Tag: Buying guides

  • Most Popular Vape Flavours in the UK: Blue Razz, Strawberry, Watermelon and More

    Most Popular Vape Flavours in the UK: Blue Razz, Strawberry, Watermelon and More

    With hundreds of e-liquids and prefilled pods to choose from, the flavour is usually what decides a purchase. These are the flavour families UK vapers search for most, what each one tastes like, and where to find them in our range. Every product here is TPD-compliant and for adults aged 18 and over.

    Quick guide: UK flavour families

    Flavour Taste profile Often found as
    Blue razz Sweet, sharp blue raspberry candy Nic salts, prefilled pods, often with ice
    Strawberry Ripe, sweet berry Strawberry ice, strawberry kiwi, strawberry banana
    Watermelon Light, juicy and fresh Watermelon ice, mixed with berries
    Menthol and mint Cool and clean Spearmint, peppermint, menthol
    Grape Bold, sweet grape soda style Grape ice, grape and berry mixes
    Mango Rich tropical fruit Mango ice, peach mango, pineapple mango
    Cherry Sweet-tart dark fruit Cherry ice, cherry cola
    Blueberry Soft, sweet berry Blueberry ice, blueberry sour raspberry
    Tobacco Earthy, warm, sometimes sweet Classic, golden and cream tobacco

    1. Blue razz

    Blue razz is one of the UK’s best-selling vape flavours. It tastes like blue raspberry sweets: sugary with a sharp edge. Many versions add a cooling “ice” note, such as blue razz lemonade or blue razz ice.

    R & M 7000 Nic Salt 10ml E-Liquid
    Blue razz flavours in 10ml nic salt — from £2.99. View product

    Shop blue razz vapes →

    2. Strawberry

    Strawberry is a safe all-day choice. Look out for blends like strawberry kiwi, strawberry raspberry cherry ice and strawberry banana for a twist.

    Amazonia Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid
    Amazonia Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid — from £7.99. View product

    Shop strawberry vapes →

    3. Watermelon

    Watermelon is light and refreshing, so it rarely becomes tiring. Watermelon ice is one of the most popular prefilled pod flavours in the UK.

    Seriously Slushy Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid
    Seriously Slushy Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid — from £9.99. View product

    Shop watermelon vapes →

    4. Menthol and mint

    Menthol and mint give a clean, cool hit. Spearmint is sweeter and softer, peppermint is sharper, and pure menthol is the coldest. Popular with former menthol cigarette smokers.

    Kingston Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid | Menthol Range
    Kingston Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid | Menthol Range — from £9.99. View product

    Shop menthol and mint vapes →

    5. Grape

    Grape flavours tend to be bold and sweet, like grape soda or grape sweets. Grape ice and mixed berry-grape blends are common.

    Ruthless Shortfill E-Liquid 50ml
    Ruthless Shortfill E-Liquid 50ml — from £9.99. View product

    Shop grape vapes →

    6. Mango

    Mango gives a rich tropical taste. You will find it on its own, as mango ice, or blended with peach, pineapple or passion fruit.

    Elf Bar Elfa Prefilled Pods
    Elf Bar Elfa Prefilled Pods — from £5.99. View product

    Shop mango vapes →

    7. Cherry

    Cherry ranges from sweet black cherry to tart sour cherry. Cherry cola and cherry ice are popular choices.

    V Blood Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid
    V Blood Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid — from £7.99. View product

    Shop cherry vapes →

    8. Blueberry

    Blueberry is softer and less sharp than blue razz. Blueberry sour raspberry is one of the best-known blends in UK nic salts.

    Cloud Thieves Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid
    Cloud Thieves Shortfill 100ml E-Liquid — from £12.99. View product

    Shop blueberry vapes →

    9. Tobacco

    Tobacco flavours suit vapers who want a familiar taste. Expect classic, golden Virginia-style and sweeter cream or vanilla tobacco blends.

    Elf Bar ElfLiq Tobacco 10ml Nic Salt
    Elf Liq Tobacco 10ml nic salt — from £2.99. View product

    Shop tobacco vapes →

    Nic salt, shortfill or prefilled pod?

