How to Switch From Disposables to Refillable Pods
single-use “disposable" vapes cannot be sold or supplied from 1 June 2025 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, yet you can still buy reusable, refillable & prefilled vape kits.
If you’ve been wondering how to switch from disposables, you might be a little late to the party. The UK disposable ban came into effect back in July, which means those single-use vapes are now off the shelves for good. The good news is that moving on from them is much easier than you’d expect.
Here’s the great news, you don’t have to give up the flavour or the feel you love to save money. With a quality refillable MTL pod kit, mesh coils, and a 50/50 e-liquid, you’ll enjoy that same smooth draw, fuller taste, and spend far less in the process.
Why You Should Switch from Disposables Today
If you’ve been holding off, there’s really no better time to switch from disposables. With the ban now in place, refillable vape kits have stepped up fast, offering the same easy draw and flavour you’re used to, just with far more control and much less waste. Refillable MTL pod kits are simple to use, cost a fraction of what disposables, and give you access to a 1000's of 50/50 nic salt flavour combinations.
Disposables vs Refillable Vape Kits
| Experience | Disposables (now banned for sale) | Refillable MTL pod kits |
|---|---|---|
| Draw and feel | Disposables usually offer a tight mouth-to-lung draw with a smooth nic salt hit, making them simple and satisfying to use. | Refillable MTL pod kits feel very similar, but let you adjust the airflow to suit your style. They work perfectly with nic salt e-liquids too. |
| Flavour | Flavour is great at first, but tends to fade as the built-in battery loses power and can’t heat the coil effectively. | Mesh or MTL coils in refillable kits give you consistent, rich flavour for longer. When it starts to drop off, you only replace the coil or pod — not the whole device. |
| Weekly cost | With disposables, the cost adds up quickly since each one is single-use and must be replaced entirely. | Refillable kits are far more affordable. You just refill with e-liquid and change the coil or pod occasionally — saving you a lot in the long run. |
| Choice and control | Disposables limit you to fixed flavours and nicotine strengths, leaving little room to experiment. | Refillable pod kits let you choose any 50/50 nic salt or freebase e-liquid, adjust nicotine strength, and fine-tune airflow to your liking. |
| UK legality | From 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of disposable vapes are banned in the UK, so retailers can no longer stock or sell them. | Refillable and reusable MTL pod kits remain completely legal to buy, own, and use — making them the smart, future-proof option. |
The 48 Hour Disposable Detox
If you’re reading this, you’re probably on the last few puffs of your Lost Mary or whatever disposable you’ve been loyal to. Don’t worry, this is the perfect moment to move on. Making the switch over a single weekend is easier than you think, and by Monday, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Friday Evening: Lift-Off
Before saying goodbye to disposables, you’ll need a reliable replacement, and as usual, we’ve got you covered! We’ve picked out two great starter devices that are both simple to use and budget-friendly.
If you’d like something that’s ready to go straight from the box, the SE Starter Kit is a great choice. It comes with e-liquid included, so you can get started right away without any fuss — just fill it up, pick your two free Elux Legends flavours from our range, and you’re all set.
Vaporesso Vibe SE Vape Kit
Starter Kit and 2 Elux Legends Nic Salts
Looking for something more advance?
OXVA NeXlim Vape Kit
Advance Pod Kit
BlackCurrant Aniseed by Elfbar Nic Salts
38 Flavours
SKE Crystal V2 Nicotine Salts
33 Flavours
Saturday: Dual Momentum
Start your day with your new pod and see how it feels. If you find yourself reaching for your old disposable, no sweat. Take a puff, then switch back when you’re ready. Today, is just about getting used to something new.
TIP: Experiment with the airflow until it feels right, or try matching it to what you’re accustomed to with your favourite disposable vape.
Sunday: The Last Drop
By now, hopefully you’ve left that disposable on the bedroom floor and started getting used to your new pod. Maybe there’s still one hiding in the car or at the bottom of your bag & that’s fine, they’re hard to let go of. But after a couple of days with your pod, those old bars start to feel like more effort than they’re worth.
Your refillable kit just does it better. It lasts longer, hits smoother, and doesn’t give up halfway through the day. Just remember to keep it charged and topped up, and you’re set. No more running out mid-scroll or mid-drive. You’ve made the switch, and whether everyone else has caught on or not, you’re already a step ahead.
Maintain Fresh Flavour & Healthy Coils
A lot of people who say they’ve “given up on pods” don’t actually dislike pods — they’ve just had a rough time with coils! A little TLC goes a long way. Always prime a new pod before your first puff, give it a few seconds between hits, and never let it run dry. If you love sweeter or darker e-liquids, mix in a lighter flavour every now and then, your coils will thank you for it.
TIP: When your flavour starts to fade or you hear that tiny gurgle, it’s your coil’s way of saying, “I’m done!”
Tiny Troubles, Easy Fixes
Switching from disposables to pods can take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. Most of the problems new vapers run into are simple to fix and usually come down to small adjustments. Here’s how to keep everything running smoothly and tasting great:
- Muted flavour: Don’t worry, it usually just means your coil is getting tired. Pop in a fresh one, tighten your airflow a little, and make sure you’re using a 50/50 e-liquid so it wicks properly. Your flavour will spring right back to life.
- Harsh hits: If your vape feels a bit too strong, your nicotine strength might be higher than you need. Try stepping down a level or take slower, shorter puffs until it feels smooth again.
- Gurgling or spitback: This one’s really common, especially when you’re new to pods. It usually happens when you pull a bit too hard and draw in extra liquid. Take a steady, relaxed puff instead. If it happens after refilling, take a few gentle pulls without firing, or flick the mouthpiece into a tissue to clear it out.
- Leaking: Every vaper deals with this at some point, so don’t stress. Check that the fill plug is sealed properly and avoid overfilling. A little condensation is completely normal, just give the pod a quick wipe every few days to keep things tidy.
- Burnt taste: Old coils are flavour killers. When they’re past their best, they can taste burnt, feel harsh, and even cause leaks. Keep a few spare packs handy so you can switch them out before they reach that point.
- Nicotine strength issues: Getting your nicotine strength right makes a huge difference. Too high can feel harsh and uncomfortable, while too low might leave you puffing away without feeling satisfied. Start somewhere in the middle and adjust up or down until it feels just right for you.