BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Prefilled cartridges or refillable devices: two ways to vape, with devices of all sizes available for each. We’ll help you choose, without the jargon.
Next-day delivery ✔️ | Secure payment ✔️ | Advice by chat or phone ✔️
Products for adults aged 18 and over only. 🔞
Three things to consider when choosing your first e-cigarette
Prefilled or refillable
Prefilled cartridges keep things simple. Refillable systems offer more choice of flavours, generally lower running costs and less waste.
A size that suits you
The more you vape, the more battery capacity and e-liquid capacity matter. Both systems come in compact and larger formats.
Nicotine and flavours
Your nicotine strength depends on your needs and the device you use. Flavours range from tobacco to fruit, ice and dessert blends.
Your first e-cigarette: prefilled or refillable?
Both systems work in the same way: a rechargeable battery powers a coil that heats the e-liquid. The difference is how you use them day to day.
SIMPLICITY
The prefilled cartridge
You keep the battery and replace the cartridge: click it in, vape, then change it when it’s empty. It already contains the e-liquid and coil. The simplest models activate when you inhale, with nothing to fill or adjust.
The trade-off is a smaller choice of flavours. You also replace a whole cartridge each time, which generally means higher running costs.
Refilling: none, the cartridge is ready to use.
Flavours: those available in compatible cartridges.
Running costs: generally higher.
Sizes: from pocket-sized to larger devices.
Brands such as Kiwi Vapor and Elfbar offer this type of system. Explore our range of rechargeable puffs.
CHOICE AND SAVINGS
The refillable tank
You pour the e-liquid into the device’s cartridge or tank yourself. You choose the flavour, nicotine strength and bottle size, with the option of mixing your own e-liquid (DIY).Running costs are generally lower, and there is less waste: depending on the device, you replace only the coil or cartridge. You simply need to refill it and replace these parts when they wear out.
Refilling: you add the e-liquid yourself.
Flavours: a wide choice of e-liquids compatible with your device.
Running costs: generally lower.
Sizes: pod systems, box mods or vape pens, from compact to larger devices.
Explore our range of e-liquids and nicotine salt e-liquids. The different types of refillable devices are introduced just below this comparison.
Which is right for you?
For the fewest steps to get started, prefilled cartridges are the simplest option. For a wider choice of flavours, lower costs and less waste over time, a refillable system is a better fit. You can always start with one and switch to the other later.
PREFER TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE?
Devices with prefilled cartridges
With a prefilled system, you choose a rechargeable battery and compatible cartridges. Each cartridge already contains its e-liquid and coil. When it’s empty, you replace the cartridge and keep the battery.
Compatibility comes first
Cartridges aren’t universal. Check that they are designed for your exact device.
A size that suits your use
Some devices are compact, while others offer longer battery life. A prefilled system doesn’t necessarily mean a small battery.
Flavours and nicotine strength
Your choice is limited to the cartridges available for that system. Check the flavours and nicotine strengths on offer before choosing your device.
Explore our selection of e-cigarettes with prefilled cartridges.
PREFER A REFILLABLE DEVICE?
Refillable devices: pod systems, box mods and vape pens
Refillable devices differ in size, draw and settings. Your choice of e-liquid also depends on compatibility with your device. Here are the three main types to help you find your way.
Pod systems: the widest choice
From compact pods to larger devices with longer battery life, pod systems offer plenty of options for beginners. Depending on the model, you draw the vapour into your mouth before inhaling (MTL), or inhale it directly into your lungs (DL). Some devices offer adjustable settings, while others work automatically.
Depending on the model, you replace either the coil alone or the whole cartridge when it wears out.
Devices from Kiwi Vapor, JNR and Geekvape are examples of this type.
Box mods: more control
A box mod holds a tank, also called a clearomiser, which contains the e-liquid and coil. It lets you adjust the power and customise your setup. The draw and airflow adjustment depend on the tank fitted.
It suits anyone who wants more adjustable settings and is happy to learn about a few extra parts. Battery life depends on the built-in battery or removable battery cells used. For a mod with removable batteries, check which cells are compatible before buying.
Vape pens: the pen-shaped format
A battery and tank in a tubular device: vape pens have a slim, elongated shape and usually offer few adjustable settings.
Less common today, this format remains an option for those who enjoy how it feels in the hand. The draw and battery life vary by model.
FIND MY DEVICE
Find your device in two questions
Your main priority points you in the right direction. Your daily cigarette consumption then helps you choose the right format.
What matters most to you?
How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
These guidelines are approximate: your habits and the device you use also matter.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Let’s find your starting point.
Select what matters most to you, then your daily cigarette consumption. A suggestion will appear here.
mAh: battery capacity. ml: e-liquid capacity. Higher power generally uses more e-liquid and drains the battery faster.
The figures shown are guidelines, mainly for low-power devices. They do not guarantee a full day of battery life. Always check the specifications of your chosen model.
Which size and capacity suit your needs?
How much you smoke doesn’t determine which system to choose, but it helps you consider battery life, e-liquid capacity and nicotine strength. These guidelines apply to both prefilled and refillable devices.
Less than 10 cigarettes a day
Keep it compact
A small, lightweight device may suit you. Check whether its battery life fits how often you use it and whether you can recharge during the day.
10 to 20 cigarettes a day
More battery life
Look for medium to high battery capacity and enough e-liquid capacity for your needs, so you can charge, refill or replace cartridges less often.
More than 20 cigarettes a day
Built for frequent use
Look for a long-lasting battery and enough e-liquid capacity for frequent use. You don’t have to choose a box mod: pods and prefilled systems also come in larger formats.
Battery life isn’t everything: your nicotine strength should also suit your needs and the device you use. Read our guide to choosing your nicotine strength.
