UK Disposable Ban Survival Guide: Switching to Non-Disposable Vapes

It’s official: as of June 1, the sale of disposable vapes is banned in the United Kingdom. The law defines “disposables” (or “single-use vapes”) as vapes that are neither refillable nor rechargeable. Not only is it likely that this legislation will fuel the black market, but it could have devastating impacts on current vapers. Those who benefited from the simplicity and availability of single-use devices may be reluctant to switch to non-disposable vapes.

Although some UK vapers may be tempted to return to smoking, the new vaping landscape shouldn’t warrant such extreme measures. The situation is far from dire. There are still plenty of fantastic disposable alternatives remaining on the market, many of which can be equally satisfying as their single-use counterparts. Realistically, you’re more likely to switch to a superior product than an inferior one. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

In this article, we’ll explore the types of disposable vape alternatives, their advantages and disadvantages, and the transition process. Yes, upgrading may require some additional knowledge and effort, but it isn’t rocket science. Most vapes are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so you should be able to continue your tobacco harm-reduction journey uninterrupted. Just hang with me, and you’ll learn everything you need to know (hopefully!).

Disposables vs. non-disposable vapes

Before we dive in, allow me to provide some perspective. I’m located in the United States, so I have access to a wide variety of disposables, and yet, I only use them as a last resort. 99% of the time, I emphatically prefer non-disposable vapes (for reasons explained below). But, despite my enthusiasm, I also recognize the appeal of single-use vapes. They’re popular for a reason, and they’re incredibly effective when it comes to converting smokers.

Advantages of non-disposable vapes

• Versatility: the options are endless! With non-disposables, you have access to more nicotine levels, flavors, power settings, and customization. Additionally, most devices offer superior battery life and charging capabilities.
• Cost-effective: although the initial investment of a refillable vape and a bottle of e-liquid may be higher than most disposables, the savings manifest quickly. Rather than buying a new device every other day, you’ll just need to occasionally restock on e-liquid and replacement pods (or coils). For many vapers, this results in a 50% reduction in monthly expenses. 
• Eco-friendly: disposables are wasteful. They contain batteries, plastic, and electrical components, and few people recycle them properly. They’re just filling up landfills and increasing our eco-footprint. Non-disposables, on the other hand, tend to last for at least a year. Yes, you’ll discard a couple of small pods every month, but it’s a significant improvement. 

Advantages of disposable vapes

• Simplicity: disposables are the easiest way to start vaping. Open the package, remove the mouthpiece plug, and inhale—that’s it! In most cases, you’re up and running within 20 seconds; no other vape on the market can compete with that.
• Low start-up cost: a ready-to-go vape for £10 is far more enticing than a £20 refillable kit and a £4 bottle of e-liquid. Less money, less hassle. But again, although you’ll save money at first, it’s a worse deal in the long run.
• Less maintenance: a disposable rarely requires any maintenance or effort from the user (assuming it’s not defective out of the box)—no cleaning, refilling, or purchasing replacement parts. And even when one does malfunction, it’s a cheap disposable product, so most users just replace it with a new one.

Types of non-disposable vapes

Non-disposable vapes range from beginner-friendly products to highly advanced devices. The best fit for you depends on your level of comfort and confidence. Let’s look at each of the main categories, starting with the simplest and working up to the most complex.

Prefilled pod vapes

Prefilled pod vapes follow the same general principle as disposables: when it’s empty, toss it! The difference is that you don’t discard the entire device but rather a non-refillable pod that comes prefilled with e-liquid. Much like plug-in air fresheners, when the refill is empty, replace it with a new one. It’s as simple as that.

For many disposable users, this is the ideal introduction to non-disposable vapes, as it only requires one additional step. But there are downsides. First, it can be expensive. A 2 mL prefilled pod could cost around £2 to £4, while a 10 mL bottle of e-liquid is usually around £4. Second, when it comes to flavor and nicotine options, you’re at the mercy of the manufacturer. Whatever they offer is what you get. Still, these aren’t deal-breakers, as prefilled pod vapes are generally cheaper than disposables while providing a comparable variety of flavors.

