Refillable vs. Disposable Vapes: Which is Right for You?
Are you finding it challenging to decide between disposable and refillable vape devices? Don’t fret; this is a common dilemma, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
This decision has become even more complicated due to the significant advancements in both disposable and refillable pod vape technology. We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed various disposable vapes and refillable pod vapes on the market. However, just because we rate a product highly doesn’t necessarily make it the right choice for you.
In this article, we aim to assist you in selecting the best vape device that aligns with your specific needs while considering the environmental impact.
Understanding Disposable Vapes:
Disposable vape pens are self-contained units pre-loaded with vape juice, usually containing nicotine, and an integrated battery.
Disposables typically lack buttons; they activate when you inhale, triggering an auto-draw mechanism that heats the coil to produce vapor.
The key distinction between disposables and other vape devices is their one-time use nature; they are not designed to be reused.
This simplicity makes them incredibly user-friendly; no refilling or recharging is necessary. Simply remove the disposable from its packaging, and it’s ready to use.
The lifespan of a disposable depends on the pre-filled juice or battery capacity. Once either depletes, you dispose of it and move on to the next one.
Some disposables now come with rechargeable batteries, but they are still considered disposable once the pre-filled juice is used up.
Disposable vapes’ ease of use and affordability have made them particularly popular among novice vapers.
Curious about why disposable vapes are so widespread? Our guide delves into the factors driving their popularity.
Types of Disposable Vapes:
- One-time use disposable vape
- Rechargeable disposable vape
Understanding Refillable Vapes:
Any vape device that isn’t disposable falls into the category of refillable or reusable vapes.
The closest in form and function to a disposable is a pod system. Pod vapes typically feature replaceable pods with a 2ml capacity that you can fill with your choice of vape juice. They also come with a rechargeable internal battery.
Many pod vapes offer advanced features like adjustable power, airflow control, and various coil resistance options to tailor your vaping experience.
Using pod vapes requires a bit more vaping knowledge than disposables. You’ll need to purchase vape juice separately, ensuring it matches your desired nicotine strength. This gives you full control over your nicotine intake.
You can also choose between regular freebase nicotine e-liquid or nicotine salt e-liquid.
To better understand nicotine strength and percentages, here’s a useful starting point.
You’ll also need to grasp the differences between coil resistances. Most pod vapes are tailored to MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, like disposables, but some come with lower resistance coils for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping.
Some pod vapes can also use pre-filled pods, which are disposable, but the device itself can be reused multiple times.
Types of Refillable/Reusable Vapes:
- Pod Vapes
- Vape Mods and Box Mods
Pros and Cons:
Disposable Vapes
Pros:
- Zero Maintenance: No need for replacement parts.
- User-Friendly: No buttons or complicated functions; simply inhale to vape.
- Mess-Free: Pre-filled with vape juice, eliminating the mess of refilling.
- Good Flavor: Generally provides excellent flavor due to sealed units with manufacturer-specified juice.
Cons:
- Limited Flavor Options: Limited to the available flavors from disposable brands.
- Failures: Higher risk of device failure or dead batteries before juice depletion.
- Vapor Production: No control over PG/VG ratio and airflow.
- No Juice Window: Difficult to gauge remaining juice; most lack a battery gauge.
- Harmful for the Environment: Contributes to increased landfill waste.
Refillable Pod Vapes
Pros:
- Tailored Experience: Different coil resistances and adjustable power and airflow options.
- User-Friendly: Easy to use, often with auto-draw or single-button operation.
- Unlimited Flavors: Choose any flavor for your pod.
- Replaceable Pods: Easily switch flavors by replacing pods.
- Power: Rechargeable batteries with battery status indicators.
- Eco friendly : Less plastic as harmful plastic waste
Cons:
- Maintenance: Requires some cleaning, as well as charging and pod replacement.
- Inconvenience: Recharging and refilling can be repetitive compared to disposables.
- More Cumbersome: May require carrying extra juice, charging cables, and spare pods.
