18+ only. This content is for adult vapers in the UK. E-liquids and devices containing nicotine are not for sale to anyone under 18. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
Rechargeable pod kits now come in two main types: prefilled pod kits, which use sealed ready-filled pods, and refillable pod kits, which you fill yourself with e-liquid. Both are reusable and both are widely available in the UK. This guide compares them side by side so you can pick the one that suits how you vape.
What is a prefilled pod kit?
A prefilled pod kit is a rechargeable battery that clicks onto a sealed pod already filled with nic salt e-liquid. When the pod runs out, you click in a new one. There are no bottles to fill and no coils to change. Popular examples include Lost Mary BM6000, SKE Crystal 4-in-1, Hayati Pro Ultra and our own Crystal Pro CP10K.
What is a refillable pod kit?
A refillable pod kit uses an empty pod that you fill from a 10ml bottle of e-liquid. The pod (or a separate coil) is replaced every week or two. Popular examples include the Vaporesso XROS series, Uwell Caliburn, Voopoo Vinci and OXVA Xlim.
Side-by-side comparison
| Prefilled pod kit | Refillable pod kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up | Click in a pod and go | Fill the pod, prime the coil, wait a few minutes |
| Maintenance | None – swap the pod | Refill e-liquid; change pod or coil every 1–2 weeks |
| Flavour choice | Flavours in that pod range | Any 10ml nic salt or e-liquid |
| Nicotine strength | Mostly 20mg (some 10mg or 0mg) | Your choice of 10mg or 20mg nic salt |
| Running cost | Higher per day | Usually lower per day |
| Best for | Convenience and bar-style flavours | Regular vapers who want lower running costs and more control |
Which is cheaper to run?
For most regular vapers, a refillable kit is cheaper over time. One 10ml bottle of nic salt refills a 2ml pod about five times, and bottles start from around £3.99. You will also need a replacement pod or coil every week or two.
With a prefilled kit you pay for the e-liquid and a new pod each time. Larger refill pods (for example 6000 or 10K-style pods) and multipacks bring the cost per pod down, which is why many adults buy refill pods in boxes of 5 or more. Exact running costs depend on how much you vape and the products you choose.
Which gives better flavour?
Prefilled pods are tuned at the factory, so flavour is consistent from the first puff. Refillable kits can give excellent flavour too, especially with mesh coils, but flavour drops as the coil ages and you need to change it on time. See our guide to fixing burnt taste and leaking.
Which should I choose?
- Choose prefilled if you want zero maintenance, like bar-style flavours and are happy to pay a little more for convenience.
- Choose refillable if you vape a lot, want to try many flavours and want the lowest running cost.
New to pod kits? Read our best pod kit for beginners guide and our guide to nic salts.
FAQs
Are prefilled pod kits reusable?
Yes. The battery is rechargeable and reused; only the pods are replaced.
Can I refill a prefilled pod?
No. Prefilled pods are sealed and should not be opened or refilled.
Can I use any e-liquid in a refillable pod kit?
Most pod kits work best with 10mg or 20mg nic salts. Check the coil resistance: lower-resistance coils suit lower-strength e-liquid.
Shop prefilled pod kits, refillable pod kits and nic salts. UK delivery is £6.95, or free on orders over £200.
