TYPES OF VAPES: WHICH ONE SUITS YOU BEST?

Types of Vapes

There are several types of vape devices available, each catering to different preferences and levels of experience. Cigalikes are a type of vape device that resemble traditional cigarettes and are ideal for beginners who want a simple, no-fuss experience. Vape pens are small, pen-shaped devices that offer a step up in battery life and vapour production, making them perfect for those looking for portability and ease of use. Pod systems use pre-filled or refillable pods and are great for those who prefer nicotine salts and a smooth, flavourful hit, though not all pod systems use nicotine salt e-liquids. Vape mods are more advanced devices with customisable settings, larger tanks, and higher power output, making them popular among experienced users who want more control over their vaping experience. Finally, disposable vapes are pre-charged, pre-filled devices designed for one-time use, offering the ultimate in convenience without any maintenance or refilling required.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapour produced by an electronic device known as a vape or e-cigarette. Unlike traditional smoking, which involves burning tobacco, vaping works by heating a liquid—commonly referred to as vape juice or e-liquid—that typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). When heated, this liquid turns into an aerosol, or 'vapour' that can be inhaled. Vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking because it eliminates the combustion process, which produces harmful tar and toxins found in cigarette smoke. As a result, many people turn to vaping as a way to reduce or quit smoking altogether, offering a customisable experience with a wide variety of devices, nicotine strengths, and flavors to suit different preferences. In fact, a recent evidence review by the Cochrane Library found that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional forms on nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum! (1)

What are the Different Types of Vape?

The different types of vapes cater to a wide range of preferences and experience levels, each offering distinct features and benefits. Cigarette Vapes (Cigalikes) are compact devices that closely resemble traditional cigarettes, making them ideal for beginners transitioning from smoking. Vape Pens are slim, pen-shaped devices that offer more battery life and vapour production, perfect for on-the-go use and ease of handling. Pod Systems are highly popular due to their compact size and simplicity, using pre-filled or refillable pods that are especially suited for nicotine salts and provide a satisfying hit. Vape Mods are advanced devices offering high customisation, including adjustable wattage, temperature control, and a choice of various vape tanks, making them a favorite among experienced users seeking powerful performance. Lastly, Disposable Vapes are single-use devices that come pre-filled and pre-charged, providing a hassle-free vaping experience without the need for maintenance, making them ideal for those who want convenience and simplicity.

*2024 Update - Check out the new SMOKO VAPE MAX! The perfect replacement for your disposable vape when the disposable vape ban arrives in 2025 - try it for free when you buy a box of SMOKO VAPE MAX refills!

What is Vape Juice Made Of?

Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, is made of four primary components: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. PG is a thin, odourless liquid that helps carry flavour and provides a stronger throat hit, mimicking the sensation of smoking. VG is a thicker, sweeter liquid that produces dense vapour clouds, making it popular among those who enjoy cloud chasing. Nicotine, an optional ingredient, can be adjusted in strength to cater to individual needs, from zero nicotine for those who prefer it to high levels for heavy smokers. Flavourings, which are food-grade additives, give vape juice its wide range of tastes, from classic tobacco and menthol to fruity, dessert, and beverage-inspired flavours. Together, these ingredients create a customisable vaping experience tailored to individual preferences, balancing flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.

What is the Best Cigarette Vape?

The best cigarette vape, often referred to as a cigalike, is a device that closely mimics the look and feel of traditional cigarettes, making it an excellent choice for beginner vapers transitioning from smoking. Cigalike vapes were some of the early vape devices, most use prefilled cartridges but there were some refillble cigalikes as well. Among the top contenders, the SMOKO E-Cigarette stands out due to its compact design, ease of use, and satisfying nicotine delivery through its pre-filled pods. Another popular option is the Vuse Solo, known for its robust range of flavours and reliable battery life, offering a smooth draw that replicates the sensation of smoking a real cigarette. For those looking for a more customisable experience, the Blu eCig provides various flavours and nicotine strengths, ensuring users can find a combination that suits their preferences. These cigalikes are celebrated for their simplicity, portability, and familiar design, making them ideal for those looking to switch to a less harmful alternative without the complexity of more advanced vape devices.

Best Disposable Vape?

The best disposable vapes are designed for maximum convenience, offering a simple, no-maintenance vaping experience without the need to recharge or refill. Leading the market are disposable vape pens like the Elf Bar 600, known for its sleek design, vibrant flavour options, and consistent performance, delivering up to 600 puffs per device. Another top choice is the Geek Bar, which boasts a variety of intense flavours and a smooth, satisfying hit, making it popular among both new and seasoned vapers. Lost Mary BM600 is also highly rated, combining stylish aesthetics with impressive battery life and rich flavour profiles. These disposable devices are perfect for those seeking a hassle-free vape with no setup required, and they cater to users who prioritise portability, flavour variety, and a strong nicotine hit similar to traditional smoking. 

