There is not just one kind of vape, and that’s a good thing. Different types of vapes do different things. Some e-cigs are tiny, almost weightless, designed to disappear into your palm and your pocket. Others are chunkier, with more buttons, more settings and, depending on how you look at it, a lot more personality.
It’s not just about aesthetics or price, although those are important considerations too. It’s more about the feel of the inhale, the thickness of the vapour, and the degree of customisation at your disposal. Some people want something that mimics smoking or at least comes close enough. Others are chasing clouds, flavour, and looking into different vapes depending on factors such as battery life, puff count, or cost.
No single vape type will be perfect for everyone. Depending on your lifestyle and vaping needs, you may want to weigh the different options based on their battery life, coil resistance, or whether they are refillable or not. At the end, it all comes down to how much control you want over an electronic cigarette.
Each type has its way of doing things - its own strengths, quirks, and appeal. So let’s break them down, starting with one of the most talked-about options right now.
Are You a Newbie in the Vaping World?
If you’re stepping into vaping, give a read to our comprehensive guide to vaping. This guide will walk you through why you choose vaping, how you choose the best kit, and many more insights.
Different Types of Vape Kits
Electronic cigarettes generally come in four types: cigalikes, pod kits, vape pens and box mods. We've created a simple guide to help you pick the right one for you. Before deep diving into the details, here’s the quick overview of each type of e-cigarette:
|
Vape Kit Type |
Price Range |
Best Brands |
Unique Features |
|
Big Puff Vapes |
£7.99 – £28.99 |
IVG, SKE, Elf Bar |
High puff counts (up to 70,000), rechargeable, with prefilled replaceable pods |
|
Vape Pens |
£15.99 – £24.99 |
Innokin, Vaporesso, SMOK |
Compact, user-friendly, suitable for both MTL and DTL vaping |
|
Starter Kits |
£14.99 – £29.99 |
Vaporesso, SMOK, GeekVape |
All-in-one setups, ideal for beginners, often include coils and e-liquids |
|
Pod Kits |
£7.99 – £35.99 |
Vaporesso, SMOK, Uwell |
Portable, often with prefilled and refillable pods, great for nicotine salts |
|
Box Mods |
£29.99 – £59.99 |
GeekVape, Vaporesso, VOOPOO |
High wattage, customizable settings, durable builds |
|
Prefilled Pod Kits |
£4.99 – £28.99 |
Hayati, Elux, Lost Mary |
Pre-filled pods, rechargeable battery, no refilling needed, convenient for on-the-go use |
Big Puff Vapes
Big puff vapes are just like single-use vapes, except that they are reusable and boast a much bigger puff count. With a throwaway device, you have to splurge on one every other day or so. These high capacity vapes, currently among the most popular vape types in the UK, give you multiple weeks’ worth of usage out of a single device, and many of them come with replaceable pods. For even more convenience, many vapers switch to rechargeable vape kits or explore prefilled pod kits , which offer the perfect balance of ease, flavour, and long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Long-lasting use
- Easy to swap pods
- Multiple flavour options
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Disposable pods add to waste
- Less control over the vaping experience
Trending Big Puff Vapes
|
£11.99 |
£24.99 |
£8.99 |
The high puff count is the main headline. Some of these last well beyond what you'd get from a typical vape kit and offer more than one flavour in a single device. That means fewer refills, fewer interruptions, and - maybe most importantly - less of that constant mental checklist: “Do I need more liquid? Is the battery low? Where’s my charger?” You don’t think about any of that as much. Or at least, you’re not meant to.
Many of these e-cigarette types use a kind of modular system. Pre-filled pods that click in and out - easy to swap when they’re empty. No messy refills or guesswork with coils and complex configurations - making them some of the safest types of vapes available. And some of them offer more than one flavour per device, which is quite clever. Pods are preloaded with nic salt e-liquid. When one pod’s finished, you don’t have to go back to the same thing again. You just switch. It adds a bit of variety without complicating the whole process.
Who It’s Best For
Perfect for vapers who want long-lasting performance without the hassle. Big puff vapes are the types of vapes that suit those who want a puff count that can go the distance but don’t want complex settings. A good fit if you want convenience, not commitment. For those looking to make a smart choice, exploring our top 10 best big puff vapes can point you toward reliable options that last longer and keep things simple.
