Refillable and Reusable Vapes: How They Work and How to Choose

A reusable vape retains its rechargeable battery while its e-liquid and coil are refilled or replaced. Open systems accept bottled e-liquid; closed systems use compatible prefilled pods. This guide explains the distinction for existing adult smokers and existing adult vapers aged 18 or over in the UK.

What is a reusable vape?

A reusable vape keeps its rechargeable battery while the user replaces or refills the parts that contain the e-liquid and coil.

The category includes refillable tanks and open pods, as well as closed systems with separately available replacement pods.

Under UK rules, a reusable device must have:

• A battery that can be recharged

• A container that can be refilled with e-liquid or replaced with a prefilled pod

• A removable and replaceable coil, where present, either separately or within a replacement pod

• Compatible refills, pods or coils that are available to buy separately

The vape kits collection identifies device formats and compatible components.

Refillable and prefilled pods: what is the difference?

Both formats are reusable, but only an open pod system can be filled from a bottle. A prefilled pod arrives sealed and is replaced as a complete unit when it is empty.

How do refillable vapes work?

Refillable vapes send e-liquid from a refillable pod or tank to a replaceable coil, which heats the liquid when the device is activated.

The user opens the filling port, adds a compatible bottled e-liquid and closes the port securely. Depending on the design, the coil may be replaced on its own or supplied inside a complete refillable pod. The battery is charged through the connection specified by the manufacturer.

A typical refillable routine involves:

1. Checking that the chosen e-liquid is compatible with the device

2. Opening the filling port without removing or forcing unrelated components

3. Adding e-liquid without exceeding the marked fill level

4. Closing the port and wiping away any liquid from the outside

5. Allowing a newly fitted coil to absorb e-liquid before use, following the manufacturer’s instructions

6. Charging the battery with a suitable cable and power source

Refillable mouth-to-lung pod kits typically use 50:50 PG/VG e-liquid. The Bar Salts 10ml range uses a 50:50 formulation and is supplied in 10ml bottles.

Some higher-power devices use higher-VG liquids, but coil resistance alone does not establish compatibility. Follow the device and coil specifications for the permitted formulation and operating range.

In the UK, nicotine-containing refill containers sold to consumers are limited to 10ml. Nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml, while a compliant tank or pod may hold no more than 2ml of nicotine-containing e-liquid under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.

The refillable pod vape kits collection lists device options. For an overview of bottle formats and nicotine formulations, see our Dinner Lady e-liquids range guide.

How do prefilled pod vapes work?

Prefilled pod vapes use sealed replacement pods that contain e-liquid and an integrated coil.

The pod connects to a compatible rechargeable battery device. When the pod is empty, the complete pod is removed and replaced. A sealed prefilled pod must not be opened, topped up or filled with bottled e-liquid.

Dinner Lady Velto is an example of a closed system: it combines a rechargeable battery with a replaceable prefilled pod and connected refill container.

The battery accepts Dinner Lady Velto replacement pods only. Its pods are sealed and cannot be refilled from a bottle.

Our prefilled pod vape kit guide covers assembly, replacement and troubleshooting. Always follow the instructions for the exact model.

Are disposable vapes still available in the UK?

Businesses have been prohibited from selling or supplying single-use vapes in the UK since June 1st, 2025. The restriction applies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It covers sales in shops and online, as well as free supply during promotions or other commercial activity.

A vape is classed as single-use if its battery cannot be recharged or if the device cannot be refilled as required by the regulations. Refillable in this context can mean either adding e-liquid from a bottle or inserting a new prefilled pod.

A charging port alone does not make a vape reusable. If a device has no separately available replacement pod, coil or suitable refill, it does not meet the government’s reusability test.

The GOV.UK single-use vapes ban guidance explains the reusable-device criteria. Products must also meet the applicable nicotine, container, notification, packaging and labelling requirements described in the MHRA guidance hub.

What does a reusable vape cost to run?

