Vape pods are e-liquid cartridges that attach to a pod kit battery. They differ by refill system, coil design, draw style and format. The main types include prefilled pods, refillable pods, built-in coil pods, replaceable coil pods, MTL pods, DTL pods and larger refill-container formats.
A vape pod is the e-liquid cartridge that holds e-liquid and uses a coil to produce vapour. The type of pod affects how you fill it, replace it, choose e-liquid and use the device.
This guide explains the main types of vape pods available in the UK and gives examples of products that fit each format.
What Is a Vape Pod?
A vape pod is a small e-liquid cartridge that attaches to a battery and contains the components needed to produce vapour. A typical pod includes:
- E-liquid reservoir: Holds the e-liquid inside the pod.
- Coil: Heats the e-liquid to produce vapour.
- Mouthpiece: The part you inhale through.
- Connector: Joins the pod to the compatible battery.
Pod designs vary by capacity, coil arrangement, filling method and airflow. These differences determine whether a pod is prefilled or refillable, uses a built-in or replaceable coil, and produces an MTL or DTL draw.
What Are the Main Types of Vape Pods?
Vape pods can be classified across four main areas:
- Refill system: Prefilled or refillable
- Coil design: Built-in or replaceable
- Draw style: MTL or DTL
- Format: Standard pod or larger refill-container format
A single pod can belong to several categories at once. For example, a pod can be prefilled, built-in coil and MTL at the same time.
Prefilled Pods vs Refillable Pods: What Is the Difference?
The main difference is how the pod receives its e-liquid. Prefilled pods arrive with e-liquid already inside, while refillable pods are supplied empty so you can add compatible bottled e-liquid.
| Aspect | Prefilled Pods | Refillable Pods |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Factory-filled | Filled by the user |
| Flavour choice | Limited to available pod flavours | Compatible bottled e-liquid |
| Maintenance | Replace the pod | Refill and replace the pod when required |
| Coil | Usually built into the pod | Built-in or replaceable depending on design |
| Use | Ready-to-use format | More control over e-liquid choice |
Prefilled Pods (Closed System)
Prefilled pods are sealed cartridges supplied with e-liquid already inside. When the e-liquid is finished or the pod reaches the end of its usable life, you replace it with a compatible pod.
- Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000 Pods
- Lost Mary BM600 Prefilled Pods
- Hyola Pro Max 8000 Pods
- SKE Pro 600 Prefilled Pods
These products show the closed-system format, where the user receives a pod that is already filled rather than adding bottled e-liquid to the cartridge.
Refillable Pods (Open System)
Refillable pods are empty cartridges that you fill with bottled e-liquid through a dedicated filling port. You can refill the cartridge until the pod or built-in coil reaches the end of its usable life.
Other Elf Bar replacement pod ranges include:
Check the specific product variant before purchasing, as not every Elf Bar replacement pod is designed for manual refilling.
The Elf Bar Mate 500 Refillable Pods use a 1.2Ω built-in mesh coil, a side-fill port and an MTL draw.
Refillable pods give you more control over flavour, nicotine strength and e-liquid selection, provided the e-liquid matches the pod and device requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Built-In and Replaceable Coil Pods?
The difference is whether you replace the coil separately.
Built-In Coil Pods
A built-in coil pod has the heating coil permanently installed inside the cartridge. When the coil reaches the end of its usable life, you replace the complete pod.
The Elf Bar Mate 500 Refillable Pods are an example of a refillable pod with a 1.2Ω built-in mesh coil. You refill the pod with compatible e-liquid, but the coil itself is not separately replaced.
Other replacement pod ranges with integrated coils include:
Replaceable Coil Pods
A replaceable coil pod separates the coil from the pod body. When the coil needs changing, you remove the old coil and install a compatible replacement while continuing to use the pod.
Unlike integrated-coil replacement pods, this format allows the heating coil to be changed independently of the pod cartridge. The exact replacement method depends on the device, so always check that the pod and coil are designed for your specific device.
What Are MTL and DTL Vape Pods?
MTL and DTL describe how the vapour is inhaled.
| Aspect | MTL Pods | DTL Pods |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | Tight or restricted | Open and airy |
| Inhale | Mouth first, then lungs | Directly to lungs |
| Typical coil range | Higher resistance | Lower resistance |
| E-liquid | Often 50/50 or nic salt | Often higher-VG liquids |
| Vapour | Smaller output | Larger output |
MTL Vape Pods
MTL pods provide a mouth-to-lung draw, where vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs. This style uses tighter airflow and is common in compact pod kits.
Examples of products suited to an MTL-focused pod format include:
DTL Vape Pods
DTL pods provide a direct-to-lung draw, with vapour inhaled directly into the lungs. These pods generally use more open airflow and lower-resistance coils.
The IVG DTL 35K Pods are an example from the Royal Vapery range for a DTL-oriented pod format.
Some replacement pod systems can also support different draw styles depending on the coil used. Always check the specific pod and device specifications before selecting an e-liquid.
What Are Big Puff Pods and Refill Container Pods?
Big puff pod systems are rechargeable vaping formats designed to provide more use than traditional small pod systems. Some systems use multiple pods, while others combine a 2ml pod with a larger refill container.
Multi-flavour systems provide another format within this category.
These products use multi-flavour pod formats, allowing users to switch between flavours within the compatible system.
