Types of Vapes: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One

The sheer variety of devices available in the UK can be daunting for anyone wanting to quit smoking or start vaping. Every kind of vape, from stylish, prefilled kits to sophisticated, customizable mods, provides a unique experience. Selecting the best vape kits is essential since it can greatly increase your chances of effectively stopping smoking.

All of the major types of vapes that are available in the UK will be broken down in this vapes comparison guide to assist you in choosing the one that best fits your needs and way of life. The UK Tobacco and Related Goods Regulations strictly regulate all vaping goods offered by respectable UK shops. It is for your protection, guaranteeing high quality and regulated nicotine levels.

At its core, every vape device operates on the same basic principle. A typical vape consists of a battery, a coil (a heating element wrapped in cotton), and a tank or pod that holds the e-liquid. When you activate the device, the battery heats the coil. It then vaporises the e-liquid-soaked cotton, creating the inhalable aerosol.

This process is central to the two primary vaping styles, and understanding them is key to choosing your device:

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): This style mimics smoking a traditional cigarette. You first draw vapour into your mouth, then inhale it into your lungs. It's typically a tighter draw and is best for higher nicotine strengths and a stronger throat hit.
• Direct-to-Lung (DTL): This is more like taking a deep breath. You inhale the vapour directly into your lungs in one continuous draw. This style requires more power and produces much larger vapour clouds but uses lower nicotine strengths.

Single-Use Vapes

Often called "disposables," these vapes are pre-filled, non-rechargeable, all-in-one devices designed for ultimate convenience. You can no longer legally buy them in the UK. They come ready to use straight out of the package. They are discarded once the e-liquid or battery is depleted.

Pros

Their biggest strength is their simplicity. There are no buttons to press, no coils to change, and no e-liquid to refill. This makes them exceptionally beginner-friendly. They are also highly portable and widely available.

Cons

While cheap per device, the long-term cost is significantly higher than that of refillable systems. From an environmental standpoint, they generate considerable electronic waste, and their single-use nature is a growing concern. Users are also limited to the flavours available on the shelf.

Best For

New vapers looking for the easiest way to start. Casual users, and smokers seeking a straightforward alternative to cigarettes to manage nicotine cravings.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are types of vapes that are a step up from disposables. These feature a slim, pen-like design with a rechargeable battery and a refillable tank. They are straightforward to use, often with a single button for operation.

Pros

They maintain a simple, user-friendly experience while being more affordable to run than disposables. Their slim design is discreet and easy to carry. They work very well with a wide range of e-liquids, and the best way to use a vape pen is with nicotine salts. This form of e-liquid is famous for providing a smooth yet satisfying hit for former smokers.

Cons

Due to their size, they typically have smaller batteries that may need recharging throughout the day. They also produce less vapour than more powerful devices, which may not appeal to cloud chasers.

Best For

Ex-smokers and light to moderate vapers who want a simple, affordable, and refillable upgrade from disposable vapes.

Pod Systems

Pod vapes are among the most popular types of vapes today. These use a magnetic pod that holds the e-liquid and coil. They come in two main types:

• Closed Pod Systems: Use pre-filled, sealed pods that you simply plug in and use. Similar to disposables but with a reusable battery.
• Open Pod Systems: Also known as prefilled pod kits, these feature replaceable pods, giving you the freedom to fill them with your choice of e-liquid.

Pros

Pod kits are incredibly convenient and discreet, and the best vape types for beginners. Models like the Doozy Infinity Pod Kit or the Elf Bar ELFX Pod Kit are known for delivering strong, consistent flavour. They strike a great balance between the simplicity of disposables and the flexibility of refillable systems.

Cons

While more cost-effective than disposables, pre-filled pods can still be more expensive over time. Most pod kits also have limited power, making them unsuitable for producing massive clouds.

Best For

Everyday vapers and those switching from smoking who want a convenient, low-maintenance device with refillable options.

Box Mods & Advanced Vapes

It is only natural to get bored with the basic vape kits if you have been vaping for any considerable period of time. It is also true if you are tech-savvy or like tinkering with your device. This is where the giants of the vaping world, box mods, come in. These advanced kits are equipped with one or two beefy batteries. But, they are not really the best vape types for beginners.

A box mod vape gives you exact control over the amount of vapour produced and the strength of the flavour. It does so by allowing you to adjust the power supplied to the coil. Additionally, you may modify the draw's tightness or looseness to suit your desired inhalation style.

