A Comprehensive Guide to Pod Vapes
Cost-effective and convenient, pod vapes are fantastic options for new and experienced vapers alike. If you're new to vaping and have some questions or concerns about switching from cigarettes to vapes, this guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and using a pod vape kit.
What Is a Pod Vape?
Like all e-cigarettes, pod devices use a battery and an atomizer to turn e-liquids into an inhalable vapour that emulates the experience of smoking a cigarette without many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Pod vapes are compact and user-friendly vaping devices that sit between a disposable e-cig and an advanced vape mod. With a rechargeable battery, refillable pod system and simplistic design, pod devices are simultaneously more cost-effective than a disposable and more convenient than an advanced vape kit.
Who Are Pod Vapes For?
Pod devices make vaping more accessible for ex-smokers by simplifying the initial learning curve of switching from cigarettes to vapes.
Thanks to their rechargeable design, they also make vaping more affordable for those who use disposable e-cigs by eliminating the high costs associated with single-use devices.
Better yet, pod vapes are incredibly easy to use which makes them a convenient and reliable everyday vape for experienced vapers who have multiple devices to suit different occasions.
Different types of pod vapes
There are two types of pod device to choose from:
Prefilled Pod Vapes
Also known as: closed system pod vapes
Prefilled pod vapes are closed system. This means they cannot be opened or refilled with e-liquid. Prefilled pod vapes come prefilled with e-liquid that is specially formulated to match the exact wattage, airflow and resistance of the device to deliver the optimal balance of flavour and vapour.
Refillable Pod Vapes
Also known as: open system pod vapes
Refillable pod vapes are open system and include an empty pod that vapers can top up with an e-liquid of their choice. Open system pod vape typically have more features to allow vapers to fine-tune the wattage, airflow and resistance to match their preferred vaping style.
Prefilled Pod Vapes
Also known as: closed system pod vapes
Prefilled pod vapes are closed system. In other words, they cannot be opened or refilled with e-liquid. Prefilled pod vapes come prefilled with e-liquid that is specially formulated to match the exact wattage, airflow and resistance of the device to deliver the optimal balance of flavour and vapour.
Refillable Pod Vapes
Also known as: open system pod vapes
Refillable pod vapes are open system, meaning they can be opened to refill with e-liquid. Refillable pod vape kits include an empty pod that vapers can top up with an e-liquid of their choice. Open system pod vape typically have more features to allow vapers to fine-tune the wattage, airflow and resistance to match their preferred vaping style.
Pod vapes as alternatives for disposable e-cigs
Unlike disposable e-cigarettes, pod devices contain a rechargeable battery. That means that, with the proper care, a pod device can last for many months and years.
Pod vapes do share some similarities with disposable e-cigs though: closed-system pod devices use prefilled pods that are designed to be disposed once depleted. This makes it easy for disposable vapers to get to grips with a reliable vaping device and move permanently away from cigarettes.
Deciding between a closed and an open pod system? Read our Open vs Closed Pod Vape comparison for more information.
Choosing the best pod vape kit
All pod vapes are designed to be simple and accessible, often featuring draw-activated firing settings or a single button for easy use. Pod devices are simultaneously a more discreet alternative to advanced vape mods and a more cost-effective way to vape than disposable e-cigarettes.
The best pod vape kit ultimately depends on your preferences. We recommend that new vapers opt for a closed-system pod device, while those with more vaping experience choose an open-system pod kit.
New Vapers: Closed System Pod
The OK Pod is a fantastic pod vape for new vapers. Complete with prefilled pods in a range of flavours and nicotine strengths, the OK Pod is designed to help smokers swap to stop.
Advanced Vapers: Open System Pod
The OXVA Xlim Pro is the ideal option for intermediate and advanced vapers. Boasting advanced vaping features with simple functions, the Xlim Pro is one you'll want in your vape kit.
New Vapers: Closed System Pod
The OK Pod is a fantastic pod vape for new vapers. Complete with prefilled pods in a range of flavours and nicotine strengths, the OK Pod is designed to help smokers swap to stop.
Advanced Vapers: Open System Pod
The OXVA Xlim Pro is the ideal option for intermediate and advanced vapers. Boasting advanced vaping features with simple functions, the Xlim Pro is one you'll want in your vape kit.
Using a Pod Vape
Pod vapes are incredibly straightforward to use and are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced vapers.
To get started with a pod vape, simply insert the prefilled pod into the device-most pod vapes have a magnetic attachment feature so that pods click securely into place without effort. If your pod vape is draw-activated, continue by inhaling through the mouthpiece to produce vapour. Otherwise, press the power button while inhaling.
