It’s been just over a month since the UK's landmark ban on disposable vapes came into effect on June 1st, 2025, fundamentally reshaping the country's vaping scene. The lead-up was filled with uncertainty for the millions of adults who had come to rely on the simple, single-use devices. Yet, in the weeks since the fall of disposables, a new norm has quickly emerged.
Former disposable users have not been left behind; instead, they have discovered a more sustainable alternative to disposable vapes that offers the same level of convenience and satisfaction, but is much cheaper overall: the prefilled pod kit.
Why Were Disposable Vapes Banned?
The environmental reasons behind the argument for the ban on single-use vaping devices had become undeniable, with an estimated five million disposables being thrown away weekly at the height of their popularity. This created a mountain of plastic and, more critically, hazardous lithium-ion battery waste.
At the same time, their availability at corner stores and supermarkets created a youth vaping epidemic that public health officials, lawmakers and concerned parents could not ignore. However, with disposables no longer available, what could replace them?
Disposable Vape Replacements
The idea of using complicated vape mods, messy e-liquids, and periodically having to change coils was offputting for many, especially after they’d potentially spent years enjoying the simplicity of disposables. This is precisely where prefilled pod vape kits stepped in, providing customers with the perfect disposable alternative.
Prefilled pod vape kits cost around the same price as single-use vapes used to, but where disposable were thrown away each time, prefilled pod vapes offer reusable and rechargeable features - a clear upgrade. Although, their true worth shines through when used longterm, as purchasing refills and replacement prefilled pods is much cheaper than having to keep buying the device itself. The refill pods can also be bought as part of a multi-buy deal, helping save vapers even more money!
What is a Prefilled Pod Kit?
A prefilled pod system is an exceptionally simple vape device with a user-friendly design that requires no previous experience or extensive vaping knowledge to use. They house a rechargeable battery that’s been paired with a separate, prefilled pod containing vape juice and a built-in coil. Their convenient design means that once a pod is empty, it’s disposed of, and a new one is slotted into place - it's really that easy!
Why Choose a Prefilled Pod Vape?
Prefilled pod kits offer a nearly identical experience to a disposable, but with some really big benefits. They're far more cost-effective, and the environmental saving is immense—only a small plastic pod is discarded, rather than an entire device and battery. Prefilled pod vapes also last much longer than throwaway devices on average, with the majority offering puff counts ranging from 5000 to 10,000 puffs per pod/refill.
What Are The Best Prefilled Pod Vape Kits?
In the weeks since the ban, there have been a few clear winners that have emerged as the top choices for those who were previously using disposables. The following 5 prefilled pod kits are made by leading vape brands within the UK, who have a reputation for producing high-quality devices with a huge range of flavours.
Lost Mary BM6000
Key Features:
- 6000 Puffs
- 650mAh Rechargeable Battery
- USB type-C Charging
- 2% (20mg) Nicotine Strength
- 40+ Flavours
The Lost Mary BM6000 prefilled pod kit delivers an incredible 6000 puffs by pairing a 650mAh rechargeable battery with a 10ml e-liquid refill container that automatically tops up the 2ml pod.
It retains the iconic and pocket-friendly shape of the classic BM6000 disposable, and is available in all of the same intense flavours. The Lost Mary BM6000 replacement pods (which can be purchased separately) are preloaded with 20mg (2%) strength nicotine salt vape juice - so it feels just like using the original!
IVG Pro 12
Key Features:
- 10000 Puffs
- 1000mAh Rechargeable Battery
- USB type-C Charging
- 2% (20mg) Nicotine Strength
- 15 Flavours
The IVG Pro 12 prefilled pod kit combines a seamless 2ml prefilled pod with a 10ml refill container for a total of 12ml of e-liquid overall, offering up to 10,000 puffs per device. It comes fitted with a 1000mAh rechargeable battery and fast-charging capability that allows the device to reach a full charge in just 1 hour.
Users can choose from 15 of IVG’s award-winning flavours, including popular options like Blue Sour Raspberry & Strawberry Watermelon. Enjoy the same great taste as the IVG disposable vapes in the form of a reusable vape kit with replaceable IVG Pro 12 pods.
Elux Cyberover 6K
Key Features:
- 6000 Puffs
- 850mAh Rechargeable Battery
- USB type-C Charging
- 2% (20mg) Nicotine Strength
- 20 Flavours
- The Elux Cyberover 6K Prefilled Pod Kit stands out with its futuristic design and exceptional taste. It can deliver an impressive 6000 puffs thanks to the included 2ml prefilled pod and 10ml refill container, each preloaded with the original 20mg strength Elux nic salts.
This new TPD compliant Elux vape features a built-in 850mAh battery that can be recharged via a USB type-c charging cable. Also, thanks to the high-performance mesh coil in each of the replaceable Elux Cyberover 6K pods, vapers can enjoy the same intense and beloved flavours that have defined the Elux brand from the very beginning.
Elf Bar 600
Key Features:
- 600 Puffs
- 500mAh Rechargeable Battery
- USB Type-C Charging
- 2% (20mg) Nicotine Strength
- 19 Flavours
- Compatible with Elf Bar Elfa Pods AND Elf Bar 600 Pods
The Elf Bar 600 Prefilled Pod Kit is the official rechargeable successor to the iconic Elf Bar 600 disposable. It perfectly captures the classic Elf Bar experience by pairing a sleek, rechargeable battery with prefilled pods containing the same beloved Elf Bar ElfLiq e-liquids.
Containing the advanced QUAQ mesh coil technology, each pod delivers consistent, intense flavour from the first puff to the last, just like the original. With simple inhale activation and transparent pods to easily monitor liquid levels, it's incredibly user-friendly.
SKE Crystal 600 Pro
Key Features:
- 600 Puffs
- 400mAh Rechargeable Battery
- USB Type-C Charging
- 2% (20mg) Nicotine Strength
- 15 Flavours
- The SKE Crystal 600 Pro Prefilled Pod Kit is the best alternative to the best-selling SKE Crystal Bar disposable vapes. It combines a respectable 400mAh rechargeable battery with a 2ml prefilled SKE Crystal 600 Pro pod that contains the exact same iconic and intensely sweet SKE Crystal nic salts that we adore.
Each pod features an integrated mesh coil, guaranteeing the signature smooth and flavourful Crystal vape with every puff. It’s the perfect choice for fans of the SKE Crystal vapes seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective replacement.
Although these are the 5 best substitutes for disposable vapes (in our opinion) you can explore our entire prefilled pod kit collection here. We stock a ton of leading
brands for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find a prefilled vape kit to suit your style - you also won’t find prices these low anywhere other than Grey Haze!