How to switch from Disposable Vapes to a Prefilled Pod Kit
August 04, 2025If you've been happily vaping disposables but now need to make the switch since the June 2025 UK ban came into effect, then you're probably wondering what to do next. The good news? Transitioning to a prefilled pod kit is simpler than you might think, and in many ways, it's actually an upgrade from disposables.
The reality is that prefilled pod kits offer the same simplicity and convenience you're used to with single-use disposables, but with a panoply of extra benefits like cost savings, better battery life, and reduced environmental impact. Leading up to the June 2025 disposable vape ban, and since, we've helped thousands of customers make this exact transition, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many tell us they wish they'd made the switch sooner.
Whether you're a longtime Elf Bar user, a lover of Lost Mary, or crushed on Crystal Bars, there's a prefilled pod kit designed to replicate your ideal vaping experience. The key to making this transition as smooth as possible, however, is knowing how to choose the right kit. And that’s where this short, simple guide comes in.
Key Takeaways
- Prefilled pod kits provide the same simplicity as disposables with rechargeable convenience
- Most popular disposable flavours are available in prefilled pod format
- The transition typically takes just a few minutes and requires no technical knowledge
- Pod kits offer significant cost savings compared to buying new disposables
- Battery life is substantially better than single-use devices
- Environmental impact is dramatically reduced through reusable devices
Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit. Up to 600 puffs per replaceable 2ml pod. 500mAh rechargeable battery.
was £4.95 Now £3.95
Blue Razz Lemonade Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pods (2-pack). Up to 600 puffs per replaceable 2ml pod.
£4.95
Pre-filled Pod Kit compatible with SKE Crystal Plus pre-filled liquid pods.
£4.95
Choose your combination of flavours from a diverse selection of 10 multi-flavour IVG 4in1 Prefilled Pod Kits.
£10.95
Lost Mary BM600 Rechargeable Prefilled Pod Kit. 2ml prefilled pod with 20mg Nic Salt e-liquid. Up to 600 puffs per...
£4.95
Lost Mary BM600 Blueberry Sour Raspberry Prefilled Pods. Two-pack of 2ml prefilled pods for the BM600 Prefilled Pod Kit, each...
£4.95
A rechargeable pod vape kit prefilled with 12ml of e-liquid, delivering up to 7000 puffs with auto-refill technology.
was £9.95 Now £7.95
Prefilled replacement 2ml pod + 10ml refill for the Hula Prefilled Pod Kit with dual mesh coil and auto-refill design.
£5.95
Choose your favourite flavour from a diverse selection of 12 Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kits
£4.95
Raspberry Watermelon flavour Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods 20mg x 2
£4.95
A fresh, smooth and sweet Spearmint flavour. Includes 2ml mesh coil pod + 10ml auto-refilling e-liquid container, Nicotine Salt 20mg....
£5.95
Understanding Prefilled Pod Kits vs Disposables
Before we get into the switching process, it's worth understanding what makes prefilled pod kits different from disposables. While disposable vapes came as complete, sealed units that you would throw away when empty, prefilled pod kits separate the battery from the e-liquid container.
The device itself contains the battery, charging port, and electronics that allow you to set up and control your vaping experience, while the prefilled refill pod contains the e-liquid and coil. When your pod runs empty, you simply replace it with a fresh one rather than discarding the entire device. This means you're only throwing away the small pod component, not the battery and electronics.
From a user perspective, the experience is virtually identical. Most prefilled pod kits are draw-activated, meaning you simply inhale to start vaping, just like with disposables. The flavour delivery, nicotine hit, and overall satisfaction are designed to match what you're already used to, although from our experiences with some of these kits, don’t be surprised if they exceed it.
The main differences you'll notice are positive ones: better battery life since you can recharge the device, more consistent performance throughout the pod's lifespan, and often improved flavour quality thanks to replaceable coils.
