Disposable Vape Alternatives

Disposable vapes are single-use devices pre-filled with e-liquid, designed to be used until the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies. Once the device is finished, it’s simply discarded and replaced with a new one.

These vapes are draw-activated, meaning no buttons to press — just puff and go. They’re convenient since they don’t require charging or refilling. However, because you constantly need to purchase new ones, they’re not the most budget or environmentally friendly option.

Yes, disposable vapes are being banned in the UK. The government has introduced regulations to phase out these single-use devices in order to reduce waste.

Starting in June 2025, disposable vape options from brands like Elf Bar, SMOK, and Lost Mary will no longer be available for sale.

The ban on disposable vapes is part of the government's bigger push to reduce waste and improve sustainability. When they're not disposed of properly, single-use devices can contribute to environmental problems.

This will encourage vapers to switch to more sustainable, reusable alternatives that can be refilled and reused, reducing waste in the long term.

To learn more, read our guide on the disposable vape ban and its effects.

The ban on disposable vapes is set to come into effect in the UK on 1st June 2025. From that date onwards, these single-use devices will no longer be allowed to be sold in the UK.

While disposable vapes are convenient, reusable vape kits offer a lot more flexibility. With a reusable device, you have more control over your vaping experience. Simply replace the pods or e-liquid when needed, recharge the battery, and you’re good to go. It’s that simple!

Here’s why they might be a great option for you:

• Trying new e-liquid flavours — With reusable vapes, you can easily swap out e-liquids to try new flavours or find the perfect taste that suits you. Read our ultimate guide on e-liquid flavours to learn more.
• Adjust nicotine strength — When you choose new e-liquids for a refillable vape, you have the option to select different nicotine strengths. This allows you to adjust the nicotine level based on what suits your preferences or needs.
• Customisable settings — Many reusable vapes, especially sub-ohm kits and advanced pod systems, allow you to adjust airflow and wattage to fine-tune the flavour, throat hit, and cloud size.
• Sustainable — Reusable vapes are much more environmentally friendly. Since you only replace the pods or e-liquid, not the whole device, you reduce waste and contribute less to landfills.
• Cost-effective — Reusable vapes are more budget-friendly in the long run. They’re designed to be refilled, meaning you only need to replace the e-liquid, pods, or coils, not the whole device.

To put it into perspective, the popular Elf Bar 600 V2 disposable vape costs around 66p per 100 puffs. In comparison, the Elf Bar EV5000 reusable pod kit, which has an initial cost of £9.99 (e-liquid included), works out at just 10p per 100 puffs when you replace the e-liquid. That’s around 85% cheaper per puff than the disposable option!

Want to know more? Read our blog on disposable vs rechargeable vapes.

To make your reusable vape taste like a disposable, it's all about choosing the right e-liquid. Go for a high-quality nic salt e-liquid, which is often used in disposables for a smoother throat hit and quicker nicotine absorption. You can also experiment with e-liquids that match your favourite disposable brands, like fruity, menthol, or dessert flavours. 

Some brands, like Elf Bar, even offer e-liquids in the same flavours as their disposable vapes. They’ve created the Elfliq range, which is designed to give you that same great taste you enjoy from their disposables, but in a refillable bottle form. Perfect for a seamless switch!

• Prefilled pod kits — If you’re looking for something close to disposables, prefilled pod kits are probably your best bet. They use prefilled pods, so there’s no need to refill or deal with e-liquids. Just pop in a new pod when it runs out — simple and hassle-free. Plus, you still get a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths, just like disposables.

• Pod kits — Regular pod kits are a step up if you want a bit more control. Unlike prefilled alternatives where the pods come already filled with e-liquid, pod kits can be refilled with your favourite juice. This means you have a much wider choice of flavours, nicotine strengths, and even different types of e-liquids, like high VG for big clouds or higher nicotine for a stronger hit.

• Sub Ohm kits — If you’re into bigger clouds and more intense flavour, sub-ohm kits are the way to go. These non-disposable vapes use low-resistance coils to heat up your e-liquid faster, giving you a stronger hit and bigger vapour clouds. They’re perfect for more advanced vapers who want to adjust settings like airflow and wattage for a custom experience. But they do require more maintenance than pod kits, so they’re best for those who don’t mind a bit more upkeep.

• Pod mod kits — Think of pod mod kits as the middle ground between pod kits and sub-ohm kits. They’re a bit more powerful than standard pods and allow you to adjust wattage and airflow, but they still maintain the simplicity of pod systems. If you’re looking for more control without jumping straight into sub-ohm vaping, pod mod kits give you that balance of performance and convenience.

Whether you want something that feels similar to a disposable or a kit with more control, these alternatives offer a more sustainable and cheaper way to keep vaping.