The Best Alternatives To Disposable Vapes
By Jemma Wolfe
Published On: 01-06-23
Disposable Vape Alternatives: Our Recommendations
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is A Disposable Vape?
- What’s The Problem With Disposable Vapes?
- Why Should I Switch From A Disposable Vape
- The Best Disposable Vape Alternatives
- Prefilled Pod Kits
- Refillable Pod Kits
- Pen-Style Vape Kits
- How Do I Get My Vape Kit To Taste Like A Disposable Vape?
- Best Disposable Vape Alternatives Verdict
- Disposable Vape Alternatives at myCigara
Disposable vapes are currently at the peak of their popularity, surpassing all other forms of smoking cessation aids as the world’s favourite quit smoking tool. Their ready-to-use format, simplicity and portability have made them particularly appealing to those who are trying to quit smoking, and even long-term vape fans find themselves picking up a disposable from time to time just for the convenience.
However, it’s no secret that disposable vapes are not the most eco-friendly form of vaping, nor are they the most affordable. So, this got me thinking— what’s the best alternative to a disposable vape? With so many different vape kits out there, it can be hard to find one that’s sure to replicate the same great flavour and convenience as a disposable. But fear not, I’ve done the work for you.
After testing and trying out just about every kind of vape kit over the past couple of years, it’s fair to say I have a pretty good idea of what makes a good vape kit. But this time, I’ve been tasked with picking out devices that can satisfy even the most die-hard disposable vape fans and ultimately inspire them to make the transition to a longer lasting vape kit that will benefit their wallet as well as the planet. So, without further ado, let’s take a look!
What Is A Disposable Vape?
A disposable vape is a type of e-cigarette that comes in a self-contained, non-refillable package. It typically consists of a small, compact device that houses a battery, a heating element, and a pre-filled e-liquid cartridge.
Disposable vapes are designed to be used until the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies, at which point they are discarded and replaced with a new one. They are often regarded as the most convenient and low-maintenance option for vape fans who don't want to deal with the hassle of refilling or charging their devices, making them extremely popular among new users.
To find out more about disposable vapes, how they work and the many different types available, head over to our What Is A Disposable Vape Blog? for an in-depth rundown of everything you need to know.
What’s The Problem With Disposable Vapes?
Although disposable vapes are undeniably the most convenient option for users and have proven to be an extremely effective tool to help people quit smoking, they don’t come without their downsides. The environmental impact, cost, and lack of customisation associated with disposable vapes cannot be ignored. Here’s a quick rundown of the disadvantages of using a disposable vape:
Environmental Impact
The first problem with disposable vapes is the waste they create. Most disposable vapes are made of plastic and cannot be recycled. This means that once they are discarded, they end up in landfills and oceans, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. In addition, the production of disposable vapes requires the use of fossil fuels and other resources, further contributing to environmental damage.
Cost
While they may seem affordable initially, the cost of constantly buying new disposables on a regular basis can add up quickly. This is particularly true for heavy vapers who may go through several disposable vapes in a single day. In contrast, refillable devices can be more cost-effective over time, as users only need to replace the eliquid and coils or pods.
Lack of Customisation
Disposable vapes often come in limited flavours and nicotine strengths, which can be limiting for users who prefer more variety and control over their vaping experience. Refillable devices offer greater flexibility in terms of flavour and nicotine strength, as users can choose from a wide range of eliquids and customise their vaping experience.
Why Should I Switch From A Disposable Vape
While disposable vapes can be a great tool to use at the beginning of your quit smoking journey, or even as an emergency backup device on occasion, it’s safe to say that they’re probably not the best option if you plan on vaping long-term. By making the transition from a disposable vape to a longer lasting vape kit that’s refillable and reusable, you can help to minimise the harm posed to the planet, and your wallet.
However, it’s important to remember that when you make the switch from disposables to a reusable vape kit, you will be responsible for some maintenance. In most cases, this involves having to refill your vape kit with e-liquid when it begins to run low, recharging your device regularly, and keeping stocked up on replacement pods or coils.
Nevertheless, even after taking this maintenance into account, using a reusable vape kit still works out to be far cheaper than continuously purchasing disposable vapes. Not only that, but one of the biggest advantages of refillable vapes is their environmental sustainability. Unlike disposable vapes, refillable vapes can be used multiple times and are designed to be refilled with e-liquid, reducing waste and minimising your environmental impact.
The Best Disposable Vape Alternatives
If you’re looking for a reusable vape kit that provides a similar sensation as a disposable vape, then you’ll need to focus your attention on mouth-to-lung vape kits. MTL vape kits are designed to recreate the feeling of smoking a real cigarette, much like disposables. However, you can also achieve this same sensation with a reusable pod kit or starter kit, as long as you know what you’re looking for.