    • Nic salts (10ml, up to 20mg): for small pod kits and an MTL draw. See our 10mg vs 20mg guide.
    • Shortfills (50ml to 200ml, 0mg): for sub-ohm tanks. Add a nic shot if you want nicotine; see how to add a nic shot.
    • Prefilled pods: no refilling needed. Just click in a new pod. See big puff vapes.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the most popular vape flavour in the UK?

    Fruity flavours with an ice note, such as blue razz, watermelon and strawberry, are consistently among the best sellers.

    What does “ice” mean on a vape flavour?

    It means a cooling agent has been added for a fresh, cold finish on the exhale.

    Can I try lots of flavours cheaply?

    Yes. Our multipacks let you mix flavours at a lower price per bottle or pod.

    Browse all vape flavours →

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Mesh Coils vs Standard Coils: What Is the Difference? (UK Guide)

    Mesh Coils vs Standard Coils: What Is the Difference? (UK Guide)

    Almost every new tank and pod kit now ships with a mesh coil. But what is the difference between mesh and a standard wire coil, and is it worth switching? This guide explains how each type works, the pros and cons, and how to pick the right resistance for your kit.

    What is a mesh coil?

    A standard coil uses a round wire wound into a spiral. A mesh coil uses a flat strip or sheet of metal mesh instead. The mesh has a much larger surface touching the cotton, so it heats more evenly and more e-liquid is vaporised at once.

    SMOK TFV16 Mesh Coils (Pack of 3)
    SMOK TFV16 Mesh Coils — a popular mesh coil for sub-ohm tanks — from £9.99. View product

    Mesh vs standard coils at a glance

    Mesh coil Standard wire coil
    Heat-up Fast and even Can take a moment; hot spots possible
    Flavour Usually fuller and more consistent Good, but can fade sooner
    Vapour More vapour at the same power Less vapour
    E-liquid use Higher Lower
    Battery use Higher on sub-ohm coils Lower
    Lifespan Often longer, as heat is spread out Varies with liquid and power

    Which resistance should I choose?

    • 0.8 ohm and above (MTL): a tighter, cigarette-style draw. Best with nic salts or higher-strength freebase.
    • 0.4 to 0.6 ohm (restricted DL): a looser draw with more vapour. Works with lower-strength liquids.
    • Below 0.3 ohm (sub-ohm DL): big clouds at higher wattage. Use 3mg or 6mg shortfills or freebase, never 20mg nic salt.

    Always stay within the wattage range printed on the coil or its box.

    OXVA Origin X Replacement Coils (5Pcs)
    OXVA Origin X Replacement Coils — from £14.99. View product
    Geekvape M Series Coil ( Pack of 5 )
    Geekvape M Series Coils — mesh coils for Geekvape Aegis tanks — from £18.99. View product

    Does my kit take mesh coils?

    Coils are made for specific tanks or pods, so a mesh coil only fits if it is from your tank’s coil family. Many families include both mesh and standard versions, for example SMOK RPM and Geekvape M and Z series. Check our guide on which coil fits my vape kit before you buy.

    Freemax 904L X Mesh Replacement Coils (Pack of 5)
    FreeMax 904L X Mesh Replacement Coils — from £18.99. View product

    Getting the best from a mesh coil

    1. Prime it. Drip a few drops on the cotton, fill the tank and wait five to ten minutes. See how to change and prime a coil.
    2. Start low. Begin at the bottom of the wattage range and work up.
    3. Keep it topped up. Mesh uses liquid quickly, so do not let the tank run nearly dry.
    4. Watch sweet liquids. Very sweet e-liquids gunk coils faster.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do mesh coils last longer?

    Often, yes, because the heat is spread over a larger area. Your liquid, wattage and how much you vape still matter most.

    Why does my mesh coil taste burnt?

    Usually because it was not primed, the wattage is too high, or the tank ran low. Replace it if the taste stays.

    Can I use nic salts with a mesh coil?

    Yes, with mesh coils rated 0.8 ohm or higher on low power. Avoid nic salts on sub-ohm mesh coils.

