Prefilled Pod Kit vs Refillable Pod Kits: Which Should You Choose?

This guide provides a clear, balanced comparison of "closed" prefilled pod kits and "open" refillable vapes, explaining the pros and cons to help you find the perfect choice for your needs.

If you're new to vaping or moving on from single-use devices, the first big decision you'll face is choosing between a prefilled or a refillable pod kit. These are the two main types of reusable vape devices, and each offers a very different experience.

"Prefilled pod kits" are "plug-and-play" devices that use sealed, disposable pods. "Refillable pod kits" (or "open-pod" kits) use pods that you fill yourself with bottled e-liquid. This guide will provide an impartial comparison, breaking down the pros and cons of each based on the factors that matter most: convenience, long-term cost, flavour choice, and maintenance. 

You will often hear prefilled and refillable kits described by their industry terms: "closed" and "open" pod systems. It's a simple concept.

Closed-Pod Systems (Prefilled): These use e-liquid pods that are completely sealed by the manufacturer. You cannot open them or add your own e-liquid. You simply use the pod until it's empty, then dispose of it and insert a new one. The system is "closed."

Open-Pod Systems (Refillable): These use pods with a small filling port. This allows you to fill (and refill) the pod with any compatible e-liquid from a bottle. The system is "open" to your choice of e-liquid. 

Let's compare the two systems directly on the four factors that will matter most to you as a user. 

This is the main advantage of a prefilled kit. There is no refilling, no risk of spills, no changing coils, and no maintenance. You just need to keep the battery charged and "click" a new pod into place when the old one is empty. It is the most straightforward and convenient way to vape.

Our Solution: This "plug-and-play" simplicity is the primary appeal of devices like the Double Drip 10K Kit, which offers maximum convenience with a high puff count. 

Here, refillable kits win by a significant margin. While the initial purchase price of a Starter Vape Kit is similar to a prefilled one, the running costs are much lower.

Buying e-liquid in 10ml bottles is far more cost-effective than buying replacement prefilled pods. For example, one 10ml bottle of Double Drip Nic Salts contains the same amount of e-liquid as five standard 2ml pods, but at a fraction of the price. 

This is the other major advantage of an open-pod system. With a prefilled kit, you are limited to the specific pod flavours made by that brand. With a refillable kit, your flavour options are almost limitless.

You can explore the entire Double Drip Nic Salts range (perfect for most pod kits) or even try Shortfills if you have a more powerful, compatible kit. This freedom allows you to browse all types of Vape Kits and find the perfect e-liquid and device combination for you. 

As mentioned, a prefilled kit's only "maintenance" is charging the battery. The pod itself is a disposable component.

A refillable kit, while simple, requires a little more hands-on upkeep. You will need to:

- Manually refill the pod with e-liquid when it runs low.

- Replace the coil (or the entire Refillable Pod) every 1-2 weeks when the flavour starts to fade.

- Give the pod a quick clean when changing flavours. 

As you can see, there is no single "best" kit. The right choice is the one that fits your lifestyle.

If you prioritise ultimate convenience and simplicity, a Prefilled Pod Kit is your best choice. It's a no-fuss, "grab-and-go" solution.

If you prioritise low running costs and maximum flavour freedom, a Refillable Vape Kit is the ideal solution. It's more cost-effective and allows you to explore the full, exciting world of e-liquids.

Whichever path you choose, our Customer Service Team is here to help you get started.