Vape Pod Replacement: A Guide

Vape pods need to be replaced fairly regularly to keep your vape running smoothly.There are two types of pods used in a vape; refillable and prefilled, and although they use similar mechanisms, there are differences in how to replace them. Read on for a deep dive into how to change both pre-filled and refillable vape pods.

Refillable pods are reusable and can be refilled multiple times manually with any e-liquid of your choice. These pods are the more budget friendly of the two main pod types and are super eco friendly because they are reusable.

Step 1. Remove the pod

The mechanism for removing your pod differs from device to device but the basic principle is fairly simple. You will need to carefully slide, pop out or pull the pod out of the vape.

Step 2. Open the fill hole

This typically looks like a rubber flap on the bottom or side of the pod.

Step 3. Manually refill the pod

Place the nozzle of the e-liquid dropper into the fill hole. Squeeze the dropper until around 80% full. Be aware of overfilling your pod as this can cause leakages and may flood your coil.

Step 4. Seal your pod

Next, you must close your pod securely, ensuring the rubber seal is put back in place firmly. The seal should be a tight fit, not allowing anything to enter or exit.

Step 5. Soak the coil

Wait at least 10 minutes before vaping after refiling your pre-filled pod. This is so the cotton in your coil is fully soaked and doesn't burn. 

Step 6. Put the pod back into your vape

As with removing it you will need to either push, slide or snap the pod back into place.

Refillable pods have a myriad of positives but also a couple of drawbacks. 

Pros

• Budget friendly: These pods do not need to be replaced very frequently, drastically reducing the money spent on pods overall.

• Environmentally friendly: These pods can be refilled many times, cutting down drastically on plastic waste.

• More variety: With refillable pods, you can choose any e-liquid at all that is compatible with your device/ vaping style. This opens you up to so many different exciting brand and flavour options.

Cons

• More time consuming. Refilling your pod manually takes longer than simply replacing the entire pod.

• Messy: Those who are new to pod refilling may find the process can be quite messy. Dried e-liquid is sticky and may get into your vape kit/ coil and stop it from working properly.

Pre-filled pods come already filled with e-liquid and a built in coil. When these pods are empty you must replace the entire pod every time.

Replacing a pre-filled pod is super easy:

Step 1. Remove the pod

Snap, slide or pull the empty pod out of your vape. You will not need to do this the first time you use your pre-filled pod kits as they usually come with a pre-filled pod already installed.

Step 2. Prepare your new pod

Choose your flavour and remove any packaging from your new pod. 

Step 3. Connect the new pod

Connect the pod to the top of your device, usually you can push, snap or slide the pod firmly into position. 

Step 4. Get vaping

 With pre-filled pods you can get vaping straight away as the coil is already part of the pod so is already adequately soaked.

Pros

• Mess-free: Pre-filled pods involve no manual refilling, which drastically reduces any mess when refilling.

• Easy and quick: Replacing a pre-filled pod can be done in seconds, making it a great option for busy, on-the-go vapers. 

• Great flavour options: Pre-filled pods come in a range of different exciting flavours from prominent vape brands like Lost Mary and Elfbar.

Cons

• Expensive: Pre-filled pods are more expensive than refillable ones as they contain e-liquid, the pod cartridge itself and a coil. 

• Not as environmentally friendly: While pre-filled pods are definitely a lot better than disposable vapes were, the fact the pod must be thrown away whenever it's empty creates more plastic waste than refillable pods do.

• Less customisable: You are more limited to specific brands. Additionally, each pre-filled pod is usually only compatible with its same brand and model of pre-filled pod kit.