Cut Costs and Cut Waste – Prefilled vs Refillable Vapes

Stepping into a vape shop – or scrolling through one online – can be a little overwhelming! There’s so much choice. There are snazzy styles, a huge range of flavours, and a variety of vape gadgets. But behind the neon packaging and sweet clouds lurks a surprisingly important question: Should you go with prefilled pod vapes or make the leap to a refillable device?

The choice you make affects the amount of plastic in the bin and the pounds in your wallet. But it can genuinely impact your journey to a smoke-free life. So, let’s clear that vape fog and break down the cost, waste, and experience differences – while keeping things light and breezy. Which, by coincidence, is how your vape experience should be!

In this blog, we’ll discuss cost savings between the two device types, the environmental impacts, and harm reduction as a whole. Here we go!

What are Prefilled and Refillable Pod Kits?

Prefilled Pod Kits
These pod kits equal no mess and no stress. Simply snap in a prefilled pod and off you go. They’re always ready to use, as there’s no need for bottles, mixing, or guesswork.

They’re the perfect method for beginners: If you’re not sure what you’re doing, these are your “easy mode” way into vaping.

But here’s the sticking point: Each pod has a set flavour and nicotine strength. Once it’s empty, it goes into the bin - along with your cash.

Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable kits offer endless customisation. You get to choose your flavour, your nicotine strength and even your VG/PG ratio. There’s less waste too. Reuse your pod until it’s truly spent, then just swap for a new coil or pod. And they’re budget-friendly, because bottles of e-liquid cost less than replacement prefilled pods.

You’ll have to top up your device yourself, but honestly, it’s as easy as topping up your glass of water.

Convenience vs Customisation
oPrefilled: Ultimate plug-and-go, limited options.
oRefillable: Minor learning curve, infinite possibilities, higher satisfaction.

Environmental Impacts – Why Refillable is the Greener Choice
We’re going to talk trash now. Literally.

Prefilled pods might be small, but the waste from them soon adds up. Every time you finish a pod, that’s plastic and metal hitting the bin. Multiply that by millions of users, and you’re looking at a landfill party no one would ever want an invite to.

But refillable kits massively reduce waste. With proper care, a single refillable pod can last for weeks. Pair that with small, recyclable bottles of e-liquid, and you’ll dramatically reduce your plastic use.

Don’t forget the packaging either. Prefilled pods often come in bulky blister packs or plastic wrappers. With refillables, one device, one small pod, and one (big) bottle of liquid can last you a month or more. It’s a win for the planet and your conscience.

Cost Comparison
We all know the real reason you’re here, so let’s show you the money!

The Starter Kit
oPrefilled pod kits cost you £5-£15, depending on which brand and features you go for
oRefillable pod kits will set you back £10-£30. However, a tenner gets you a solid, simple model with all you need
oThe Month-to-Month
oPrefilled pod replacement packs cost £3-£10. Go through a couple of packs a week? That’s up to £40/month.
oRefillable e-liquids and pods are only £2 per bottle of e-liquid, £5-£10 for a pack of pods. That means your monthly bill will be under £20.

The Yearly Hit
oPrefilled user: £40/month × 12 = £480/year
oRefillable user: £20/month × 12 = £240/year

That’s a £240 annual saving! Fancy a spa day, night out, or holiday? Your ‘refillable refund’ can help you with that. But it’s not just about money. Using twice (even three times) as much plastic isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a lose-lose for both wallet and waste.

User Experience and Performance
Here’s where refillables really shine.

Refillable Kits Give You Control
If you buy refillable kits, you can choose:

oYour flavour – there are hundreds available
oYour nicotine strength – 0mg up to 20mg
oNic salt or freebase – depending on how smooth or strong you want the throat hit
oCoil resistance – to tweak the cloud production or the hit to your throat
oAirflow control – for a tighter or looser draw
oBattery size and charging options

The best part of all this? You don’t need to be tech-savvy. Plenty of refillable kits are inhale-activated and super intuitive – there are no buttons or settings, just better results. Yes, the only real difference that the user needs to get accustomed to is the refilling process, but it’s extremely simple and opens up a whole new side to vaping.

Prefilled Kits – Easy but Limited
Yes, prefilled kits are pretty effortless. But:

oYou’re stuck with a limited range of flavours
oThere’s usually only one or two nicotine strengths
oYou can’t tweak how it hits
oThe vape experience is generally milder and often less satisfying

Refillables give you the keys to the vape kingdom. Once you start exploring, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

How Refillable Devices are Ideal for Harm Reduction
Kicking cigarettes obviously isn’t always easy, but vaping has become the go-to way to make the jump. But not all vapes are created equal for quitting. Here’s why refillables work better for your smoke-free story:

oTotal freedom – Switch up between nicotine salt and freebase liquids to match your cravings.
oStep-down ready – Lower your nicotine in slow, sustainable steps – there’s no need to abandon your favourite kit.
oCustom fit – Dial in vape strength for what really keeps you off the cigs.

Prefilled pods typically come stuck at 20mg (2%) nicotine strength – that’s great for hard cravings, but not so great if you want to wean yourself down. By comparison, refillable pods put you in the driver’s seat.

Final Thoughts
So, what have we learned?

oRefillable pod kits are cheaper in the long run
oThey’re better for the environment
oThey offer more flavour and performance options
oThey support your quitting journey more effectively

And the only real “con” is that you have to refill them – if you can handle topping up a kettle or squeezing ketchup on chips, you’ve got this.

If you’re someone who started on prefilled pods and loved the ease of it – great! But now might be the perfect time to level up. Refillable pod kits are like upgrading from instant coffee to a proper espresso machine – you’ll thank yourself later. 

If you’ve got questions, just reach out – we’re always here to help you cut costs, cut waste, and cut down on the cigs.