Disposable Vapes

Disposable Vapes: FAQS

• What Is A Disposable Vape?

  A disposable vape is a non-rechargeable vaping device that is pre-filled with e-liquid and ready to go straight from the packet. With no need for charging or assembly, these compact vapes are designed for on-the-go use. Once finished, this self-contained device can be thrown away or recycled. Most disposable vapes are inhale-activated, with no buttons or air flow controls to contend with. The basic design is reflected in the price of disposable vapes, which are significantly cheaper than refillable vape pods or vape pen kits. Each disposable vape contains 2ml of e-liquid, which is the current legal amount allowed in these devices.

• How Do Disposable Vapes Work?

  Disposable vapes work in the same way as all vaping devices; the liquid is heated using a metal coil surrounded by a cotton wick. The liquid is turned into a vapour, which the user inhales. As disposable vapes are self-contained, the battery is part of the unit and cannot be recharged. To activate the vape, simply inhale from the mouthpiece. Some disposable vape models have sensor lights to let you know when the vape has run out of battery, while others will simply stop working when they’re finished.

• What’s Inside A Disposable Vape?

  Unlike refillable vapes, the inner workings of a disposable vape can be a mystery. With no need to top up e-liquid or charge a battery, you don’t need to open up your disposable - but it is important to understand how it works. These compact devices house three integral components.

  

  Precharged Battery: Used to power the device and heat up the coil.
  Heating Element/Coil: Used to heat up the e-liquid and produce vapour.
  E-liquid Chamber: Tank containing the vape juice.

• How Long Does A Disposable Vape Typically Last?

  Standard disposable vapes will offer around 600 puffs; however, individual vaping habits will impact how long they last. On average, a disposable vape will last for a day and provide the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. Heavier vapers will find their vape runs out quicker, while light users may get 2-3 days out of each disposable.
  
  Newer ‘big puff’ vapes are becoming increasingly popular, with vapers looking for a longer-lasting experience. Using prefilled pods, these fully TPD-compliant vapes offer 2400, 3500, 4000, or even 5000 puffs.

• What Age Can You To Legally Vape?

  In the UK, the legal age for vaping is 18. This aligns with current smoking laws and applies to all vaping products, even zero-nicotine products including e liquids and disposables. It is illegal to sell vape products to anyone under 18.

• Are Disposable Vapes Bad For The Environment?

  Like any disposable item, there’s an environmental impact when vapes are manufactured, transported and disposed of, especially when they’re simply thrown in the regular bin or dropped on the street when finished. The primary disposal concern is in the battery, which contains chemicals like lithium that are mined at significant cost to the environment and can cause environmental damage if they go to landfills or end up in rivers or oceans. Then there are the plastic and metal components, which would just go to landfill.

• How Do I Dispose Of My Vape?

  Did you know? Eight disposable vapes are thrown away every second (Source: Recycle Your Electronics). At Go Smoke-Free, we strongly encourage vapers to dispose of their vapes responsibly. Vaping waste is a huge problem, especially with disposable devices. Once your vape has run out, you can recycle it. Keep your used disposables together, and when you next go to the recycling centre, take them with you. From there, they can be broken down and have some components recycled or disposed of safely. Many vape stores, councils and supermarkets will also collect your used disposables and have them disposed of responsibly, just as they do with batteries. Visit Recycle Your Electricals to learn more and find your local recycling centre.

• Can Disposable Vapes Help You Stop Smoking?

  Vaping is an excellent tool for those looking to stop smoking cigarettes and is recommended by the NHS. Disposable vapes closely replicate the look and feel of a traditional cigarette, helping you manage the nicotine cravings and stick to your routine. One of the great things about disposable vapes is the wide range of flavours available, making it easy for you to find the one that best matches your current tobacco. Once you have made the switch to disposables, you can start to slowly reduce the amount you’re vaping and the strength of your vape as you take steps to become 100% nicotine-free.

• What Disposable Vape Flavours Are Available?

  One of the reasons why disposable vapes are so popular is the variety of flavours available. Whether you’re looking for a classic tobacco or menthol taste or prefer something a little more adventurous, there’s something to suit all tastebuds. Fruity and dessert flavour disposable vapes are incredibly popular, especially with those looking for a smooth, sweet hit.

• Are Disposable Vapes Addictive?

  Yes, 99% of disposable vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. If you are using disposables as a way to stop smoking, you will still be getting a nicotine fix through the disposable vape; however, you won’t get the harmful chemicals that come with traditional cigarettes. We do not recommend vaping to non-smokers as you can get addicted to the nicotine in vapes.

• Are Disposable Vapes Better Than Reusable Ones?

  Disposable vapes and refillable vapes both offer a great alternative to smoking; however, whether one is better than the other is down to personal taste. Disposables are obviously a more convenient option and are great when you’re on the go. Refillable vapes must be charged and filled with e-liquid when they run out. While disposable vapes are fairly cheap, vapers may find refillable vapes more cost-effective.

  Disposables are a great option for new vapers as they are ready to use straight from the packet. This means that you don’t have to spend time priming the coil or configuring your device settings. If you prefer a more customised approach, a refillable vape will let you create your ideal long-term vaping settings.

