New prefilled pod systems for 2021

by Peter lam August 2, 2021

Prefilled pod systems are a fantastic option for both new and existing vaper’s alike. Their design means they require minimal set-up and existing vaping knowledge, perfect for new e-cigarette user’s who are just getting started and looking for a simple device. But this also makes them a great secondary device option for all vaper’s, a quick, easy, and discreet device that you can throw in your bag ahead of a trip or even just a long day at work.

What are prefilled pod systems?
Before we jump in to the devices, let’s talk a little about how these devices work. Prefilled pod systems are one of the most straight-forward devices available, making them an excellent place for new vaper’s to start.

They tend to be smaller than their traditional tank device counterparts, and are made primarily from plastics making for a lightweight design. They have a built-in battery, which can be easily charged and usually has a relatively fast charging time, so it’s easy to charge throughout the day if needed. But despite their small size, these devices can have a reasonably powerful battery, offering a satisfying inhale with an airflow design that replicates the feel of a cigarette.

The main selling point on these devices is that they do not need to be refilled with e-liquid or have the coils changed. If you’re new to using an e-cigarette, having to learn how to refill the device and prime and change the coil can seem a little daunting. Prefilled devices are a great way to get to grips with vaping, without having to worry about these additional processes.

The pods for these devices are made specifically to fit that particular device, so you will need to purchase pods from the same brand and range as the device you have. They are prefilled with e-liquid, these can be available in a range of flavours, nicotine strengths, and even in different nicotine formulas depending on the brand. While this does limit the e-liquid options available more than if you were using a refillable device, it does mean that you can swap flavours with just a click, and there is never any waiting around for the coil to absorb the e-liquid, you can use it straight out of the pack.

Vuse ePod 2

Of all the devices in this post, I found this to be the most versatile one. The device itself follows the same size dimensions, weight and battery size as is common with prefilled pod system, but includes some exciting new upgrades that make it really stand out.

This is the upgraded version of Vuse’s (formally Vype) ePod kit, which has been a really popular starter kit for some time now. The kit has a really pleasing design, it is simple yet classy, and the duck-bill mouthpiece is really comfortable to use. Something I really appreciated about the device is the fast charge feature. As I said, I’m not the best at remembering to charge my devices, so the fact that the device fast charges to 80% in just 35 minutes was really handy. It also allows you to continue to use the device while charging, so you don’t have to stop using the device until the battery is full.

What I found makes this device a really versatile option is the pod range that is available. The pods themselves are magnetic, so they click into place and stay there, even when the ePod is floating around at the bottom of your handbag!
Not only is there a wide range of flavours available, but there are also numerous nicotine strengths to choose from, which is not something we have seen with any of the other devices in this post. Usually prefilled pods come with a high nicotine strength, which is not always a suitable option for those who were light smokers. The ePod 2 lets you select the nicotine strength that best suits your previous smoking habits, so you can choose a high strength if you were a heavy smoker, but go with a lower strength if you were a lighter smoker, or have already kicked your smoking habit and just want something to help you maintain your successful quit attempt.

This also allows you to drop your nicotine strength over time if you feel ready, gradually lowering your strength with the aim of eventually stopping the use of nicotine altogether. For this reason I think this device is not only a great starter kit, but something you can continue to use for the duration of your vaping career. If you are not interested in moving on to a more advanced or powerful device, the variety of pods means this device can accompany you through the nicotine strengths until you get to be completely nicotine free, and at a really affordable cost.

VOOM

There is something really pleasing about the simplicity of this device. The device itself is small, lightweight, and with a curved and smooth exterior design that just feels really nice to hold and use. It has a 320mAh internal battery, and charges through a handy charging dock, so you can just pop it in the dock whenever it needs charging which is really convenient.

As with most refillable pod systems, the VOOM is a draw activated device. This means there are no buttons needed to use it, you simply inhale through the mouthpiece and this will cause the device to fire and create vapour. I find this to be a great option for those who are making the switch from smoking to vaping, as it feels more natural to just inhale without pushing buttons like you would when smoking. For many, the nicotine is only half of the addiction, the other half is the habit of smoking. Having a device that is small in size and draw activated feels most familiar to new vaper’s and helps not only satisfy their nicotine cravings but also allows for the action of bringing your hand to your mouth and inhaling, no more chewing on pens!

