Vape Kits

What is a vape kit?

A vape kit bundles together the vape device itself (which houses the rechargeable battery), a tank or pod (where the e-liquid goes), and at least one coil (which is the heating element that turns the liquid into vapour). Most kits also include a charger or recharging cable in the bundle. A vape kit consists of a primary vape device and all its other elements; however, you do have to buy e-liquid separately.

Are e-cigarettes and vape kits the same thing?

The simple answer is yes and no! An e-cigarette, or electronic cigarette, is the general name for all of these types of devices. Any battery-powered device that heats e-liquid for inhaling is an e-cigarette. Any vape is a type of e-cigarette.

What types of vape kits are there?

There are various types of vapes to cater to different kinds of vapers:
Starter kits: All-in-one vape starter kits include the device and all of its components. However, while most starter kits include e-liquid, some don’t, so ensure you read the product descriptions to see whether you need to buy e-liquid separately to go with it. Alternatively, you could simply choose a pre-filled pod kit. 
Pre-filled pod kits: These prefilled vape pod kits use pre-filled vape pods. You choose a compatible pod in your desired flavour, attach it to your kit, use it until it's empty, and add another flavour.
Refillable vape kits: These vape kits are for people who prefer the flexibility of adding alternative e-liquids without being limited to a particular range or brand. Because the pods are refillable, you simply need to refill them when you run out of e-liquid. 
Sub-ohm vape kits: These are often referred to as advanced vape kits and allow you to tailor the vaping experience to your preferences. These versatile kits let you adjust power and airflow and choose a coil for a specific e-liquid mix ratio. The extra configuration options do make these sub-ohm kits more advanced and can be challenging for some who don't have prior vaping experience.
Vape mod kits: These heavily customisable vapes contain ‘mods’ or ‘box mods’ – powerful replaceable batteries that output more power and are longer-lasting than most others.

What to consider when choosing a vape kit

Things to consider when choosing a vape kit include:
What is your ideal vaping style? Do you want something that mimics the feel of a cigarette, or do you want one that can produce big, flavoursome clouds? To learn more about the different types of vapes and how one can match your vaping style, read our guide for new vapers. 
Do you want a simple vaping experience? A pod kit with a built-in battery and pre-filled pods is your best bet. Or, do you want to tailor your experience and really dive into vaping? If you're happy to learn, change coils, and use refillable vape pods, then a more advanced kit will suit.
Size is also an essential factor. Do you want a pocket-sized pod kit or a bigger one that you can tailor more to your needs?

Can I use any e-liquid with a vape kit?

Simple vape pens and most vape pod kits work best with thinner liquids, usually called 50/50 liquids. High-powered devices, like sub-ohm vape kits, need thicker, high-VG liquids to avoid leaks and produce big clouds. For the best experience and to ensure your vape stands the test of time, you should match your e-liquid to your vape device. You can technically use any e-liquid in any vape device. However, over time, using the wrong e-liquid in your device can cause it to not work correctly, causing leaks and coil burn, so it’s always best to check before buying.

Do vape kits require regular maintenance?

Vape kits require some maintenance, but maybe not as much as you think. With most vape starter kits, the main job is to occasionally change your coil or pod, depending on how frequently you vape; this could be once every week or so. You'll know when to change it when the e-liquid flavour starts to lessen or taste slightly burnt.

For pod devices with a separate tank, it's a good habit to rinse the tank with warm water when changing the coil. If you're using a pod device with refillable replacement pods, the maintenance is even easier - you just swap out the whole pod. Once you get used to it, vape starter kits are easy to maintain. It's only if you progress to sub-ohm vaping that the process gets more complex.

What is mouth-to-lung vaping?

If you've ever smoked a cigarette, you already know how to do this. Mouth to lung (MTL) vaping is a two-step process. You draw the vapour into your mouth, hold it for a second and then inhale it into your lungs. A lot of ex-smokers prefer this vaping style when they first switch to vaping, as it provides a tighter, more restricted draw. Most starter vape kits and pod systems are explicitly designed for mouth to lung vaping.

What is direct-to-lung vaping?

Direct to lung vaping (DTL) is more of a direct hit, similar to using a shisha pipe. You take a deep breath, inhaling the vapour directly in one smooth, continuous action. This vaping style tends to be commonly used in sub-ohm vape kits, as they are more powerful. The flavour is more intense as it produces a larger amount of vapour. For experienced vapers who want to get the most flavour out of their vape, direct to lung is the best option.