Switching to vaping for the first time can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of devices, brands, and options available, how do you choose vape kit that's right for you? This beginner's guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose your first vape kit with confidence.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Vape Devices
Before choosing a device, it helps to understand the main categories:
- Disposable vapes — Pre-filled, single-use devices. No charging or refilling needed. Great for trying vaping for the first time. Examples: Lost Mary BM600, SKE Crystal Bar.
- Pod kits (starter kits) — Reusable devices that use replaceable prefilled pods. More cost-effective long-term and better for the environment. Examples: Vaporesso Xros, Hayati FineBar.
- Vape pens — Slim, pen-shaped devices that use refillable tanks. More customisable but slightly more complex for beginners.
- Box mods — Advanced devices with adjustable settings. Not recommended for beginners.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nicotine Strength
Getting your nicotine strength right is crucial. Too low and you'll still crave cigarettes. Too high and it'll be harsh and unpleasant.
- Heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes/day): Start with 20mg nicotine salt
- Moderate smokers (10–20 cigarettes/day): Try 10–20mg nicotine salt
- Light smokers (under 10/day): Start with 10mg or lower
- Non-smokers: We recommend not starting with nicotine at all
Nicotine salts (nic salts) are smoother than freebase nicotine and are used in most pod kits and disposables. They're ideal for beginners.
Step 3: Pick Your Flavour Style
One of the best things about vaping is the incredible variety of flavours. Here are the most popular categories:
- Fruity — Watermelon, mango, strawberry, blueberry. The most popular category in the UK.
- Menthol/Ice — Cool, refreshing, and great for ex-menthol cigarette smokers.
- Dessert — Vanilla custard, strawberry ice cream, caramel. Rich and sweet.
- Tobacco — Closest to the taste of cigarettes. Good for those who miss the familiar flavour.
Not sure? Start with a disposable vape. Choose a flavor that sounds appealing. It's a low-cost way to find what you like. Then invest in a pod kit.
Step 4: How to Choose Vape Kit: Should You Start with a Disposable or a Pod Kit?
This is the most common question from beginners. Here's our honest advice:
Start with a disposable vape if: You want to try vaping with zero commitment. You're not sure if vaping is for you. Or, you want to test different flavors cheaply.
Go straight to a pod kit if: You're committed to switching from cigarettes. You want to save money long-term. Or, you worry about disposable's environmental impact.
Many people start with a disposable. They find a flavor they love. Then they switch to a pod kit with the same flavor in pod form.
Step 5: Consider Your Budget
Here's a rough cost guide:
- Disposable vape (600 puffs): £4–5 per device
- Starter pod kit: £10–25 for the device, then £4–6 per pack of pods
- Big puff disposable (10,000 puffs): £15–25 per device, lasts 1–2 weeks
For most beginners, a starter pod kit pays for itself within 2–3 weeks compared to buying disposables daily.
Our Top Recommendations for Beginners
- Best disposable to start with: Lost Mary BM600 or SKE Crystal Bar — consistent flavour, great build quality, TPD compliant
- Best pod kit for beginners: Vaporesso Xros or Hayati FineBar — simple to use, great flavour, long battery life
- Best big puff disposable: Hayati Pro Max 4000 — lasts several days, rechargeable, excellent flavour range
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaping safe for beginners? Vaping is considered significantly less harmful than smoking by Public Health England, but it is not risk-free. It is intended as a tool for adult smokers to switch away from cigarettes, not as a product for non-smokers.
How do I use a disposable vape? Simply remove it from the packaging and inhale from the mouthpiece. There are no buttons or settings — the device activates automatically when you inhale.
How do I use a pod kit? Insert the pod into the device, wait 5 minutes for the coil to prime, then inhale. Most pod kits are draw-activated like disposables — no buttons needed.
How long does a vape last? A 600 puff disposable lasts 1–2 days for an average vaper. A pod kit with a 2ml pod lasts roughly the same. Big puff disposables (10,000+ puffs) can last 1–2 weeks.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse our full range of beginner-friendly vapes at Vape Enterprise. We stock everything from simple 600 puff disposables to full starter kits, all with fast UK delivery.
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Best Nicotine Pouches UK 2026 — Our Top Picks