The 2024 ONS report on smoking states 56% of smokers want to quit. And with disposables now banned in the UK, pod systems are the go-to choice.

Switching from cigarettes is challenging. But pod devices offer a simple, fuss-free way to switch, with longer-lasting devices, lower running costs, and less battery waste.

In this guide, we’ll explain prefilled and refillable pods, their costs and pros/cons, and help you choose the right one.

Contents:

1. Why Pod Devices Work for New Vapers
2. Refillable vs Prefilled Pods: What’s the Difference?
3. Getting Started with Pod Vapes: Step-by-Step
4. Cost Comparison: Refillable vs Prefilled Pods
5. Safety, Maintenance and Alternatives: What to Know Before You Vape
6. Next Steps: Choosing the Right Pod for You

Key Terms

• Pod-Based Device/System/Vape: The main device with the battery and controls.
• Pod: Replaceable cartridge that holds E-Liquid, mouthpiece, and coil.
• Coil: The heating element inside the pod that turns E-Liquid into vapour.
• Prefilled Pod: Comes with E-Liquid ready to vape; replace when empty. (Also called a “closed pod” in vaping terminology.)
• Refillable Pod: You fill it with your chosen E-Liquid; replace it when the coil burns out. (Also called an “open pod.”)
• Puff Count: How many inhalations a pod can provide.

If you’re new to vaping and want a step-by-step guide for adult smokers, check out Switching to Vaping: A Guide for Adult Smokers.

1. Why Pod Devices Work for New Vapers

Pod systems offer a simple, effective way for adult smokers to switch. They are compact, easy to use, and designed to deliver consistent satisfaction.

• Convenience: No complex settings. Slide in a pod and vape.
• Nicotine Control: Choose from a range of strengths (0-20mg/ml) to suit your cravings and goals.
• Less Waste: Refillable pod systems help cut down on waste. Keep your device, replace the pods when they’re empty, and enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable vape routine.
• Cost-Effective: Lower long-term costs than cigarettes and bigger vape devices like mods.
• Discreet Design: Small, stylish, and pocket-friendly for everyday use.

2. Refillable vs Prefilled Pods: What’s the Difference?

Pod devices are compact vaping devices that use either refillable or prefilled pods:

• Refillable pods let you add your own E-Liquid, ideal for flexibility and flavour choice.
• Prefilled pods come ready to use, perfect for convenience.

Quick Comparison: Which Pod System Suits You Best?

Pros and Cons of Prefilled vs Refillable Pod Vapes

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each pod can help you pick the one that fits your lifestyle and vaping goals.

Prefilled Pods (Ready-to-Use)

Pros:

• Easy to use: Click in a pod and vape, no filling required.
• Consistent performance: Same flavour and nicotine every time, stock up on flavours you love.
• Perfect for ex-disposable users: Feels familiar and hassle-free.

Cons:

• Limited flavours: You’re restricted to what flavours the brand offers.
• Higher ongoing cost: Buying a new pod each time is slightly more expensive long-term.
• Less flexibility: Can’t adjust nicotine strength or mix flavours, but some pods do come in different nicotine strengths.

Refillable Pods (You Fill)

Pros:

• More flavour options: Use any E-Liquid you like.
• Control over nicotine strength: Pick what works best for you.
• Lower long-term cost: Reusing pods and buying E-Liquid is cheaper over time.
• Less waste: Pods last multiple refills.

Cons:

• Slightly more work: You need to fill pods and clean occasionally.
• Learning curve: Beginners might find it tricky at first.
• Flavour maintenance: Pods need replacement when the coil wears out.

3. Getting Started with Pod Vapes: Step-by-Step

Smokers often prefer a device that’s easy and reliable. Here’s what using each type looks like:

Prefilled Pod Systems

• Step 1: Take a prefilled pod and click it into the device
• Step 2: Activate the device by drawing on it (no buttons needed).
• Step 3: Replace the pod when empty.
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very easy.
• Why it works for switching smokers: Feels familiar, no mess, and consistent flavour every time.

