Vape pen is a slim, pen-shaped electronic cigarette built from a battery, an atomiser and a mouthpiece, designed to vaporise e-liquid into an inhalable aerosol. The pen format replicates the size and feel of a tobacco cigarette, runs on a rechargeable lithium battery between 800mAh and 1500mAh, and pairs with either a refillable tank or a prefilled pod. UK vape pens follow TPD limits, 2ml tank capacity and 20mg maximum nicotine strength.
What is a Vape Pen
Vape pen is a compact e-cigarette that vaporises e-liquid through a heating coil powered by an internal battery. The device sits between a cigalike and a vape mod in size, typically 100mm to 130mm long and 18mm to 22mm wide.
Three traits define a vape pen against other formats. First, the cylindrical shape. Second, a single-button or draw-activated operation. Third, an MTL-focused coil between 0.8Ω and 1.5Ω that delivers a tight cigarette-like draw.
Vape pens entered the UK market in 2010 as a step up from the original cigalikes. By 2026, the pen format covers refillable tank kits, prefilled pod-pen hybrids, and high-capacity prefilled systems like the IVG 2400 Vape Kit, which deliver disposable-style convenience in a pen-shaped chassis.
Vape Pen Parts and Anatomy
A vape pen has 3 working parts, the battery, the atomiser, and the mouthpiece. Each performs a single function in the vapour cycle.
- Battery section, holds the rechargeable cell, the chip and the USB-C port.
- Atomiser, contains the heating coil and wick, screws onto the battery via a 510 connection.
- Mouthpiece, sits at the top, channels vapour from the coil to the user.
The atomiser is the consumable part. The coil inside may need replacing every 7 to 14 days, depending on use. The battery section can last 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on its condition and usage. The mouthpiece, often a press-fit drip tip, is a longer-lasting component.
Some UK vape pens connect a tank to the battery through a 510 thread, an industry-standard fitting. Other pen-style devices use proprietary pods or connections. A 510 connection can support compatible tanks, provided their resistance, dimensions and power requirements match the device.
Refillable Vape Pen
Refillable vape pen uses a tank you fill yourself with bottled e-liquid. UK nicotine-containing vape tanks are subject to a 2ml capacity limit. Depending on the device, the tank may screw onto the battery through a 510 thread or use another compatible fitting. Coil resistance and replacement methods vary by model.
Refillable vape pens can offer lower ongoing e-liquid costs. A 10ml bottle provides enough liquid for five full 2ml fills, although some liquid may remain unused. To refill a tank, follow its manufacturer's filling instructions and allow a new coil to saturate before use.
The SKE Crystal Bar 600 Pro, the Vaporesso Gtx One Pro Kit and the Oxva Xlim Pro 3 Pod Kit illustrate different rechargeable vaping formats. The SKE Crystal Bar 600 Pro is a prefilled pod system, while the Vaporesso GTX One Pro and OXVA XLIM Pro 3 support compatible refillable options. Always check individual coil and e-liquid compatibility.
Prefilled Vape Pen
Prefilled vape pen uses sealed pre-loaded pods or cartridges in a pen-shaped device. The user inserts a compatible 2ml pod, vapes until empty, and replaces the pod rather than refilling it manually.
Prefilled vape pens close the gap between disposables and refillable kits. The IVG 2400 Vape Kit pairs a rechargeable device with a multi-pod prefilled system. Its advertised puff count is an estimate that varies with use. Compatible pods are available in nicotine salt options, including 20mg where specified. View the full pod range at IVG 2400 Reload Pods.
MTL vs Sub-Ohm Vape Pen
A vape pen can support different vaping styles, including MTL and DTL. MTL means drawing vapour into the mouth first and then inhaling into the lungs, similar to the way a cigarette is smoked. DTL means inhaling vapour directly into the lungs. Sub-ohm refers to a coil resistance below 1.0Ω, rather than an inhalation method.
