The Ultimate Guide to Vape Kits
Over the past few years, the vaping world has exploded in diversity, from sleek pod systems perfect for beginners to advanced mods built for full customisation. Choosing the right vape kit isn’t about looking, but understanding how all the parts operate together to give you the best experience. From coils and wattage to airflow and battery life, there’s a lot to consider if you want smooth draws and rich flavour.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need about vape kits in simple, straightforward terms. Whether you’re new to vaping or upgrading your setup, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it.
What is a Vape Kit?
A vape kit, often called an e-cig, is a small device people use to vape instead of smoke. It runs on a battery that sends power to a coil. That coil sits in a pod or tank filled with e-liquid, which usually has nicotine, flavour, and a PG/VG-based liquid. When you hit the button or take a drag, the coil heats up and turns the liquid into vapours. That’s what you inhale. Simple setup, but the options out there can get pretty wild depending on your style.
Anatomy of Vape Kits
A vape kit comprises several key parts that combine to deliver satisfying vapour.
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Drip Tip / Mouthpiece: This is the part you inhale from. It’s the topmost section of the vape and comes in different shapes (duckbill or flat) and materials (plastic, resin, metal). Some are wide for more airflow (like in DTL kits), others are narrow for tighter draws (like in MTL kits).
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Tank or Pod: This holds your e-liquid. Tanks, made of glass or metal, are usually found in advanced kits. Pods, which are more compact, are used in beginner or pod-based systems. Both serve the same function, housing the liquid and the coil.
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Coil: The heart of the vape. It’s a small metal heating element wrapped in cotton. When the coil heats up, it vaporises the e-liquid absorbed in the cotton. Coils come in different resistances (ohms), which affect vapour, throat hit, and flavour. Sub-ohm coils are perfect for vapour production, and plus ohmic coils are ideal for intense flavour delivery.
- Battery: Powers the device. Built-in batteries are charged via USB, while removable ones are used in high-wattage setups. Some batteries have wattage control, safety features, and even display screens.
Types of Vape Kits
The types of vape kits include:
Disposable Vape Kits
Disposable vapes are pre-filled, pre-charged, and prepped for action when you unwrap them. There are no buttons or charging; you just inhale and exhale. They are perfect for people dipping their toes in or those who can’t be bothered with coils and tanks. Now, big puff vapes are entering the market and becoming popular due to their high puff count and sustainability.
Note: All single-use vapes will be banned in the UK on 1st June, 2025. Big puff disposables and prefilled pod kits with rechargeable batteries and replaceable pods will remain legal to sell and purchase.
Pod Systems
Pod kits are of two types: closed pod systems, with pre-filled flavour pods, and open pod systems, where you fill the pods with your favourite e-liquid. These are perfect for ex-smokers who want that familiar throat hit without all the drama. They’re slim, portable, and easy to refill or replace.
Starter Vape Kits
A vape starter kit gives you just enough to get going without overwhelming you with wires, wattage settings, or geeky jargon. These kits include a simple mod or battery, a refillable tank or pod, a charger, and sometimes a sample e-liquid. They bridge the gap between disposables and more complex setups.
Vape Pens
Vape pens, as the name suggests, look like pens. Sleek and straightforward, they’re a favourite among casual vapers who want something discreet that still delivers flavourful smoke.
They come with a tank and rechargeable battery and are usually designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, meaning tighter draws that feel more like a cigarette. They are great for newbies or anyone who just wants a no-fuss experience.
Box Mods
Box mods are built for vapers who want full control over their experience. They allow adjusting wattage and voltage for customised vapour and flavour. The temperature control feature helps prevent burnt hits and ensures consistent taste with compatible coils.
Understanding Ohm's law displayed on the mod, these facilitate the optimisation of power settings for coil resistance. Airflow control, typically managed via the attached tank, further refines the draw and vapour density. In a nutshell, Box mods offer diverse vaping modes beyond basic power adjustments, catering to individual preferences.
