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.

The Ultimate Guide to Vape Kits

May 12, 2025 Azim Aleem

Updated: 20 October 2026

A vape kit contains everything you need to get started. Different kits require different liquids, pods and replacement pods/coils. The following links will help you decide what kit is the right one for you:

For more focused explanations, see:

What is a vape kit

How to choose a vape kit

What Is a Vape Kit?

A typical kit contains a rechargeable battery device and a pod or tank that holds e-liquid. When activated, a small heating element called a coil warms the liquid, forming a vapour that you can inhale. Some kits use refillable pods; others use replaceable, prefilled cartridges. More advanced vape kits allow adjustments to wattage and airflow. “Kit” does not mean everything is included. E-liquid, accessories or external batteries are available separately.

Vape Kit Components Explained

Battery: Supplies power. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh); actual vaping time depends on power settings and use.
Pod or tank: Holds the e-liquid. Pods usually connect directly to compact ‘pod system’ devices. Tanks are often fitted via a screw fitting onto larger devices and may have replaceable coils.
Coil and wick: The coil heats liquid absorbed by the cotton inside. Some pods have built in coils. Coil resistance is measured in ohms (Ω), wattage limits depend on the coil specifications.
Mouthpiece: Also called a ‘drop tip’, this is where you inhale the vapour from. They are made from stainless steel or from a heat resistant plastic called ‘delrin’.
Airflow and controls: Some kits activate when the user inhales (auto draw). Others have a firing button, airflow slider, power settings or LED screen.

Types of Vape Kits

Refillable pod kits

These popular kits have rechargeable batteries and refillable pods. Some have auto draw activation; others have adjustable power. You can easily replace the pod when it is exhausted and the replacement pods come in many different configurations.

Reusable prefilled pod kits

A reusable prefilled pod kit has a rechargeable battery that is maintained while prefilled pods are replaced. Refills are separately available. Advertised puff counts are estimates.

Starter kits and vape pens

“Starter kit” describes the type of vape and the contents of the package, not the shape. Vape pens are usually cylindrical, with a rechargeable battery and refillable tank with replaceable coils.

Box mods and sub-ohm kits

Box mods have adjustable power and use a separate tank. Some have removable batteries. Sub-ohm coils measure below 1Ω that allow for much higher power and considerably more vapour production.

Vape Kit Comparison Table

Kit type	Typical fit	Draw style	Battery arrangement	Indicative price band	Maintenance
Refillable pod	Adults wanting a compact refillable device	Usually MTL or RDTL	Built-in rechargeable	Lower to middle	Refill liquid; replace pod or coil
Reusable prefilled pod	Adults preferring factory-filled replacements	Usually MTL	Built-in rechargeable	Lower to middle	Change prefilled pods; recharge
Vape pen	Adults preferring a cylindrical format	Often MTL; model-dependent	Built-in rechargeable	Lower to middle	Refill tank; replace coil
Adjustable pod mod	Users needing additional settings	MTL or RDTL; model-dependent	Usually built-in rechargeable	Middle	Adjust power; refill and replace pods
Box mod and sub-ohm tank	Experienced users managing separate components	Often DTL	Built-in or removable cells	Middle to higher	Maintain tank and coil; manage batteries

MTL = mouth-to-lung

RDTL = restricted direct-to-lung

DTL = direct-to-lung

Which Kit Fits You?

1. The first decision is whether or not you want to refill the e-liquid yourself. If not, look at a reusable prefilled pod kit with easily available replacement pods. If you do, consider a kit with a refillable pod or tank.

2. Next, decide how much power you need. A simple fixed-output pod has fewer controls. Adjustable pod kits add airflow or power settings. A box mod has the most controls and is suitable for advanced vapers.

3. Calculate replacement part costs. Check compatible pod, coil and liquid prices, plus charging accessories.

What Is in the Box? A Checklist

Before buying a kit, check the contents list for:

The battery device, and whether it is built in or removable.
A suitable pod or tank, including its specified capacity.
An installed coil or any additional coils or pods.
A USB charging cable, if one is supplied. A plug adaptor is often separate.
E-liquid, if included, with the nicotine strength clearly labelled.
A user manual.

How to Use a Refillable Vape Kit

Inspect the kit: Check the battery unit, contacts, pod and charging port for cracks or damage. Follow the manual to put everything together rather than guessing.
Charge safely: Use the recommended charging equipment (most kits charge at 1amp). Keep the device on a flat, non-flammable surface and do not leave it unattended.
Install the correct pod or coil: Coil/pod compatibility is specific to the kit. Do not insert an incompatible one.
Fill the reservoir: Open the fill port, add the e-liquid without filling the central airflow tube, and close it securely.
Allow the wick to saturate: Fill your pod or tank and let it sit for ten minutes. Firing an unsaturated coil can damage it permanently.
Choose settings, where available: Stay within the coil’s recommended wattage range and adjust airflow to your preferred setting.
Activate according to the instructions: The kit may use auto draw activation, a button or both. Stop if it becomes unusually hot or produces a burnt taste.

