Choosing a vape kit can feel complicated: there are hundreds of devices, and product pages are full of terms like MTL, ohms and nic salts. Only a few decisions really matter, though. This guide takes them in order, so you can narrow the choice down to a handful of kits that suit you.
Start with how you want to vape
Almost every kit is designed around one of two styles of inhale, so this is the first thing to decide.
Mouth-to-lung (MTL)
With mouth-to-lung vaping you draw vapour into your mouth first and then inhale, similar to the way a cigarette is smoked. MTL devices have a tighter draw, use coils of around 0.8Ω and above, and produce modest clouds. They pair well with higher-strength e-liquids such as nic salts.
Direct-to-lung (DTL)
With direct-to-lung vaping you breathe the vapour straight in, as you would a deep breath of air. DTL kits have open airflow, low-resistance (sub-ohm) coils and more power, and they produce large clouds. They are used with low-nicotine, high-VG e-liquids, usually 3mg or 6mg.
If you are unsure, start with MTL. Most people moving from smoking find it more familiar, and MTL kits tend to be smaller and simpler.
The main types of vape kit
| Kit type | Best for | Typical e-liquid | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefilled pod kit | The simplest set-up, no refilling | Prefilled nic salt pods | Swap the pod when it’s empty |
| Refillable pod kit | Wide flavour choice, lower running cost | 10ml nic salts or freebase | Refill the pod; change the pod or coil |
| Vape pen | Longer battery life, more vapour | Freebase or shortfill | Refill the tank, change coils |
| Box mod kit | Adjustable power, DTL clouds | High-VG shortfill | Refill, change coils, manage settings |
Prefilled pod kits
Prefilled pod kits use sealed pods that come filled with e-liquid. When a pod runs out you click in a new one, so there is no refilling and no coil to change. They are the most convenient option, but the cost per pod adds up over time and flavours are limited to what each brand makes.
Refillable pod kits
Refillable pod kits are just as compact, but you fill the pod yourself from a bottle of e-liquid. That opens up a much wider flavour range and usually costs less to run. Depending on the model, you replace either the whole pod or just the coil inside it. Our starter kits collection is a good place to compare them side by side.
Vape pens and box mods
Pen-style and box mod kits have bigger batteries and tanks. They suit people who already know they prefer DTL, or who want to adjust wattage and airflow. They need a little more upkeep, mainly refilling the tank and changing coils.
Choose a nicotine strength that suits the device
In the UK, nicotine e-liquid is limited to a maximum strength of 20mg/ml and is sold in bottles of up to 10ml. Within that range, the right strength depends on the device and how you vape:
- MTL pod kits are usually used with 10mg or 20mg nic salts, or 6mg–18mg freebase e-liquid.
- DTL kits with sub-ohm coils are usually used with 3mg or 6mg freebase or shortfill e-liquid, because they produce far more vapour per puff.
Our guide to nic salts and freebase e-liquid explains the difference in more detail.
Features worth checking
- Battery capacity (mAh): a bigger battery lasts longer between charges. Most pod kits have between 800 and 1,500mAh.
- Charging port: USB-C is standard on current kits and is quicker and more convenient than older micro-USB.
- Draw activation or a button: draw-activated kits fire when you inhale; a button gives you more control.
- Adjustable airflow: lets you make the draw tighter or looser.
- Pod or tank capacity: UK rules limit nicotine tanks and pods to 2ml, so most kits hold 2ml.
- Refilling: side-fill or top-fill pods with a good seal are easier to live with day to day.
A quick checklist before you buy
- Decide between MTL and DTL.
- Choose prefilled or refillable.
- Check which pods or coils the kit uses, and that they are easy to buy.
- Pick an e-liquid type and strength that matches the device.
- Check the battery size, charging port and airflow on the product page.
Once you have picked a device, our comparison of prefilled and refillable pod kits will help you plan your running costs, and it is worth keeping a spare pod or coil to hand so you are never caught short.