The process for refilling your pod depends on the type of pod system you have:
- Closed system pod kit: replace the pod with a new one when it runs out of e-liquid
- Open system pod kit: refill the pod with more e-liquid
If you are using an open system kit and notice the flavour of your e-liquid diminishing, you should either change the coil or replace the pod (depending on whether your pod kit utilises a fixed or replaceable pod system).
All pod vape kits are rechargeable, so when the battery is low simply connect it to a charger and let it power up.
How long do vape pods last?
The longevity of pod vapes varies depending on factors such as battery capacity, inhalation style, type of e-liquid used, and how often each user vapes.
Most pod vapes provide at least one day's worth of vaping before needing to be recharged or replaced but do bear in mind that this can differ depending on your unique vaping style.
Closed system pod devices like the OK Pod utilise single-use pods which should be replaced when there is no e-liquid left in the pod. One OK Pod Refill can last anywhere between 1 and 3 days.
Open system pods can be continually refilled until the flavour deteriorates. If the pod system utilises fixed coils, a new pod will be needed. Or, if the pod device has a replaceable coil system, the coil should be replaced with a new one. A 2ml pod will last the typical vaper upwards of one day.
When to change a vape pod
Knowing when to change your vape pod is crucial for maintaining a satisfying vaping experience. There are three signs that it's time to swap out your pod. Do you know what they are?:
Sign 1
Sign 2
Sign 3
Which e-liquids to use
The great thing about an open system pod device is that you can use just about any e-liquid with it. Since refillable pods kits are beginner friendly by design, they typically support a mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation style.
If you're new to vaping, MTL vaping is the style of vaping that most closely replicates the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette. MTL vapers first inhale vapour into the mouth, then into the lungs - just as you would when smoking.
The best e-liquids for MTL vaping are 50/50 e-liquids. These e-liquids are formulated using an even balance of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) to produce subtle clouds of vapour with a satisfying throat hit.
OK Vape e-liquids are a great option to use with open system pod vapes. All OK Vape e-liquids are formulated with a balanced blend of PG and VG and are available in nicotine strengths ranging from 18mg to 3mg to support smokers in swapping to stop.
Made in the UK using the finest quality ingredients, there are 25 flavours to choose from including a selection of both traditional and unique flavour profiles to suit all preferences.
Can I charge my vape with the pod in?
Most pod vapes can be charged with the pod still inserted. Pod vape kits devices are designed for convenience, allowing you to charge it without needing to remove the pod.
How to get liquid out of a vape pod
Only closed system vape pods - those that use refillable pods - can be opened, emptied and cleaned. To remove the e-liquid from the pod, detach the pod from the device and open the fill plug before pouring any remaining e-liquid away.
How to clean out a vape pod
Only closed system vape pods - those that use refillable pods - can be opened, emptied and cleaned. We recommend cleaning out your vape pod when changing e-liquid flavours or switching out the coil to avoid residue buildup.
First start by detaching the pod from the device. If your pod has a fixed coil, proceed to open the pod and wipe the e-liquid gently with a dry cloth or paper towel. Pods with fixed coils should not be cleaned or flushed with water or detergent as this could damage the coil and leave harmful residues within the reservoir.
If your pod has a replaceable coil, the best time to clean it is when you are changing the coil. Remove the coil before rinsing the pod in warm water to remove any remaining residue. Carefully wipe the reservoir and mouthpiece with a dry cloth or paper towel then leave to air dry. Once the pod is dry, insert a new coil and prime it with e-liquid.
How to prime a vape pod
Refillable pods need to be primed before use. Start by inserting the coil and filling the pod with e-liquid. Once done, leave the pod to sit upright for between five and ten minutes while the wick soaks up the e-liquid. Now reattach the pod to the device and take a short puff before vaping as normal.
Please note: prefilled vape pods do not need priming.
How to dispose of vape pods
Disposing of vape pods correctly is important for both people and the planet. When disposing of pods, rinse them thoroughly to remove any e-liquid residue before throwing them away. This will help to prevent nicotine and other ingredients leaking out and cause harm to the environment.
Troubleshooting
A Superior Vaping Experience
Whether you're a novice or advanced vaper, there's a pod vape kit for all experience levels.
The OK Pod stands out as an exceptional choice, designed specifically to avoid the common frustrations many vapers face. Whether you're tired of dealing with leaks, burnt tastes, and the mess of refilling, or are on the lookout for a device to stop smoking with, the OK Pod is designed to make your vaping journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Kickstart your stop smoking journey with the OK Pod Starter Kit. Complete with battery, charger and three refills: Golden Tobacco, Menthol and Blackcurrant.
