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Disposable vs Prefilled vs Refillable Vapes - Tablites Vape Store
July 20, 2023 Anthony Greenfield

Disposable vs Prefilled vs Refillable Vapes

What are the differences between disposable, prefilled, and refillable vapes? And are refillable vapes better than disposable vapes? In this guide, the experts at TABlites answer these questions to help you choose the right device for your vaping needs with confidence.

Whether you prioritise convenience, customisation, or cost-effectiveness, delve into the features of disposable, prefilled, and refillable vape kits to find out which option suits you best.

Disposable vape vs refillable vs prefilled: A summary

Want to see the differences between disposable, prefilled, and refillable vapes at a glance?

We’ll go into more detail about each type of vape and its features later on, but this table will give you an overview to help you make comparisons more easily.

Disposable vapes

Prefilled vapes

Refillable vapes

Description
  • Single-use
  • Prefilled with e-liquid
  • The entire device is discarded when the e-liquid or battery runs out
  • Multi-use - rechargeable
  • Uses prefilled flavour cartridges or pods
  • Can be used multiple times by replacing the pod or cartridge and charging the battery
  • Multi-use - rechargeable
  • Allows users to manually refill the e-liquid into the device
  • More flexibility and customisation options

Pros
  • Convenient
  • Portable
  • No maintenance
  • Beginner friendly
  • Convenient
  • Portable
  • Consistent flavour
  • No mess or leakage
  • Beginner friendly
  • Cost-effective
  • More eco-friendly
  • Wide flavour selection
  • Better flavour quality
  • Nicotine strength control
  • Customisable
  • Versatile
  • Longer battery life

Cons
  • Limited lifespan
  • Not cost-effective
  • Not eco-friendly
  • Limited flavour options
  • Limited nicotine strength options
  • Limited personalisation
  • Limited flavour options
  • Limited nicotine strength options
  • Less cost-effective than refillable vapes
  • Not eco-friendly
  • Not always beginner friendly
  • Potential mess and spills
  • Maintenance required
  • Higher upfront cost

Disposable vapes

Disposable vapes are compact, single-use e-cigarette devices that come pre-filled with vape juice and a fully charged battery. Once the e-liquid or battery is depleted, the entire device is discarded and replaced with a new one.

They are designed for convenience and simplicity, making them an accessible option for beginners or on-the-go vapers.

Bear in mind that a ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes is set to come into force in England on 1 June 2025. However, multi-use disposable vapes will still be legal and available to purchase.

Pros of disposable vapes

  • Convenient: Disposable vapes come pre-filled with e-liquid and are ready to use right out of the box. There is no need for refilling, charging, replacing coils, or cleaning. Simply inhale on the mouthpiece, and you're good to go.
  • Portable: These vapes are compact and lightweight, making them highly portable. They easily fit into pockets, purses, or bags and are great in situations where carrying larger and heavier vaping devices may be impractical.
  • No maintenance required: With disposable vapes, there is no need to worry about cleaning, maintenance, or replacing parts. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the battery runs out of power, you can safely dispose of the entire device and replace it with a new one.
  • Beginner friendly: Disposable vapes require no prior knowledge or experience with vaping. They are designed for simplicity, making them accessible to anyone who wants to try vaping without dealing with complicated settings or having to replace coils.

Cons of disposable vapes

  • Limited lifespan: Disposable vapes are designed for single-use and have a limited lifespan (generally up to 600 puffs). Once the vape juice is depleted or the battery runs out of power, the entire device needs to be discarded and replaced.
  • Not cost-effective: While disposables may have a lower upfront cost compared to refillable vapes, the cost per puff is typically higher. Constantly buying new devices can add up, especially for frequent vapers.
  • Not eco-friendly: Disposable vapes contribute to waste and can have a negative impact on the environment if disposed of incorrectly. Although these devices can be recycled, approximately 1.3 million disposable vapes are discarded in the UK every week.
  • Limited flavour options: While there’s a large choice of disposable vape flavour options available, there’s far less choice when compared to bottles of vape juice.
  • Limited nicotine strength options: While some disposable vapes offer various nicotine strength options, the range may not be as extensive compared to refillable devices. If you have specific nicotine level requirements, disposable vapes might not provide the flexibility you need.
  • Limited personalisation: These vapes have limited customisation options. You can’t adjust the power output, coils resistance, airflow (in most cases), or change the e-liquid flavour once the device is purchased. This may not be ideal for vapers who prefer a personalised vaping experience or who enjoy experimenting with the different settings on their vape.

At TABlites, we have partnered with the Green Wings Project so you can now bring your used disposable vapes to participating Tablites store locations around the UK for recycling.

Prefilled vapes

Prefilled vapes are e-cigarettes that come with prefilled e-liquid cartridges or pods. They can be used multiple times simply by replacing the pod or cartridge and charging the battery.

These devices are designed for simplicity and convenience, offering a ready-to-use vaping experience.