Want to know more about these long-lasting vapes? Check out our guide on big puff vapes!
Vape Pens
Vape pens are pen-shaped types of ecigs that are neither too simple nor too advanced. These cylindrical vapes are easy to carry and come with a built-in battery, as well as a refillable tank. Some models support a single button, the fire button, to turn them on or off.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Adjustable airflow and power
Pros
- Limited vapour production
- Shorter battery life
- Less durable build
Trending Vape Pens
|
Geekvape G18 Pen |
||
|
£19.99 |
£15.99 |
£14.99 |
You’re not going to get massive clouds out of a vape pen, and maybe that’s not the point. What you do get is a bit of control. Enough to adjust the airflow, maybe change the intensity slightly. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference. Mouth-to-lung? You can do that. Something a little airier, more open? That’s possible too. They don’t advertise it loudly, but vape pens are more capable than they seem at first glance.
These types of vapes are not flashy. They don’t try to be. They just work. And for a lot of people, especially those who don’t want to think too hard about every puff, that’s enough.
Who It’s Best For
Vape pens are ideal for vapers who want something straightforward but not too basic. These refillable ecig types offer just enough control to personalise your draw, without needing to learn anything technical.
Starter Kits
Starter kits, just like their name suggests, are the types of ecigs supposed to be your gateway to vaping. They are not overloaded with features, as you don’t want to be immediately overwhelmed with complex settings when trying to move away from smoking. In most cases, all you have to do to get started is to fill the vape juice of your choice, if it is not already filled, and start puffing away. There is nothing flashy, only functionality.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- User-friendly design
- Ideal for MTL vaping
Cons
- Limited vapour production
- Smaller battery capacity
- Minimal customisation options
Trending Starter Kits
|
£19.99 |
£29.99 |
£19.99 |
You’ll see most starter kits learning towards mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. Most of these kits include the basics - a device, a coil or two, sometimes a little bottle of e-liquid to get you started. Such a vape device is small enough to carry easily and light enough not to be noticed. Some have fixed power, which might sound limiting, but in practice, it takes the pressure off. There’s comfort in not having to adjust anything.
That said, it’s rarely the end of the road. Once you’ve settled in and figured out what you like, you might find yourself wondering what else is out there. Different coils, stronger flavours, more vapour. It’s a progression. However, for many people, starter kits mark the beginning of this shift. Quietly. Without fuss.
Who It’s Best For
Starter kits are perfect for beginners, especially for those exploring vape types in the UK for the first time. If you’re moving away from smoking and want something fuss-free, starter kits give you just enough to get going, no settings, no stress, just simplicity. Wondering how to choose your first vape kit? No Worries! Checkout our blog on How to Choose Best Vape as a Starter.
Pod Kits
Pod kits tend to hit a kind of middle ground when it comes to the different types of vapes in the UK. Not too basic, not overly complex and arguably among the best looking vapes. Just manageable. Pod systems are compact, low-maintenance, and, depending on the model, surprisingly versatile. You’re not locked into a high-tech learning curve, but you’re not stuck with the bare minimum either.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- User-friendly with minimal maintenance
- A variety of flavours and nicotine strengths
Cons
- Shorter battery life due to small size
- Limited vapour production compared to larger devices
- Frequent refills are required
Trending Pod Kits
|
Vaporesso XROS Mini 16W Pod Kit |
|
|
|
£10.99 |
£7.99 |
£26.99 |
The core idea is simple: a small battery paired with a pod that holds your e-liquid. That pod usually has a coil already built in - though some devices let you swap the coil out yourself, which is useful if you’re trying to reduce waste or, maybe, you just like having a bit more control over how it all performs. Either way, there’s not a lot of fiddling involved.
Now, pod kits usually fall into one of two camps: open or closed types of vapes. With open pods, you refill them with your own e-liquid. That gives you more choice - flavour-wise, especially - and it’s often cheaper over time. Closed systems are more straightforward. Pre-filled pods, vape until they’re empty, then replace. No mess. Just quick and clean. Although a little less flexible, too.
