In this article...
- How long can you keep vapes before use?
- How long should you expect a disposable to last?
- What factors affect the lifespan of a disposable?
- Alternatives to single-use vapes
With the Disposable Vapes Ban fast approaching, you may be considering buying as many as you can, while you can. However this isn’t the best idea longterm – for multiple reasons. Here, I’ll discuss just how long you can realistically store disposables, how long they should last during use, and alternatives to consider once your single-use vapes supply is gone.
How Long Can You Keep Disposables?
The sale and supply of single-use vapes is banned in the UK from 31st May. This means that high street stores and online shops can’t sell, or ship out, these kinds of vapes after this date. However, you can continue to use disposables purchased before 1st June after this date. Vapes that are stored in a cool dry place can last between 12 – 24 months unused, but you may well experience a deterioration in quality the longer you leave them. Even more importantly, stock-piling huge numbers of devices that contain lithium ion batteries can be a fire risk when not stored correctly. It’s important to always read the manual and packaging to determine the recommendations for that specific device.
Why Does a Disposable Vape Stop Working?
If you’re still using disposables and you’re experiencing some problems, there’s a few things it could be. Disposable vapes traditionally consist of a built-in battery, a coil and wick, and a reservoir of e-liquid. All of this is housed in a casing with a mouthpiece. Fundamentally, a disposable vape works in exactly the same way as an open-tank e-cigarette. The battery provides power to the atomizer, which heats the e-liquid to produce a vapour. The only difference is that you cannot refill it with e-liquid, and you cannot recharge the battery.
This means that once the e-liquid or the battery runs out, the disposable vape will no longer work. Most manufacturers design disposable vapes so that the battery runs out prior to the e-liquid running dry. This is to stop vapers from experiencing unpleasant ‘dry hits’, which occur when there is no remaining e-liquid. With this considered, a disposable vape’s intended expiry is generally when the battery runs out.
In terms of length of time, this will vary depending on various factors. These include the power output of the device, the material of the atomizer head and the size of the battery. Different atomizer materials require different power outputs. They also have benefits and drawbacks in terms of flavour and vapour production. Generally, a higher power output means the battery will run out more quickly.
However, the most influential impact on lifespan is battery capacity. Each battery has a mAh rating. This stands for “milliampere hours”, and quantifies how much energy the cell can provide before it runs out. You may be thinking, why don't manufacturers just create disposable vapes with larger-capacity batteries? The answer takes us back to the e-liquid level.
Do Disposable Vapes Have a Maximum Capacity?
In terms of vape battery size, there is no maximum capacity. However, as mentioned earlier, the battery is designed to run out before the e-liquid runs out. There’s a limit to the amount of e-liquid that a vape can hold. This maximum e-liquid capacity is 2ml. This is a legal requirement under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR).
This ultimately means all traditional disposable vapes should last a similar amount of time. There will be some difference in lifespan due to the previously mentioned variables. Power output, atomizer head material, and the way you vape can have a bearing. These factors are relatively marginal so most disposable vapes should last a similar amount of time to each other.
That being said, some vapers have recently noticed the lifespan of market-leading disposables suddenly decline. Why is this, and how can you get longer-lasting vapes?
Why Don’t my Disposables Last as Long as They Used To?
If you think that your disposable vapes used to last longer than they do now, you may be right. The leader in the disposable vape market has recently changed the specification of its Elf Bar 600 and Lost Mary BM600 products for the UK market. Investigations alleged that the products often exceeded the maximum 2ml e-liquid capacity regulation. The Daily Mail exposed this in February 2023. Because of all the fuss, UK health regulators entered into consultation with some of the brands involved.
Many single use disposable vapes are now being checked to make sure they only contain 2ml of e-liquid. There are however newer devices that are permitted to contain 4 pods at once, or to be connected to a 10ml e-liquid, and still meet the capacity regulations as the pods or reservoir are still 2ml. These are known 4 in 1 vapes and Big Puff Vapes.
What Are the Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
There are an array of e-cigarettes on the market, including a great selection of starter kits and more advanced vaping systems. All have different benefits, quirks, and features. Although they too are only permitted a 2ml pod capacity, refillable e-cigs can save you a lot more money in the longterm as they are rechargeable and can be filled several times before the pod needs to be replaced. The VLTZ flex Pro, and the re:fuel 2 are both excellent alternatives to disposables, especially when used with vape juice like VLTZ Ultra or VLTZ. You’ll also want to consider using VLTZ Ultra e-liquid with the Mavro and Aeromax if your main concern is vaping flavours that taste like disposables.
VLTZ re:fuel 2
The original re:fuel was an extremely popular choice for those switching from smoking, and for vapers upgrading from disposables. The rechargeable VLTZ re:fuel 2 e-cig is an enhanced version of the original: slim, slick, and superb for flavour delivery. The kit comes with a bottle of e-liquid so you’ll have everything you need to make the switch from single-use vapes.
VLTZ flex Pro
This choice of two different device designs and two styles of pods is a fantastic way to ditch the disposables and vape in a more cost-effective way. Choose from the VLTZ flex Pro Bar and the VLTZ flex Pro Box and enjoy the cross-compatibility of the pre-filled and refillable pods. The pre-filled pods contain VLTZ e-liquid and the refillable pods can be filled with your favourite VLTZ vape juice.
Mavro vape Kit
This buttonless kit is activated via touch sensor and is a must for vapers who love a bit of tech. The Mavro is perfect for those that enjoy sub-ohm vaping with its customisable wattage of up to 40W and the inclusion of a 0.3ohm coil . Its 1600mAh battery lends itself to all day vaping and the fixed coil pod means you simply replace the entire pod when needed.
Aeromax vape kit
Another device that showcases the latest in vaping technology is the Aeromax. This vape kit features adjustable wattage, and an LCD display screen that shows the current wattage, battyery life, as well as the power button lock status. Flavour is enhanced with this kit, notably when using VLTZ Ultra, an eliquid that mics the extreme taste of disposables perfectly.
With so many alternatives already available, there’s no need to worry about stocking up on disposables. Stay quit from smoking and upgrade to one of our vape kits. If you need any support or information regarding switching from diposables, visit your nearest Totally Wicked store or get in touch with our helpful Customer Services Team who’ll be delighted to help you find the perfect vape kit and eliquids for your needs.
