How to Choose the Best Vape Kit
There are three main types of vape kit, and the best one for you depends on how you vape and how much control you want over the experience.
Pod kits are compact, lightweight devices that use small removable pods. Most support mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which closely mimics the draw of a cigarette. They come in refillable and prefilled varieties, and they're the most popular choice for ex-smokers and anyone who values portability. If you want a recommendation, the Vaporesso XROS 5, OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra and Lost Mary BM6000 are among the best vape kits in the UK right now.
Starter kits sit between pod kits and mods. They typically offer a slightly larger battery, a built-in tank or pod, and simple adjustable settings like wattage or airflow. Vape starter kits are a solid middle ground if you want a bit more vapour and battery life without the complexity of a full mod setup.
Mod kits are the most powerful option. Vape mod kits pair a box mod battery with a separate tank and replaceable coils, giving you adjustable wattage (often up to 80W or higher), temperature control and the ability to switch between MTL and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. They produce more vapour, support a wider range of coils and are built for vapers who want to fine-tune every aspect of their draw.
Vape Kits for Beginners vs Experienced Vapers
If you're new to vaping or switching from disposables, beginner vape kits should be your starting point. Look for a device with auto-draw activation (no button needed), a built-in battery of at least 1,000mAh and compatibility with nicotine salt e-liquids at 10mg or 20mg. Pod kits tick all of these boxes and require virtually no setup. Fill the pod, click it in and inhale.
Experienced vapers who want bigger clouds, warmer vapour or longer coil life will get more from a mod kit or an advanced pod system with adjustable wattage and airflow. Devices like the Vaporesso GTX One Pro or the Voopoo Argus series let you swap between coil resistances and dial in your preferred draw, bridging the gap between simple pod vaping and full sub-ohm performance. If you already know you prefer DTL vaping with high-VG e-liquids, a vape mod kit with a sub-ohm tank is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vape kit?
A vape kit is a rechargeable electronic device used to inhale vapour from e-liquid. At its most basic, it consists of a battery, a pod or tank to hold liquid and a coil that heats the liquid into vapour. Kits range from small, pocket-sized pod systems to larger box mods with external batteries and adjustable settings.
What is the best vape to buy?
The best vape to buy depends on your experience level and what you want from the device. For most people starting out, a refillable pod kit like the Vaporesso XROS 5 or OXVA XLIM Pro 2 offers the best balance of flavour, battery life and simplicity. If you prefer prefilled convenience, the Lost Mary BM6000 is a strong all-rounder. For experienced vapers chasing bigger clouds and more customisation, a mod kit with adjustable wattage and a sub-ohm tank gives you the most flexibility.
How much is a vape starter kit?
Prices for vape starter kits in the UK typically range from around £10 to £35. Basic pod kits and prefilled devices sit at the lower end, while advanced pod systems with colour screens and larger batteries cost a little more. Mod kits with separate tanks can run from £25 to £50 depending on features. Ongoing costs are low: replacement pods cost £2 to £5 each, and a 10ml bottle of e-liquid is usually £3 to £4.
What is included in a vape kit?
Most vape kits include the battery device, one or two pods or a tank, a USB-C charging cable and a user manual. Some kits also include spare coils or a small bottle of e-liquid to get you started. Prefilled kits may come with one pod already installed. E-liquid, spare pods and replacement coils are generally sold separately after the initial kit purchase.
What is the difference between pod kits, starter kits and mod kits?
Pod kits are the smallest and simplest. They use lightweight plastic pods with built-in coils and are designed mainly for MTL vaping with nicotine salts. Starter kits are mid-range devices with slightly more power and often a small screen or adjustable settings, making them a step up in performance without added complexity. Mod kits are the largest and most versatile, pairing a high-powered battery with a separate glass tank and interchangeable coils. They support MTL and DTL vaping, offer the widest range of settings and are built for vapers who want full control.
What is the best refillable vape?
The best refillable vapes in the UK right now include the Vaporesso XROS 5, known for outstanding coil life and flavour, and the OXVA XLIM 3 Ultra, which features a touchscreen display and both MTL and RDL pod options. The Vaporesso XROS Pro 2 is another top pick, offering a 2,000mAh battery and fast USB-C charging in a compact, durable design. All three are widely available and well supported with affordable replacement pods.