Pros

• Superior Flavour and Vapour: The combination of high power, advanced coils, and customisable settings produces massive, flavourful clouds that smaller devices cannot match.
• Long Battery Life: With large, often dual, external batteries, box mods are the type of vapes that can easily last a full day, even with heavy use.
• Total Customisation: Almost every feature of your device is controllable, so you get a unique puff whenever you feel like it.

Cons

• Significant Learning Curve: Since these high-tech vapes are loaded with all kinds of features, you have to expect a certain learning curve. Users need to understand concepts like coil resistance and battery safety.
• Larger Size and Weight: Their powerful components make them bulky and less pocket-friendly than pods or vape pens.
• Higher Maintenance: While starter devices are plug-and-play. These devices do need a certain amount of TLC. You have to take care of things like regular coil changes, tank cleaning, and battery management.

Sub-Ohm Vapes

Using coils with a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm is known as sub-ohm vaping. The low-resistance coil allows for a higher electrical current to pass through it. This, in turn, ends up heating more e-liquid and creates noticeably bigger vapour clouds.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) inhalation is inherently associated with this technique. DTL is when you breathe the vapour straight into the lungs in a single breath. It is a continuous, deep breath of air, as opposed to the cigarette-like Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) pull. Even at high power, a smooth, airy draw is produced by the free airflow necessary for DTL and the high vapour production of sub-ohm coils.

Pros & Cons

• Massive Cloud Production: The primary draw for many users is the immense volume of vapour produced, perfect for cloud chasing.
• Intense, Complex Flavours: The high power and large vapour volume unleash nuanced flavour profiles from e-liquids. This is especially so in the case of juices high in Vegetable Glycerin (VG).
• High E-Liquid Consumption: The powerful coils vaporise e-liquid much faster than standard devices, leading to higher ongoing costs.
• Not Ideal for High Nicotine: The vast vapour volume makes high-nicotine strengths (like 20mg salts) uncomfortably harsh. Sub-ohm vaping is best suited for low-nicotine e-liquids (typically 3mg or 6mg).
• Increased Battery Drain: The high power demands drain batteries much more quickly, necessitating powerful mods and frequent recharging.

Best For

Hobbyists and performance-focused vapers who are primarily interested in cloud production and intense flavour. Great for those who have moved beyond the need for a strong nicotine hit.

Starter Kits

Now, when you buy a starter kit, you will get all sorts of components. These types of vapes include everything a novice vaper needs to get started. This makes them one of the best vape types for beginners. You will find coils, a charging cable, a tank or pod, the battery device (mod) itself, and, occasionally, e-liquid. More and more vapers are shifting towards pod kits nowadays.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Convenience is the primary benefit. Beginners don't have to guess because everything is matched and made to operate together. Beyond disposables, they provide a more systematic introduction to vaping.

Cons: Conventional starter kits are now less common in the market. Nowadays, many vapers would rather start with easy-to-use, low-maintenance pod kits (like the Hayati Pro Max Plus or comparable refillable pod systems). They offer a similar all-in-one convenience in a more portable, straightforward design. As a result of this change, dedicated starting kits are now less common.

Starter kits are not as popular nowadays. Simple-to-use pod kits are appealing to more and more modern vapers. Devices like the Uwell Caliburn or Vaporesso XROS series offer a "starter kit experience" in a more contemporary, pocketable format with minimal maintenance.

Selecting the Ideal Vape for Your Requirements

Your level of experience and what you hope to get out of the vaping experience will determine your ideal types of vapes. The secret to a successful transition from smoking or to a better vaping experience is to pick up a device that works with your lifestyle. You should not have to adjust to it.

For New Users and Smokers Making the Switch

If you are new to vaping, simplicity is your priority. We advise starting with a basic pod system or a reusable vape pen. With a recognisable mouth-to-lung (MTL) draw, these devices replicate the sensation of smoking a cigarette. Nicotine salt e-liquids in refillable pods provide a smooth yet powerful nicotine dose. This is what makes them the best option for reducing cigarette cravings.

For Fans of Flavour

A sub-ohm vape or a flavour-focused pod system is your best bet if your primary objective is to savour rich, nuanced flavours. A sub-ohm tank with a box mod is the best option for the most potent and complex flavour experience. It requires more power to fully vaporise high-VG e-liquids.

For Cloud Chasers

You'll need a high-power kit if you like creating big vapour clouds. The only option is to use a sub-ohm tank in conjunction with a capable box mod. Above 80W, look for kits with variable wattage settings and adjustable airflow. It's essential to keep in mind that cloud chasing uses up e-liquid quickly and requires high-VG, low-nicotine e-liquids to be pleasurable.

