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Vape Starter Kits Vape Kits
If you're new to vaping, a quality vape starter kit is a simple way to begin. Each kit provides everything you need in one package: a device, a built-in battery, and often a coil or pod pre-fitted and ready to use. There's no need for extra purchases, and no prior vaping experience required.
At VapeBus, we've curated a selection of beginner-friendly vape kits that offer an excellent balance of simplicity, performance, and value. Whether you're looking for a pocket-sized pod kit or a more feature-rich pen-style vape, you're sure to find a great option here. All of our products are fully TPD compliant and are quickly shipped across the UK.
New to Vaping?
Prefilled pod kits are the simplest place to start — no filling, no setup. Just click in a pod and inhale.
Budget-Conscious?
Refillable kits paired with nic salt e-liquids work out far cheaper per day than both cigarettes and disposables.
Ex-Smoker?
MTL (mouth-to-lung) kits most closely replicate the draw of a cigarette — the natural choice for anyone making the switch.
Not all beginner kits are the same, and understanding the difference saves you from buying the wrong device twice. The three main formats you'll come across are:
Pod Vape Kits
Pod kits are the most popular choice for new vapers in the UK right now — and for good reason. They're compact, leak-resistant, and often inhale activated (no buttons needed). Most come in either prefilled or refillable variants. Prefilled pods snap in and out like a cartridge; refillable pods let you top up with any compatible e-liquid, which keeps running costs down significantly.
Pen-Style Vapes
A vape pen is a slim, cylindrical device — slightly larger than a pod kit but still very pocketable. Most pen kits feature a single-button fire mechanism, adjustable airflow, and a replaceable coil. They tend to offer a touch more vapour production and battery capacity than entry-level pod kits, making them a sensible step up once you've found your feet.
Quick note on DTL vs MTL: Mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits mimic the restricted draw of a cigarette — ideal for ex-smokers. Direct-to-lung (DTL) kits produce bigger clouds with an airier draw — better suited to those after a more immersive vaping experience.
Getting the nicotine level right from the start makes a real difference to whether your switch sticks. Too low and you'll be vaping constantly; too high and it can feel harsh and unpleasant. Here's a rough starting guide:
| Daily Cigarettes | Recommended Strength | E-Liquid Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 cigs/day | 3–6mg | Freebase nicotine |
| 5–15 cigs/day | 10–12mg | Freebase or nic salts |
| 15–20 cigs/day | 18–20mg | Nic salts strongly recommended |
| 20+ cigs/day | 20mg (max UK legal) | Nic salts — smoother at higher strength |
Freebase vs. Nicotine Salts — What's the Difference?
Freebase nicotine is the classic formulation found in most 10ml bottles. It delivers a noticeable throat hit and works well at lower concentrations. Nicotine salts (nic salts) use a slightly different chemical form that absorbs into the bloodstream faster — much closer to how a cigarette delivers nicotine. At 20mg, nic salts remain smooth and clean-tasting, which is why they've become the go-to choice for anyone making the switch from cigarettes in the UK.
First-time tip: If you've smoked for a while, start with a 20mg nic salt. You can always drop down once the cravings are under control — but starting too low often leads people back to cigarettes.
We stock beginner kits from the most established names in the industry. Each brand brings something slightly different to the table — below are the ones that consistently perform well for new vapers:
Aspire Vaporesso OXVA Geekvape Elf Bar Lost Mary Innokin SMOK
What Features Actually Matter?
- Battery capacity (mAh): Higher mAh means longer between charges. Look for 800mAh+ for all-day use.
- Coil resistance (Ω): Coils above 0.8Ω suit MTL vaping; below 0.6Ω are better for sub-ohm, DTL-style inhales.
- USB-C charging: Most modern kits now use USB-C — faster and far more convenient than older micro-USB designs.
- Mesh coils: Mesh coil technology delivers a noticeably smoother, more flavourful hit compared to standard wire coils.
- Adjustable airflow: Even a simple two-position airflow slider gives you meaningful control over your draw tightness.
✅ Prefilled Pod Kits
- Zero setup — ready straight from the box
- No filling, no mess, no leaks
- Consistent flavour every time
- Limited to the manufacturer's flavour range
- Higher ongoing cost per ml of e-liquid
✅ Refillable Pod & Pen Kits
- Compatible with the full range of 10ml e-liquids and nic salts
- Much lower cost per day long-term
- Greater flavour freedom
- Small learning curve on first fill
- Coils need replacing every 1–2 weeks
For most people who are serious about ditching cigarettes for good, a refillable kit is the smarter long-term investment — especially when paired with quality nic salt e-liquids. That said, if simplicity is the priority in the early days, a prefilled kit removes every possible barrier to getting started.
Is vaping cheaper than smoking?
In most cases, yes — substantially so. A 20-a-day smoker typically spends £3,500–£4,000 a year on cigarettes. Switching to a refillable vape kit with nic salts generally works out to under £600 annually, once you account for e-liquid and replacement coils.
Are vape starter kits legal in the UK?
Yes. All products sold by VapeBus comply with the UK's Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), which means nicotine-containing e-liquids are capped at 20mg/ml and pods/tanks are limited to 2ml. Every kit in our starter range meets these standards.
What's the best vape starter kit for a heavy smoker?
For a heavy smoker (20+ per day), we'd recommend an MTL pod kit paired with 20mg nic salts. Devices like the Vaporesso XROS range or the OXVA Xlim series consistently receive strong feedback from ex-smokers specifically because of their tight, cigarette-like draw and reliable nicotine delivery.
Can I use any e-liquid with my starter kit?
It depends on the kit type. Refillable kits are compatible with any standard 10ml bottle (50/50 PG/VG ratio works best in MTL coils). Prefilled pod systems only work with their own branded pods. Always check the coil resistance — high-resistance coils above 0.8Ω pair best with high-PG, thin e-liquids like nic salts.
How long does a coil last?
With normal use, most replacement coils last between one and two weeks. Sweetened e-liquids (dessert or fruit flavours) tend to gunk up coils faster. A bitter or burnt taste is a reliable sign it's time to swap the coil out.
Free UK Delivery On all orders over £20 — dispatched same day
TPD Compliant All products meet UK TRPR regulations
Age Verified 18+ only — strict compliance throughout
Expert Support Real advice from real vapers, seven days a week
Vaping products are intended for adult smokers and ex-smokers looking to reduce or eliminate cigarette use. If you have never smoked, we strongly advise against taking up vaping. VapeBus does not sell to persons under the age of 18.