A refill-container format works differently. The IVG SAVR Pods use a 2ml prefilled pod with a 4ml refill container, giving a combined 6ml e-liquid capacity per set.
How Do Vape Pods Attach to a Device?
Vape pods generally use one of three connection methods:
- Magnetic: Magnets hold the pod inside the compatible battery.
- Clip-in: The pod snaps into position using a physical fitting.
- Threaded: The pod screws onto the battery, but this is less common in modern pod systems.
The connection must match the device because pods are generally designed for specific batteries and are not interchangeable between different brands.
Is a Vape Pod the Same as a Vape Cartridge?
No, a vape pod and vape cartridge are not always the same thing. Pod usually refers to a cartridge designed for a pod system, while cartridge can describe several types of e-liquid containers depending on the device.
For UK nicotine vaping, pod generally refers to the cartridge used with a compatible pod kit.
Which E-Liquid Works With Each Pod Type?
The correct e-liquid depends on the coil resistance, airflow and device design.
MTL refillable pods commonly work with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid or suitable nicotine salts. Lower-resistance DTL pods can require e-liquids with a higher VG ratio.
Always check the pod manufacturer's recommended e-liquid range before filling a refillable pod.
Are Disposable Vape Pods Legal in the UK?
No. Single-use disposable vapes have been banned in the UK since 1 June 2025. Reusable pod systems remain available, including prefilled and refillable formats designed for use with rechargeable devices.
UK nicotine products must also comply with the applicable product, nicotine and e-liquid capacity limits.
How Do You Choose the Right Vape Pod?
Choose a vape pod by checking four factors:
- Refill system: Choose prefilled if you want a sealed pod or refillable if you want to use bottled e-liquid.
- Draw style: Choose MTL for a tighter draw or DTL for a more open draw.
- Coil design: Check whether the pod has a built-in or replaceable coil.
- Compatibility: Confirm that the pod is designed for your exact device.
Always check the product specifications before buying replacement pods because pod shapes, connections and coil resistances vary between devices.
Where Can You Buy Vape Pods in the UK?
You can buy different types of vape pods from Royal Vapery, including prefilled, refillable and replacement pod options. The range includes products from brands such as Hayati, IVG, Elf Bar, Al Fakher, Crystal, Lost Mary, SKE, OXVA and Vaporesso.
For users looking for bottled e-liquid for compatible refillable pods, Royal Vapery also stocks nic salt e-liquids.
FAQs About Vape Pods
What are the two main types of vape pods?
The two main types are prefilled and refillable pods. Prefilled pods arrive with e-liquid already inside, while refillable pods are filled by the user with compatible bottled e-liquid.
What is the difference between open and closed pods?
The difference is how they are filled. Open pods are refillable, while closed pods are supplied prefilled and replaced when their e-liquid is finished.
Can you refill a prefilled vape pod?
No, a sealed prefilled pod is not designed to be refilled. Replace it with a compatible prefilled pod when it reaches the end of its usable life.
What is a pod cartridge?
A pod cartridge is the e-liquid-holding component that attaches to a compatible pod battery. It can contain a built-in coil or work with a separate replaceable coil.
Are MTL or DTL pods better for beginners?
MTL pods provide a tighter draw that is closer to the inhale style used with cigarettes. DTL pods use a more open airflow and are more commonly selected by experienced vapers. Read our guide to MTL vs DTL vaping to understand the key differences.
What nicotine strength works best in a vape pod?
The appropriate nicotine strength depends on the user's previous nicotine intake and the device being used. 10mg and 20mg nicotine strengths are common options for UK MTL pod systems.
Can you use nic salts in any vape pod?
No, nicotine salts are not suitable for every pod. They are commonly used with MTL pods and higher-resistance coils. Always follow the e-liquid and coil recommendations for the specific device.
How big can a vape pod be in the UK?
A nicotine e-liquid pod is subject to the applicable UK 2ml tank or cartridge capacity limit. Larger overall formats can use additional compliant refill containers rather than increasing the capacity of the individual pod itself.
Are disposable vape pods banned in the UK?
Yes, single-use disposable vapes have been banned in the UK since 1 June 2025. Reusable rechargeable pod systems remain available.
How long does a vape pod last?
A pod can last from several days to longer, depending on e-liquid consumption, vaping frequency, coil resistance and the type of e-liquid used. Reduced flavour or a persistent burnt taste can indicate that the pod or coil needs replacing.
Do prefilled or refillable pods cost less?
Refillable pods can have a lower ongoing e-liquid cost because you buy bottled e-liquid rather than replacing a prefilled cartridge each time. The actual cost depends on the pod, e-liquid and frequency of use.
Can you mix pods between different vape brands?
No, pods are generally designed for specific devices. Check the exact device compatibility before buying a replacement pod.
What is a big puff pod?
A big puff pod is part of a rechargeable pod system designed to provide more use than a traditional small pod system. Some models use multiple pods, while others combine a 2ml pod with a larger refill container.
Do all vape pods use magnetic connections?
No, not all vape pods use magnetic connections. Magnetic connections are common in modern pod systems, while other devices can use clip-in or threaded connections.
Which vape pod is best for switching from smoking?
An MTL pod can provide a tighter draw that resembles the inhale style of a cigarette. The appropriate nicotine strength and pod format depend on the user's previous smoking and nicotine intake.