Refillable Pod Systems

• Step 1: Fill the pod with your chosen E-Liquid.
• Step 2: Let the coil soak for a few minutes to avoid burning.
• Step 3: Draw on the device to vape.
• Step 4: Clean or replace the pod when the flavour fades or the coil wears out.
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
• Why it works for experienced vapers: Gives more control over flavour, nicotine strength, and vaping style.

Tips for Smokers Switching to Pod-Based Systems

• Don’t overfill: Stick to the fill line to avoid leaks.
• Let coils soak: Wait a few minutes after filling to prevent burnt hits.
• Check charge levels: Check that your device is charged.
• Replace pods when needed: Keeps flavour consistent.
• Start simple: Prefilled pods are easiest; try refillables later.
• Keep spares: Extra pods stop you running out.

Choosing the Right Pod System

For switching smokers, knowing how to choose and start using a pod-based device can make the transition from cigarettes smoother.

Before You Buy

• Research products: Compare refillable vs prefilled pods, flavours, nicotine strengths, and device features.
• Check compatibility: Make sure pods fit your chosen device and meet UK regulations.
• Consider device features: Battery life, charging type (Type-C charging port is now standard), portability, and draw activation (button vs automatic).

Choosing Your Pod

• Puff Count: Prefilled pods can provide between 600 and 35,000 puffs (10-20 in a cigarette). Refillable pods vary depending on E-Liquid volume and coil lifespan. Match your puff needs to your smoking habits.
• Liquid Variation: Refillable pods give full control over flavour and throat hit, great for flavour experimentation and different vaping styles. Prefilled pods have fixed flavours, but can often have a range of 30+ flavours.
• Coil/Pod Variation: Refillable pods may have replaceable or built-in coils, affecting flavour and lifespan. Prefilled pods are single-use; the coil is replaced with the pod.
• Nicotine Variation: Refillable pods let you choose from a range of nicotine strengths (e.g., 3mg–20mg in 50/50 E-Liquids) for gradual reduction or flavour experimentation. Prefilled pods come at fixed strengths (commonly 20mg/ml), but new 10mg and 0mg flavours are becoming popular.
  
• Personal Preference: Consider simplicity vs flexibility, budget, lifestyle, and flavour preferences.

Getting Started

• Choose a prefilled pod for simplicity and ease of use, or a refillable pod if you want more control over flavours and nicotine but don’t mind a more hands-on setup.
• Track usage and cravings; this helps you adjust nicotine levels if needed.

Ongoing Use

• Replace pods or refill to maintain flavour and performance.
  
• Track nicotine intake, especially with refillable pods, and make gradual adjustments.

When to Seek Professional Advice

• You should discuss persistent cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or health issues with a GP or stop-smoking specialist before changing smoking or nicotine use.
• Seek guidance if you want to wean off nicotine completely, or are unsure which strength is appropriate.

4. Cost Comparison: Refillable vs Prefilled Pods

Switching smokers often want to know how different vaping devices compare in running costs. Here’s the key difference:

Prefilled Pods

• Initial cost: Devices are inexpensive and come with starter pods.
• Ongoing cost: Each prefilled pod has a fixed price. Running costs are generally higher per puff than refillable pods.
• Who it’s best for: Smokers or ex-disposable users who value convenience and simplicity.

Refillable Pods

• Initial cost: Slightly higher; devices usually include a couple of refillable pods that last several weeks.
• Ongoing cost: You refill pods with E-Liquid, which makes long-term costs lower. You can reuse pods many times before replacement.
• Who it’s best for: Smokers who want flexibility with flavours, nicotine strength, and lower running costs.

Key Takeaways

• Prefilled pods: Easy and fuss-free, slightly higher cost over time.
• Refillable pods: More hands-on, flexible, and cheaper in the long run.
  

Cost Comparison at a Glance

Blog: Which IVG Prefilled Pod System Offers the Best Value for Money?

5. Safety, Maintenance and Alternatives: What to Know Before You Vape

Find the Nicotine Strength That Helps Manage Cravings

Some smokers may need higher nicotine than a pod provides. Start with the strongest legal option (20mg/ml) and step down over time.

