Disposable or reusable

Three device types

In the database, we distinguish between three types of device:

Device type	What is replaced	Liquid
Disposable vape	the whole device	filled at the factory
Device for prefilled pods	only the pod	filled at the factory
Refillable pod kit	the pod after some time	filled by the user

Disposable vape

A disposable vape contains the battery, atomiser and liquid in one housing. When the liquid is used up or the battery is empty, the whole device is disposed of. For nicotine-containing devices in the EU, the capacity is at most 2 ml.

Device for prefilled pods

Here the base device with the battery is kept. Only the pod, which contains the liquid and the atomiser, is replaced. Which pods fit is determined by the manufacturer. In the comparison, this is shown under “Compatible pods”.

Refillable pod kit

A pod kit consists of the device and an empty pod that is filled with liquid. The atomiser in the pod lasts for a while and is then replaced together with the pod. The resistance of the pod in ohms (Ω) and the power of the device in watts are important, because they determine which liquids the manufacturer recommends.

Battery and disposal

All three device types contain a lithium battery. They therefore do not belong in household waste, but at a collection point for waste electrical equipment or in a retailer take-back scheme. This also applies to disposable vapes. Empty pods with an atomiser are likewise not disposed of with household waste unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

Who chooses what

We do not give a general recommendation. The differences lie mainly in handling: disposable vapes need no care, pod systems have to be charged and supplied with pods, refillable kits allow a free choice of liquid.