While disposable vapes are a convenient option, there are several concerns associated with them. Firstly, there are huge amount of recyclable lithium going to waste as disposable vapes are hard to recycle due to their sealed nature (2). Secondly, testing by the Daily Mail and others, including British American Tobacco, found that huge numbers of disposable vapes on UK supermarket shelves contained illegal levels of e-liquid (3). Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, disposable vapes are getting into the hands of underage teens at increasing rates (4). These factors have all contributed to the decision by the UK government to ban disposable vapes in 2025. 

Best Vape Pens UK?

The best vape pens in the UK are known for their sleek designs, ease of use, and reliable performance, making them a popular choice among both beginners and experienced vapers. The Vaporesso XROS 3 stands out with its versatile pod system, adjustable airflow, and long-lasting battery, making it perfect for those who want a customisable vaping experience in a compact device. Another top contender is the Innokin Endura T18 II, which offers excellent build quality, a simple one-button operation, and great flavour delivery, making it ideal for former smokers. These vape pens are celebrated for their portability, ease of maintenance, and ability to deliver satisfying vapour, making them some of the best options available in the UK market.

What is the Best Pod Vape?

The best pod vapes are compact, easy-to-use devices that offer a perfect balance of convenience, performance, and flavour, making them ideal for beginners and experienced vapers alike. The Uwell Caliburn A2 is widely regarded as one of the top choices due to its sleek design, excellent flavour delivery, and smooth draw activation, making it perfect for those looking for a cigarette-like experience. Another standout is the Smok Nord 5, which features adjustable airflow, long-lasting coils, and a powerful battery, offering a customisable vaping experience in a portable package. The Voopoo Vinci Q Pod is also highly praised for its intelligent chipset, long battery life, and wide range of compatible coils, allowing users to fine-tune their vaping style. These pod vapes excel in ease of use, portability, and tailoring the vaping performance with variable voltage and variable wattage control, making them some of the best options on the market for a tailored vaping experience.

Best Vape Mod UK?

The best vape mods in the UK offer advanced features and customisation options for seasoned vapers seeking a powerful and personalised experience. This includes the ability to attach a vape tank of your choice, and also choose from a selection of vape coils that can help tailor your vaping experience. The Voopoo Drag X Plus stands out for its high wattage capabilities, durability, and advanced chipset that provides accurate power delivery and wattage settings for temperature control. Another top choice is the Smok Mag P3, known for its ergonomic design, large touchscreen, and robust performance, making it a versatile option for vapers who enjoy tweaking settings to their preference. The GeekVape Aegis X is also highly recommended, offering rugged construction, high wattage, and an intuitive interface, ideal for those who need a reliable and durable mod. These vape mods are celebrated for their ability to deliver impressive vapour production, creating huge clouds ideal for vaper's known as 'cloud chasers', precise control over vaping parameters such as power output, and a customisable experience, making them some of the best options available in the UK for advanced users.

What is the Best Quality Vape Juice?

The best quality vape juice is distinguished by its purity, flavour accuracy, and consistent performance, ensuring a satisfying and safe vaping experience. High-quality vape juices are made with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, including pure Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), and nicotine, sourced from reputable suppliers. Brands like SMOKO, Dinner Lady, Naked 100, and Halo are renowned for their stringent quality control and exceptional flavours, offering a range of options from classic tobacco and menthol to rich desserts and vibrant fruits. These premium e-liquids are meticulously crafted to provide a smooth throat hit, balanced flavour, and reliable vapour production, avoiding the use of potentially harmful additives or substandard ingredients. By choosing vape juices from well-regarded brands known for their quality and safety standards, vapers can enjoy a rich, flavourful experience with peace of mind.

What's the difference between nicotine salt and freebase nicotine liquids?

The main difference between nicotine salt e-liquids and freebase nicotine liquids lies in their chemical composition and how they deliver nicotine, which affects the vaping experience. Nicotine salt is a form of nicotine found naturally in tobacco leaves and is combined with an acid, usually benzoic acid, to create a smoother hit even at higher nicotine concentrations. This makes nicotine salt e-juices ideal for those who need a quick, strong nicotine fix without the harsh throat hit, particularly suited for low-wattage pod systems and is often found in disposable vape devices. In contrast, freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine used in most traditional e-liquids and delivers a stronger throat hit, making it more suitable for those who prefer a harsher sensation similar to smoking. Freebase liquids typically come in lower nicotine strengths and are often used in sub-ohm devices that produce large clouds and intense flavours. Overall, the choice between the two depends on the desired nicotine hit, throat sensation, and device compatibility.

What are the Best Vape Flavours?