Ready-to-start packs
To make choosing your first setup easier, our beginner packs bring together a device and the essentials to get started. Check each product page for the exact contents and available options.
- On sale
- Pack
- New versions
- On sale
- Pack
Premium Autonomy Pack Premium Autonomy Pack
- On sale
- Pack
Prefilled: keep it simple
A Kiwi Go Plus with extra prefilled cartridges. No refilling: simply replace the cartridge when it’s empty.
Refillable: explore flavours
An Aspire Avata pod, a spare cartridge and three e-liquids. Fill the cartridge yourself, then explore other compatible e-liquids.
Refillable: charge on the go
A Kiwi 2 with its own power bank, five e-liquids and accessories. Refill your cartridge and recharge your device even when you’re away from a socket.
Nicotine, flavours and charging: the essentials
Le bon taux de nicotine
Your nicotine strength depends on how much you smoke and the device you use. Nicotine salt e-liquids are particularly suited to low-power devices with a mouth-to-lung (MTL) draw.
To understand the differences and find your starting point, read our guide to choosing your nicotine strength.
Flavours for every taste
Tobacco, fruit, mint, ice, dessert or drinks: start with your own preferences.
Refillable devices let you choose from a wide range of compatible e-liquids. With prefilled systems, your choice depends on the cartridges available for your device.
Charging and cables
Most current devices charge using a USB-C cable. Some kits don’t include a cable, so check the contents listed on the product page.
When choosing a power adapter, follow the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
THE USEFUL BASICS
Understanding your device: how does an e-cigarette work?
When you inhale or press a button, the battery powers a coil that heats the e-liquid. You inhale the resulting vapour through the mouthpiece.
Battery Coil + e-liquid Vapour
Open the cards that interest you to learn about the parts of your device.
The battery
Your device’s power source.
It provides the energy your device needs to work. Its capacity is measured in mAh: at comparable power levels and usage, a higher capacity generally means longer battery life.
Depending on the model, the battery is built in or the device uses removable battery cells. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and check whether a cable is included.
The coil
The part that heats the e-liquid.
The coil contains a heating element and an absorbent material, usually cotton, that feeds e-liquid to it. It wears out over time: a persistent burnt taste or an unusual drop in performance may indicate that it needs replacing.
In some pods, the coil is built into the cartridge, so you replace the whole cartridge. With a refillable device, allow the soaking time specified by the manufacturer before first use and stay within the recommended power range.
The tank or cartridge
Your e-liquid supply.
This holds your device’s e-liquid. Its capacity varies by model.
A prefilled cartridge is sealed and replaced when empty. A refillable cartridge or tank holds the e-liquid you choose, following the manufacturer’s compatibility recommendations.
The mouthpiece and airflow
How the vapour reaches you and the draw feels.
The mouthpiece, also called a drip tip, is the part you put to your lips.
Some devices have a ring or slider to adjust the air intake, known as airflow. A smaller opening generally gives a tighter draw; a larger opening makes the draw airier.
Power and battery life
Finding the right balance in everyday use.
Power is measured in watts. Some devices set it automatically; others let you adjust it.
Always stay within the recommended range for the coil installed. Higher power generally uses more e-liquid and energy, so a large battery alone does not guarantee a full day of use.
Mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung
Understanding MTL and DL.
With mouth-to-lung (MTL), you draw the vapour into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. This is similar to drawing on a cigarette and is generally used with a tight draw.
With direct-to-lung (DL), you inhale directly into your lungs with more airflow. This style generally produces more vapour and is usually paired with a lower nicotine strength.
Your choice depends on what feels comfortable and the device you use: moving from MTL to DL is not a necessary next step.
Nicotine and health: the essentials
E-cigarettes work without burning tobacco, but using them is not risk-free. Their long-term effects on health are still not fully understood.
Products containing nicotine can be highly addictive. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers.
For support with quitting smoking, speak to a healthcare professional.
Find out more: Vaping and health: common misconceptions.
Frequently asked questions
How does an e-cigarette work?
A battery powers a coil that heats the e-liquid to produce vapour. Depending on the model, the device activates when you inhale or press a button. No tobacco is burned.
Prefilled cartridges or refillable devices: which should I choose?
Prefilled cartridges keep things simple: you replace them when they’re empty. A refillable device lets you choose your e-liquid from compatible products and generally costs less to use. The comparison on this page explains both systems.
What is the simplest e-cigarette for a beginner?
An inhale-activated pod with prefilled cartridges keeps handling to a minimum: nothing to fill or adjust. If you prefer to choose your own e-liquid, a refillable pod with few settings is another option.
What do I need to get started?
You need a device, a cartridge or tank fitted with a coil, and a suitable charging setup. For a refillable system, you also need a compatible e-liquid. Check the exact kit contents: the cable and, for some devices, removable battery cells are not included. For devices with removable batteries, check which cells are compatible before buying.
What is the difference between a rechargeable vape and a disposable?
A disposable e-cigarette is designed to be discarded once its e-liquid or battery runs out. With a reusable system, you keep the battery and replace the cartridge or coil. Remember: a rechargeable battery does not necessarily mean the tank is refillable.
Can I get advice?
Yes. The Freevap team can help you choose your device and compatible replacement parts. You’ll find contact details and opening hours on our Customer service page.
How does delivery work?
Delivery methods, any charges and delivery time conditions are explained on our Delivery page. Check it for the arrangements that apply to your order.
Still unsure? The Freevap crew is here to help.
Torn between two systems or unsure which device to choose? The Freevap team can help you work out what you need and find a suitable device, with clear, straightforward explanations.
Further reading
Find a nicotine strength that suits your needs and your device.
Explore health questions relating to vaping in more detail.
Understand the terms and abbreviations used for vaping devices.
Discover where to return your used vaping devices for recycling.