• What Are The Best Disposable Vapes?

  With so many disposable vape brands on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best one for your needs. At Go Smoke Free, we’re all vapers - so we know a thing or two about what makes a great disposable vape. Look for leading vape brands such as Elf Bar, Geek Bar, Lost Mary, Gold Bar and IVG. These brands all have a solid reputation in the industry and create innovative devices that deliver on both flavour and performance. Look for our bestselling models to find out which disposables are a hit with Go Smoke Free customers; these models are flying off the shelves and are a great option for new vapers or those looking to switch to a new device.

• How To Avoid Fake Disposable Vapes?

  One of the main issues with disposable vapes is the sheer amount of fake devices flooding the market. These unregulated vapes can be dangerous as there is no way to guarantee what you’re actually vaping. Only buy your disposable vapes from a reputable vaping retailer such as Go Smoke Free or a licensed vape shop. Look out for suspiciously cheap disposable vapes and ensure your disposable has the right packaging and clearly listed ingredients.

• What Is A Puff Count?

  You will notice the puff count of your disposable vape printed clearly on the packaging. This is the approximate number of puffs (or hits) your disposable vape will deliver. It is important to remember that this is not an exact amount; the longevity of your vape will depend on your individual vaping habits (the longer the draw length, the less puffs will be delivered).

• How Expensive Are Disposable Vapes?

  One of the benefits of choosing disposable vapes is they’re cheap to buy. Disposable vape prices start at around £3 for budget 600-puff devices, going up to £12 for higher-end or ‘big puff’ vapes.  If you regularly use disposable vapes, we recommend taking advantage of multi-buy deals or buying your vapes in bulk.
  
  Compared to smoking, switching to disposable vapes is cost-effective. A typical Elf Bar costs around £4 and is the equivalent of one packet of 20 cigarettes costing nearly £12.

• What Disposable Nicotine Strength Is Best?

  Finding the right nicotine strength is vital when choosing a disposable vape, as it can make or break your experience. The ‘best’ strength is the one that most closely replicates your cigarette smoking habit. Typically, disposable vapes come in 3 strengths: 20mg, 10mg and 0mg.
  
  20mg: High-strength disposable vapes are the most popular option for smokers looking to quit and the most common option to find in stores or online. This strength is ideal for heavy smokers of at least 10 a day.
  
  10mg: This strength is recommended for lighter or social smokers on less than ten a day. We recommend gradually moving to this lower strength once used to the 20mg.
  
  0mg: Nicotine-free disposable vapes are designed for those wanting to cut nicotine completely. 0mg options are usually the last stop on the journey to quit smoking; however, they may not satisfy the cravings of those taking their first steps.

• Can You Travel With A Disposable Vape?

  Disposable vapes are designed for use on the go; however, it is essential to note the rules surrounding travelling with your vape. In the UK, most public transport operators have policies in place that prohibit the use of vapes onboard.
  
  If you are flying, you must keep your vape on your person or in your hand luggage. This is because of the lithium-ion battery contained inside. Using any vape on an aeroplane is strictly prohibited and can lead to large fines, legal action and, depending on the airline, lifetime bans.
  
  If you are going on holiday, always research the laws around vaping before you travel. In countries such as Argentina, Mexico, India and Thailand, vaping is illegal, and those caught can face severe penalties.

• What Can I Vape After A Disposable Vape?

  For many vapers, disposable vapes are the first step away from cigarettes and into vaping. One drawback of disposable vapes is that they are single-use and cannot be recharged or refilled. If you are looking to find a more permanent vaping option, there are several routes you can take. Pod kits are a great choice; these compact, rechargeable devices come with either prefilled pods of e-liquid or empty pods for you to fill yourself. Once the pod is empty, simply switch to a new one and continue vaping. A vape starter kit is the next step up; these devices are more customisable to your vaping habits and offer a lot more power and e-liquid options.

• How Safe Are Disposable Vapes?

  All disposable vapes sold at Go Smoke Free are TPD compliant and meet all standards required by UK law. Like all smoking or vaping products, it is important to use disposables responsibly; this includes:

  • Always securely store your disposable vapes away from children and animals.
  • Dispose of any vape that shows signs of malfunctioning; this includes overheating or auto firing
  • Only buying disposable vapes from legitimate sellers.

• What Are The Best Disposable Vape Flavours?

  With so many vaping brands available, narrowing down the best vape flavour is impossible. In our opinion, the best flavour for you is the one that best satisfies your nicotine cravings and stops you reaching for the cigarettes.
  
  Those using vaping as a way to quit smoking may find that a tobacco flavour disposable is the best option. Once the vape is helping to keep cravings at bay, other flavours, such as fresh menthol or fruity blends, can be introduced as you take steps away from smoking.  One of the benefits of vaping is the vast amount of flavours available, part of the fun is finding your perfect blend.

• Should I Buy A Disposable Vape?

  If you are looking to take the first step towards quitting smoking, then a disposable vape is a great choice. Recommended by the NHS, these vapes can help manage nicotine cravings without the harmful chemicals associated with traditional cigarettes. If you do not already smoke, we do not recommend buying a disposable vape as nicotine is an addictive substance.