    Shop all mesh coils →

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Big Puff Vapes UK: How 6000 to 20k Puff Pod Kits Work (2026 Guide)

    Big Puff Vapes UK: How 6000 to 20k Puff Pod Kits Work (2026 Guide)

    Since single-use disposables were banned in the UK on 1 June 2025, “big puff” vapes have become one of the most searched categories. These are rechargeable prefilled pod kits and pod-swap devices that promise 6,000, 10,000 or even 20,000 puffs. This guide explains how they work within UK rules, what the puff numbers really mean, and how to choose one.

    What is a big puff vape?

    A big puff vape is a rechargeable device with replaceable prefilled pods. You charge the battery with a USB-C cable and swap the pod when it runs out, instead of throwing the whole device away. Most use a mesh coil built into each pod, so every new pod gives you a fresh coil too.

    Feoba Big Bar 6000 Puffs Prefilled Vape Device
    Feoba Big Bar 6000 — a popular rechargeable big puff device — from £11.99. View product

    How can a 20,000 puff vape be legal in the UK?

    UK rules (TPD) limit the e-liquid tank in use to 2ml and nicotine strength to 20mg/ml. High-puff devices stay within these rules by storing extra e-liquid in separate sealed pods or refill containers, which then feed or replace the 2ml tank. You get more vaping from one pack, but the tank you are vaping from is still 2ml.

    Instamax - Instaflow 20k Prefilled Vape Device
    Instamax Instaflow 20k — high capacity using refill containers — from £14.99. View product

    What do puff counts really mean?

    Puff counts are manufacturer estimates based on short, even lab puffs. Real-world numbers vary a lot with how long each draw lasts and how often you vape. As a rough guide, a single 2ml pod tends to last a moderate vaper one to three days. If you take long draws, expect fewer puffs than the box says.

    Popular big puff devices

    Device Type Good for
    Fisco Point Pro 7000 Prefilled pod kit Low starting price, cheap replacement pods
    SKE Crystal CL6000 Prefilled pod kit Familiar Crystal flavours in a rechargeable kit
    Feoba Big Bar 6000 Prefilled device Simple, no-buttons use
    Instamax Instaflow 20k High-capacity device Fewer swaps per week
    Bloody Bar Ultra Twist 20000 High-capacity device Switching between flavours
    Fisco Point Pro 7000 Pre-Filled Pod Vape Kit
    Fisco Point Pro 7000 prefilled pod kit — from £6.99. View product
    SKE Crystal CL6000 Prefilled Pod Kit
    SKE Crystal CL6000 prefilled pod kit — from £7.99. View product

    How to choose the right big puff vape

    • Check the pod cost. The kit is a one-off; pods are the ongoing cost. A cheap kit with pricey pods can cost more over a month.
    • Pick your nicotine strength. Most prefilled pods are 20mg nic salt. Some ranges offer 10mg.
    • Look at battery size and charging. USB-C fast charging is now standard. Larger batteries mean fewer charges a day.
    • Buy multipacks if you vape daily. Packs of five or ten cut the price per device or pod. See our vape multipacks.
    Bloody Bar Ultra Twist 20000 Prefilled Vape Device
    Bloody Bar Ultra Twist 20000 — from £12.99. View product

    Prefer to refill yourself?

    Many big puff ranges have matching 10ml nic salt e-liquids in the same flavours. If you want the lowest cost per ml, a refillable pod kit with a nic salt is usually cheaper again. Read our guide to refillable vs prefilled pod kits and how long a prefilled pod lasts.

    Frequently asked questions

    Are big puff vapes disposable?

    No. The ones we sell are rechargeable and use replaceable pods or refill containers, which is why they remain on sale after the disposable ban.

    Can I recycle the pods?

    Yes. Take used pods and old devices to a vape or small electrical recycling point. Do not put them in household bins.

    Do you sell big puff vapes wholesale?

    Yes. Trade customers can buy in boxes and multipacks. Open a trade account for wholesale pricing.

