Let Know! What is a disposable vape?

A disposable vape is an electronic nicotine delivery system that requires no assembly or setup. Instead, it comes pre-filled with e-liquid and is ready to use right out of the box. The e-liquid usually (but not always) contains nicotine. After the battery and/or e-liquid is used up, the device is disposed of.

Disposable devices contain the following elements:

1. A battery, usually lithium-ion, which provides the power.r
2. A coil which absorbs the e-liquid and provides heat to turn it into vapour.
3. A pod, which contains the e-liquid. In a disposable vape this is usually built into the device.
4. E-liquid, which contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings. It usually (but not always) also contains nicotine.
5. A mouthpiece.

How do disposable devices work?

When you inhale on a disposable vape a sensor activates the battery.

The battery powers the coils, which in turn heats up the liquid in the cartridge. This creates a vapour that can be inhaled.

Why are disposables popular?

In 2023, it was reported that 31% of vapers used disposables, compared with just 2.2% in 2021. It’s hard to put a finger on why, but I think the following factors contribute:

1. They are convenient and easy to use.
2. They don’t require any commitment. When you buy a vape device, you are essentially saying you are a long-term vaper. But when you buy a single-use device, you are simply committing to a day’s use.
3. They offer strong, sweet flavours.

However, as we shall see:

1. Some vape devices, especially prefilled pod systems, are also easy and convenient to use.
2. The advent of ‘bar salts’ e-liquids that replicate the taste of disposables now means that disposable vapers don’t need to sacrifice flavour when switching to reusable devices.

Ease of use

Disposable devices are incredibly easy to use. Simply slip off the plastic cover at the ends and inhale

FAQs

Why does my disposable vape taste burnt?

All vape devices have a coil inside them. These have a limited life span, and will eventually ‘burn’. Most coils in disposable vapes will usually last longer than the battery of the e-liquid, but on rare occasions they may burn out first. This can cause what is called a ‘dry hit’, which is when you do not get any flavour or get a burnt taste.

If this happens repeatedly, you can try switching to a different brand or taking lighter inhales. Or, even better, switch to a device where you can switch the pods and/or coils!

How do you refill a disposable vape?

Again, it is not possible to fill a disposable vape. Indeed, it is rather against the point of them! Instead, switch to a refillable device.