The best vape flavours cater to a wide range of taste preferences, offering something for everyone from traditional smokers to adventurous vapers. Fruit flavours such as mango, berry blends, and watermelon are incredibly popular for their refreshing and vibrant profiles. For those who enjoy dessert-like indulgences, vanilla custard, chocolate fudge brownie, and caramel macchiato provide rich, sweet experiences. Menthol and mint flavours offer a cooling, crisp sensation that's perfect for a refreshing vape. Classic tobacco flavours are also favoured by those transitioning from smoking, providing a familiar taste with a smoother, less harsh delivery. Brands like Naked 100, Elf Bar, and Dinner Lady offer a diverse range of high-quality flavours that are well-balanced and true to their descriptions, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable vaping experience tailored to individual tastes.

What Strength Vape Juice Should I Choose?

Choosing the right nicotine levels for your vape juice depends largely on your personal nicotine needs and smoking history. For those new to vaping or looking to transition from smoking, a higher nicotine strength—ranging from 12mg to 18mg—is typically recommended to satisfy cravings effectively. If you're a light smoker or prefer a milder throat hit, lower strengths such as 3mg or 6mg may be more suitable. For heavy smokers, a higher nicotine concentration or even nicotine salts, which offer a smoother throat hit at higher strengths, can be beneficial. Additionally, if you’re vaping purely for enjoyment without the need for nicotine, opting for nicotine-free vape juice is ideal. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate nicotine strength involves balancing your previous smoking habits with your desired vaping experience to achieve the best satisfaction.

What is the Best Rechargeable Vape?

The best rechargeable vapes offer a blend of convenience, performance, and longevity, catering to both new and experienced vapers. The GeekVape Aegis X is a standout choice, featuring a robust design, high wattage, and an impressive vape battery life that can last through extended vaping sessions. Another top contender is the Voopoo Drag X Plus, known for its advanced chipset, accurate power delivery, and long-lasting rechargeable battery, making it a versatile option for those seeking customisation and performance. The Vaporesso Luxe PM40 is also highly regarded for its sleek design, ease of use, and efficient battery life, providing a reliable and satisfying vaping experience. These rechargeable vapes are celebrated for their ability to deliver consistent power, customisable settings, and extended usage, making them excellent choices for vapers who value both performance and convenience.

Will vaping help me quit smoking tobacco cigarettes?

Vaping can be an effective tool to help you quit smoking tobacco cigarettes by providing a similar experience without the harmful effects of combustion. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes deliver nicotine through inhalation without burning tobacco, eliminating many of the toxic chemicals and tar found in cigarette smoke. Many smokers find vaping helpful because it mimics the hand-to-mouth action and provides a throat hit similar to smoking, making the transition easier. Additionally, the ability to control nicotine levels allows users to gradually reduce their intake, which can aid in quitting nicotine altogether. Public health bodies, such as the Public Health England in the UK, acknowledge that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and can be a valuable aid for those trying to quit (5). However, while vaping can be a useful alternative, it’s essential to choose a reputable product from a well-regulated country, seek professional advice if needed, and consider it as part of a broader plan to quit smoking entirely.

Types of Vapes: Which One Suits You Best - Conclusion

The type of device has a huge impact on how streamlined your vaping experience will be. Often there are trade-offs to be made - for example, a large vape mod may use larger external batteries for a longer battery life, however being caught without spares could leave you contending with nicotine cravings until you can replace them. A refillable vape may let you customise your vape liquid using shortfills, however these devices will require regular maintenance like cleaning and replacing the vape coil to ensure a quality and safe vaping experience.

At SMOKO, we believe in providing a hassle-free vaping experience, with a range of compact vapes that pre-filled e-liquid cartridges, so you don't ever have to think about device maintenance. These discreet devices feature a rechargeable internal battery, with a built in coil in each refill filled with our great-tasting UK-made e-liquids. For fans of cig-alike vapes, check out the SMOKO E-Cigarette that looks and feels like a cigarette; perfect for smokers looking to quit. For people looking for a more sleek and modern design might enjoy the SMOKO VAPE POD - a prefilled pod vape that is still compact but features more up-to-date vaping technology.

For all cigarette users out there looking to reduce their cigarette consumption, it is helpful to know that Public Health England's latest evidence review found that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, but a recent survey from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 40% of UK smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as harmful or worse than smoking! (6)

Fellow vapers, it's time to get the word out to all the smokers out there that vaping is more effective than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy, like nicotine patches and nicotine gum, at helping smokers quit - and it is less harmful, too! Make the switch today with SMOKO and kiss the cigarettes goodbye!

REFERENCES

(1) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

(2) Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries

(3) UK's top-selling vape is stripped from shelves over illegal level of nicotine: Company admits 'inadvertently' breaking the law after it emerges products exceed limit

(4) Use of vapes (e-cigarettes) among young people in Great Britain

(5) Nicotine vaping in England: 2022 evidence update

(6) Four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as or more harmful as smoking

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Written by Dan Overgage