    Shop all big puff vapes →

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • How Long Does a Prefilled Pod Last?

    How Long Does a Prefilled Pod Last?

    It is one of the questions we are asked most: how long will one prefilled pod last? The honest answer is that it depends on how you vape, but there are some useful rules of thumb.

    How much liquid is in a prefilled pod?

    UK law (TRPR) limits a pod or tank to 2ml of nicotine e-liquid. So whichever brand you buy, each prefilled pod holds up to 2ml.

    How many puffs is that?

    Brands often quote around 600 puffs per 2ml. Puff counts are lab estimates based on short, even puffs. Longer or harder draws use more liquid, so most people get fewer puffs than the box says.

    How many days?

    How you vape Typical life of one 2ml pod
    Light (a few times a day) 2 to 3 days
    Moderate About 1 to 2 days
    Heavy Less than a day

    What about 10K, 15K and 30K kits?

    Kits with very high puff numbers do not have bigger pods. They hit that figure by including extra pods or a refill container of e-liquid alongside the 2ml pod. The total puff count covers all the liquid in the pack. Our pod compatibility guide explains which refill packs fit which kit.

    Signs your pod is finished

    • The flavour gets weak or tastes slightly burnt.
    • You can see that the liquid window is empty.
    • The device flashes or stops firing even when charged.

    Tips to make each pod last longer

    • Take shorter, gentler puffs.
    • Keep the battery charged. A low battery can make the pod feel weak and you may draw harder.
    • Store pods upright and away from heat.
    • Consider a refillable kit if you vape heavily. See prefilled vs refillable costs.

    Stock up on prefilled pods from Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE, IVG, Hayati and Elux.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is 600 puffs the same in every pod?

    No. 600 puffs is an estimate. Your actual number depends on how long and how hard you draw.

    Does the battery run out before the pod?

    On many kits the battery needs charging once or twice per pod. Charge it with the cable supplied.

    Can I swap a half-used pod for another flavour?

    Yes, on most prefilled pod kits you can remove a pod and put it back later. Store it upright with the cap on.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Nic Salt Strength Guide: 10mg vs 20mg Explained

    Nic Salt Strength Guide: 10mg vs 20mg Explained

    Almost every 10ml nic salt in the UK comes in two main strengths: 10mg and 20mg. Picking the right one makes a big difference to how your vape feels. This guide explains what the numbers mean and how to choose.

    What does 10mg or 20mg mean?

    The number is the amount of nicotine in each millilitre of liquid. A 20mg nic salt contains 20mg of nicotine per ml, which is 2% nicotine. A 10mg nic salt contains half that, or 1%. Under UK law (TRPR), 20mg/ml is the maximum strength allowed, and nicotine e-liquid can only be sold in bottles of up to 10ml.

    10mg vs 20mg at a glance

    10mg nic salt 20mg nic salt
    Nicotine per ml 10mg (1%) 20mg (2%)
    Feel Lighter, gentler hit Fuller hit, closest to a cigarette or bar-style vape
    Who often picks it Lighter vapers, or those cutting down Heavier vapers and those moving from bar-style vapes
    Best device Low-power pod kits (MTL) Low-power pod kits (MTL)

    How to choose your strength

    • Coming from a bar-style vape or prefilled pod? Most of these are 20mg, so 20mg nic salt will feel the most familiar.
    • Find 20mg too harsh? Try 10mg. Nic salts are smoother than freebase at the same strength, but 20mg can still feel strong in some devices.
    • Using a higher-power kit? Nic salts are made for low-power pod kits with coils of around 0.8 ohm and above. In a high-power or sub-ohm device, use a lower-strength freebase or a shortfill instead.
    • Want to cut down? Some vapers step down from 20mg to 10mg over time. Mixing a 20mg and 10mg bottle gives roughly 15mg.

    Shop by strength

    We have made it easy to filter: browse 20mg nic salts, 10mg nic salts or the full nic salt range from Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE Crystal, IVG, Hayati, Elux and more. Not sure about nic salts at all? Read nic salts vs freebase.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is 20mg the strongest nic salt in the UK?