Simple Steps to Switch from Disposables to Prefilled Pod Kits
- Choose a Prefilled Pod Kit: Start by identifying which disposable brand and flavours you currently prefer, then look for prefilled pod kits from the same manufacturer. Most major disposable brands now offer pod kit versions featuring identical flavours. For example, if you're an Elf Bar user, the Elf Bar Elfa Pro offers the same beloved flavours in pod format. Lost Mary fans can choose from the 4-in-1, or BM600 Pod Kit ranges. Loved those 24karat Gold Bar disposable flavours? Experience them in an even better form with the Gold Bar Reload prefilled pod kit.
- Match Nicotine Strength:
Check your preferred single-use disposable's nicotine content - most UK disposables contained 20mg nicotine salt, which has since become the standard strength across prefilled vape pods. When selecting prefilled pods, ensure they match this strength for a consistent experience. Some brands also offer 10mg options if you're looking to reduce nicotine intake, but starting with the same strength helps ensure the smoothest transition. - Install the Pod: Remove the prefilled pod from its packaging and check for any protective seals or caps that need removing. Most modern pod kits use magnetic connections - simply align the pod with the device and it will click into place securely. You'll usually hear or feel a satisfying click when properly connected. The magnetic system makes swapping pods quick and intuitive.
- Prime the Pod: Although ‘priming a pod’ traditionally refers to refillable pods that you manually fill with e-liquid, the same approach can also be applied to prefilled pods once you have removed any seals from the packaged pod. Allow 5-10 minutes for the e-liquid to fully saturate the coil before your first puff. This priming process ensures optimal flavour and prevents the harsh taste of a dry hit. Some vapers gently squeeze the sides of the pod or take a few puffs without activating the device to help e-liquid flow to the coil more quickly.
- Enjoy Your Vape: Once primed, your pod kit is ready to use. Simply inhale through the mouthpiece to activate the device - no buttons required. The draw activation mimics the experience of using a disposable vape, so the transition feels familiar and natural from the first puff. Most users find the flavour quality and vapour production equal to or better than their previous disposables.
- Replace the Pod: When the flavour begins to diminish or the pod is depleted (usually after 400-600 puffs), remove the spent pod and replace it with a fresh one. The magnetic connection makes this process quick and clean. Unlike disposables, you'll know exactly when replacement is needed rather than experiencing the gradual decline in performance that disposables often have near the end of their life.
The Benefits of Prefilled Pod Kits
- Cost-effective Solution: While the initial purchase of a pod kit requires a slightly higher upfront cost than a single disposable used to, the ongoing expense is significantly lower. Replacement pods offer better value than continually purchasing new disposable devices, meaning you'll start seeing meaningful savings from your very first pod replacement, with costs continuing to decrease over time as you reuse the device.
- Environmentally Responsible Choice: By reusing the device component and only discarding the small pods, you're dramatically reducing electronic waste. The battery, circuit boards, and housing get reused hundreds of times rather than being thrown away with each disposable. This represents roughly 80% less waste per puff compared to single-use devices.
- Enhanced Familiarity and Convenience: Prefilled pod kits are specifically designed to replicate the disposable experience while adding convenience features. You get the same draw-activated operation, similar size and weight, and identical flavours. The main difference is improved battery life and the ability to recharge rather than replace the entire device.
- Greater Variety and Flexibility: Many brands offer expanded flavour ranges in their pod formats, giving you access to varieties that might not be available in disposable form. You can also experiment with different nicotine strengths or try limited edition flavours without committing to an entire disposable device.
Choosing the Right Pod Kit for Your Preferences
- For Elf Bar Users: The Elf Bar 600 delivers that familiar timeless Elf Bar experience while the Elf Bar Elfa Pro also offers a similar experience to classic Elf Bar disposables, with both featuring many of the same popular flavours in a prefilled pod format. If you prefer something more compact, the Elf Bar ElfX Mini provides excellent portability with the versatility of a refillable vape kit.
- For Lost Mary Fans: Lost Mary offers several excellent pod kit options. The Lost Mary BM600 maintains the familiar design language of the popular disposable. For extended use, the Lost Mary BM6000 and Nera30k offer impressive puff counts for less frequent pod changes.
- For SKE Crystal Bar Users: The SKE Crystal Plus pod system replicates the Crystal Bar experience with the same sleek design aesthetic and popular flavour profiles. The SKE Crystal Pro offers enhanced features, while the capacious SKE CL6000 provides extended usage between pod replacements.
