THE SAFEST VAPE BRANDS: TOP CHOICES FOR HEALTH CONSCIOUS VAPERS

Key Takeaways

• Not all e-cig brands are equal – Choosing a reputable, regulated brand is essential for reducing potential health risks.

• Ingredients and transparency matter – The safest e-cigarettes use high-quality, clearly listed ingredients without hidden chemicals.

• Health-conscious vapers benefit from UK-regulated options – Brands that comply with strict safety standards offer a more reliable and responsible alternative.

Introduction to Vaping

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, with many health-conscious vapers seeking the safest options around, potentially due to 'bad news' headlines related to vaping.

The E Cigarette is a general category of products being discussed in this article, encompassing a variety of devices and e-liquids. Known in the scientific community as 'ENDS' or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, electronic cigarettes were designed as a less harmful alternative to smoking by Chinese pharmacist and inventor, Hon Lik. 

The vaping industry has evolved to offer a wide range of devices and e-liquids, making it essential to choose the right product to help smokers quit and stay off the cigarettes. Understanding key factors such as device safety, ingredient quality, and regulatory compliance is essential for making informed choices. Part of that is ensuring a suitable nicotine content to curb nicotine cravings.

Choosing a reputable vape brand is important for ensuring safety and quality, as selecting a trusted vape brand means you are more likely to get high-quality materials and products that undergo lab testing. Understanding the basics of vaping and its health risks is crucial for making informed choices when choosing your vape device.

Aren't all E-Cigarettes Safe?

The reason why there are misconceptions about the safety of E-Cigarettes is due to several factors.

1. Many people still conflate the risks of smoking with the risks of nicotine. It's important to note that nicotine itself is considered safe unless ingested in large quantities, which is why it is important to limit your nicotine consumption. There is also a risk of accidental ingestion, especially for children, making it crucial for vape devices to have safety features such as childproof caps and locking mechanisms to prevent accidental ingestion.

2. Newspaper headlines often use the single instance of harm and apply it across all E-Cigarettes, or even draw incorrect conclusions from recent studies. A Daily Mail article headline indicating E-Cigarettes cause cancer was wrongly equating a natural process called 'methylation' that occurs in the genetics of mouth cells of smokers and vapers as categoric evidence that E-Cigarettes cause cancer.  

3. Most instances of harm from vaping occurred in the United States where there was little-to-no regulation of e-liquids, and users trying to add illicit substances like THC to their e-liquid. The instances of E-Cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) all contained vitamin E acetate in the lung fluid samples. Vitamin E acetate was being used to mix THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) into e-liquids.

4. Other instances of harm could potentially be attributed to the user - like over-vaping, improper maintenance of the vape device, or a short-circuit in the device which can mostly be avoided by following the correct protocols.

In addition, not all e-cigarettes are created equal; differences in manufacturing standards and regulation can significantly impact their safety. This is largely dictated by the country of manufacture.

Understanding Health Risks

Vaping is not entirely risk-free, but it can be a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. Public Health England’s evidence reviews conclude E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking. (1) This stance may not apply to products outside the UK. 

Health risks associated with vaping include nicotine intake, harmful additives, and potential respiratory issues. It is important to avoid harmful substances in e-liquids and devices, such as diacetyl and acetoin, by choosing products that prioritise safety. Thankfully, these chemicals are prohibited from inclusion in e-liquid made in the UK. 

High-quality e-liquids and devices can minimise these risks, making it essential to choose reputable brands. Look for products that use pharmaceutical grade ingredients and have undergone third party testing, as these measures provide additional assurance of safety for users, ensuring products have been scientifically examined for harmful substances.

Nicotine-free e-liquids and trusted brands with strict quality control measures can be a safer choice, limiting any potential issues associated with nicotine use. It is worth pointing out that you would have to consume in the region of two-and-a-half to three 2ml refills of 20mg/ml e-liquid in a short amount of time to begin to reach dangerous levels (2) - and you are likely to start feeling sick before being able to consume that amount, which is likely to stop you vaping long before you are at serious risk. 