    Yes. 20mg/ml is the legal maximum for nicotine e-liquid in the UK.

    Is 5mg nic salt available?

    Some brands make 5mg, but 10mg and 20mg are by far the most common strengths in the UK.

    Can I use 20mg nic salt in a sub-ohm kit?

    It is not recommended. High-strength nic salts are designed for low-power pod kits. In a sub-ohm device the hit can be much too strong.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Prefilled Pod Compatibility Guide: Which Pods Fit Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE, IVG, Hayati and Elux?

    Prefilled Pod Compatibility Guide: Which Pods Fit Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE, IVG, Hayati and Elux?

    Since the UK ban on single-use vapes in June 2025, most bar-style vapes are now rechargeable prefilled pod kits. You keep the battery and click in a new pod when the flavour runs out. The catch is that pods are made for a specific device, and buying the wrong ones is the most common mistake we see. This guide shows which pods go with which kit.

    The golden rule: match the name

    Prefilled pods are designed for the battery that carries the same product name. A Lost Mary BM6000 pod is made for the Lost Mary BM6000 battery, an IVG Smart Max pod for the IVG Smart Max battery, and so on. Brands change the pod shape, connector and airflow between models, so a pod from one model usually will not click into another, even from the same brand.

    Compatibility chart

    Device (battery) Pods to buy
    Elf Bar Elfa / Elfa Pro Elf Bar Elfa Pro prefilled pods
    Elf Bar Join One 15 Elf Bar Join One 15 prefilled pods
    Elf Bar Plus 50 Elf Bar Plus 50 pods
    Lost Mary BM6000 Lost Mary BM6000 prefilled pods (with refill container)
    Lost Mary Nera 15K Lost Mary Nera 15K prefilled pods
    SKE Crystal Bar 600 SKE Crystal Bar 600 prefilled pods
    SKE Bar 15K SKE Bar 15K prefilled pod refills
    IVG 2400 IVG 2400 Reload 4 in 1 prefilled pods
    IVG Smart Max 10K IVG Smart Max prefilled pods
    IVG Nexio 10K IVG Nexio 10K prefilled refill pods
    IVG Pro 12 IVG Pro 12 prefilled pods + refill container
    Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000 Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000 prefilled pods
    Hayati Pro Ultra Plus 25000 Hayati Pro Ultra Plus 25000 replacement pods
    Elux Legend 1500 Elux Legend 1500 prefilled pods
    Elux Legend 8000 Elux Legend 8000 refill pods

    You can browse every brand’s pods in one place: Elf Bar pods, Lost Mary pods, SKE Crystal pods, IVG pods and Hayati pods.

    How to check before you buy

    1. Read the name on the battery. It is usually printed on the side or base of the device, or on the original box.
    2. Match the full model name, including numbers such as 600, 6000 or 15K. “Pro”, “Max” and “Plus” versions often use different pods.
    3. Check the product page. Each pod listing on our site names the device it is made for.
    4. Still unsure? Email support@vapesdirectwholesale.co.uk with a photo of your device and we will tell you which pods fit.

    What about the big puff numbers?

    UK law limits a prefilled pod to 2ml of e-liquid. Kits sold with large puff figures, such as 10K or 15K, reach that number by including extra pods or a separate refill container of 10ml bottles. The pod itself still holds 2ml, so always buy the matching pods or refill pack for your model.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do Elf Bar pods fit a Lost Mary battery?

    No. Elf Bar and Lost Mary are related brands, but their pods use different shapes and connectors. Buy the pods that match your battery’s model name.

    Can I refill a prefilled pod?

    Prefilled pods are designed to be used once and replaced. Some kits come with a refill container, and those pods are made to be topped up from it. Follow the instructions for your model.

    Why does my new pod not light up?

    Check that it is the correct pod for your model, that it is pushed fully into the battery and that the battery is charged. If it still does not work, contact us and we will help.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Prefilled vs Refillable Pod Kits: Cost per Week Compared (UK 2026)

    Prefilled vs Refillable Pod Kits: Cost per Week Compared (UK 2026)

    When single-use vapes were banned in the UK in June 2025, most vapers moved to one of two options: a prefilled pod kit, where you click in a new pod that is already filled, or a refillable pod kit, where you fill the pod yourself from a 10ml bottle. Both are rechargeable. The biggest difference over time is what they cost to run each week.

