What are vape pods?

A Vape pod is a great option for smokers who want to make the switch from traditional cigarettes to vape pod kits, or a regular vaper who wants a nice and simple second device. They are easy to use straight out of the box, and are perfect for vaping higher nicotine strengths and nic salts.

There are different types of vape pod kits available, and as with everything there are pros and cons to this style of vaping. Is a vape pod the right fit for you? Let's find out…

Types of vape pod

There are different types of vape pod, and they all consist of a battery with a 'pod' on the top. The pod is where the core differences are found.

What is a ‘pre-filled’ or ‘closed’ vape pod?

With this type of vape pod the cartridge is already filled with e-liquid. You cannot refill the pod with e-liquid and the atomiser head inside the pod is not replaceable. This means that when the e-liquid in the pod is empty or the atomiser head stops working (whichever comes first) the cartridge needs replacing.

Pre filled vape pods are extremely low maintenance; they are essentially plug and play. There are no refills or atomizer head changes, meaning this is great for smokers who are first transitioning to vaping as it's very easy to incorporate this type of pod into your daily routine.

What is an refillable vape pod?

Refillable vape pods usually keep to the same overall style of a pre-filled pod device. They tend to have little to no settings to adjust and are still easy to maintain. The pods are manually refilled with e-liquid when you run out, and you can change the atomizer head when required.

Refillable vape pods are perfect for someone who wants a bit more freedom in their vaping experience. Or as a second device for a vaper when they are out and about.

In some open pods, the atomizer head cannot be removed, but the pod can be refilled with e-liquid. A great option for many vapers, this style of vape pod offers freedom of choice with your e-liquid. But there is less maintenance as there is no need for the changing of atomizer heads.

Vape pods and nic salts

Nicotine salt e-liquids are a really popular option for use in vape pods. Nicotine salts let vapers use a higher nicotine strength without any harsh throat hit. This means they provide a really smooth vaping experience. Due to the of the lack of throat hit, the type of vape kit recommended for nicotine salts is something with a low power output that is a mouth to lung (MTL) vape.

Vape pods are ideal for nic salts for this reason. Traditional vape pods tend to have no settings to adjust. They will be much lower power with higher resistance atomizer heads.

Pros and cons of vape pods

Pros of pods

• Easy to use – Vape pods themselves are extremely simple to use and maintain.
• Lower initial cost – Vape pods, especially prefilled pods, tend to have a lower initial cost than standard e-cigarettes.
• Close to the sensation of smoking – Vape pods tend to have a very specific sensation when vaping one. This is a restricted draw that is very close to the sensation of smoking.
• Discreet – You don't have to have huge clouds of vapour to get satisfaction from your device. Depending on the vape pod you choose, you can get a really discreet vape that is ideal for all day use.
• Compact – Vape pods tend to be smaller in size than regular e-cigarettes. This means that you aren't carrying anything you might class as bulky or cumbersome with you all day. They will easily fit into a bag or pocket.

Cons of pods

• Less battery life – Being compact means there has to be a compromise. Vape pods usually have a smaller battery than regular vape kits.
• Less choice – If you choose a pre-filled, or closed vape pod, the choice of e-liquid flavour and nicotine strength will be more limited than an open tank device.
• Less cost effective in the long term – While the initial cost of buying a vape pod is usually cheaper, keeping a pre-filled pod running will be more expensive in the long run. It is much more cost effective to use an open system that can be refilled.

Should you get a pod kit?

Vape pods are great if you want a compact, discreet vape kit that is ideal for taking out and about with you. The vaping experience is extremely close to the sensation of smoking. This means they are a solid first step into the world of vaping for smokers.

There is usually less financial commitment when you start as the initial cost is lower than a regular vape kit. They give you the chance to really understand which style of vaping suits your needs.