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

TL:DR

• The UK disposable vape ban is set for 1st April 2025, pre-filled pod kits and refillable vapes will still be available.

• Reusable vapes offer an easy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution to disposable vapes.

• Pre-filled pod kits are convenient but limited in customisation, whereas refillable vapes offer the most savings and flavour options.

• You can save up to £650 per year by switching from disposables to refillable kits.

With the UK disposable vape ban just around the corner, it’s time to look at more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. If you’re worried about making the switch, don’t be—this guide will walk you through the best reusable vapes that deliver the same convenience and satisfaction, 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 concerns after the ban on disposable vapes will be 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. 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.

Key differences

• Replaceable pre-filled pods

• Rechargeable battery

Big puff pre-filled kits

You can now get pre-filled vapes with more than 600 puffs. Big puff vape kits use multiple 2ml pods in a rotating chamber design, such as the Lost Mary 4-in-1. Alternatively, a single prefilled 10ml e-liquid bottle is slotted into the kit and is used to constantly top up a fixed 2ml pod. The Drifter Bar for example, provides up to 6000 puffs in one kit.

These big puff vapes tend to be a bit chunkier, but they’re remarkable value. 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 sweet as your favourite Elf Bar or Lost Mary disposable. Single use devices cornered the market with new vape flavours that were sweeter and richer than traditional bottled vape juice - but that didn’t last long.

Many of the top disposable brands have released their own range of bottled vape juice designed to emulate their best selling disposables. Elf Bar’s Elfliq, Lost Mary’s Maryliq, SKE Crystal and Gold Bar Salts (to name but a few) have released their own range of disposable flavours for refillable vape kits.

Disposable Bar Salts are a double concentrated range of bottled e-liquids that are made to rival the intense flavours found in disposable vapes.

Most vape liquid brands have jumped on board and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a bottled disposable-like vape juice.

Here are some of the best selling examples:

What nicotine levels are available in refillable vapes?

What is the cost comparison between reusable and disposable vapes?

Summary

Have you decided which route you're going to take after the UK disposable vape ban? 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.

Or you could start with a pre-filled pod kit and slowly migrate to a device that offers you a little bit more. Once you’ve decided, we recommend that you take a look at our vape kit bundle deals - you can get a full set up including pods and vape juice at a 20% discount.  

Our pre-filled pod kit bundle deals provide a kit and 3 packs of pod refills, in any flavour of your choosing. If you’re going for a refillable vape, you’ll get the kit, a pack of pods and 3 nic salt e-liquids to get you going.  

When you need to buy more pods or e-liquid check out our multi-buy deals where you can save over 15% and mix and match your flavours.

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.

FAQ

What exactly does the Tobacco and Vapes Bill say about vaping?

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was introduced as part of the UK government's aim to create a 'smokefree generation', with the end of single use vapes being one of their key targets. The bill aims to restrict the sale of vapes to children by imposing a tax on e-liquids and a total ban on the sale of disposables.

When will disposable vapes be banned in the UK?

The Tobacco & Vapes Bill is still being debated in the house of commons, but is likely to be passed into law in the near future. The last confirmation for when disposables were going to be banned was April 1st 2025.

Why are disposable vapes being banned?

The ban is aimed at stopping children using vapes and reducing environmental waste. The number of children vaping has more than doubled since 2021. In fact, reports from 2023 show that nearly one in five children aged 11 to 15 had tried vaping, and disposables are the leading culprit. The packaging is colourful, the flavours are appealing and the government is struggling to regulate underage sales.

How do I maintain a refillable vape?

• Prime new coils before vaping. Fill up your pod and let the coil soak for 5-10 minutes

• Keep your pod topped up to prevent burnt coils

• Avoid overfilling to avoid leaks

• Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

• Charge the battery before it gets too low

Learn more about vaping with our detailed guide on How to Vape

What are the environmental benefits of switching from disposable to reusable vapes?

• Reduction in plastic and electronic waste

• Reusable vape batteries last 1-2 years

• Lower carbon footprint

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