Skip to content
Rated 4.8/5

55,000+ Reviews

Free UK Delivery

Spend Just £15*

UK Made E-Liquids

Mixed in Manchester

UK Support Team

Exceptionally Friendly

The Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes

The Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes provide a very easy entry point to vaping. They're quick to get started, simple to use, and they're helping so many smokers quit smoking.

While disposable vapes clearly have their place in the vaping world (when used and disposed of responsibly), using refillable pods and tanks topped up with one of the delicious and exciting e-liquids in the 88Vape collection, is far better value for money.

But, before we explore the alternatives to disposable vapes, let's first remind ourselves what a disposable vape is, why they're so popular, why you might need an alternative to them, and what alternatives are available.

What are disposable vapes?

Disposable vapes are a convenient and cost-effective option for adults looking to try vaping for the first time. They're also perfect for vapers who want a quick and easy vaping experience without the need for maintenance or upkeep of a complicated mod device. Because once the e-liquid is all used up, you simply discard the shell.

Disposable vapes consist of three parts - a battery, a prefilled closed system pod, and a high resistance coil. Because they come pre-filled, and the battery isn't designed to be recharged, they don't require any additional components such as chargers, spare coils, or additional e-liquids.

The average disposable vape is designed to be used only once (each device has between 400-600 puffs depending on how you vape - roughly the equivalent number of puffs from around30 cigarettes) and then once the e-liquid is all used up, it's discarded.

Why disposable vapes get a bad rap

Disposable vapes are a great solution to smoking cessation because they're so convenient and easy to use, however they do have several drawbacks, including:

Environmental impact

Disposable vapes are recyclable, however, users need to disassemble them, or drop them off in specific areas where they can be recycled properly.

If people aren't responsible when they finish their disposable vape, they simple end up in landfills as not only plastic waste, but because they're electronic devices, when they reach the end of their useful life they become electronic waste too, which not only harms the environment, but can pose a threat to human health.

Plus, disposable vape kits use lithium ion batteries (lithium being an incredible scarce resource), so every time a disposable vape is discarded rather than recycled, the lithium is discarded too. And worse yet, most disposable vapes actually contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

For more information about where to recycle vapes - you can find a local recycling point here.

Cost-effectiveness

Disposable vapes may seem cheaper upfront, but in the long term they are much more expensive than reusable and refillable vapes, as they need to be replaced frequently.

The cost of continually purchasing disposable vapes can add up over time, whereas the initial investment in a reusable and refillable vape can be offset by the ability to refill the device with affordable £1 e-liquid.

Set nicotine strength

Most disposables come with a set nicotine strength, which is usually 20 mg. This can be too much for some vapers. And disposable vape kits that offer differing nicotine strengths are limited.

The most environmentally friendly disposable vapes

The world of disposable vapes is changing; even within this relatively new industry innovation is abound.

Eco-conscious vaping companies are eager to find a sustainable solution that reduces the environmental impact of disposable vapes. For example, using food grade materials or recycled materials in their production, and/or encouraging recycling and proper disposal of used disposable devices.

But fully sustainable, environmentally friendly disposable vapes are still a long way off, meaning for those who are unable to disassemble their disposable vape when it's finished and recycle it, the most environmentally friendly option is to switch to a refillable vape kit, or prefilled pod kit.

And no, that doesn't mean you have to learn how to use a vape mod kit (if you don't want to).

The benefits of refillable vapes and pre filled pod kits

If you want to look beyond disposables, without landing in vape mods, reusable vape kits (i.e. refillable pod kits or prefilled pods), is the natural first step.

These alternatives to disposable vapes are easily the next destination along the vaping road, or even the first step on it - not every vaping journey has to start with disposable vapes after all.

The benefits of using refillable pods/tanks alongside 88Vape eliquid include:

Reduced environmental impact

Prefilled pod kits and refillable vapes can be used for an extended period of time and have a much reduced overall environmental impact.

While disposable vapes can create a significant amount of electronic waste if they aren't disposed of responsibly, in contrast, prefilled pods and refillable vape pens can be used multiple times, reducing the amount of electronic waste generated and the associated environmental impact.