A reusable vape divides its cost between the initial battery device and the consumable components replaced during use.

The structure depends on whether the device accepts bottled e-liquid or sealed pods:

Ongoing cost depends on the device, the components it requires, retail prices and individual usage. Comparing formats therefore requires the current price of the complete setup and all compatible consumables rather than the device price alone.

Vaping Products Duty starts on Oct 1st 2026, at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, whether or not it contains nicotine. It applies within the manufacture and import regime; it is not a new tax charged separately at every retail sale.

The duty concerns the liquid rather than the battery or empty hardware. Eligible stock produced or imported before the start date may continue to be sold unstamped until March 1st 2027. This means not every bottle or pod sold during the transition has the same duty history.

Our UK vape tax guide explains the wider context. HMRC’s retail guidance sets out the transitional stock rules.

How do you choose between refillable and prefilled?

Adult vapers can choose between refillable and prefilled devices by considering e-liquid compatibility, component handling and the replacement format they prefer.

The following questions distinguish the two structures without assuming that one will suit every existing adult vaper:

• Do you want to select a compatible bottled e-liquid and nicotine strength?

• Are you prepared to open a filling port and refill the device from a bottle?

• Does the device require separate coil changes or complete refillable pod changes?

• Would you rather replace one sealed pod containing both the e-liquid and coil?

• Are compatible pods, coils and e-liquids readily available for the exact device?

• Does the device’s charging method suit the equipment and mains adaptor you already use?

• Can you store bottled e-liquid and replacement components securely?

Before purchasing either format, check the product page for compatibility. Pods and coils that appear similar may use different fittings, electrical contacts or resistance ranges.

How do you look after a reusable vape?

Regular care keeps a reusable vape and its replaceable components operating as described by the manufacturer.

Charge the device on a stable surface using the supplied or manufacturer-approved cable. Keep the device away from direct heat and stop using it if the battery casing, charging port or cable appears damaged. A vape battery should not be left charging unattended or connected to the mains for longer than instructed.

Store the device upright where possible and keep it away from children and pets. Bottled e-liquid, filled pods and sealed prefilled pods also require secure storage.

Check the pod, tank and connection points regularly for visible e-liquid or debris. Clean only the areas identified in the manufacturer’s instructions, and never immerse the battery device in water.

A change in vapour output, flavour delivery or the condition of the coil may indicate that the relevant coil or pod needs replacing. Fit only components listed as compatible with the device. If a part does not connect normally, check its model and orientation rather than forcing it into place.

How do you recycle vapes and pods in the UK?

Used vapes and their electrical components need an electrical recycling route.

Vapes and batteries must not be placed in general rubbish or household recycling bins. Their batteries require separate handling because damaged electrical cells can create a fire risk during waste collection and processing.

Vape retailers must offer a free take-back service for used vapes and vape parts. Ask the retailer how its return service works before sending or bringing items back.

Local household waste recycling centres may also accept vapes. Check the relevant council’s arrangements before visiting.

Where a battery can be safely removed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the battery and other electrical components may need to enter their designated collection routes separately. A sealed or damaged device should not be forced open.

The Recycle Your Electricals vape recycling guide includes a UK postcode locator for nearby recycling points.

Frequently asked questions

Are vapes refillable?

Some are. Open pods and refillable tanks accept compatible bottled e-liquid. Closed prefilled pods are replaced when empty and must not be opened or topped up.

What is an open pod system?

An open pod system has a filling port for bottled e-liquid. Its coil may be replaced separately or as part of the complete pod.

Can you refill a prefilled pod?

Do not refill a sealed prefilled pod. Replace it with the unit specified for the device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Where can I recycle a used vape?

Use a vape retailer’s take-back service or an electrical recycling point that accepts vapes. Keep devices and batteries out of general rubbish and household recycling.

This article is for existing adult smokers and existing adult vapers aged 18 or over in the UK.

Nicotine-containing e-liquids and pods contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.