Experiment With Different Flavours

Flavour is key to staying switched. Experiment with different profiles until you find one that satisfies. Keep refillable pods clean to maintain flavour.

Care for Your Device

Pod systems are simple but still need care. Learn how to refill, charge, and store your device properly to avoid leaks or dry hits.

Understand Habit & Manage Routine

Smoking is behavioural as much as physical. Combine pod use with support, such as apps, nicotine replacement treatments (NRT), or counselling, for better long-term success.

Be Ready for Any Situation

If you’re travelling or away from chargers, carry spares or a backup device. Avoid using damaged or leaking devices.

Legal and Safety Considerations for Pod-Based Devices

Please consider the following information before you buy any pod system.

• You must be 18+ to buy vaping products.
• UK caps E-Liquids at 20mg/ml nicotine.
• Look for CE-marked or regulated devices only.
• Avoid black market or unbranded pods; they may be unsafe.
• Buy from official retailers or brand websites for verified products.

What’s Next for Pod Systems?

The vaping landscape is evolving fast, and pod-based devices are leading the way. Here’s what’s shaping their future:

1. Lower Nicotine Prefilled Pods

The standard nicotine strength for disposables and prefilled pods has traditionally been 20mg/ml. That’s now changing, with more brands introducing lower-nicotine prefilled pods — giving vapers more flexible options while keeping the same convenience.

2. Smarter, Longer-Lasting Devices

Modern pod vapes now feature longer battery life, improved coils, and leak-resistant designs. Some even include adjustable airflow or smart draw sensors for a smoother, more consistent experience. Expect to see more technology integrations ahead — but remember, flavour and performance will always be the most important factors.

3. Refillable Rise, Prefilled Progress

Refillables keep growing for flavour freedom and cost savings, while prefilled pods now offer higher puff counts and cleaner designs that mimic disposables.

4. Flavour Expansion

Prefilled pods now come in huge flavour ranges, giving smokers and vapers more room to experiment. Expect brands to add more flavours to their already growing collections.

5. Safety and Sustainability Focus

UK brands are investing in recyclable pods, regulated nicotine levels, and transparent sourcing. Pod systems are becoming safer, greener, and more user-friendly.

Other Ways to Quit Smoking

Pod vapes aren’t the only way to reduce or quit smoking. Other options include:

Nicotine Replacement Treatments (NRTs)

• Patches: Steady nicotine throughout the day.
• Gum or lozenges: Manage cravings on demand.
• Inhalators or sprays: Mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.

Other Vaping Devices

• Advanced vape pens or mods: More control over airflow, nicotine, and clouds; best for experienced users.

Tips for Choosing an Alternative

• Match the solution to your cravings and lifestyle: Some people prefer the simplicity of a pod, while others enjoy customisation with mods.
• Consider ease of use and portability: The simpler it is to use, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
• Consult a professional first: Before altering your smoking habits or nicotine intake, speak with a pharmacist, stop-smoking service, or healthcare professional.

Guide: Quitting Smoking – A Complete Guide for Adult Smokers

6. Next Steps: Choosing the Right Pod for You

With disposables banned, pod systems are the go-to alternative for adult smokers. Both refillable and prefilled pods offer unique benefits, and understanding these can make your switch smoother and more successful.

Key Takeaways

• Refillable Pods: Great for smokers who want control over flavours and nicotine strength, lower long-term costs, and less waste. Requires slightly more effort to fill and maintain.
• Prefilled Pods: Ideal for smokers who want simplicity, consistency, and a disposable-like experience. Pods have higher puff counts, but fixed flavours and strengths.
• Pod Systems as a Whole: Provide a safe, convenient, and portable way to reduce or quit smoking. They bridge the gap left by disposables while keeping vaping simple and effective.
• Challenges: Some smokers may need to adjust nicotine levels, try multiple flavours, or get support to switch. Device maintenance and matching puff needs are key.
• Legal and Safety Considerations: Stick to regulated UK products, avoid black market devices, and follow manufacturer guidance.

Next step: Compare pod prices and flavour options before you buy. If you want plug-and-play ease, start with IVG Prefilled Pod Kits. For more flexibility, explore IVG E-Liquids for refillable pods.