Pros of prefilled vapes

  • Convenient: Prefilled vapes are incredibly convenient and user-friendly. They come pre-filled with e-juice, eliminating the need for manual filling or refilling. This makes them ideal for beginners or vapers who prefer a hassle-free vaping experience.
  • Portable: These vapes are compact and portable, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go. They are perfect for on-the-go vaping and can easily fit in your pocket or bag, making them great for times when refilling with e-liquid isn’t practical or your main kit is too heavy and bulky to take with you.
  • Consistent flavour: With prefilled vapes, you can expect consistent flavour delivery. The e-liquid in the prefilled pods or cartridges is professionally blended and formulated to provide a consistent and satisfying vaping experience. You also don’t have to worry about coil deterioration as the coils only last as long as the volume of e-liquid in the tank.
  • No mess or leakage: Since the e-liquid is pre-filled and sealed within the pod cartridges with no access points, you don't have to worry about any mess or leakage.
  • Beginner friendly: Prefilled vapes are designed for ease of use, making them suitable for first-time vapers. Simply inhale on the mouthpiece and the device automatically activates, producing vapour without the need for buttons or setting adjustments.
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Cons of prefilled vapes

  • Limited flavour options: Prefilled vapes typically come with a limited selection of flavours. While there may be a variety to choose from, the options may not be as extensive compared to using refillable vapes with bottles of e-liquid.
  • Limited nicotine strength options: Prefilled pods are usually only available in high strength nicotine (20mg/ml), which means they might not be ideal if you’re looking to reduce your nicotine intake. PG e-liquids, on the other hand, come in a range of strengths to cater to all vapers.
  • Less cost-effective than refillable vapes: Prefilled vapes work out more expensive compared to purchasing bottles of vape juice separately for refillable vape kits. Over time, the expenses of continuously purchasing prefilled pod cartridges can add up, especially if you vape more than the average.
  • Not eco-friendly: Prefilled vapes contribute to waste and can have a negative impact on the environment. Since prefilled pods are disposable they contribute to plastic waste, and if there’s remaining e-liquid in the pod this can produce hazardous waste and be catastrophic for the environment.

Refillable vapes

Refillable vapes, also known as an open-system vapes, are e-cigarettes that allow users to manually refill the e-liquid into the device. They are rechargeable and don’t need to be thrown away like disposables - simply refill the pod with e-liquid and replace the coil when needed.

Compared to disposable or prefilled vapes, refillable vapes offer more flexibility and customisation options.

Pros of refillable vapes

  • Cost-effective: Refillable vapes can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to disposable or prefilled options. Instead of continuously purchasing new devices, you can simply refill the e-liquid, saving money on buying new pods or cartridges.
  • More eco-friendly: Refillable vapes are more environmentally friendly compared to disposable options. By reusing the device and refilling e-liquids, you can significantly reduce waste and minimise the impact on the environment.
  • Wide flavour selection: E-liquids for refillable vapes are available in a much wider range of flavours than disposable and prefilled vapes. This allows for a more personalised vaping experience tailored to your taste preferences.
  • Better flavour quality: Refillable vape tanks and pods often have higher power output capabilities and adjustable settings, producing thicker, tastier vapour compared to disposables and devices that use prefilled pods.
  • Nicotine strength control: Refillable vapes allow you to control the nicotine strength in your e-liquids. This is especially beneficial for those who are gradually reducing their nicotine intake or prefer different nicotine levels at different times.
  • Customisable: Refillable vapes often offer more customisation options, such as adjustable airflow and wattage settings. This allows you to fine-tune your vaping experience, adjusting the vapour production, throat hit, and flavour intensity according to your preferences.
  • Versatile: Refillable vapes are compatible with a wide range of e-liquids, including different PG/VG ratios, nicotine salts, and freebase nicotine. This versatility allows you to experiment with different e-liquid types and find what suits your preferences and vaping style.
  • Longer battery life: Many refillable vapes feature larger and more powerful batteries compared to disposable or prefilled devices. This results in longer battery life and extended vaping sessions between charges.

Cons of refillable vapes

  • Not always beginner friendly: Refillable vapes can be more difficult to operate, especially for beginners. Filling the pod or tank with e-liquid, priming the coil, replacing coils, and altering settings might be intimidating for new vapers.
  • Potential mess and spills: Refilling vape tanks can sometimes result in spills and leaks, especially if not done carefully. This can lead to wasted e-liquid and a messy vaping experience.
  • Maintenance required: Refillable vapes require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced flavour, and overall poor vaping experience.
  • Higher upfront cost: The initial investment of purchasing a refillable vape device may be higher than that of a disposable or prefilled vape. However, when compared to the cost of disposable and prefilled vapes, the refillable works out much cheaper in the long run.

Are refillable vapes better than disposables?

Refillable vapes are generally considered to be a better option than disposable vapes because they are better for the environment and more cost effective in the long run.

If you vape frequently, opting for a refillable vape rather than a disposable is a no-brainer. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the ability to better customise your vaping experience by adjusting the airflow, changing the wattage, switching between flavours, and more. Discover the best refillable vapes on our website.

However, disposable vapes still have their uses. At TABlites, we advise first-time vapers to start with disposable vapes for the initial transition to vaping. Once you’ve grown accustomed to vaping, we recommend switching to a more durable and cost-effective refillable device that promotes sustainability in the long run.

Don’t forget that single-use disposable vapes are set to be banned in England from 1 June 2025. However, multi-use disposables that can be recharged will still be available, such as the popular Elf Bar AF5000.

Which type of vape is best for me?

When choosing a new device and deciding between a disposable vape vs refillable, consider your needs as a beginner or experienced user, budget constraints, patterns of use, and desire for variety.

Disposables serve beginners well, while prefilled pods better suit moderate users. But for most dedicated vapers, refillable tanks and refillable pods provide the greatest flexibility, best bang for your buck, and are more environmentally friendly.

Not sure where to start? Check out our range of best selling vape kits to see which devices are most popular amongst your fellow vapers.

If you need any assistance finding the right vape device for you, the TABlites team will be happy to help. Give us a call on 0161 723 0064 or email us at sales@tablites.com.

Filed in: Benefits of vaping, Best Vapes, Disposable Vapes, E-Liquid, Pen Vape Kits, Prefilled Vape, Refillable Vape, Vape, Vape Kits, Vape Shop, Vape Starter Kit
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