Refillable Vapes That Hit Like a Disposable - Buyers Guide

With the UK ban on disposable vapes on the horizon (1st June, 2025!), we thought we’d put together a handy guide for how to seamlessly transition from disposables to refillable vapes. 

With a ton of products out there and more confusing terminology than you care to Google (what even is a nic salt? Do I need a coil?), it can be a bit overwhelming when you’ve not really had to put much thought into vaping previously.

The good news is that today’s refillable vape kits can match (and even improve on) the simple, hassle-free experience of a disposable, and even save you some cash in the meantime. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to make the jump painlessly, and recommend a few products that our high street customers all over the UK are switching to.

You can also view our wide range of vape kits.

What makes a refillable vape "hit" like a disposable?

The appeal of disposables is easy to understand; instant use, great taste, no faff. But matching that experience with a refillable kit is easier than you might think. It comes down to two main things:

The Device:

Look for refillable kits with auto-draw (these are inhale-activated, like your disposable) and mesh coils. These features mimic the familiar draw and cloud production you’re used to. For example, we sell the Vaporesso Xros 4 Mini as well as the Xros Pro that are ready to go out of the box. They even come with x2 free e-liquids so you can grab a couple and see which you prefer. We’re pretty sure you’ll not notice much difference (if any at all) from your disposable.

And instead of throwing it away after a few days of use, just stick it on charge with a USB C cable (most are fully charged in under an hour) and top up the e-liquid. You’ll be able to keep an eye on the battery level on the small LCD screen, too.

 The Juice:

Nicotine salt e-liquids (aka ‘nic salts’) are the key takeaway here. They deliver the same smooth throat hit and fast nicotine absorption you’d expect from a disposable, because that’s quite literally what disposables use. The refill e-liquids last for around 6000 puffs - that's around x10 more than you'd get out of a disposable! Not bad value, really.

So a nic salt, inhale-activated refillable is essentially just a disposable you don’t have to keep buying and chucking away. 

Pair a low-cost, pocketable pod kit with a well-loved nic salt, and you’re back in the game.

What about size, feel and ease of use?

If you've only ever used disposables, you might have spotted people in the pub gripping something that looks more like a large, bulky power bank than your sleek little e-cig. The good news? Many of the refillables we stock are just as slim and pocketable – no bulk, no clunky buttons.

Top Tip: Our favourite ultra pocketable refillable vape kit is by far the Vaporesso Xros Pro. All of the power, none of the bulk.

If you’ve borrowed a friend’s refillable in the past and are now a bit worried about overly harsh hits or fiddly settings, you’re not alone; we hear this a lot in our stores.

While it’s true that some refillable kits on the market can be a bit much (high wattage, tight airflow, or a fiddly menu), not all refillables are like that. Most of our beginner-friendly pod kits come preset and ready to go, with smooth, satisfying vapour from the first puff. No trial and error or messing about dialling in the perfect setting – just grab and go.

Is using a refillable vape kit complicated?

Nope! If you can open a bottle and plug in a charger, you can use a refillable vape.

Here’s how you’d use your typical refillable setup:

1. Open the pod, fill with e-liquid, and click it into place

2. Inhale to vape (no buttons required)

3. Recharge the battery as needed – usually every 1–2 days

That’s it. And because you only need to replace pods or coils every couple of weeks, upkeep is minimal. Plus, with a refillable device, you’ll never be caught short again – no more late-night petrol station runs for another disposable.

What refillable flavours actually taste like disposable vapes?

We get it, you’re used to your good old dependable watermelon ELF BAR or blueberry Lost Mary, and it’s annoying to have to figure out what to buy post-ban.

Finding that perfect flavour match is a big part of the switch – fortunately, it’s easier than you might expect. Many e-liquid brands now create flavours specifically designed to replicate the most popular disposable vape options, and lots of them are made by the same people who make the disposables you love.

Check out our flavour matching guide below for the common ones we get asked about.

ELF BAR 600 Watermelon → Feast Treats Watermelon Ice

Lost Mary Pineapple Ice →  Crystal Bar Salts Pineapple Ice

SKE Crystal Bar - Lemon & Lime → Crystal Bar Juice Lemon & Lime

Blue Razz Lemonade → Feast Treats Blue Razz Lemonade

Still unsure? Pop into any of our 50+ UK high street stores, and we’ll help you find a flavour that hits just like your old fave.

Switching from disposable to refillable vapes FAQs

We get a lot of questions in-store about making the switch from disposables to refillable vapes. Here are some answers to the most common queries:

 Can I match the nicotine strength I’m used to?

Yes. Nic salts are available in strengths from 5mg up to 20mg – just like disposables. If you're used to 20mg, stick with that to start.

How long do refillable pods last?

That depends on how often you vape, but most users find a pod lasts 5–7 days. Some newer models come with upgraded pods designed to last even longer.

What is a coil? And will I need to replace it?

The coil in your refillable vape is the small, replaceable part that heats up the e-liquid and turns it into vapour. It looks like a metal wire wrapped around a cotton wick. Depending on how regularly you use it, you’ll need to replace the coil every 2-3 weeks. They’re not expensive, though – a pack of 5 will cost around £10.

What if I need help choosing?

That’s what we’re here for. Our in-store team can help you pick a device, suggest flavour matches, and walk you through setup. No pressure, no jargon. You can also message us on Instagram, and we’ll let you know what our customers are loving right now.