Vape Kit Comparison at a Glance
|
Vape Kit Type |
Best For |
E-Liquid Compatibility |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Disposable Vapes |
Absolute beginners, on-the-go use |
Pre-filled (50/50) |
No setup, no charging |
Not eco-friendly, limited flavour/nic options |
|
Pod Systems |
New vapers & casual users |
Nic salts & 50/50 e-liquids |
Simple, refillable or pre-filled |
Smaller battery, limited power |
|
Vape Pens |
Everyday users |
Most 50/50 and nic salts |
Slim, easy to use, reusable |
Less cloud production than box mods |
|
Box Mods |
Advanced users, cloud chasers |
High VG or custom blends |
Full control, big clouds |
Bulky, requires maintenance & vaping knowledge |
How to Use Vape Kits
Unbox the kit and check its parts: coil, tank, pod, and battery. Most kits come partially charged, but consider charging fully before your first hit for a prolonged vaping experience. Assemble everything, taking help from the user manual if needed.
Once you’ve put it together, fill the e-liquid tank with your chosen e-liquid within the 2ml capacity. Let the juice soak into the coil for five minutes to avoid that disgusting burnt cotton taste. When it’s primed and ready, press the button (if there is one) and take your first draw.
Note: Some kits, like big puff vapes, have an easy setup and usage method. You only need to plug the prefilled pods into the battery device, and you’re ready. The only refilling method is different for vape kits. Some device pods come with side-fill, bottom-fill and top-fill designs.
What is the Best Vape Kit?
The “best” vape kit depends on a vaper’s preference. If you want something sleek, powerful, and beginner-proof, the Vaporesso Xros 3 is a certified crowd-pleaser. Want something rugged with beast-mode clouds? The Geekvape Aegis Legend doesn’t mess around. And if you’re after consistent daily use with zero drama, look into Voopoo or Uwell kits. After all, it’s all about the vibe.
How to Choose a Vape Kit
Pick your kit based on your experience level, your flavour preferences, and how much control you want.
If you’re just starting out, keep it simple: pod system, MTL draw, medium nicotine strength. On the other hand, if you're experienced, get a kit with adjustable wattage to dial in your perfect hit. Box mods are a perfect choice if you're looking for complete control, cloud-chasing power, and the ability to customise everything.
Benefits of Vape Kits
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Simple to Start: Vape kits usually come with everything you need to begin vaping, i.e., device, tank or pod, and sometimes even an e-liquid bottle too.
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Cost-Effective: Buying a kit is cheaper than purchasing all the components separately.
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Designed to Work Together: Everything comes in one package, meaning no struggle matching devices and tanks.
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Come in a Wide Range of Flavours: E-liquids used in vape kits are available in countless flavours, offering a more diverse experience than traditional tobacco.
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Controlled Vapour Production: The vape kits' airflow adjustment feature allows users to produce varying amounts of vapour according to their preferences.
- Variety of Device Types: Vape kits are available in different forms, like simple pod systems for portability or more powerful box mod kits for customisation.
Final Thoughts
Vaping doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re in it to quit smoking, chase clouds, or just enjoy a good hit of strawberry bubblegum on your lunch break, there’s a vape kit built for you. From sleek pod systems to monster mods, you’re not short on options; you just need to know what fits your vibe.
Start simple, level up when you’re ready, and choose a setup that works for your lifestyle. You’re not buying a kit but choosing how to experience it all. So pick wisely and puff proudly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What’s included in a vape kit?
All vape kits come with the essential components you need to get started, typically a battery unit, a vape tank or pod, and a charging cable. With more advanced kits, you should buy the battery and charger separately.'
Which vape juice is best for my vape kit?
The "best" vape juice depends on your vape kit and personal preference, but generally, 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids are a good starting point for most pod kits and starter vape pens. Higher VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids are recommended for high-wattage, sub-ohm devices. Consider your preferred flavour (fruit, menthol, tobacco, etc.) and nicotine strength when making your final choice.
What are open and closed vape kits?
The key difference between open and closed system devices is how they deliver e-liquid to the coil. Open systems use refillable clearomisers that you fill manually, while closed systems use pre-filled or come with replaceable prefilled pods that simply click into place, no filling needed.