My favourite part of this device is actually the pods that are available. They fit seamlessly into the device, and although they are slightly smaller than some other pod options with 1.2ml of e-liquid in the pod, the nic salt formula is extremely smooth and the 20mg/ml strength satisfied my nicotine cravings really quickly. The range of flavours has some exciting options, such as ice strawberry, ice grape and roasted coffee, but it was the multipacks that I found really stuck out for me. I like to be able to change flavours often, and the multipacks let you try three different flavours in one pack, so you can find out which flavour you like best or just enjoy some variety.

Along with the regular pod packs and multipacks, you can also buy refillable pods for the VOOM device. This means that when you are ready, you have the option to start using regular e-liquids to refill these pods, allowing for a wider range of flavours and nicotine strengths. This is a great opportunity should you want to drop your nicotine strength or just experiment with different flavour profiles.

I found this device to be an excellent option for daily use, or as a back up device when I didn’t want to take my full set up with me. It’s really versatile, with the different pod options, and refillable pods, so I would definitely consider it a device you can take along throughout your vaping career, even once you branch out to different e-liquids and strengths.

nzo

The nzo device has the biggest battery out of the devices in this post, with a 400mAh built-in battery that charges through the handy magnetic USB-C cable. I found the battery lasted well with regular use, and it was convenient to charge as I could use the USB port on my laptop while working, a really great option if you’re like me and forget to charge your device regularly!

The nzo device maintains the compact and lightweight design that prefilled pod kits are known for, the perfect size for popping in your bag or pocket. The thing that really stood out to me about this device is the pod options available. While they offer the usual options such as tobacco and menthol, they also have pods filled with some popular flavours from some big e-liquid brands, Pukka Juice and Pacha Mama. This lets users choose from some really interesting flavour options, and also experience some of the flavours that will be available to them should they move on to a more advanced kit once they have got to grips with vaping. The pods are filled with 1.75ml of 20mg e-liquid.

I really enjoyed using this device, especially the flavour options available. This would be a fantastic option for new vaper’s but it is also a great option for existing vaper’s as a secondary device. I used this alongside my primary device and found it gave me a great little nicotine kick when I needed it throughout the day, and the airflow design felt really comfortable for regular use.

RELX

The RELX Essential device has a sleek and discreet design, with an ergonomically shaped mouthpiece which I found made it really comfortable use. It features a 350mAh internal battery which can be easily charged by the USB-C cable, with an amazing charging time of only 40 minutes. This is perfect for those busy days when you are on the go, as you can charge it through a laptop computer and reach a full charge quickly so you know it will always be ready to go when you need it.

The device is draw activated, no buttons needed, which makes throwing it in your bag or pocket easy as you don’t need to worry about locking it or turning it off. The device utilises RELX’s Super Smooth technology, which optimises the temperature, draw resistance and vapour density for a smooth inhale that well replicates the feel of a cigarette. Something I really enjoyed about this device is that it is designed to produce minimal inhalation sound, so it’s really quiet to use. This may seem like a small addition, but if you’re working from home and finding yourself on and off of work calls, this is something that can come in really handy!

The pods themselves have a limited range compared to some other prefilled pod systems, but they make up for it by providing a really pleasant vaping experience every time. I really enjoyed the flavour range, they have the traditional flavours like menthol and tobacco, perfect for those who are new to vaping and looking for something that is similar to the taste of a cigarette. But they also have some more exotic flavours like mango, pineapple and watermelon, so you can keep a few different pods on you and change the flavour throughout the day depending on your mood.

The pods are available in packs of two, so you don’t have to commit to a flavour so much as if you were to buy a whole bottle of e-liquid, and each pod contains 1.9ml of 18mg/ml nic salt e-liquid. The nic salt formula adds to the smooth feel of the inhale, and satisfies cravings in just a few puffs. The internal structure of each pod is designed like a maze, to prevent leaking even if the device is stored at the bottom of your bag like mine often is! This design even helps prevent leaking on flights, when the pressure changes can play havoc on normal tanks and make a bit of a mess.

I found this device to be fantastic for use throughout the day, I could easy grab it while working and didn’t have to worry about refilling my tank or waiting for hours while it charged. The pods being available in only one nicotine strength does mean you cannot drop your nicotine strength over time, but as a first device to give vaping a try, or a secondary device for when you are out and about, it really does the job.

I really enjoyed testing out these devices because, even though on the surface they appear to be quite similar, simple e-cigarette options, they each have something different to offer.