Vapers with a heart condition or high blood pressure need to be particularly careful regarding nicotine content in their vapes. Be sure to consult a doctor before vaping with nicotine.

Choosing the Right Device

With numerous vaping devices available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming.

For beginners, a starter kit is a great choice as it includes all the essentials needed to start vaping easily. High quality vape devices are especially important for new users, as they ensure safety, durability, and a reliable experience. Look for devices made with premium materials, as these contribute to both safety and long-term performance.

Consider factors such as battery life, UK safety regulations, and safety features like temperature control and overcharge protection. Many high quality vape devices now come equipped with multiple safety features and multiple safety protections, such as short-circuit prevention and overheat protection, to ensure a safer vaping experience. When choosing a device, also consider battery capacity, as it directly affects how long you can use your device between charges.

A disposable vape, like those from Elf Bar and Geek Bar, offers a hassle-free vaping experience with satisfying flavour options and a clear puff count to indicate device longevity. These are now banned in the UK due to breaches in regulation, the increase in youth vaping and concerns over environmental waste. (3) Compared to disposables, a reusable device or a refillable device is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice, allowing users to recharge and refill their device for long-term use and reduced waste.

For those seeking a hassle-free vaping experience, prefilled E-Cigarettes and Vapes that use rechargeable batteries - like SMOKO E-Cigs and Vapes - are now the best option for UK vapers. Vape pens are another user-friendly device option, especially for those transitioning from smoking.

A vape kit typically includes the device, batteries, charging cable, and sometimes spare parts, offering convenience and all-in-one value for users.

Pod kits, pod devices, and vape mods with adjustable airflow, ergonomic design, and adjustable wattage can provide an excellent vaping experience, allowing users to customise power settings for enhanced flavour and vapour production. Pod devices are especially popular for their user-friendly design, portability, and customizable features like replaceable coils and screen options. These require regular maintenance and spare parts for a high-quality, safe vaping experience. Some devices also offer a premium feel through their sophisticated design and high-quality materials.

Safety Features to Look For

E-Liquid Options

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is so important for ensuring the safety and quality of vaping products. UK regulations and safety standards, such as those set by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), must be met by vaping brands. All e cigarette products must comply with relevant regulations to ensure safety.

Reputable brands prioritise regulatory compliance and incorporate safety features into their devices. These brands ensure their vape products meet or exceed regulatory requirements. It is also important to choose reputable companies that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and use third-party lab testing to guarantee product safety. Always purchase vaping products from trusted retailers to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeit or unregulated items.

It is slightly disturbing, then, that testing by British American Tobacco found most disposable vapes for sale in a variety of British superstores contained illegal levels of e-liquid. This is concerning as disposable vapes were ending up in the hands of under 18's and the increased amount of e-liquid increases the likelihood of developing a nicotine addiction - something that can impact the developing brain (5). 

This issue of regulatory compliance is essential for a brand to be trusted. Therefore, this standard indicates that these disposable vape brands, many of which have brought out rechargeable options now their products are banned in the UK, should not be trusted.

At SMOKO, our devices and refills are submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for approval at every nicotine strength, in every flavour, before we can legally sell the product.

Vape Device Maintenance

Proper maintenance of vaping devices is essential for ensuring safety and quality. Different vapes require different levels of maintenance and care, so this must be taken into account when choosing a vape to suit your needs.

Devices with prefilled refills require the least maintenance, with the occasional cleaning of the electrical contacts on the rechargeable battery being the only maintenance required. Prefilled pod refills each contain a new coil, so coil-changing and tank-cleaning aren't required.

For the more complex vape pens, pod mods and vape mods, spending the time cleaning and replacing coils, as well as charging batteries, can help prevent malfunctions and keep your vaping experience of higher quality. Coils deteriorate over time, so keeping spares is essential. Failure to clean your tanks may also result in a sub-par flavour experience.

