Newly Updated for 2024: Do you like the idea of trying vaping but don’t want the hassle of having to refill your vape pen’s tank, with all the mess and fuss that it involves?
There’s an alternative that’s just perfect for you – a pod vape.
A pod vape is basically a hand-held compact battery which is paired with either an empty or pre-filled pod that fits into the pod bay located in the battery.
Usually, pod mods are incredibly user friendly, and since they don’t often have any buttons but are instead draw activated, they’re just perfect for anyone who is new to vaping and who is looking for a vape product with virtually no learning curve.
Vape pods have low-amp batteries and charge via USB cables, making them simple to use, compact and portable. These features suit the needs of beginning vapers.
So let’s take a look at some of the best pod vapes available in the UK so far.
Best Pre-Filled Pod Vapes in the UK
A pre-filled pod vape stores its e-liquid in pods that are filled with vape juice and ready to use immediately but aren’t refillable. A pod usually contains about 2 ml of e-liquid and lasts through about one or two days of vaping. You use the pod until it’s empty, and then you throw it away and replace it with a new one.
Benefits of Pre-Filled Pod Vapes:
- They’re usually very small.
- They’re convenient; there’s nothing to fill and no mess.
- They’re very easy for beginners; just charge the battery, insert a pod and puff.
Drawbacks of Pre-Filled Pod Vapes:
- They don’t offer as many flavour options as refillable systems.
- They don’t offer as many nicotine strengths as refillable systems.
- They’re more expensive over time than refillable vapes.
Elf Bar Elfa Pro
The Elf Bar Elfa Pro is probably the most popular pre-filled pod system in the UK right now, and that’s because it’s made by the same company behind the popular Elf Bar range of disposable vapes.
Disposables are super convenient, and people love to use them, but they’re often not quite as happy when they realize how much they’re paying. Every time you buy a disposable vape, you’re buying a complete vaping device – and a disposable vape only lasts a day or two at the most.
Disposable vapes do cost less than smoking, but you can save hundreds of pounds a year – with basically no sacrifice to convenience – by using a pod system instead.
The Elf Bar Elfa Pro, though, has a major hook that other pre-filled pod systems lack: The e-liquids are the same as those used in Elf Bar’s disposables. If you love the Elf Bar flavours and want to save some money, the Elfa Pro is a natural choice for you.
In addition to the 23 flavours available for the Elf Bar Elfa Pro, this device also works with the pods for the original Elf Bar Elfa, which has 13 flavours available. The difference is that the Elfa Pro pods have mesh coils, improving their vapour production and flavour intensity.
Voom Pod Mod
Most pre-filled pod vapes use the standard “bar” format and look essentially like miniature vape pens, but the Voom Pod Mod is something quite different. With its slightly boxy design, the Voom Pod Mod looks a bit like a box mod but on a much smaller scale. It’s a design that’s stylish and very discreet.
It’s so tiny, in fact, that you can wear it on your neck with the included lanyard if you like.
As you would expect from any modern vaping device, the pods for the Voom Pod Mod have mesh coils for top-notch flavour and vapour production.
The Voom Pod Mod also has a 500 mAh battery that provides enough power for all-day vaping and charges quickly via a USB-C port.
Aside from the stylish design, though, the biggest selling point of the Voom Pod Mod is the fact that the pods are available in a whopping 32 different flavours.
The biggest drawback of pre-filled pod systems has traditionally been that their flavour selections are limited compared to devices that you fill yourself, but that’s not the case here. With flavour options like Sour Apple, Blackcurrant Lemonade and Cola Lime, it’ll be a long time before you run out of new experiences to try with this device.
Best Refillable Pod Vapes in the UK
A refillable pod vape comes with one or more empty pods. When you use this type of device, you fill your own pods using bottled e-liquid. Nicotine salt e-liquid is particularly popular with pod systems. You can refill the same pod as many times as you want, discarding it when you’re no longer happy with the flavour.
Benefits of Refillable Pod Vapes:
- They offer a greater level of flexibility in choosing your flavour and nicotine strength.
- They’re less expensive over time than pre-filled vaping systems.
- They may offer advanced features that pre-filled devices lack, such as wattage control.
- They often have better flavour quality and vapour production than pre-filled devices.
Drawbacks of Refillable Pod Vapes:
- They’re not as convenient as pre-filled devices and may require coil replacements in addition to refills.
- They may not be quite as beginner friendly as pre-filled devices.
V2 Vsavi Pro Series 3
The V2 Vsavi Pro Series 3 is marketed more as a vape pen than a pod system, but it ought to catch your attention if you’re looking for a pod vape. The device’s drop-in e-liquid cartridges basically function the same as pods. The cartridges are also made from glass rather than plastic, which is hugely beneficial for flavour quality.