Four Recommended VapeGala Kits:

OXVA XLIM GO Lite Pod Kit: A refillable, auto draw activated pod kit with a 1000mAh built-in battery, 2ml top-fill cartridge, 0.8Ω supplied pod and adjustable airflow. Package contains the device, cartridge, manual and guidance card.

Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Kit: A refillable kit with a 1500mAh battery, 5–30W power adjustment, LED display, adjustable airflow and two 2ml Argus pods rated 0.4Ω and 0.7Ω.

Uwell Caliburn G5 Pod Kit: A refillable pod kit with a 1600mAh battery, up to 35W adjustable power output, touchscreen and three supplied 2ml GPP replacement pods.

Vaporesso Luxe X3 Pod Mod Kit: A refillable pod mod kit with a large 2600mAh battery, adjustable 5–45W adjustable power output and two 2ml Luxe X Dual Mesh pods at 0.4Ω and 0.6Ω.

Ongoing costs by kit type

The initial price is only the starting cost. For a better understanding of the ongoing cost of using a vape you need to compare the complete expense over several months: device, e-liquid or prefilled cartridges, replaceable coils or pods, charging accessories and eventual battery replacement.

Kit system	Initial purchase	Main repeat expense	Other possible expense
Refillable pod	Battery kit	Bottled e-liquid and pods	Replacement device or charging cable
Reusable prefilled	Battery kit	Factory-filled replacement cartridges	Replacement battery unit
Vape pen or tank	Battery and tank	E-liquid and coils	Glass, seals or tank components
Box mod	Mod and possibly separate tank	E-liquid and coils	Removable batteries and approved charger

Suppose a refillable kit costs £20, liquid costs £12 per week and replacement pods average £8 per month. The first-year total would be £20 + (£12 × 52) + (£8 × 12) = £740, excluding delivery and unexpected replacement equipment. These are assumed figures, not live prices or guaranteed savings. Calculate prefilled cartridge use separately.

UK Vaping Products Duty came into effect on 1 October 2026 at £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, including nicotine-free liquid. Retail prices are expected to rise accordingly however the final prices are not yet known.

Battery Safety and Care

All rechargeable vape kits use lithium-ion batteries. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact model:

Use the recommended cable and charging power source. Unplug once charging is complete.
Never charge overnight or leave a charging vape unattended.
Keep charging devices on a flat, unobstructed surface.
Do not use a swollen, punctured, leaking or unusually hot battery or device.
Transport loose removable cells only in protective cases, away from keys and coins.
Take unwanted electrical equipment and batteries to an appropriate recycling or retailer take-back point, not household rubbish.

If a battery smokes or hisses, leave the area and call 999.

Troubleshooting Common Vape Kit Problems

Symptom	Likely checks
Burnt taste*	Liquid may not have reached the wick, or the coil may be worn. Stop firing and replace a damaged coil.
Leaking pod	Check the fill seal, cartridge damage and liquid compatibility. Wipe accessible spills; replace a faulty pod.
Gurgling	Excess liquid or condensation may be near the airflow. Clean accessible areas as the manual directs.
No vapour	Check battery charge, lock mode, liquid level, pod seating and device error codes. Never bypass a safety fault.
Weak performance	Inspect coil condition, supported wattage and airflow. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s limits.
Charging problem	Check for a damaged cable or port. Stop using damaged equipment rather than opening the battery housing.

*Persistent burnt taste can mean the coil needs replacing.

UK Vape Kit Rules in October 2026

The sale and supply of disposable single-use vapes has been prohibited since 1 June 2025 throughout the UK. A reusable device must meet the legal conditions, including a rechargeable battery, refillable or replaceable prefilled container, and a removable and replaceable coil.

Current consumer nicotine product rules generally restrict tanks or pods to 2ml, nicotine-containing refill bottles to 10ml, and nicotine strength to 20mg/ml. Sales of nicotine vaping products to under-18s are prohibited. From 29 October 2026, the age-of-sale rules extend across the UK to all vaping and consumer nicotine products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a vape kit?

Usually a battery device and a compatible pod or tank. Some kits include cartridges, spare coils or a USB cable. External batteries, mains adaptors and e-liquid are sold separately.

Which e-liquid is best for my vape kit?

A 50VG/50PG liquid is commonly used in many low-powered pod systems and starter kits, whereas thicker high-VG liquids are often associated with higher powered sub-ohm devices.

Do vape kits come with e-liquid?

Not always. Some kits are bundled with a free liquid, while others contain only the hardware. A product page may list an optional promotion separately from standard box contents.

How long does a vape kit battery last?

There is no fixed answer. Battery capacity, coil resistance, selected wattage, puff length, temperature and battery age all affect it.

How often should I change the coil?

Replace the coil or fixed-coil pod when it is worn, damaged or persistently tastes burnt, or according to the manufacturer's instructions. There is no set time for a coil or pod to last, the lifespan depends on usage.