    What you pay for with each type

    Prefilled pod kit Refillable pod kit
    Starter cost Low: battery plus a pod Higher: a better battery with more settings
    Ongoing cost New prefilled pods 10ml e-liquid plus a replacement pod or coil every week or two
    Flavour choice The flavours made for that pod Any compatible 10ml nic salt or e-liquid
    Effort Click and go Fill, prime and change coils

    How to work out your weekly cost

    Prices change between brands and retailers, so the best way to compare is to use your own numbers.

    1. Find your weekly liquid use. A prefilled pod holds 2ml. If you use one pod a day, that is 14ml a week.
    2. Prefilled cost: pods used per week × price per pod.
    3. Refillable cost: (weekly ml ÷ 10) × price per 10ml bottle, plus the cost of the pods or coils you replace that week.
    4. Add the starter kit spread over the months you expect to use it, if you want the full picture.

    A worked example

    Say you use 14ml a week. On a prefilled kit, that is 7 prefilled pods. On a refillable kit, it is 1.4 bottles of 10ml nic salt, plus about half a pack of replacement pods if you change the pod every two weeks. Put today’s prices for your brand into those two lines and you have your answer. Because one 10ml bottle fills five 2ml pods, refillable kits usually work out cheaper per ml, while prefilled kits save time and mess.

    The 2026 duty applies to both

    Since 1 October 2026, the Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml applies to every vaping liquid, whether it is in a prefilled pod or a 10ml bottle. That is about 44p of duty in each 2ml pod. The duty does not change which option is cheaper, because it is charged per ml either way. Read our duty guide for more detail.

    Which should you choose?

    Frequently asked questions

    Are prefilled pods more expensive than refillable?

    Per ml of liquid, prefilled pods usually cost more, because you are paying for a new pod each time. Refillable kits reuse the pod for a week or two.

    How often do I change a refillable pod?

    Most people change the pod or coil every one to two weeks, or sooner if the flavour fades or tastes burnt.

    Does the duty make vaping cost the same as before?

    No. The duty adds £2.20 per 10ml to all vaping liquids from 1 October 2026, so most prices rose slightly across both types.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Nic Salts vs Freebase E-Liquid: Which Is Right for You? (UK Guide 2026)

    Nic Salts vs Freebase E-Liquid: Which Is Right for You? (UK Guide 2026)

    If you shop for 10ml e-liquids in the UK, you will see two main types: nic salts and freebase e-liquid. Both are legal, both come in 10ml bottles of up to 20mg/ml, and both are made for adult vapers. The difference is in how the nicotine is made, how it feels and which device it works best in. This guide explains the difference in plain English.

    What is freebase e-liquid?

    Freebase is the original type of e-liquid. The nicotine is in its pure form, which gives a stronger throat hit, especially at higher strengths. Freebase e-liquids are commonly sold in strengths such as 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg, and in 50/50 or high-VG blends.

    What are nic salts?

    Nic salts use a form of nicotine that has been mixed with a mild acid. This makes the vapour feel smoother on the throat, even at higher strengths such as 10mg and 20mg. Nic salts are usually a 50/50 blend and are designed for small, low-power pod kits.

    Side-by-side comparison

    Nic salts Freebase e-liquid
    Throat hit Smoother Stronger, especially at higher strengths
    Typical strengths 5mg, 10mg, 20mg 0mg to 18mg
    Best devices Low-power pod kits Pod kits, vape kits and tanks
    Coil resistance Usually 0.8 ohm and above Works across a wider range
    Vapour Discreet Small to large, depending on the device

    Which device should you use?

    Nic salts work best in low-power pod kits with a higher coil resistance, such as many devices from Vaporesso, Uwell and Innokin. Using high-strength nic salt in a powerful sub-ohm kit is not recommended. Freebase e-liquids are more flexible and can be used in pod kits, vape kits and tanks, as long as the coil suits the liquid’s VG level.

    How to choose

    • Choose nic salts if you want a smooth hit, discreet vapour and a compact pod kit.
    • Choose freebase if you prefer a stronger throat hit, lower strengths or bigger vapour from a larger kit.
    • Not sure? Check your device’s coil resistance first. The coil packaging or manual will tell you which liquids it suits.

    Browse our full range of 10ml nic salts and freebase e-liquids from leading UK brands at trade prices.

    Related guides

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use nic salts in any vape?

    Nic salts are best in low-power pod kits with higher-resistance coils. They are not designed for high-power sub-ohm devices.

    What is the strongest nic salt allowed in the UK?

    The legal limit for nicotine e-liquid in the UK is 20mg/ml, sold in bottles of up to 10ml.

    Do nic salts and freebase cost the same?

    Prices are similar per 10ml. Both now include the Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml, which started on 1 October 2026.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

  • Refillable vs Prefilled Pod Kits: Which Should You Choose After the UK Disposable Ban?

    Refillable vs Prefilled Pod Kits: Which Should You Choose After the UK Disposable Ban?

    Since 1 June 2025, single-use (disposable) vapes have been banned from sale in the UK. Most adult vapers who used disposables now choose one of two rechargeable options: a refillable pod kit or a prefilled pod kit. Both are legal, both are reusable, and both are easy to use. This guide compares them so you can pick the one that suits you.

    What is a refillable pod kit?

    A refillable pod kit is a small rechargeable device with an empty pod that you fill yourself from a bottle of e-liquid or nic salt. When the coil inside the pod wears out, you swap in a new pod or coil. Popular examples include the Vaporesso XROS range, the Uwell Caliburn range and the Innokin Sceptre.

    What is a prefilled pod kit?

    A prefilled pod kit uses a rechargeable battery with pods that come already filled with e-liquid. When a pod runs out, you click in a fresh one. Nothing to fill and no bottles to carry, so it feels closest to the disposables many people were used to.

    Side-by-side comparison

    Refillable pod kit Prefilled pod kit
    Ease of use Fill the pod from a bottle Click in a new pod
    Running cost Usually lower over time Usually higher per ml
    Flavour choice Any 10ml e-liquid or nic salt Flavours made for that pod system
    Nicotine choice Pick any legal strength Set by the pod you buy
    Waste Lower, you only replace pods or coils Higher, each pod is replaced
    Best for Regular vapers who want value and choice Convenience and an easy switch from disposables

    The UK rules that apply to both

    Every nicotine vaping product sold in the UK must follow the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations. In practice that means:

    • Tanks and pods can hold a maximum of 2ml of nicotine e-liquid.
    • Nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml.
    • Nicotine e-liquid is sold in bottles of up to 10ml.

    Big puff counts like 15K or 36K on some prefilled kits come from combining several 2ml pods and a rechargeable battery, not from a bigger tank. Since 1 October 2026, all vaping liquids also carry the new Vaping Products Duty, which you can read about in our duty guide.

    Which should you choose?

    Choose a refillable pod kit if you vape every day, want the lowest running cost and like trying different flavours and strengths. Pair it with a few 10ml nic salts and some spare replacement pods.

    Choose a prefilled pod kit if you want the simplest possible switch from disposables, with no filling and no spills. Keep a pack of spare prefilled pods to hand.

    Browse our refillable pod kits and prefilled pod kits, all at trade prices with fast UK dispatch.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Are prefilled pod kits legal in the UK?

    Yes. Rechargeable prefilled pod kits are legal because the battery is reusable and only the pods are replaced.

    Can I use any e-liquid in a refillable pod kit?

    Most pod kits work with both nic salts and freebase e-liquids. Check the coil resistance: lower resistance coils usually suit freebase and higher resistance coils usually suit nic salts.

    How often do I need to change the pod or coil?

    It depends on how much you vape and which liquid you use. A burnt or faded taste is the usual sign it is time to change.

    Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.