Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes - Potential UK Ban 2024

In the past few years, the disposable vape market has witnessed a remarkable surge in growth. Specifically, in 2023, according to ash.org.uk, the demand for disposable vapes skyrocketed to 31%, a substantial rise from 15% in 2022 to a mere 2.3% in 2021. and they have shown no signs of slowing down. With their convenience, low cost, and wide range of flavours, it's no wonder why disposable vapes have become the go-to choice for many vapers like myself. However, success does not come without a price; in the case of disposable vapes, that price can be pretty high. On 28th Jan 2024, the UK Govt announced a ban on disposable vapes.  

Key Teakways:

• In 2023, the UK's demand for disposable vapes surged to 31%, up from 2.3% in 2021.
• The UK banned disposable vapes effective early, 2025, due to concerns about underage vaping and environmental impact.
• A staggering 5 million disposable vapes are discarded in the UK weekly, contributing significantly to our waste and pollution problems.
• The ban may push smokers back to more harmful traditional cigarettes.
• Alternatives to disposable vapes include refillable pod kits (sustainable and cost-effective), prefilled pod kits (convenient and rechargeable), and nicotine snus pouches (discreet and tobacco-free).

In this blog, we're covering the potential ban on disposable vapes in the UK and offering some alternative options for vapers.

Table of Contents

1. Disposable Vape Ban In the UK
2. Best Alternative to Disposable Vape
3. Choosing the Right Alternative
4. What vape is closest to a disposable vape?
5. Conclusion

Disposable Vape Ban In the UK

The UK government has recently banned disposable vapes and implemented restrictions on flavour flavours that come with enticing packaging. The decision was taken due to the significant rise in underage vaping, with their range of bright colours and food-alike flavours. Plus, the environmental effects concern. According to a report by materialfocus, the number of disposable vapes being discarded every Week has skyrocketed from 1.3 million to an astounding 5 million. This means that nearly 8 disposable items are being thrown away every second. 

On the other hand, many smokers have benefited from disposable vapes in their journey to quit smoking. The convenience and low cost have made it an attractive alternative to traditional cigarettes. The concern is that a complete ban on disposables may lead to smokers resorting back to traditional cigarettes, which are far more harmful and have a more significant impact on the health and environment.  

The ban is an effort to safeguard the younger generation against nicotine addiction and the formation of lifelong habits while also considering the environmental impact. However, the government is still struggling to curb black market sales and illicit activities; it has sparked debate about the effectiveness of Ban measures and whether they genuinely address the root cause of underage vaping.  

The government, NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care have been actively promoting smoking cessation programmes in the United Kingdom. Given the popularity of disposable vapes, the challenge lies in striking a balance between harm reduction, restriction of underage vaping and finding effective ways to safeguard the environment. 

Considering the ban and social responsibility, we're exploring the best alternative to disposable vapes. 

Best Alternative to Disposable Vapes

There is no denying the fact that the sheer convenience of disposable vapes has made them an attractive choice for smokers looking to kick the habit. However, with the recent bans and growing concerns about underage vaping and its environmental impact, it's time to start exploring alternatives that are equally convenient yet less harmful and more eco-friendly. Here are some options to consider:

Refillable Pod Kits

Refillable pod kits, also known as (MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes) have been available for the last couple of years. Still, their popularity has been increasing rapidly due to technological advancements, design and convenience. These kits are designed to provide a similar sensation to smoking, making them an ideal choice for smokers looking to quit. They feature an open pod system that houses a 2ml pod, allowing you to refill your preferred nic salt e-liquid. You have more control over your vaping experience with replaceable pods, coils, and various resistances. 

These compact and sleek devices come with built-in rechargeable batteries, unlike disposable vapes, which have to be thrown away after use. This makes them a more cost-effective and sustainable option in the long run. Plus, the majority of the devices come with inhale-activation technology, so you don't need to worry about fiddly buttons or complex settings when using them; inhale on the mouthpiece, and the device will start producing vapour. 

You may have questions regarding the taste and how these can compare to disposable vapes. Well, back in 2018, when I switched from a refillable pod kit to a disposable vape, I was overwhelmed with the taste and throat hit on my first puff. I thought to myself, "Wow, that's the deal". However, that's not the case today; technology has made significant strides over the past five years. Leading manufacturers such as VooPoo, Smok, OXVA, and Vaporesso have introduced top-notch refillable pod kits boasting enhanced coil and pod performance. Additionally, disposable vape manufacturers have launched a range of nic salt e-liquids that they use in their disposable vapes and have the same taste. 

The bridge between hardware and e-liquid manufacturer's innovation has resulted in refillable pod kits delivering a comparable experience (at least way superior for me) to disposable vapes but with added benefits. Now, you can enjoy the convenience of a refillable vape kit without compromising on flavour and quality. 