Even better, the twist-off mouthpiece makes the V2 Vsavi Pro Series 3’s e-liquid cartridge much easier to fill than a typical vape pod. If you find it difficult to manipulate small objects, you might have an easier time with this device than you would with most pod systems.
Another great feature of the V2 Vsavi Pro Series 3 is that the device automatically reduces its power as the level of e-liquid in the cartridge decreases, helping to ensure maximum flavour quality and prevent burnt hits.
The V2 Vsavi Pro Series 3 is marketed for use with both nicotine and CBD e-liquids, and the drop-in cartridge system makes it easy to switch between the two. To avoid flavour contamination, just devote one cartridge to standard e-liquid and another to CBD.
This device uses a magnetic cartridge system, so when you drop a cartridge in, it stays put.
It also uses push-button firing, which allows it to produce bigger clouds than you’d get with a draw-activated pod system.
Innokin Arcfire
Small, simple and elegant, the Innokin Arcfire is a styish refillable pod system that’s an excellent choice if you’re new to vaping.
Apart from needing to refill the pod periodically, there’s virtually no difference between using the Arcfire and using a pre-filled device. Just charge the battery and fill the pod, and you’re ready to go.
The Arcfire has a simple puff-based firing system, and there’s no need to worry about any controls or settings. As you vape, a discreet panel of LEDs on the side of the device lights up to show the battery’s current charge.
Although the Arcfire may seem like a very simple device, it’s definitely no slouch from a technical standpoint. Innokin developed a new type of coil for this device called the Arc coil, and its vapour production is very impressive – especially coming from such a small and pocketable device.
While the Innokin Arcfire doesn’t have any settings that you can adjust, it does have two different pods available with resistances of 0.8 and 1.2 ohm. Both pods are included with the kit, so you can try them both and see which one you prefer.
SMOK Novo 5
The SMOK Novo 5 is the most advanced pod system that we’d suggest for beginning vapers because although it’s a bit more feature rich than most pod vapes, it remains fairly easy to use thanks to the fact that the coil isn’t replaceable. When it’s time for a new coil, you can just throw the entire pod away.
You will have to spend a little time getting to know the device’s settings, but it’ll be time well spent if you’re a picky vaper and have exacting requirements for performance and flavour quality.
The Novo 5 might also be a good choice for you if you’re a heavy smoker and are concerned that your higher nicotine requirements might make it difficult for you to switch to vaping. The vapour production of this device is drastically increased compared to what you’d get with most pod systems.
The SMOK Novo 5 is a true pod mod, which means that it has some of the features of a vape mod in the smaller package of a pod system. Chief among those features is variable wattage; you can adjust the power of this device to a maximum of 30 watts.
The Novo 5 also has a built-in screen showing you the device’s current wattage, the remaining battery life, the resistance of the connected coil and the number of puffs you’ve taken since the last time you reset the counter.
Topping off these features is an airflow control dial that allows you to get a tight mouth-to-lung draw simulating a cigarette or a looser direct-to-lung hit; the choice is yours.
The SMOK Novo 5 pod has a 0.7-ohm mesh coil that allows the device to produce impressively large clouds and rich, full flavours at any wattage setting.
Uwell Caliburn Explorer
The Uwell Caliburn Explorer is easily one of the most unique pod vapes ever created. How you feel about this device will depend on how you feel about its key feature, which you may regard as an unnecessary novelty or something that transforms your vaping experience forever.
The thing that sets the Caliburn Explorer apart is its pod, which has two chambers and two replaceable coils.
The dual-chambered pod makes it possible to vape in four different ways. You can vape from one side only, from the other side only or from both sides simultaneously. You can even have the Caliburn Explorer alternate between the two sides automatically on each puff.
This creates some interesting potential vaping scenarios that you’ve probably never experienced before. Are you the type of person who loves changing flavours constantly and can never decide what flavour e-liquid you feel like using at any given moment? Now, there’s no need to choose because you can carry two flavours wherever you go in a single device.
On the other hand, maybe you’re intrigued by the idea of mixing flavours. The Caliburn Explorer makes it easy; just fill the two sides of the pod with the flavour of your choice, and the device handles the rest.
Another less heralded feature of the Uwell Caliburn Explorer is that you can also fill both sides of the pod with the same e-liquid and enjoy double the vapour production. In this configuration, you’re not likely to find another small pod system that can compete with the cloud production of the Caliburn Explorer.
Pod Vape FAQ
What is a pod vape?
In very basic terms, a pod vape is a device that is usually very small in size and consists of a two-part system. The two primary parts in a pod vape are the pod and the battery.
A pod essentially replaces the tank component found in many vape kits. It is pre-filled with E-liquid and is replaced in its entirety when it runs out.
Some pod vapes have a refillable pod design, meaning that they can be filled with a range of different compatible E-liquids.
The battery section of the device will be incredibly simple, only consisting of a fire button and the battery compartment.
