Pod kits are the most popular type of vape in the UK, and they come in two kinds: prefilled and refillable. Both are compact, rechargeable and simple to use. The difference is how you get e-liquid into them, and that affects cost, flavour choice and upkeep.
How prefilled pod kits work
A prefilled pod kit is a rechargeable battery that takes sealed pods already filled with e-liquid, usually nic salts. When a pod runs out, you remove it and click in a new one. There is no bottle, no refilling and no coil to change, because each pod has its own coil.
Since 1 June 2025, single-use (disposable) vapes can no longer be sold in the UK. Prefilled pod kits offer a similar experience, but the battery is rechargeable and only the pod is replaced.
How refillable pod kits work
A refillable pod kit uses an empty pod that you fill from a bottle of e-liquid. Some pods have a built-in coil and are replaced every so often; others take a separate coil that you swap while keeping the pod.
Side-by-side comparison
| Prefilled | Refillable | |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up | Click in a pod | Fill the pod, prime the coil |
| Flavour choice | The brand’s own pod range | Any suitable e-liquid |
| Running cost | Higher per ml | Usually lower per ml |
| Upkeep | Swap pods | Refill, change pods or coils |
| Mess | None | Occasional drips when refilling |
| Best for | Convenience | Choice and value |
Running costs
The kit itself is often similarly priced, so the real difference is what you spend afterwards. Prefilled pods include the coil and e-liquid in every pod, so you pay for both each time. With a refillable kit you buy e-liquid by the bottle and replace pods or coils less often. To compare, look at the price per ml of e-liquid and how many pods or coils you are likely to use each week.
Which should you choose?
Choose prefilled if
- you want the simplest possible set-up;
- you are happy with the flavours in a single brand’s range;
- you want a kit with no refilling and nothing to spill.
Choose refillable if
- you want the widest choice of flavours and strengths;
- you vape regularly and want lower running costs;
- you don’t mind refilling and the occasional coil change.
Recycling pods and devices
Vape batteries and electrical parts should not go in household rubbish. Take old devices and used pods to a recycling point for small electricals or batteries, such as your local household waste recycling centre.
New to pod kits? Our beginner’s guide to choosing a vape kit covers the basics, and our guide to changing and priming a coil helps if you go refillable. You can shop prefilled pods and refillable pods separately too.