After much trial and error, I’ve managed to hunt down the very best MTL vape kits that effectively mimic the sensation of using a disposable vape. I’ve whittled these selections down to 2 devices per category; covering prefilled pod kits, reusable vape kits, and pen style vapes.
Prefilled Pod Kits
Prefilled pod kits are a type of refillable vape that use pre-filled pods instead of tanks or cartridges. They are designed to be easy to use and offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable vapes. The pods are simply inserted into the device and vaped until they are empty. Once empty, the pod can be replaced with a new one.
Elf Bar Elfa
If you’re a fan of Elf Bar disposable vapes and find yourself spending a fortune to keep up with the £5-£6 per device price tag, then it’s well worth looking into their long-lasting alternative; the Elf Bar Elfa Pod Kit. This pod vape looks just like a regular cylindrical Elf Bar disposable, but the mouthpiece is attached to a pre-filled pod that can easily be swapped out for another, allowing you to use the device again and again.
What’s more, Elfa pods are available in many of the same great flavours as their flagship disposables, covering fan favourites such as Blueberry Sour Raspberry and Watermelon Ice. The in-built 500mAh battery should stand up to a day’s worth of solid vaping and is easily recharged in 30 minutes thanks to a USB-C connection.
Vuse ePod 2
Another great prefilled pod kit that’s rapidly becoming one of our bestsellers is the new Vuse ePod 2. Perfect for those who aren’t huge fans of Elf Bar flavours and are seeking something that offers more traditional flavour profiles, the Vuse ePod 2 is certainly a worthy contender. This mini vape pen is easy to use and comes with in-built smartdraw technology making it puff-activated, and the result is a quiet, smooth and satisfying taste experience.
As with all prefilled pod kits, the mouthpiece is attached to a tank that can easily be swapped out and disposed of before replacing it with a fresh one. This pod kit is compatible with Vuse vPro cartridges which are packed with nic salt e-liquid and ceramic wick technology to deliver bold flavour satisfaction and a consistent vape.
Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable pod kits are a type of vape device that allows users to refill their pods with e-liquid instead of constantly buying new disposable vapes. As the name suggests, they’re much like prefilled pod kits but instead of prefilled pods, they use empty pod cartridges. These pod cartridges contain just a coil and no e-liquid, allowing you to top up your device with any vape juice you choose.
Uwell Caliburn A2
The Caliburn A2 is one of the best refillable pod kits out there. In fact, this has become my go-to device that I use on a daily basis as I find it to be the perfect alternative to disposable vapes. After struggling to find a device that actually tastes as good as a disposable vape, I stumbled across the Caliburn A2 and have never looked back.
The flavour potency is spot on, even when the pod is nearing the end of its lifespan. What’s more, this pod kit is powered by a built-in 520mAh battery, so you can experience a lot more vaping time between charges and it will support an average day’s use before needing to be recharged. The 0.9 Ohm mesh coils are built into each pod, so there are no sloppy coil changes, just replace the entire pod when the coil burns out.
Smok Nord 2
If you like the idea of a refillable pod kit but want something that packs a bit more punch, then look no further than the Smok Nord 2. This is among the most sought after pod kits on the market right now, and it’s easy to see why. This device packs a massive 1500mAh battery, making it perfect for those who don’t like the idea of having to charge their vape kit daily.
Plus, this pod kit offers plenty in terms of customisation. With multiple different coil resistances available, you’re free to tailor your vaping experience to suit your needs. It comes with a 0.4ohm mesh coil which is ideal for high VG e-liquids and direct to lung vaping. If you prefer a mouth to lung experience, use high PG e-liquids and the 0.8ohm coil.
Pen-Style Vape Kits
Pen-style vape kits are another great alternative to disposable vapes. They are small, portable devices that offer a similar vaping experience to disposable vapes, but with the added benefit of being refillable. Pen-style vape kits are designed to be user-friendly, making them easy to use and maintain. They also offer more customisation options, such as adjustable wattage and a wider range of flavour and nicotine strength options.
Innokin Endura T20-S
The T20-S is one of the best vape starter kit options because you can rely on it for a satisfying throat hit alongside a fully adjustable airflow, meaning it effortlessly delivers that satisfying MTL experience you get with disposable vapes. Plus, with this device’s inbuilt safety features, you can even vape whilst it is charging, so you’ll never have to wait around to satiate your cravings. Much like refillable pod kits, pen-style starter kits also need to be maintained and refilled. But thanks to the easy top-fill design, this couldn’t be easier with the Endura T20-S. Simply unscrew the tank top, fill it with your preferred e liquid, and go about your day.
