Vape Kits
Vape kits are the ultimate solution for anyone looking to enjoy a premium, customisable vaping experience. A great alternative to smoking or disposable vapes following the UK's ban, our e-cigarette range offers something for everyone. Whether you're new to vaping or just want to upgrade your kit, we've got you covered. We have starter vape kits, including prefilled pod kits and pen-style devices, as well as advanced sub-ohm kits. Plus, we stock all the leading vape brands, like SMOK, Aspire, Vaporesso, and VooPoo, and many kits come with a free e-liquid to get you started. Shop our range of refillable vape kits online today.
What is a vape kit?
A vape kit, also known as an e-cigarette, is a complete system that includes everything you need to start vaping. It works by heating e-liquid to create an inhalable vapour.
Most kits include:
- A rechargeable battery (or mod)
- A tank or pod to hold e-liquid
- Coils to heat the liquid and produce vapour
- Additional accessories, like charging cables and spare coils, are also included in some kits
You’ll find vape kits in various styles, from easy-to-use pod devices for beginners to more advanced sub-ohm options.
Types of vape kits
Different vape kits are tailored to suit a variety of preferences and experience levels:
Pod vape kits
Pod kits are compact, easy to use, and ideal for beginners or those transitioning from disposable vapes after the 2025 UK ban.
They typically use prefilled or refillable pods and provide a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping experience similar to traditional smoking. This familiar feel, combined with the option to use e-liquids with a higher nicotine content, can help satisfy cravings quickly, making pod kits a helpful stepping stone for quitting smoking.
Pen-style vape kits
Pen vape kits are refillable and usually feature a simple button operation, offering a balance of convenience and customisation. They’re slightly more powerful than pod kits, producing a bit more vapour while still being portable and easy to use.
Most support mouth-to-lung (MTL) or restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) vaping, with replaceable coils and, on some models, adjustable airflow. They’re perfect for users who want a bit more control without moving to a more advanced device.
Sub-ohm vape kits
Sub-ohm kits are designed for more experienced users who want bigger clouds and more intense flavour. They use coils with a resistance below 1 ohm and typically offer adjustable wattage and airflow, allowing for a more customised setup.
These devices are designed for DTL vaping, producing a much larger amount of vapour. Because of this, they’re usually paired with lower nicotine e-liquids and require more battery power and frequent refilling, making them better suited to those familiar with vaping.
Box mod vape kits
These highly customisable kits offer advanced features like variable wattage, temperature control, and replaceable batteries. Box mod kits are ideal for experienced users who want maximum control over their setup.
They’re typically larger and more powerful than other devices, often paired with sub-ohm tanks for increased vapour production and performance.
Prefilled vs refillable vape kits
When choosing a vape kit, one of the main decisions is whether to go for a prefilled or refillable option.
- Prefilled pod kits — These use ready-filled pods, so there’s no need to manually add e-liquid. They’re simple, mess-free, and ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance option. Once a pod is empty, you simply replace it with a new one.
- Refillable vape kits — These kits are designed to be filled with bottled e-liquid. This category includes most device types, such as refillable pod kits, pen-style kits, and sub-ohm kits. While they require a bit more setup and maintenance (like refilling and changing coils), they offer more flexibility in flavours and nicotine strengths, and tend to be more cost-effective over time.
In short, prefilled kits are best for ease of use, while refillable kits offer better value, performance, and customisation.
Vape brands
At Vape Shop, you’ll find a strong selection of leading brands known for quality, performance, and reliability. Big names like VooPoo, SMOK, and Vaporesso are popular for their advanced kits and powerful performance, while Aspire and OXVA are well known for producing reliable, easy-to-use devices.
For those looking for simple, flavour-focused options, brands like Elf Bar offer convenient pod-based systems that are ideal for everyday use.
The best vape kit depends on your experience level and personal preferences.
If you’re new to vaping, a prefilled pod kit is a great place to start. They’re simple to use, low-maintenance, and ideal for making the switch from smoking. Popular beginner-friendly options include kits from Aspire and VooPoo.
The SKE 600 Pro Prefilled Pod Kit is also one of the best vapes for beginners. It’s pocket-sized and easy to use, with a draw-activated design and a 400mAh battery that lasts for around 600 puffs. Plus, you simply replace the SKE prefilled 2ml pods when they’re empty.