- For High-Capacity Users: If you're used to frequently replacing disposables, consider exploring our 6000 puff vape kits or 8000 puff vape kits ranges. Options like the Gold Bar Reload, Vaporesso Dojo Blast, and Avomi CLiQ offer extended usage periods between pod changes.
- For Traditional Users: If you prefer the classic experience, our 600 puff vape kits category includes familiar options that closely mirror traditional disposable usage patterns, while our 2400 puff vape kits, which include the IVG Air 4in1 Avomi FLIQ 4in1 offer a middle ground for moderate users.
- For Extended Use: Heavy users might appreciate our 10000 puff vape kits selection, featuring kits like the Hula 7000 and other high-capacity options that significantly reduce the frequency of pod replacements.
Common Concerns and Solutions
- "Will the flavour be the same?": Yes, most manufacturers use identical e-liquid formulations in their disposables and prefilled pods. You'll get the same taste profile, nicotine hit, and overall experience.
- "What if I forget to charge it?": Most pod kits offer 1-3 days of typical use per charge and use standard USB-C charging. Many users keep their charging cable in the same place they used to store spare disposables.
- "Are pod kits more complicated?" Not at all. Modern pod kits are designed to be just as simple as disposables. The only additional step is occasionally charging the device, which takes 30-60 minutes.
- "What if I lose it?": Pod kits are generally more robust than disposables and less likely to be accidentally discarded. However, replacement devices are available, and your investment in pods isn't lost if you need a new device.
Making the Transition Smooth and Enjoyable
Start your transition during a relaxed period when you can take time to familiarize yourself with the new device. Many users find it helpful to have their new pod kit ready before their current disposable runs out, allowing for a seamless switch.
Consider purchasing a few different flavour pods to explore options you might not have tried in disposable form. This can turn the necessary transition into an opportunity to discover new favourites.
Keep your charging cable in a convenient location and establish a routine for charging, such as plugging in overnight or during meals. Most devices provide several days of use per charge, so daily charging isn't necessary.
Related products
Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit. Up to 600 puffs per replaceable 2ml pod. 500mAh rechargeable battery.
was £4.95 Now £3.95
Blue Razz Lemonade Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pods (2-pack). Up to 600 puffs per replaceable 2ml pod.
£4.95
Pre-filled Pod Kit compatible with SKE Crystal Plus pre-filled liquid pods.
£4.95
Choose your combination of flavours from a diverse selection of 10 multi-flavour IVG 4in1 Prefilled Pod Kits.
£10.95
Lost Mary BM600 Rechargeable Prefilled Pod Kit. 2ml prefilled pod with 20mg Nic Salt e-liquid. Up to 600 puffs per...
£4.95
Lost Mary BM600 Blueberry Sour Raspberry Prefilled Pods. Two-pack of 2ml prefilled pods for the BM600 Prefilled Pod Kit, each...
£4.95
A rechargeable pod vape kit prefilled with 12ml of e-liquid, delivering up to 7000 puffs with auto-refill technology.
was £9.95 Now £7.95
Prefilled replacement 2ml pod + 10ml refill for the Hula Prefilled Pod Kit with dual mesh coil and auto-refill design.
£5.95
Choose your favourite flavour from a diverse selection of 12 Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pod Kits
£4.95
Raspberry Watermelon flavour Gold Bar Reload Prefilled Pods 20mg x 2
£4.95
Conclusion
Switching from disposable vapes to prefilled pod kits represents a natural evolution in your vaping journey rather than a dramatic change. The core experience remains the same, while you gain benefits like cost savings, environmental responsibility, and improved battery performance.
The transition process itself takes just minutes, and most users find themselves wondering why they didn't make the switch sooner. With identical flavours, familiar operation, and enhanced convenience, prefilled pod kits offer everything disposables provided plus meaningful improvements.
Visit Vapestore today to explore our complete range of prefilled pod kits and find the perfect match for your current preferences. Our Customer Services Team is available to help match you with the ideal kit and pods to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.