Cost savings

Disposable vapes may seem cheaper initially, but they end up costing more in the long run because the whole device needs to be replaced when it's empty.

Reusable vape pens and pods have a higher upfront cost, but they are more cost-effective over the long term as once the device is bought, the only outlay after that are replacement coils/pods and vape juice. And ours are just a quid remember - see our £ 1 e liquids.

Customisation options

Reusable vape devices also allow for customising the vaping experience (depending on the device), for example, adjusting the wattage, temperature, and airflow, and selecting different e-liquids with varying nicotine levels and flavours.

They allow users to find a combination that works best for them, providing a more enjoyable and satisfying vaping experience.

Improved performance

Reusable vape pens often have higher quality components and better technology in comparison to 'cheaper' disposable vapes. This means they can provide a more consistent and powerful vaping experience, one that lasts.

Disposable vapes are designed to be used only once and then disposed of, while reusable vape pens are built to last and can withstand regular use. This is important for those who vape frequently and want a product that doesn't constantly need to be replaced.

Better options

When you use a pre-filled pod kit or a refillable vape kit, you get options that aren't available to you with disposables. At 88Vape, for example, we stock over 50 different, high quality e liquid flavours.

We have short fill bottles, 10 ml bottles, nic free e liquids, and nicotine salt e liquids; we also have an incredible range of different PG-VG ratios.

By choosing to use a refillable device, or a device with a pre filled pod, not only do you get to choose the flavour of vape juice you want, you decide the nicotine strength, and the VG:PG ratio, guaranteeing you the ultimate vape just the way you want it, at a much cheaper price.

Best disposable vape alternatives

At 88Vape, while we retail a fabulous selection of disposable vapes, we have an equally impressive range of vaping devices that make a great alternative to disposable vapes. From a prefilled ProPod vape kit, to a refillable device, browse our range to find your next new vape kit.

Refillable vape kits

At 88Vape we have a range of refillable vape devices to suit every budget. From low maintenance classic pens which simply require users to keep the battery charged up and the tank topped up with e liquid, to deluxe pens which require slightly more upkeep with coils needing changed occasionally. You'll find the perfect refillable vape kit here.

Prefilled pod kits

Prefilled pod vape kits are an affordable alternative starter kits to disposable vapes. They're compact, simple to use, and a great way to get started on your journey towards quitting smoking, or just finding something to help you manage your nicotine addiction.

They were initially designed to be just like a disposable e-cig, except rechargeable. Today, our ProPod vape kit also offer users more control over the settings, from wattage to voltage to temperature control. A prefilled pod kit also tends to have a higher capacity than disposables, and because they use removable, replaceable, pre-filled pods, there's no mess, no fuss, simply plug in your next e liquid replacement pod and go.

Vape mods

If you're ready to take your vaping journey to a whole new level of awesome, our range of sub ohm vape mods will take you wherever you need to go. Want a more intense flavour? Higher nicotine strength? Big clouds of vapour? A vape mod will put you in the big cloud chaser leagues for sure.

For the seasoned vaper who needs more from their device: more control, more option, more savings; vape mods deliver the ultimate vaping experience with minimal impact on the environment, as well as saving you money.

What kind of e-liquid can I use with a refillable pod?

At 88Vape our ProPod is fitted with a 1.5 ohm coil inside the pod, and is designed to be compatible with standard PG e liquids, 50/50 vape juice, and nic salts.

Meaning you can fill it with your favourite flavour. And we have them all. We manufacture and retail over 45 of the most popular flavours for you to choose from: menthol chill, tobacco, raspberry ripple, and at £1 each, you get high quality e liquids at a great price.

The only thing you have to remember is to replace the pod after eight refills.

88Vape: the cheapest way to vape in the UK

If you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes without breaking the bank, check out the range of refillable pod kits and prefilled pods available at 88 Vape.

Previous article A Complete Guide to Vaping
Next article What is Stealth Vaping? A Zero Vaping Primer