Starter Kit Buying Guide

When you are beginning your vaping journey, the sheer number of choices at your disposal can seem intimidating. Then there's all that jargon! Our Beginners' Guide provides much of the information you need and should answer many of your questions. But here we take a closer look at starter kits to help you find the right device.

What Is an E-Cigarette Starter Kit?

The term starter kit is a little confusing. A starter kit isn't necessarily a kit for beginners, it is a bundle that includes most or all of what you need to vape.

By purchasing your vaping equipment as a bundle, you will save money. Better still, you won’t need to worry about compatibility issues. You will know that the kit’s components will all work well together.

What type of starter kit should you choose?

It is worth gaining an understanding of the types of vape kit at your disposal before making any decisions. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of device.

Pod Vape Kits Featuring Prefilled Pods

Prefilled pods are vape pods that have been prefilled with e-liquid. They are sealed units and so cannot be refilled and generally hold 2ml of juice which will provide up to 600 puffs. You vape until the e-liquid is exhausted and then replace the pod. Pod vape kits with prefilled pods usually include a battery, a charging cable and at least one pod. Pods are easy to install, they simply click into place and are secured by magnetic connectors.

• Advantages - prefilled pods are the most convenient options as you won't need to top up with e-liquid or change any coils. The kits are easy to use, compact and cheap to buy and so are a good way to discover if vaping is for you.
• Disadvantages - these kits are the most costly options over the longer term due to the need to invest in replacement prefilled pods. They limit your choice of flavour as you will be restricted to using pods that are compatible with your chosen device.

Big Puff Pod Vape Kits

So called "big puff" kits are similar to the kits featuring prefilled pods. However, in addition to a 2ml prefilled pod, each kit also has a prefilled e-liquid reservoir which contains up to 10ml of flavour. The reservoir automatically tops up the pod as you vape. Big puff kits include a battery, a prefilled pod, a prefilled reservoir and possibly a charging cable. Replacement pods and reservoirs are sold as bundles. Each kit generally includes a battery, a pod and a reservoir.

• Advantages - even more convenient than prefilled pods kits as they deliver thousands of puffs. They are easy to use, compact and relatively cheap to buy.
• Disadvantages - expensive in the long run and restrict your choice of flavour to those found in the compatible pods.

Pod Vape Kits with Refillable Pods and Built-in Coils

Refillable pod kits in many ways represent the perfect compromises as they offer an outstanding combination of choice and convenience. The pods feature built-in coils and so you won't need to change your coils. Simply vape until the coil gives up the ghost and then replace the entire pod. You can refill the pod many times before it reaches the end of its life and you can fill it with a wonderful array of e-liquids. A kit will usually give you the battery, at least one refillable pod and a charging cable. It could feature more than one pod, giving you a choice of coil resistance.

• Advantages - inexpensive, compact and user-friendly devices. Enable you to choose from a wide variety of e-liquids. No coil changes required. A variety of devices offering diverse functionality and often a choice of coil resistance.
• Disadvantages - none really! You do need to invest in replacement pods but these often cost little more than vape coils.

Pod Vape Kits with refillable pods and replaceable coils

With these kits, you can both refill the pods and replace their coils, giving you the greatest flexibility. Pod vape kits with refillable pods and replaceable coils represent a cost-effective way to vape and the variety of devices available ensures that you can choose a kit to suit your needs and also your preferred vaping style. You will discover exciting choices including simple, low wattage vapes and more powerful devices with a choice of operating modes. Kits include a battery or mod, at least one pod and usually a choice of coils plus a charging cable.

• Advantages - you will benefit from maximum flexibility courtesy of refillable pods and a choice of coils. It is possible to invest in an inexpensive device.
• Disadvantages - you will need to change your coils. The more complex devices are more difficult to use.

Tank Vape Kits

A vape tank performs the same function as a vape pod but screws onto a battery or mod rather than clicking into place. Tank kits enable you to choose from a huge array of e-liquids and usually give you a choice of coils. Adjustable airflow enables you to perfectly tailor your draws. You can explore user-friendly MTL tank kits together with powerful, advanced kits with more than one operating mode that deliver impressive clouds. Your choices include vape pens and mod kits.

Advantages - choice of e-liquids and choice of coils to maximise choice.

Disadvantages - you need to change your coils and, being fashioned from glass, tanks can break if dropped or knocked.

What might you need to buy separately?

The extras you may need will depend on the kit you have selected.

• If your kit isn't supplied complete with a charging cable, you will certainly need one of those.
• Certain kits are compatible with numerous coils. Your kit will likely include 2 different coils but if the ones you really want are not included, you will need to buy those coils.
• Some pod kits with refillable pods include a spare pod. If your kit doesn't, order spares at the same time as the kit- you will need them.
• If you choose a pod kit with prefilled pods, it is advisable to invest in a few replacement pods when you purchase the kit.
• Spare glass is a wise investment if you select a tank kit for which spare glass is available.
• If you select any kit other than one that is compatible with prefilled pods, you will require e-liquids.

How do you choose the right kit for you?

So, which kit would be the best choice? That will depend on your priorities. Here's what to consider:

• Is your main priority convenience or cost? If convenience is key, choose a kit compatible with prefilled pods. If reducing the cost of vaping is more important, choose a refillable pod kit or a tank kit.
• Do you need advanced functionality? There's no point paying for power or operating modes that you won't use or don't know how to use.
• Battery life - the bigger the capacity of the battery, the longer it will last. If there are long periods of the day when you are out and about, look for a device with a high capacity battery.
• Does size matter? Pod kits tend to be compact and lightweight, making them highly portable. Tank kits are usually heavier and most are larger, ensuring that these kits are not so easy to carry around.
• Choice of flavour - kits with prefilled pods restrict your choice of flavour. Both pod kits with refillable pods and tank kits enable you to select from thousands of e-liquids.
• Choice of coil - if you wish to refine your draws, choose a kit that is compatible with multiple coils, enabling you to choose the perfect coil resistance for your needs.
• Vaping style - do you wish to vape mouth to lung or direct to lung? For further information regarding vaping styles, read our guides.

You will find the latest starter kits from the leading brands here at Vapekit. Our product listings feature all the information you need to identify the perfect kit to enhance your vaping life..