Prefilled Pod Kits 

Prefilled pod kits are another popular alternative to disposable vapes. As the name suggests, these devices come with prefilled pods ready to be used straight out of the box. You don't have to worry about messy refills or changing coils; attach the pod to the battery and start vaping. Unlike disposable vapes, these compact devices come with a rechargeable battery and replaceable pods. So you can keep reusing the device and only change the pod when needed, making it more economical in the long run. Prefilled pods are available in a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths, allowing you to choose your preferred option. Plus, almost every top-rated disposable vape manufacturer has introduced its own prefilled pod kits to get the same taste as your beloved disposable. For example, I have tried the ELFA Pro Pod Kit from ELF Bar. This kit includes 2 prefilled pods, offering nearly twice as many puffs as a regular disposable vape. I found the flavour to be superior to that of their ELF Bar 600 disposable vape. If you're seeking a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, the prefilled pod kit is the perfect solution. It offers a win-win situation, delivering both efficiency and sustainability.  

Nicotine Snus Pouches 

Nicotine Pouches, also known as Snus or Tobacco-free pouches, offer a viable alternative to disposable vapes or smokeless tobacco. These discreet pouches are filled with powdered nicotine and flavouring mixture, which you place between your lip and gum. Unlike traditional smoking methods, nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco or require heat to release nicotine, making them a safer option. They come in various flavours and strengths, including mint, citrus, and coffee. If you're seeking a nicotine fix without inhaling harmful chemicals, nicotine pouches are an excellent choice.

Choosing the Right Alternative 

With so many options, deciding which is best for you can be challenging. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the right one; additionally, we have discussed the best disposable vape alternative for you below: 

Nicotine Strength: The initial step is identifying the desired nicotine strength, which will dictate the appropriate product selection. Most of the disposable vapes come in 20mg salt-based nicotine, which absorbs in the body quickly and provides a smooth throat hit compared to standard 10ml freebase e-liquid. So, if you're accustomed to using 20mg disposables, switching to lower-strength options may not provide the same level of satisfaction. We recommend using prefilled or refillable pod kits as they are designed to be used with nic salt e-liquid; they come in 10 or 20mg, varying on brands. So you can enjoy the same level of nicotine satisfaction as disposables offer. 

Flavour: Another essential factor to consider is the flavour options. Prefilled Pod kits come in a wide range of flavours, with almost the same taste and intensity level as disposable vapes, so that's something you can switch to right away. However, refillable pod kits offer a multitude of options to customize your vaping experience. With over 5000 flavours available, ranging from 0 to 20mg nicotine strength, choosing the right one is quite challenging. While switching from disposable vape, we suggest you pair it with Disposable Bar E-liquids like ELFLIQ by ELF Bar, ELUX Legend by ELUX Bar, and Bar Juice 5000 (my all-time favourite). With these e-liquids, you can get the same taste as disposable vape and can also control the nicotine strength according to your preferences; after all, our goal is to quit smoking and vaping eventually for a good cause. 

Convenience: As we all know, disposable vapes are compact, lightweight, and ultra-easy. They require no maintenance, charging or refilling, making them the most convenient option. However, with prefilled pod kits, you still get the same level of convenience and taste without disposing of the entire device after use. Yes, with the refillable pod kits, you have to replace the coils and refill the e-liquid, but it's a small price to pay for a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run. Plus, most prefilled pod kits come with leak-proof designs and integrated coils, making them easy to carry around without spills or messes. 

Cost: An average 600-pound disposable vape in the UK costs around £4 and £35 weekly, which may seem like a good deal in the first place. But these costs can add up quickly if you're a regular vaper. On the other hand, refillable pod kits may have a higher upfront cost, but in the long run, you need to spend a small amount on coil/pods and e-liquid, which is £12 avg / Week, almost 3 times cheaper than disposable vape. Prefilled pod kits are slightly more expensive than refillable ones but still more cost-effective than disposable vapes. On average, a pack of 2 prefilled pods costs £4, which can deliver almost 1200 puffs, similar to 2 disposables. That's nearly 50% less expensive than disposables. 

Disposable Vape: £35 Per Week

Prefilled Pod Kit: £18 Per Week

Refillable Pod Kit: £12 Per Week

What vape is closest to a disposable vape?

Based on the facts discussed above and market research, below are the best vape options that closely resemble the convenience and experience of disposable vapes:

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our guide to alternatives to disposable vapes. We hope we have provided enough options to find the perfect device for your vaping needs. Remember, disposable vapes may seem convenient, but investing in a refillable or prefilled pod kit can save you money in the long run and provide a more sustainable vaping experience. So why not give one of these options a try?

Please keep checking back as we update our guide with new and innovative vape kits to help you find your perfect match. If you're still struggling to give up on disposable vapes and are not able to find the right alternative, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for personalized recommendations. 

The www.vape360.co.uk contains general information about vaping and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your vaping habits. Vape responsibly, and happy vaping! 

Nicotine is highly addictive and may be harmful to your health. Vaping should only be used by adults over the age of 18 who are currently smokers or trying to quit smoking. Keep all vaping products out of reach of children and pets. 

Sources

(1) Government Consultation Outcome - gov.co.uk

(2) Youth Vaping: call for evidence - gov.uk

(3) Number of disposable single-use vapes thrown away have in a year quadrupled to 5 million per week - materialfocus.org.uk

(4) Use of vapes among young people GB 2023 - ash.org.uk

(6) Are disposable vapes bad for the environment? - greenpeace.org.uk

(7) Disposable vape ban could cost lives, says new IEA paper - iea.org.uk

(8) Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health, government says - bbc.co.uk

(9) ASH response to 'Councils call for ban of disposable vapes' - ash.org.uk