How do you get started? Easy! Pick up a starter kit and a pack of prefilled pods. Note that you can usually get an even better deal by opting for a bundle (starter kit + pods).

Disposable lookalikes

Disposable lookalikes (or “disposalikes”) consist of both prefilled and refillable devices, so they aren’t a unique classification of vapes. More accurately, they’re a style of vapes. The appeal lies in their familiarity, as they mimic the design and functionality of disposables. They’re so indistinguishable that many disposable users purchase them by mistake. The difference is that the e-liquid reservoir (whether prefilled or refillable) is replaceable.

If switching to non-disposable vapes seems intimidating, disposalikes are the perfect choice. They were specifically designed to bridge the gap between single-use and reusable kits, so the learning curve is slim.

Refillable pod vapes

Refillable pod vapes are precisely what the name implies: pod vapes designed to be refilled. They consist of an empty pod that magnetically attaches to a battery-powered device. Many of these devices are extremely basic—insert a (filled) pod and inhale to vape. Others offer more advanced features, such as color screens, themes, and power adjustability.

The most significant advantage of refillable pod vapes is that you can fill them with any flavor or nicotine level you choose. And if you have extra pods, you can put different flavors in each one and swap throughout the day. Refillable pod vapes are also very affordable; some basic kits cost about the same as a single disposable.

The inconvenience is staying stocked up on two different consumable products: spare pods and e-liquid. So, if you’re considering going this route, be sure to pick up a few bottles of e-liquid and a pack of replacement pods with the starter kit. Note that most kits come with at least one pod, but it’s always a good idea to have a few spares on hand.

Mod kits and vape pens

This is the most advanced category of non-disposable vapes, and that’s mainly because it’s the most versatile. These kits have two primary components: a tank and a battery-powered device. The battery-powered component can be boxy (box mod) or pen-shaped (vape pen). However, unlike pod vapes, the tank connection usually isn’t proprietary, making it compatible with other similar devices. 

Another difference is that tanks aren’t disposable. They contain removable heating coils, so rather than replacing a pod every other week, you replace the coil. Think of it like the headlights in your car: when one dies or malfunctions, you install a new bulb rather than the entire housing.

Although maintaining a mod kit requires more effort and knowledge, the benefits can make it worthwhile. It’s a mix-and-match type of setup: if you don’t like the tank or the mod (or if one of them breaks), you can swap it for something else. Additionally, replacement coils are often more cost-effective than replacement pods.

Mod kits include almost everything you need to get started: a mod, a tank, and a couple of coils. You’ll just need to purchase e-liquid separately (although some UK shops offer bundles with juice). Also note that these kits often include either an MTL tank (low power, restrictive airflow) or a sub ohm tank (high power, open airflow). Disposable users are encouraged to start with the former, as they offer a similar experience.

The world of mod kits and vape pens may seem daunting, but they aren’t much different than refillable pod vapes. Both require refilling and replacing one component (coil or pod) and are available in simple and advanced formats.

Best vape juices for disposable users

Even the best non-disposable vapes can be underwhelming without the right e-liquid. If you’re trying to replicate the experience you’re accustomed to, you’ll need to choose carefully. Do any vape juices taste like disposables? Yes, but certainly not all of them. Most disposables contain high amounts of flavorings and sweeteners, and that doesn’t appeal to everyone. 

The good news is that many popular disposable manufacturers also sell their e-liquids à la carte, including Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE, and many others. So, if you’re already a fan of their devices, exploring their bottled liquid would be a great starting point. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg; plenty of other juice lines are also geared toward disposable users, such as Bar Juice, ELUX, Drifter, Pod Salt, and Double Brew.

It’s also recommended to seek out nicotine salts (a.k.a. “nic salts,” “salt nic,” or “salts”), which is the same formulation of nicotine used in most disposables. Lastly, if you’re experimenting with higher power levels, consider dropping the nicotine level. 20 mg may thrive in a low-wattage pod vape, but it would be too intense in a cloudy sub ohm setup.