• Do Disposable Vapes Expire?

  Yes, disposable vapes have a shelf life, and it is important to check the dates on yours. Like all consumer products, disposable vapes can expire and start to decline. Certain conditions can speed up the expiration date of a disposable vape; this includes extreme temperatures, improper storage and individual vaping habits such as taking long draws. Typically, most disposable vapes will last 1-2 years although some manufacturers only have 1 year date on them.

• Where Can I Buy Disposable Vapes In The UK?

  Disposable vapes are readily available in the UK, both online and in stores. When buying disposable vapes in person, we recommend purchasing from retailers such as supermarkets, vape shops and other legitimate stores.
  
  If buying online, look for websites such as Go Smoke Free that are authorised suppliers of leading vape brands and offer a wide range of knowledge and expertise on the subject. Avoid buying from suspicious sources, such as social media or individual sellers whose credentials cannot be checked.

• Can I Bring Disposable Vapes On A Plane In The UK?

  A disposable vape can be brought onto a plane in your hand luggage or on your person. Under no circumstances can a disposable vape be used on the aircraft; this applies to all airlines. Failure to comply with rules around vaping on planes can lead to hefty fines, bans and legal action.

• Can You Smoke Disposable Vapes Indoors In The UK?

  Vaping laws in the UK are a grey area compared to regulations surrounding smoking. Currently, vaping is allowed in the UK - with no nationwide legal restrictions or laws in place. Specific establishments or public areas can impose their own bans on vaping, so it is important to check your surroundings for signs or warnings. Individual businesses and organisations such as bars and restaurants can implement their own policies at their discretion.

• Do Disposable Vapes Have Tar And Other Harmful Chemicals?

  No, disposable vapes do not contain tar or carbon monoxide, which are two of the most harmful elements found in tobacco smoke. Some chemicals found in the vapour are also present in tobacco smoke, but they are at much lower levels.

• Are Disposable Vapes Bad For Your Health?

  Research shows that e-cigarettes, including disposable vapes, are much less harmful than smoking and are a proven way to help people stop. Disposable vapes do not contain the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes; however, they do contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. We do not know the long-term effects of vaping, so children or non-smokers should not use them.
  
  Read More: The Myths Surrounding Vaping

• Can Disposable Vapes Help You Quit Smoking?

  Vaping is one of the most effective tools to help you quit smoking and is substantially less harmful than cigarettes. Vaping is recommended by the NHS for adult smokers to help them quit and to stay away from cigarettes long-term. As disposable vapes come in a range of strengths, it is easy to control how much nicotine is needed to battle cravings and help withdrawal symptoms. It is also a great way to maintain the routine and habit of smoking without the nasty side effects.

• Are Disposable Vapes Environmentally Friendly?

  There are significant environmental issues when it comes to single-use vapes. As well as being made from plastic, they also create a considerable amount of waste. Research by Greenpeace shows that ​​the number of disposable vapes getting binned each year could fill 22 football pitches. As vapers, we have a responsibility to the planet to ensure that we recycle our disposable vapes as best we can.

• What Are The Ingredients In Disposable Vapes?

  Disposable vapes contain e-liquid, which is made up of four components: Propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine (optional).

• Do Disposable Vapes Come Pre-Charged?

  Yes. Disposable vapes are designed to be used straight out of the packet. Simply open, remove the device and inhale to enjoy.

• What Are The Benefits Of Using Disposable Vapes?

  There are many benefits to making the switch to disposable vapes, including.

  • They’re compact and convenient to carry around.
  • They come precharged and don’t need charging throughout the day.
  • They’re designed to be easy to use, with no buttons or set-up.
  • There’s a huge range of flavours to suit all types of vapers.
  • They’re low maintenance; no need to refill e-liquid.
  • They’re a proven way to help stop smoking.

• Do Disposable Vapes Need Maintenance Or Cleaning?

  No. Disposable vapes are designed to be incredibly easy to use and require no maintenance. We do recommend keeping the mouthpiece clear to ensure nothing obstructs your vaping. In terms of storage, keep your vape away from extreme temperatures and do not use it if it becomes submerged in water or starts to overheat.

• Can You Buy Disposable Vapes In Bulk In The UK?

  You can buy disposable vapes in bulk from many reputable retailers in the UK, both in-store and online. Buying in bulk is a great way to stock up on your favourite vape flavours or take advantage of multi-buy deals to try different brands or flavour blends. In the long run, buying disposable vapes in bulk is cost-effective and will ensure you always have a device to hand when you run out.

• Can You Buy Disposable Vapes With Zero Nicotine In The UK?

  Nicotine-free disposable vapes are available to buy in the UK and are becoming increasingly popular, with vapers looking to quit completely. Vapers can enjoy all of the flavour of a vape without the nicotine. Leading vaping brands such as Elf Bar, Riot Bar and SKE have all released low or nicotine-free disposable vapes, with many more brands expected to follow.

• What Are The Side Effects Of Using Disposable Vapes?

  While the long-term health effects of vaping have yet to be studied, there are some common side effects of vaping that you may experience.

  • