We invite you to read the translation of an article from the Ashtray blog dedicated to the simple, easy and convenient transition from disposable to serviced electronic cigarettes.

If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’re already using disposables and are looking to upgrade to refillable or refillable vapes! This text will tell you what your options are (and how to use them), as well as tips for making the transition.

Disposables, oddly enough, are “disposable e-cigarettes.” Like regular, refillable vaping devices, they release smoke-like vapor and usually (but not always) contain nicotine. canadian vaping However, unlike conventional devices, they are simply thrown away after being used once. It is extremely rare that such disposable devices provide the ability to charge and never refuel.

They are also incredibly popular and appeared seemingly out of nowhere. In 2022, it was reported that 15.2% of adult vapers in England use disposable devices. While back in 2021 there were only 2.2%. It’s hard to say why they are so popular, but I think the following factors contribute to it:

They are convenient and easy to use.

They don’t require any skills. When you buy a vaping device, you are essentially telling everyone that you are a vaper. But when you buy a disposable device, you simply commit to using it throughout the day.

  They offer bright, sweet flavors.

However, as we will see:

Some vape devices, especially prefilled cartridge systems, are also easy and convenient to use.

The advent of bar salts means disposable drinkers don’t have to sacrifice taste when switching to refillables.

Why you should switch to refillable (refillable) vapes

The most important personal reason for switching to disposable devices is cost reduction. At first glance they don’t seem that expensive. However, if you look at it from a liquid perspective, you can quickly see how the price is rising.

The disposable device contains only 2 ml of liquid.

However, a high quality 10ml bottle of e-liquid typically costs less than £0.4 per ml. That’s less than a fifth of the cost of even cheaper disposable devices. Of course, there are still initial costs for purchasing the device. However, after purchasing it, the savings quickly begin to add up. To help make sense of this, we’ve compared some types of costs.

Environmental impact

If cost isn’t enough of a consideration, consider the environment.

We buy and use three billion disposable vaping devices every year. Each one contains a lithium-ion battery that can be used over and over again. In total, we throw away enough batteries to power 1,200 electric vehicles. However, after one use, they are simply thrown into a landfill.

Most modern devices are also difficult and expensive to recycle. This is because they are designed as one unit and the battery is difficult to separate from the device. In contrast, a refillable device can last several months before needing to be replaced.

Larger range of flavors

The number of one-off flavors is limited

Typically, many single-serve product lines offer a limited number of flavors. And while it’s true that there are quite a few disposable devices out there, let’s face it – they tend to use the same set of flavors! However, if you switch to refillable devices, you have access to literally thousands of different flavors.

Options for transitioning from disposables

ENDS with pre-filled cartridges

As we have already said, one of the main advantages of disposable cigarettes is their ease of use – they do not require refilling or changing evaporators. Pre-charged systems are the ideal next step as they are almost as easy to use, at lower cost and have a smaller environmental impact.

MYLE – device with refilled cartridges

These kits use sealed, pre-filled cartridges that come with everything you need inside. This means you simply attach the cartridge to the battery pack and replace it when the liquid runs out.

Like disposables, most of these kits require no button presses or settings—you just take a puff through the mouthpiece and start vaping. The only thing you will need to remember is to recharge the battery when it runs out.

Once you get used to these devices, you may want to upgrade to refillable devices for further cost savings.

Pros:

Very easy to use.

More economical and environmentally friendly than disposable ones.

Provides disposable style flavor.

Minuses:

The battery needs to be charged.

Cartridges need to be changed.

Limited number of flavors compared to refillable devices.

Disposables with refillable cartridges

Although they are less common than regular disposable ones, there are devices that can be refilled and even recharged. These are still very easy to use, with no buttons or settings, so they will still have to be disposed of when the coil in the built-in evaporator wears out. However, the rechargeable battery and refillable tank allow them to be used much longer than regular disposable ones.

Gobar Max – disposable with refillable cartridge

To use, just fill the container with liquid, wait a few minutes and you can take puffs through the mouthpiece. You just need to fill the tank and charge the battery when needed.

You will know it is time to discard the device when it stops producing steam, the aroma begins to dull, or there is a burnt taste when inhaled. This design not only saves money and reduces waste, but thanks to the refillable containers, this type of device provides many more flavor options.

Pros:

More durable than regular disposables.

Easy to use – no buttons or settings.

Greater selection of flavors than single-serve or pre-filled kits.

Minuses:

It still needs to be disposed of after a certain number of uses.

Refillable ENDS/pod systems

Refillable vapes and pod systems must be filled with liquid before use. They then need to be refilled after the liquid runs out. They include a wide range of device types with different designs and varying levels of sophistication. The level of difficulty in using these devices varies depending on which device you choose.

Hellvapу EIR is a typical pod device

In the simplest ones, you just need to fill in the liquid, wait a couple of minutes and start vaping. The cartridge is replaced with a new one after about a month of use. In more complex ones, the cartridge is not thrown away – the evaporator element (evaporator, coil) is changed in it, also about once a month, depending on the liquid used.

Pros:

Lower cost in the long term compared to one-time use.

Less environmental impact.

Larger selection of flavors.

Minuses:

May be more difficult to use than disposable or pre-filled cartridge kits.

In some models, you have to figure out the settings and choose the vaping power that is comfortable for you.

Mod kits

Mod kits, or simply “mods”, have a reputation for being more difficult to use than cartridge systems. This may be true, but it’s worth remembering that some of them were designed for novice users.

Mods have serious advantages. They often have significantly longer battery life than basic sets. Depending on the system you choose, they can often offer both a “tight” and a “light” draw (cigarette MTL or hookah DTL). If you want large clouds of vapor, then the mod and tank should also be your first choice.

Dovpo Riva – dual-battery mod with a lot of settings

Mods can also offer enormous control over your vape. Although, again, this depends on the system you are using. One of the nice things about many modern mods is that you can switch between modes that change the difficulty level.

There’s a lot of talk about the functionality of mods, and it’s true that they can be impressive. But at the end of the day, many people choose them for aesthetics, preferring bulkier, more impressive devices than tiny cartridge vapes.

Pros:

Longer battery life.

It is often easy to switch between MTL and DTL vaping.

Often offer great control over the device and many settings.

Minuses:

May be more difficult to use (but depends on model).

Most likely they will require the purchase of replacement batteries and a special charger for them.

The initial investment in the purchase will be large compared to sub-systems.

Best Flavors for Refillable Vapes

When it comes to replicating disposable vaping, the vape flavor you choose is one of the most important factors to consider. Here are some important points:

Liquid type

Disposable vapes provide a very smooth draw and usually have a high nicotine level. To replicate this in refillable devices, we recommend using nicotine salt e-liquids. Made from the natural form of nicotine found in the tobacco leaf, they provide a smoother, smoother draw than regular free-liquids.

This means they can deliver a higher level of nicotine without the harsh throat hit. With a VG/PG ratio of 50%/50% they are also ideal for use with the less powerful pods and starter kits we recommend for single use users.

Flavor concentration

The main reason for the popularity of disposable cigarettes is their strong taste – usually using e-liquids with a higher concentration than regular e-liquids.

Fortunately, many manufacturers have realized this and have released nicotine salt ENDS e-liquids with increased concentrations of flavorings to specifically replicate the taste of disposable e-cigarettes. Consult with the seller before purchasing, he will advise you on the most interesting options he has in stock.

Nicotine strength

Ideally, you should match the nicotine strength of the e-liquid to the disposable device you are using. If you just walk into a store and order an e-liquid without asking about the strength, they will most likely sell you a bottle with 18 mg (1.8%) or 20 mg (2%) nicotine. If you need or want something lighter, be sure to let the seller know. There are few such options, but they exist.