Reputable brands provide guidance on device maintenance and offer replacement parts, so be sure to use parts from the same brand of device to ensure compatibility and avoid cheap replacements that may not be of the same quality.

Regular maintenance and checking your batteries can help extend the life of vaping devices and prevent health risks.

Advanced Vaping Topics

Vaping Community and Resources

The vaping community offers a wealth of information and resources for health-conscious vapers. Online forums and social media groups can provide valuable insights and advice. Reputable brands often have online resources and customer support to help users. SMOKO has a plethora of vaping related blogs designed to help, inform and advise.

Vaping events and conferences can provide opportunities to learn about new products and technologies, but may only be suited to stalwart vaping enthusiasts and those in the industry.

Future of Vaping

The future of vaping is uncertain, but it’s likely that the industry will continue to evolve. The disposable vape market is rapidly adapting to safety and regulatory concerns, with brands focusing on innovation, product quality, and a wide range of flavours to meet consumer demands. These disposable vapes are now technically illegal in the UK, however these brands are producing products more in line with the UK regulations, but will still utilise Chinese made e-liquid.

Advances in technology and manufacturing processes will likely lead to safer and more efficient devices. These innovations are resulting in the development of high quality products that use premium ingredients and undergo rigorous testing for reliability and safety. Cyclone pods are also gaining attention as safe, nicotine-free alternatives designed for health-conscious users seeking harm reduction and lung health support.

Regulatory compliance and quality control measures will become increasingly important. The industry's focus on safety is driving the creation of the safest vape options for consumers, with brands prioritising ingredient transparency and advanced safety features, including devices with long lasting batteries for greater user convenience and safety.

Health-conscious vapers will continue to prioritise user safety and quality control measures. There are some stirrings of talk about banning flavoured e-liquid - while this will reduce the amount of volatile compounds produced in the vaping process due to the exclusion of flavourings, potentially being the 'safest way to vape', there are concerns that lack of flavour could lead to many vapers backsliding to smoking cigarettes. (6)

At SMOKO, our flavours are straightforward in nature, avoiding the tendency for mixed concoctions of flavours, like Blueberry Razz Lemonade, that officials were concerned about appealing to children - this is the primary reason there are talks about banning flavoured vapes. SMOKO flavours include but are not limited to:

• Original Tobacco
• Menthol Tobacco
• Virginia Rolling Tobacco
• Havana Tobacco
• Absinthe
  
• Black Currant
• Crisp Apple
• Cherry
• Raspberry
• Vanilla
  

Additional Tips for Health-Conscious Vapers

Additional tips for health-conscious vapers include being aware of nicotine intake and harmful additives. To reduce risks, look for the safest vapes by checking for clear ingredient labelling and safety certifications, in particular: look for UK-made e-liquids!

Choosing high-quality e-liquids and devices with strict quality control measures can minimise health risks. Always opt for a trusted brand to ensure product safety and reliability, but above all - read the instructions and abide by the charging instructions and instructions for use. 

Proper maintenance of vaping devices and understanding the technology behind them can help prevent malfunctions. A notable instance of a vape that exploded in a man's pocket occurred because he had it in the same pocket as his keys, so the metal from the keys managed to touch the vape in just the wrong way to cause a short circuit and caused serious burns to the man.

More powerful vapes are a questionable choice for the health-conscious vaper for another reason - studies indicate that more powerful vapes produce more volatile compounds in the vaping process (7), making them arguably 'less safe' than their simpler, lower-powered counterparts - like the SMOKO E-Cigarette. 

However, even with these risks, vaping is generally considered to pose fewer health risks compared to exposure to cigarette smoke, which contains many harmful chemicals. Non-smokers should still avoid both smoke and vapour exposure whenever possible.

Staying informed about the latest developments in the vaping industry can help health-conscious vapers make informed decisions.

The Importance of Nicotine Strengths

Nicotine strengths can have a significant impact on the vaping experience. With nic salt, the higher nicotine strengths still produce a smooth inhale, but with freebase nicotine the throat hit is more pronounced at the higher strengths.