For more experienced users, sub-ohm kits offer greater control, with adjustable wattage, airflow, and a range of coil options to fine-tune flavour and vapour production.
To help you choose, take a look at our blog post on The Best Vape Kits.
A pod vape kit is a compact device that uses a pod (instead of a traditional tank) to hold e-liquid. Pods can be either prefilled or refillable, making them a simple and convenient option, especially for beginners.
Read our guide on The Best Pod Vapes to learn more.
The best sub-ohm vape kit depends on how much control, power, and vapour production you’re looking for.
For most users, a good sub-ohm kit should offer adjustable wattage, airflow control, and compatibility with a range of low-resistance coils. This allows you to fine-tune your setup for bigger clouds and stronger flavour.
Popular, reliable options often come from brands like SMOK, GeekVape, and Vaporesso, known for their performance and build quality.
Vape kits in the UK can vary in price depending on the type you choose, but they’re generally very affordable:
- Prefilled pod kits — From around £5–£15 for simple, compact devices using prefilled e-liquid pods.
- Refillable starter kits — Typically £10–£30, designed to be filled with bottled e-liquid for better long-term value.
In general, you can get started for under £10. Many starter kits at Vape Shop also include a free e-liquid, making them even better value.
While refillable kits can work out cheaper over time because bottled e-liquid costs less than prefilled pods, they usually require a bit more setup and maintenance.
If you’re new to vaping, getting started is simple once you know the basics. Here’s a quick guide on how to inhale a vape properly:
- Prepare your device — Ensure your vape kit is charged and filled (or has a pod inserted if it’s prefilled).
- Turn it on (if needed) — Some devices have a button you press five times to turn on, while others are draw-activated and work automatically.
- How to inhale a vape — There are two main inhaling styles:
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL): Draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs (similar to smoking).
- Direct-to-lung (DTL): Inhale the vapour straight into your lungs in one smooth breath (used with more powerful devices).
- Take slow, steady puffs — Start with gentle draws rather than quick, sharp inhales to avoid coughing.
- Exhale and pace yourself — Give yourself time between puffs to see how it feels, especially if you’re using nicotine.
With a little practice, you’ll quickly find the style and rhythm that works best for you.
The amount of nicotine in a vape depends on the e-liquid you use. In the UK, nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), with a legal maximum of 20mg/ml.
Common nicotine strengths include:
- 0mg — Nicotine-free
- 3mg–6mg — Low strength
- 10mg–12mg — Medium strength
- 20mg — High strength (maximum allowed in the UK)
Prefilled pod kits often use higher strengths (like 10mg or 20mg) to help satisfy cravings, while sub-ohm kits typically use lower strengths (such as 3mg) because they produce more vapour.
The right strength for you depends on your previous smoking habits. Heavier smokers usually start with higher nicotine levels, while lighter smokers or casual users may prefer lower strengths or nicotine-free options.
How long a vape lasts depends on the type of device, how often you use it, and the size of the battery or e-liquid.
- Battery life — Most starter kits last anywhere from a few hours to a full day on a single charge, depending on usage and power settings.
- E-liquid/pods — A 2ml pod or tank typically lasts 1–2 days for moderate users, though heavier use may go through it quicker.
- Coils — These generally need replacing every 1–2 weeks, depending on the e-liquid and frequency of use.
In general, lighter users will find their vape lasts longer between refills and charges, while heavier users may need to recharge and refill more frequently.
You can also usually find an estimated puff count in the product description, so it’s worth checking before you buy to get a better idea of how long it will last.
A vape contains e-liquid, which is made up of:
- Propylene glycol (PG) — Helps carry flavour and provides a throat hit
- Vegetable glycerine (VG) — Produces vapour
- Flavourings — Give the vape its taste
- Nicotine (optional) — Can be included at different strengths or not at all
Yes, disposable vapes are now banned in the UK. As of 1 June 2025, single-use devices can no longer be sold or supplied, whether in-store or online.
This means you’ll now need to choose a reusable vape kit, such as a prefilled pod kit or refillable device. The good news is that many of these are designed to feel just as simple and convenient as disposables, while offering better value and less waste.
So while disposables are no longer available, there are plenty of easy-to-use alternatives to help you make the switch.
For everything you need to know, read our guide on the UK Disposable Vape Ban.
Vaping Guides