For Users on a Tight Budget

Disposable vapes may appear inexpensive at first, but they are the most expensive types of vapes over time. Moreover, they are banned for sale in the UK starting from June 1, 2025. A vape pen or refillable pod kit is the most cost-effective option. The cost of continuously buying fresh disposables adds up over time. The cost of acquiring e-liquid bottles and replacing coils is substantially lower in the long run.

UK Vape Regulations You Should Know

Your safety should always come first, which is why the UK has strict regulations for all vaping products allowed to be sold there, including all the best vape types for beginners. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TPD) ensure that every device and e-liquid sold by vape retailers meets high standards.

Key TPD rules you should be aware of include:

• Tank Capacity Limit: You can only buy a pre-filled tank with a maximum capacity of 2ml. This ceiling on vape juice volume is there to ensure you manage your nicotine consumption appropriately.
• Nicotine Strength Cap: Likewise, all legal vape juices sold in the UK cannot exceed a nicotine concentration of 20mg/ml (or 2%). Now, this applies to all nicotine salts and freebase e-liquids.
• Child Safety: All e-liquid bottles and vaping devices have to be child-proof and tamper-evident, so a youngster is not exposed to nicotine.

So, you know it’s a safe option when you purchase from anywhere in the UK (provided that they follow these regulations). One might be tempted to order from unknown or even black-market sources, but doing so compromises the safety of your products.

There are no safety checks, and you might even be sold a counterfeit device that has incorrect nicotine levels and, worse still, unverified or toxic ingredients. Genuine products will always display the manufacturer's details and TPD compliance information on the packaging.

Popular Vape Brands in the UK

The UK market is filled with trusted brands, but a few names consistently stand out for their quality, innovation, and reliability. Selecting a kit from a well-known brand guarantees a secure and fulfilling experience.

Below, we take a look at some of the most respectable names in the vaping marketing in the UK:

• Elf Bar & Lost Mary: Dominant in the reusable market, these brands are famous for their vast range. They offer both fruity flavours and a user-friendly design, making them a top choice for beginners.
• OXVA: A market leader in pod systems, OXVA is well-liked among vapers in the UK for its elegant appearance, long battery life, and pods that have a remarkable flavour retention.
• Aspire: Vaping veterans like this vaping brand for the robust quality of their products. If you have ever used any of Aspire vape kits, you will be familiar with the high-quality and durable nature of their coils. You can find everything from beginner kits to sophisticated modifications for your favourite advanced vapes.
• Voopoo: Voopoo specialises in pod systems and mods. Once you buy Voopoo vapes, like the Drag series, you will see why they are praised for their dependable performance and quick firing technology. On top of that, they are reasonably affordable.
• Innokin: A reputable brand, especially for individuals looking for a familiar MTL experience, Innokin places a high priority on quality and safety. Innokin vapes are well-made and are frequently praised for their simplicity of use.

Buying high-quality types of vapes from these brands ensures you are only getting the safest and best vapes.

Before you make your final choice, keep a few key points in mind to ensure you have a safe and satisfying experience with your new device.

• Prioritise Battery Safety: You might be using an e-cigarette with a removable battery. In that case, we always recommend using a quality charger and keeping an eye out for any signs of damage on your battery. This way, you will avoid accidents and, at the same time, significantly prolong your device's lifespan.
• Choose Your Nicotine Strength Wisely: Some heavy smokers struggle when they move to vaping. The reason is that they choose a low nicotine strength that does not satiate their cravings. So, you can look into options with higher strength (like 20mg nicotine salts) initially. If flavour and heavy cloud production are your priorities, a lower-strength vape will do perfectly fine.
• Understand Basic Maintenance: For refillable devices, regular coil replacement is essential. A burnt-out coil will ruin the flavour. Typically, with these types of vapes, coils need changing every one to three weeks, depending on how frequently you vape and the sweetness of your e-liquid.
• Match Your E-Liquid to Your Device: Use high-PG e-liquids or nicotine salts in low-power MTL pods and pens for a stronger throat hit. For sub-ohm DTL vaping, always choose high-VG e-liquids, as they are thicker and designed to perform well at high power.

After learning about the different types of vapes at your disposal in the UK with this vapes comparison guide, you can easily find a kit that is just made for your unique needs. Here at Ma Vapour, our team has curated the best selection of reliable vape kits and premium vape juices. Shop the entire selection now to find your new favorite vape and get dependable, quick vape delivery in the UK.