Choosing the right nicotine strength can help with switching from smoking to vaping and ensure a satisfying vaping experience - if flavour is the top priority, then lower nicotine strengths can produce more flavour. If throat hit is what you are looking for, then freebase nicotine at a higher strength is the right choice. If you are a heavy smoker, then starting at the higher end of nicotine strengths available can ensure your cravings are satisfied. 

Many brands offer a range of nicotine strengths - from 20mg/ml (sometimes represented as 2%), all the way down to nicotine-free options. In the UK, the current regulations limit the maximum nicotine content for retail e-liquids is 20mg/ml - this includes prefilled refills like those at SMOKO. Outside the UK, you may be able to find stronger liquids - often using nic salts to achieve the higher strength without an unbearable throat hit - inside the UK, however, users have to mix their own liquids if they want something stronger than 2mg/ml.

The Role of Battery Life in Vaping

Battery life can have a significant impact on the vaping experience. Choosing a device with a long battery life can help minimise the need for frequent charging. Devices with long battery life are ideal for all day vaping, allowing users to enjoy extended sessions without frequent recharging.

Reputable brands offer devices with advanced battery technology, making them a trusted choice. Larger devices typically utilise or contain larger batteries, which can provide more power over time. Replaceable batteries for these devices are quite expensive and should be checked regularly for any damage as damage to a battery can lead to thermal runaway, rendering the battery dangerous.

At SMOKO, we always recommend carrying a spare battery, fully charged and ready to go, to ensure you are covered for vaping through the day. As SMOKO devices are small and convenient, carrying a spare is no hassle and means you are covered in the event of a battery dying, being dropped down the drain or losing it down the back of your friend's sofa!

The Benefits of Pod Kits

Pod kits offer a convenient and hassle-free vaping experience and they are often more affordable than traditional vaping devices and offer a range of flavour options. Pod kits are available in the prefilled variety as well as a 'pod mod' style that has a reusable pod with other customisable options associated with mod vapes.

SMOKO offers two high-quality prefilled pod kits - the SMOKO VAPE POD and the SMOKO VAPE MAX. Both of these devices feature 2ml of our UK-made e-liquid in the prefilled pods but, with a new atomizer in each refill, you never need to worry about manually replacing coils. For both of these devices, all you need to do is charge the battery and make sure you have a new pod refill ready to go!

The SMOKO VAPE POD is a reliable option with a modern, sleek approach to its design. Featuring a rounded 'diamond' shape profile and fast USB charging, the SMOKO VAPE POD is a subtle yet stylish option for prefilled vape-lovers who favour inhale-activated vapes. 

The SMOKO VAPE MAX is a newer design, reminiscent of the cylindrical disposable vapes we have all seen in the shops, but instead of featuring a single-use approach it uses prefilled pods with a fast charging battery that will last for a whole 2ml pod and then some! The VAPE MAX also possesses a child-lock system that works as an 'on/off' switch to prevent accidental activation.  

Pod kits can be a great option for health-conscious vapers who prioritise convenience and flavour. Compared to popular disposable devices like the crystal bar, which are known for their strong flavour profiles, user-friendly design, and portability, pod kits provide a reusable alternative while still offering similar ease of use and satisfaction.

Vaping and Technology

Vaping technology is constantly evolving, with advances in device design and e-liquid manufacturing. The SMOKO VAPE MAX was released this year, for example, utilising mesh coil technology for an improved flavour experience and improved battery life.

Reputable brands prioritise innovation and quality control measures, making them a trusted choice. The never-ending quest to improve upon SMOKO devices is proof of that, having mentioned the SMOKO VAPE MAX, we also have improved our VAPE POD rechargeable batteries to give 20-30% more power on a single charge (currently available in Silver and Chrome). We are soon upgrading the SMOKO E-Cigarette Cigalike refills with a new and improved wicking material that improves the flavour experience. 