Aspire PockeX
Much like the Innokin Endura, the Aspire PockeX is yet another great option for those seeking a reusable vape kit that packs the same punch as a disposable vape. It delivers the same great performance and flavour, but can be used again and again, and you’re free to customise your experience by pairing it with any e-liquid you choose.
Choose between 0.6ohm and 1.2ohm resistance Aspire Pockex coils depending on your preferences. If you’re trying to replicate that potent MTL sensation that you get from a disposable vape, we recommend pairing this device with the 1.2Ohm coil and nic salt e-liquid.
How Do I Get My Vape Kit To Taste Like A Disposable Vape?
One of the most desirable traits of disposable vapes is their flavour. Not only are they available in a huge range of flavours to suit just about everyone’s taste, but the vapour that is produced is extremely tasty, potent, and rich in flavour, something that people find difficult to replicate when using a refillable vape kit.
If you’re making the transition from disposable vapes to a refillable vape kit, we strongly recommend starting with nic salts. Pretty much every disposable vape on the market uses nic salt e-liquid, a fast-acting and long-lasting nicotine format that enters the bloodstream in mere seconds to provide an instant hit. As most disposable vapes come prefilled with 20mg strength nic salts, this is a great place to start when trying to recreate the same great taste and experience with your vape kit.
Here are our top nic salt eliquid recommendations when trying to create a disposable-like experience:
Bar Series Nic Salts
The entire Bar Series brand is designed around the concept of creating a disposable-like experience in a regular vape kit. With this goal in mind, they have released a series of nic salts revolving around recreating the same great flavours found in disposable vapes. With over 30 popular blends such as Blue Razz Lemonade, Mango Ice, and Gummy Bears, Bar Series make it easier than ever to enjoy disposable vape flavours in a handy reusable format.
Elfliq Nic Salts
If you’re a fan of Elf Bar flavours but can’t justify the cost of keeping stocked up on their disposables, then their brand new line of nic salts is the perfect solution. Blended in-house by the brand themselves, Elfliq nic salts take the exact same e-liquid found in their disposables and package them up into handy 10ml bottles, giving you the freedom to use them in your own vape kit. All of their best-selling blends can be found in the collection including Blueberry Sour Raspberry, Kiwi Passionfruit Guava, and Pink Lemonade.
Dinner Lady Nic Salts
As flavour is perhaps the most desirable aspect of a disposable vape, finding an e-liquid that packs plenty of flavour is key, and Dinner Lady does just that. Proud winners of multiple awards for their unique and quirky blends, Dinner Lady has quickly become the go-to brand for those seeking a maximum flavour. With award-winning blends such as Lemon Tart and fan favourites like Purple Rain, Dinner Lady is a great option worth considering if you’re seeking a disposable-like experience.
Best Disposable Vape Alternatives Verdict
If you’re thinking of switching your disposable vape for something more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, there are lots of great alternatives to disposable vapes, many of which we have highlighted throughout this blog.
Before making the switch, you’ll have to decide which kind of vape kit is right for you; a prefilled pod kit, a refillable pod kit, or a pen-style vape kit. If you’re ready to ditch the disposables but still want a vape kit that requires minimal maintenance, then a prefilled pod kit is probably your best option.
But if you don’t mind topping up your tank and like the idea of being able to choose from a wide range of e-liquid brands, then you’re better off opting for either a refillable pod kit or pen-style vape kit. Head over to my guide: How To Choose A Vape Kit, where you can see a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each device style to help you find out which is right for you.
Regardless of which type of vape kit you choose, we recommend pairing it with nic salt e-liquid to get that all-important disposable vape experience. The 20mg formula paired with its potent flavour and fast-acting properties make it just like the real thing, allowing you to transition from a disposable vape to a reusable vape kit with ease.
Disposable Vape Alternatives at myCigara
At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that offering healthier alternatives in the form of vape kits brings us that much closer to achieving our goal.
We provide a great range of useful tips and guides to help point you in the right direction if vaping sounds like the right next step for you. If you're brand-new to vaping and have never used a reusable kit before, browse our New to Vaping blog to grasp the fundamentals you'll need to understand before you get started.
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and are ready to start vaping today, why not check out our brand new Best Vape Starter Kits 2023 review, where you’ll see a detailed breakdown of the very best vape starter kits on the market right now.
Feel free to reach out and contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction as well as answer any burning questions you may have. Alternatively, head down to your local myCigara store where our expert staff is ready to help you.
