How to Vape with a Refillable Kit

Double Drip 10K Vape Kits and Bar Salt 10ml E-Liquids for travel

Made the switch to a refillable kit? Good choice. Here is how to fill, prime, and perfect your setup for the best possible flavour with our Double Drip E-Liquids.

 

If you have upgraded from disposables or prefilled pods to a refillable "Open System" kit, then congratulations. You have just unlocked better battery life, lower costs, and access to the full universe of Double Drip  e-liquid flavours.

 

However, unlike the "click-and-go" simplicity of prefilled devices, a refillable kit puts you in the driver's seat. You need to know how to fill the pod without making a mess, when to change the coil, and most importantly, how to "prime" it to avoid that dreaded burnt taste.


In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of mastering your new kit with our  e-liquid. (For a broader look at the different types of kits available, check out our main guide: What Is Vaping? The 2026 Guide to Prefilled and Refillable Kits.

Key Takeaways

The Prime: Always wait 5-10 minutes after filling a new pod before vaping. This is the #1 rule.

The Draw: Use a long, slow, and gentle inhale (MTL) rather than the short, sharp drag of a smoker. 

The Fill: Leave a small air bubble at the top of the pod to prevent vacuum locks and leaks. 

The Liquid: Ensure you are using the correct Double Drip 50/50 or Nic Salt e-liquid for your starter kit. 

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Step 1: The Mess-Free Fill

Modern refillable pods are designed to be leak-resistant, but they still rely on you filling them correctly. 

Most pods use a silicone bung on the side or a "snap-top" mouthpiece to access the filling port.

 

Open the Port: Pull back the rubber bung or snap off the mouthpiece to reveal the fill hole. (Note: Never pour liquid down the central metal chimney tube—that is for airflow only).

 

Angle the Pod: Tilt the pod slightly so the liquid runs down the side, preventing airlocks.

 

Don't Overfill: Stop when the pod is about 90% full. Leaving a small air bubble is crucial as it helps the liquid flow properly. If you pack it 100% full, the vacuum pressure can force liquid out of the bottom, causing leaks. 

Step 2: "Priming the Coil" and the 5-Minute Rule

This is the most critical step in the entire process. If you skip this, you will ruin your coil in seconds.

 

Inside your pod is a coil wrapped in dry cotton. When you fill the tank, that cotton needs time to absorb the Double Drip e-liquid. If you hit the fire button immediately while the cotton is still dry, the heat will singe the material instantly. This is called a "dry hit," and the burnt taste will not go away.

 

The Rule: After filling a brand-new pod or replacing a coil, let the kit stand upright for 5 to 10 minutes before taking a puff. This ensures the wicking material is fully saturated. 

Step 3: The Draw Technique (MTL)

If you are used to smoking, you might be tempted to take short, sharp drags. With a vape, this often leads to coughing or getting liquid in your mouth.

 

Refillable kits work best with a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) technique:

The Inhale: Take a smooth, gentle, and long draw (roughly 2-3 seconds) into your mouth. 

The Exhale: Breathe out smoothly. 

The Hold: Hold the vapour for a split second.

Drawing too hard creates a vacuum that pulls excess e-liquid into the chimney, which results in gurgling and spitting. Let the battery do the work, not your lungs. 

Double Drip Lemon and Lime Nic Salt E-liquid 10ml
Double Drip Lemon and Lime Nic Salt E-liquid 10ml

Double Drip Lemon and Lime Nic Salt E-liquid 10ml

£3.99

17 reviews

Free Delivery Over £18

Troubleshooting Your Setup

Even with the best kit, things can occasionally go wrong. Here are the two most common issues and how to fix them.

Problem: My Vape is Leaking

Check the Coil: Is the coil screwed in tightly (if removable), or is the pod clicked fully into the battery? 

Check the Bung: Is the rubber fill plug fully pushed in?

Check the Liquid: Are you using the right ratio? Starter Vape Kits need thinner Nic Salts or 50/50 E-Liquids. If you put thick High-VG Shortfill liquid in a small pod, it won't flow, but conversely, putting thin liquid in a large sub-ohm tank will cause it to leak. 

Problem: It Tastes Burnt

New Coil: Did you wait 5 minutes after filling? If not, the cotton is burnt and you need a new Replacement Pod or coil. 

E-Liquid Level: Did you let the pod run dry? Always top up when the liquid level drops below the wicking holes.

Old Coil: Coils usually last 1-2 weeks. If the flavour fades or turns bitter, it is simply time to replace it.

Conclusion

Using a refillable kit might seem slightly more involved than a prefilled one, but the steps quickly become muscle memory. By mastering the simple "Fill, Prime, Vape" routine, you unlock a world of Double Drip  e-liquid flavours and significant cost savings.

 

Ready to explore new tastes? Browse our full range of Nic Salts to fill your new kit. 

If you are having trouble with your device, our Customer Service Team is here to help you troubleshoot. 

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FAQ's:

Can I wash my pod to change flavours? 

We generally don't recommend washing pod coils with water, as it degrades the cotton. If you want to change flavours, simply vape the pod empty and fill it with the new liquid. The old flavour will fade out after a few puffs. Alternatively, use a separate pod for each major flavour type (e.g., one for fruits, one for mints). 

How long do refillable pods last? 

A refillable pod (or the coil inside it) typically lasts between one and two weeks. You will know it is time to change it when the flavour becomes muted, you get less vapour, or you start to taste a burnt or metallic sensation. 

Why is my new pod leaking? 

Leaking is often caused by overfilling the pod (leaving no air gap), not closing the rubber bung correctly, or drawing too hard on the mouthpiece. It can also happen if you use an e-liquid that is too thin for your specific coil. 

Why is my new pod leaking? 

Leaking is often caused by overfilling the pod (leaving no air gap), not closing the rubber bung correctly, or drawing too hard on the mouthpiece. It can also happen if you use an e-liquid that is too thin for your specific coil.