MTL vape pens commonly use higher-resistance coils, often around 0.8Ω to 1.5Ω, with comparatively low power output. Many work with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids or compatible nicotine salts at 10mg or 20mg. The draw is generally tighter, with lower vapour output.
Sub-ohm vape pens use coils below 1.0Ω and may operate at higher wattages depending on the device. DTL-oriented systems often work with high-VG shortfills at lower nicotine strengths, such as 0mg to 6mg, where compatible with the coil and manufacturer's recommendations.
Vape Pen vs Pod Kit
Vape pens and pod kits share the same basic purpose, producing an inhalable aerosol from e-liquid. They can differ in shape, cartridge design and battery configuration, although modern devices may overlap in both categories. The table below compares common features of each format.
A vape pen may suit users who prefer a slim device and a refillable tank. A pod kit may suit users who prefer compact cartridges and straightforward replacement. Battery life and running costs depend on the individual device rather than its shape alone. Browse compact alternatives at prefilled pod kits.
Vape Pen E-Liquid Pairing
Vape pens can work with different e-liquid types depending on coil resistance, power output and wick design. MTL pens commonly use 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids or compatible nicotine salts. Sub-ohm pens designed for higher-power DTL vaping may work with 70/30 high-VG shortfills at lower nicotine strengths. Hybrid devices can support more than one vaping style when fitted with suitable coils or cartridges.
For UK users interested in IVG flavours, the IVG vape brand collection includes different IVG products and flavour options. Availability and nicotine strength depend on the specific product.
Vape Pen Battery Life
Vape pen battery life depends on battery capacity, power output and vaping frequency. The SKE Crystal Bar 600 Pro, Vaporesso Gtx One Pro Kit and Oxva Xlim Pro 3 Pod Kit show how battery capacity varies across different vape devices. Checking the mah rating alongside your expected usage can help you choose a device with suitable battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vape Pens
What is a vape pen used for?
A vape pen is used to vaporise e-liquid containing nicotine or nicotine-free ingredients into an inhalable aerosol. Unlike cigarettes, vaping devices do not burn tobacco. This generally reduces exposure to many harmful substances associated with tobacco smoke, although vaping is not risk-free.
How long does a vape pen last?
The lifespan of a vape pen depends on its battery, construction, maintenance and frequency of use. Some rechargeable devices can remain usable for 12 to 18 months or longer. Coils may require replacement after several days or weeks, while rechargeable batteries gradually lose capacity through repeated charging. Find out how long a vape lasts, from battery life to coil replacement.
Is a vape pen better than a pod kit?
It depends on the user's preferences. A vape pen may suit someone looking for a cylindrical design or refillable tank, while a pod kit may offer convenient cartridge replacement and a compact shape. Battery life, vapour output and running costs depend on the particular device.
What e-liquid suits a vape pen?
An MTL vape pen commonly works with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid or compatible nicotine salts at 10mg or 20mg. Some sub-ohm vape pens are designed for 70/30 high-VG e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended e-liquid ratio and nicotine strength for the specific coil.
How much does a vape pen cost in the UK?
Vape pen prices vary according to brand, battery capacity, kit contents and device features. Some entry-level devices cost around £8.99, while more advanced models may cost £35 or more. Actual prices depend on the retailer and product. The UK's Vaping Products Duty is scheduled to apply from 1 October 2026 at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, with VAT treatment affecting the final retail price.
Can a vape pen use IVG nic salts?
Yes, if the device is compatible. Suitable refillable MTL vape pens may work with IVG nicotine salt e-liquids, including 10mg and 20mg options. However, not every vape pen or coil is compatible with every nicotine salt formulation. Prefilled IVG pod systems require their specified replacement pods rather than bottled e-liquid.
Is a vape pen safe?
Vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking combustible cigarettes for adults who switch completely, but it is not risk-free. Vape aerosol can contain nicotine and other substances that may affect health. Non-smokers and young people should not start vaping.
