Right, let's talk about refilling vape pods. We're now in November 2025, five months after the disposable ban, and the vaping landscape has completely changed.
Some ex-disposable users switched to refillable pods (smart move), while others went for the new prefilled pod kits - those disposable alternatives with pre-filled cartridges you can't refill. But here's the thing - refillables are the best way to vape. You've got thousands of flavours to choose from and they cost much less than anything else on the market.
The Post-Ban Reality
Since June 2025, we've seen two clear camps emerge at Ecigone. Those who went refillable are loving it - more choice, better value, complete control. Those who went for prefilled alternatives? They're paying more for convenience.
Let me break down the real costs:
|
Device Type |
Monthly Cost |
Flavour Options |
|
Prefilled Pods |
£24-50 |
10-30 flavours |
|
Refillable Pods |
£9-20 |
1000s of flavours |
|
Old Disposables (pre-ban) |
£120+ |
Limited range |
That's £15-30 saved every month with refillables over prefilled refills. Plus you're not stuck with whatever flavours the manufacturer decides to make.
"Customers making informed choices through specialist retailers represent the future of the industry - they're more loyal, more valuable, and more interested in innovation than the convenience market that dominated headlines during the disposable boom." — Jason Booth, Ecigone Staff Writer
Why Refillables Win Every Time
Refillable devices give you access to literally thousands of e-liquids. Want to try Malaysian mango? Got it. Fancy a UK-made custard cream? Sorted. Feel like mixing your own flavours? Go for it.
The prefilled alternatives might seem easier, but you're paying triple the price for that convenience. And when the manufacturer discontinues your favourite flavour? Tough luck. With refillable kits, you control everything - nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio, flavour intensity.
Know Your Pod Type Before Refilling
You've got two main types of refillable cartridges:
Top-Fill Pods
Devices like the Vaporesso Xros 5 and Xros Pro 2. The fill port sits under the mouthpiece. Pop it off, fill up, done. These are what most people find easiest when learning how to fill their device.
Side-Fill Pods
OXVA Xlim series uses these. There's a rubber bung on the side you pull out. Bit more fiddly but they rarely leak. These cartridges tend to hold more liquid too. Side-fill designs often last longer between refills.
What You Need to Refill
Before you start refilling:
- Your device
- E-liquid (get one with a proper nozzle tip)
- Kitchen roll for spills
- 5 minutes of patience
If you're coming from disposables or smoking, grab some nic salts. 20mg if you were on disposables, 10mg if you want to cut down. For the best refilling experience, use 50/50 e-liquids in most devices.
How to Refill Top-Fill Pods (Vaporesso Style)
- Pull the cartridge out - Straight up from the device
- Remove the mouthpiece - Gentle pull or twist
- Find the fill port - Usually a rubber sealed hole
- Fill it up - Slowly, stop just before max line
- Replace mouthpiece - Click it back in place
- Wait 5 minutes - Let the coil soak properly
- Vape away - You're sorted
Don't force anything when refilling. If the mouthpiece won't budge, wiggle it gently. Forcing it will crack the plastic.
How to Refill Side-Fill Pods (OXVA Style)
- Remove the cartridge - Pull from device
- Find the rubber bung - On the side
- Pull it out carefully - Don't yank it
- Tilt and fill - Angle helps avoid air bubbles
- Push bung back - Make sure it's sealed
- Wait 5 minutes - Coil needs to prime
- Back in business - Good to go
Pro tip for side-fill refilling: Wipe any excess liquid off before putting it back. Liquid on the contacts causes issues.
Common Refilling Mistakes
From what we see daily at Ecigone:
Overfilling - Causes leaks and gurgling. Stop before the max line when you fill up.
Not waiting - Vaping immediately burns the coil. Those 5 minutes matter for proper coil priming.
Wrong e-liquid - Using 70/30 VG liquid in MTL devices clogs them. Stick to 50/50 for most kits.
Mixing flavours - Going from menthol to custard without cleaning? That's grim. Dedicate cartridges to flavour types.
Making Them Last Longer
Your cartridge will last 10-30 refills typically. Here's how to extend coil life:
- Don't let them run completely dry
- Clean the contacts weekly with kitchen roll
- Store your device upright
- Have 2 cartridges on rotation
If you're using bar juice flavours with heavy sweetener, expect the lower end - around 10 refills. Less sweet liquids can push 20-30 refills easy. A replacement costs £3-4. Compare that to £5 daily on disposables. No contest.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why is my vape pod leaking?
You've overfilled or the seal's damaged. Check the rubber bits. Sometimes it's just sitting wrong in the device. Leaking usually means overfilling during the refill process.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
Coil's done. Time for a new cartridge. Or you didn't wait those 5 minutes when you first filled it. Burnt taste after refilling means inadequate priming time.
Why can't I taste the flavour?
Either the coil's worn out or your e-liquid's gone off. E-liquid lasts about a year if stored properly. Vapers tongue can also affect flavour.
Why is my pod spitting?
Too much liquid in the coil. Take it out, blow through it onto kitchen roll. Sorted. Spitting often happens when you overfill.
Making the Switch Worth It
Refillable kits are the smart choice post-ban. You save money, get better flavours, and actually have control over your vaping experience.
Start with something simple like the Vaporesso Xros series or OXVA Xlim. Both are foolproof and we've got them from £8.99. Grab a few different e-liquids, find what you like, and you'll never look back at those overpriced prefilled alternatives.
The June 2025 ban pushed everyone to make a choice. Those who went refillable are saving a fortune and enjoying vaping more. Those stuck on prefilled cartridges? They're basically paying disposable prices for less convenience.
Make the switch. Your wallet will thank you.