Who It’s Best For
Pod kits are perfect for vapers who want something fuss-free but flexible - newcomers easing into vaping, or everyday users who just want reliability, flavour, and portability without diving into complex settings. If you're in the UK, you'll find a great selection of the best pod kits that cater to all these needs, offering a straightforward yet satisfying vaping experience.
Box Mods
Box mods are deliberately designed to resemble boxes, creating more space for stronger and larger batteries, which in turn results in higher power output. These box mods allow you to “modify” your vaping style and, out of all ecig types, are the most advanced vape types available on the market. These bulky and complex electronic cigarettes allow pro vapers to personalise every aspect of their vaping to perfection. They are no longer after a simple nicotine fix, but want to experience a whole new world of flavour and vapour.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Great for cloud chasers and flavour
- Long battery life with dual batteries
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Bulky and less portable
- Higher upfront cost
Trending Box Mod Kits
|
|
|
|
|
£29.99 |
£34.99 |
£26.99 |
Not really meant for beginners, most of these devices are sub-ohm kits, although you can adapt them to different types of vaping. These devices are just the ticket for cloud chasers and flavour aficionados, as you can adjust the power output of your kit from a few watts to a massive 200 watts. You can adjust the airflow slider for a discreet vape or blow large plumes of vapour too.
Since many of these advanced kits feature a 510 connector, you can use a tank of your choice and a coil of your liking. It is all adjustable and replaceable. There is, however, a bit of a learning curve to it as it is not as easy as popping a pod into the device.
Who It’s Best For
Box mods suit vapers who want full control over power, airflow, and even the tank they use. If you care about cloud size, flavour depth, and don’t mind a learning curve, it’s probably the best vape mod device you’ve been looking for.
How to Buy a Vaping Device?
As a beginner who is quitting smoking or a vaper, you should consider these buying tips while choosing an ideal e-cigarette:
- Consider your vaping style: MTL, DTL or RDTL.
- Choose pod kits for beginners, vape pens for intermediate users, and box mods for advanced vapers.
- Consider devices with longer battery life if you vape frequently.
- Look for devices with adjustable airflow and coil options for optimal flavour and vapour.
- Choose smaller, lightweight kits for on-the-go use.
- Ensure the device is compatible with your preferred e-liquids or pods.
- Balance the budget with the quality and features you need.
- Look for the deals, discounts, and bundles that any vape shop is offering, such as Alectrofag.
Summing Up
The world of vaping isn’t easy to pin down. The different types of vapes are broad, varied - almost too much, at times - and no two users approach it in quite the same way. What works brilliantly for one person might feel completely off for someone else. That’s the thing: finding the best type of vape isn’t just about specs or features - it’s about how it fits into your life.
Maybe you’re just starting and want simplicity, an e-cig you don’t have to think about too much. Or perhaps you are a vaping pro and want the kind of device that lets you adjust every last detail until it feels just right. Some people want big puff counts and less frequent purchases, others care more about flavour or the feel of the inhale.
You sort of have to figure it out as you go. Try things. Get it wrong. Then get a little closer to what feels like your setup. Because this isn’t really about finding the “best” device - it’s about finding your device. One that makes sense for how you vape, not how someone else does. In the end, it's less a decision and more a process.
For those just starting out or looking to learn more, the ultimate guide to vape kits offers valuable insights to help you along the way.
Christopher Banks - Vape Expert
Store Assistant & Content Writter
Chris works at Alectrofag as a shop assistant, where he has spent years getting to grips with vaping, both the technology and the people behind it. He’s always on hand to help out on the shop floor, offering advice that comes from real experience, not just theory. When he’s not chatting to customers, you’ll find him writing about vaping tech, digging into the details of new products, or answering the questions that pop up most. Outside of the shop, Chris is usually lost in music, playing his guitar and chasing fresh sounds. For him, it’s not about the jargon, it’s about making sense of the vaping world and sharing that with anyone who wants to understand it better.
Recommended Products
-
40% OFF 5 For £10
Sale -
5 For £10
-
40% OFF 5 For £10
Sale -
40% OFF 5 For £10
Sale -
40% OFF 5 For £10
ELFLIQ Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice 10ml Nic Salt E Liquid
£2.99£4.99£2.99Shop Now5mg 10mg 20mgSale