All users need to do is put a pod inside and click the fire button to start vaping.
Pod vapes are most often used by those who are making the switch from smoking as the sensation given by a pod vape is very similar to smoking a cigarette.
How to use a pod system?
Using this device is exceptionally easy. Many people consider pod vapes to be some of the easiest vaping devices to use as they essentially only have one function.
Once you’ve unpacked your kit and are ready to get going you will probably need to charge your device up first. Use the USB cable provided with the kit and wait for a bit.
The charge times vary between various devices, but in general, a pod vape should only take about an hour to reach full charge.
Many devices will have some form of LED light on the base of the kit that changes colour to indicate when the device is fully charged.
Once charged, you will need to either attach the pod to the battery or refill the pod with an E-juice of your preference if you have a refillable pod kit.
You should then wait for around ten minutes to ensure that the wick has been fully saturated with the E-liquid.
Turn the vape device on and hold down the fire button when you are ready to start. Make sure to inhale while you hold the fire button down. That’s really all there is to it!
What are the different types of pod mods?
Modern vape pod devices look quite a bit different to their original founding models back in 2015.
Rather than just offering the most bare bones vaping experience, many modern devices offer more in terms of features and additional modes that go a long way in enhancing the vaping experience for both new and seasoned vape users.
In general terms, there are three main pod vape categories that a device can belong to.
There is a standard pod system that offers the most basic vaping experience.
These usually have just one fire button on them and tend to use replaceable pods.
An AIO (All-in-one) pod vape device is one that is very compact and tends to also use replaceable coils.
A pod mod is a vape device that is often larger in size, offering a wide range of additional features and modes for the most part. It still uses pods, but they usually have replaceable coils (just like AIO pods).
A pod vape can then be further categorised as either a refillable or pre-filled device.
A pre-filled pod is one that is easily replaceable but can be quite limiting in terms of available flavours.
A refillable pod system allows users to put whatever E-liquid flavour they want into the device and while they require a little more effort than pre-filled ones, they offer much more freedom.
Who should use pod vapes?
Pod vapes are suitable for a wide range of people. While being a great starter device, many kits are best enjoyed when in the hands of an experienced vaper.
Seasoned vape users can benefit from using a pod vape as a side piece to their regular device.
Those who are transitioning from smoking to vaping can benefit greatly from using a pod vape as the simplistic design and accessibility is the perfect place to start.
The sensation given by using a pod vape is also similar to those had when smoking a cigarette, making the transition seem more natural.
What are the benefits of pod mod systems?
Pod systems have several benefits to offer. The prime advantages are their simplicity and convenience.
They are so simple to use that they are ideal for ex-smokers who want effective nicotine delivery with no confusing technical features to get to grips with, while their mouth to lung vaping style is also attractive to the recently quit smoker.
It’s also very simple to switch flavours when you use one of these devices. You just fit a pod with a different flavour of e-juice into the battery, and then you’re good to go.
One further advantage is the economy of use. They use much less e-juice in a single day than other types of vape, which makes them better value for money, allowing you to save on e-juice.
Also, they are incredibly low maintenance, and with no need to build coils, they can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Very simple to use
• Small size for easy portability
• Ideal for people who want to quit smoking
• Uses less e-juice
• Quick and simple to change flavours
• Low maintenance
• MTL draw similar to tobacco cigarette smoking
• Discreet to use
• Low vapour production
Cons:
• Lower battery capacity than many other vaping devices
• Low vapour production may not suit everyone
• Limited range of flavours in pre-filled cartridges
• Maybe more expensive than some other vaping device types, especially when buying the pre-filled pods
How long do vape pods last?
Each pod has its own particular lifespan. Its lifespan can vary based on what type of E-liquid is in the pod and how often you are vaping and at what power.
Most pods last around 1-2 days for full-time vapers.
Why does my pod produce burnt taste?
If there isn’t much E-liquid left in a pod, then it can cause a burning taste due to the dryness of the coil.
Similarly, if you haven’t let the wick saturate enough then this can also taste burnt.
Can I refill vape pods?
You can buy a vape pod device that allows for refillable pods. Make sure to buy a device that offers an “open pod system”.
What e liquid should you use?
Usually, nic salt (or nicotine salt) e-liquids are the most common choice used in pod vapes.
However, it is possible to use other freebase nicotine e-juices too.
Any e-juice with a minimum of 50% PG in it will work in a pod vape, and often a 50:50 PG:VG ratio is the best option, although some pod vaping devices function well with a higher level of VG in the e-liquid.
Can I use standard e liquid in a pod?
Generally speaking, yes you can use regular vape juice in a pod system, just try to keep below the 60% VG mark.
Can I use a pod mod to vape CBD liquid?
A pod system can be used to vape CBD liquid. It is recommended that you use a 1.0-ohm coil or higher for this.