So you're considering a pod system vape device, the next step: which is the best type of pod system for you? A Refillable E-Liquid Pod System or a Prefilled Disposable Pod System?
If you're still trying to understand the difference between Pod Systems and Disposable Vapes, jump into our super helpful article: What is the Difference between Pod Systems and Disposable Vapes?
The Two Types of Vaping Pod Systems
Pod Systems for vaping can generally be broken up into two categories: Refillable E-Liquid Pod Systems and Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems.
As the name suggests, Refillable E-Liquid Pod Systems use refillable e-liquid (also known as vape juice) to top up the vape; whereas Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems use replacement pods that are prefilled with e-liquid (vape juice flavour) to keep you going.
There are some pod systems which can be both, for example the AirsPops XL is compatible with Prefilled Disposable Pods as well as Refillable Pods. However, most pod systems are one or the other.
How do I choose which type I should get?
In order to choose which pod system to get, there are three main factors to consider: price, flexibility, and desired level of convenience.
1. Price
Both types of pod systems require you to invest initially into a device (also known as the battery). Thereafter, with the Refillable E-Liquid Pod System you will need to replace the Refillable Pods over time as the coil (heating mechanism) grows tired and doesn't function optimally as well as the e-liquid itself.
On the other hand, the Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems require you to only replace the Prefilled Pods over time. These are pods that have built-in coils and are prefilled with e-liquid.
As an example, lets use the AirsPops XL Device which is compatible with both Prefilled Disposable Pods and Refillable Pods.
- The cost of the device is R199.
- The cost of replacement Refillable Pods is R99 each (6ml of E-Liquid Capacity).
- The cost of replacement e-liquid (313 AirsPops E-Liquid) is R309 each (30ml of E-Liquid)
- The cost of replacement Prefilled Pods is R189 (10ml E-Liquid)
Lets assume that a refillable pod needs replacement every 15ml to perform optimally. Lets look at the cost of 90ml of e-liquid (for the average person this will last about 6.5 weeks assuming 2ml per day).
Prefilled Disposable Pod System Example
The starting cost is R199 for the device. For 90ml of e-liquid you will need 10 x disposable pod at R189 each which totals R1890. This brings the total to R2089 to consume 90ml of e-liquid.
Refillable E-Liquid Pod System Example
The starting cost is also R199 for the device. For 90ml of e-liquid you will require 3 x bottles of 313 AirsPops 30ml E-Liquid at R309 each which totals R927. On top of that, you will need about 15 Refillable Pods (average of 5 Pods per bottle) at R99 each which totals R1485. In total, to consume 90ml of e-liquid it will cost you R2,511.
In the case of the AirsPops XL, there is a clear winner in that the Prefilled Disposable Pod System is more affordable. However, there are more Refillable E-Liquid Pod Systems like the Airscream Pro LITE and Vaporesso XROS Mini 4 where this may not be the case due to cheaper pods.
2. Flexibility
The next factor to consider when choosing between a Refillable E-Liquid Pod System and a Prefilled Disposable Pod System is the flexibility in the flavours you have.
When choosing a Prefilled Disposable Pod System, you are limited to the flavours that come in the compatible prefilled disposable pods for that specific pod system. As an example, the AirsPops XL, Upends Switch, and Nasty PX10 all come with different types of pods that are only compatible with their respective device but each of them have their own unique flavours (usually between 10 and 25 flavours to choose from).
When choosing a Refillable E-Liquid Pod System you are free to use any brand of e-liquid you like. This means you can choose any of the thousands of brands and flavours of e-liquids out there.
3. Desired Level of Convenience
The third and final factor to consider when choosing between a Refillable E-Liquid Pod System and a Prefilled Disposable Pod System is the level of convenience of each type of vape.
Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems tend to be the most convenient pod system type as all you need is a device and then you easily replace the disposable pods as they run out. There is no fuss with replacing refillable pods and separately purchasing e-liquid bottles and then refilling them when they run low.
Refillable E-Liquid Pod Systems tend to be less convenient as you need to replace refillable pod as they wear down as well as purchase new e-liquid bottles and then refill them before they run out to keep the pods working optimally.
Summary of Refillable E-Liquid vs Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems
In conclusion, whether you choose a Refillable E-Liquid Pod System or a Prefilled Disposable Pod System comes up to personal preference.
Prefilled Disposable Pod Systems are more convenient and can be more affordable in some cases, but they are restricted by the flavours available for that device specifically. For beginners we would recommend either the AirsPops XL, the Upends Switch, or the Nasty PX10.
Refillable E-Liquid Pod Systems on the other hand require slightly more attentiveness to keep them operating smoothly and ensuring you're stocked up on refillable pods and e-liquid, but they offer a much wider range of options when it comes to flavours and nicotine strengths. For beginners we would recommend the Airscream Pro LITE, or the AirsPops XL if you would like the flexibility of choosing between Refillable and Prefilled modes.
