salts.
If you want more power and vapour:
Consider a vape pen or AIO device. These give you a bit more control while still being beginner-friendly.
If you’re an advanced user:
Go for a box mod. Just remember: use freebase nicotine, not nic salts, to avoid harsh throat hits.
Legal Notes: What’s Allowed in the UK
With the UK government enforcing stricter rules on vape products:
Disposable vapes are banned for sale
Pod kits and vape pens are legal and compliant if they have:
A 2ml maximum tank capacity
20mg/ml maximum nicotine strength
Proper safety labelling and packaging
Nicotine salt e-liquids (like Elux, Elfliq, and Gold Bar) are allowed in 10ml bottles only
Refillable devices must be TPD-compliant and sold by verified retailers
Always purchase from trusted suppliers like Vape and Go to ensure you get safe, authentic products.
Final Thoughts
Vaping is no longer limited to basic throwaway devices. With the shift away from disposables in 2025, the focus has moved toward high-quality, reusable, and legal vape kits that offer better performance and value for money.
Whether you prefer a simple pod kit, a flexible refillable device, or a customisable mod, there’s a vape type for every user. The key is understanding your needs — nicotine strength, flavour preference, portability, and ease of use — and choosing a device that matches.
Ready to make the switch or upgrade your setup?
Explore TPD-compliant vape kits, nic salt e-liquids, and refillable pod systems today at Vape and Go.
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