Understanding the technology behind vaping devices is essential for helping new vapers make informed decisions when choosing their first vape. There are a lot of devices to choose from but if you are a smoker and looking to make the switch to vaping, choosing a simple, easy-to-use device is a must for getting started; many SMOKO customers made the switch with the SMOKO E-Cigarette - a 'cigalike' vape designed to match the look and feel of a tobacco cigarette. With a variety of tobacco flavour refills, the SMOKO E-Cigarette is perfect for switching from smoking to vaping!

Vaping and Society

Vaping has become a part of modern society, with many people using e-cigs as a alternative to traditional cigarettes. With Public Health England concluding from their evidence reviews that 'E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking', and the UK Government's Smokefree 2030 plans that will see ever increasing tobacco prices, E-Cigarettes are a less-harmful and less-costly alternative to traditional cigarettes. 

The vaping community offers a wealth of information and resources for health-conscious vapers. Most vape brands or retailers have a blog - like we do at SMOKO - for providing information, advice, news updates and much more to help new vapers start their journey and keep experienced vapers up to date.

Concerns about vaping often focus on the potential for harmful byproducts, but current evidence indicated no risk of 2nd-hand 'vaping' - unlike the well-documented dangers of second-hand exposure to cigarette smoke. Both cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor can impact those around you, especially when devices produce big clouds of vapour. It is important to avoid exposure to both cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor in public spaces.

Understanding the social implications of vaping and choosing the right product can help health-conscious vapers make informed decisions to minimise the impact on other members of the public. 

The Safest E Cig Brand: Top Choices for Health-Conscious Vapers - Conclusion

There are several things to takeaway from this blog:

Firstly: where your e-liquids are made matters. E-liquid manufacturing in the UK and EU are regulated by law, minimising non-compliance and 'raising the bar' across the board for safety. 

Secondly: the type of vape device matters. More powerful vapes produce more volatile compounds, they produce larger clouds of vapour that potentially impact those around you, and the number of replaceable parts means more things that can go wrong, more maintenance time and having spare parts on-hand to keep your vaping experience high-quality and safe.  

Thirdly, the type of nicotine plays a role. Nic salt liquids typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring compared with freebase nicotine liquids, with more flavouring resulting in more volatile compounds produced in the vaping process. A health-conscious vaper would therefore be likely to choose a freebase nicotine liquid to minimise flavouring, or use an unflavoured e-liquid.

At SMOKO, our e-liquids are made in the UK, our vapes are on the lower-end of the power spectrum, and we use straightforward flavours in our freebase nicotine liquids. That could make SMOKO one of the safest E-Cig brands in the UK!

FAQ: The Safest E-Cig Brand for Health-Conscious Vapers

Q1: Are all e-cigarettes safe?
Not all e-cigarettes are created equal. Safety depends on the brand, ingredients, and whether the product complies with strict regulations such as those set by the UK or EU.

Q2: What should I look for in a safe e-cig brand?
Look for transparency in ingredients, compliance with local safety standards, nicotine strengths that match your needs, and positive reviews from real users.

Q3: Are disposable vapes less safe than refillable e-cigs?
Many disposable brands contain unknown ingredients and higher nicotine strengths, which can make them less safe. Regulated brands for refillable or prefilled vapes usually provide a safer and more reliable alternative.

Q4: How do I know if a brand is regulated?
Check for information on the company’s website about compliance with UK or EU regulations, MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) listings, and lab-tested e-liquids.

Q5: Which e-cig brand is best for health-conscious smokers looking to switch?
Brands that are UK-regulated and use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine with high-quality ingredients, such as SMOKO, are strong options for smokers who want a safer alternative.

References

(1) Press release: E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review

(2) Nicotine poisoning: What are the symptoms, and can you overdose?

(3) Press release: Government crackdown on single-use vapes

(4) What Causes Thermal Runaway?

(5) Nicotine and the young brain

(6) Vape Bans Could Reignite Smoking Habit for Millions, Study Warns

(7) Sub-ohm vaping increases the levels of carbonyls, is cytotoxic, and alters gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed at the air–liquid interface

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.

Last updated 03/09/2025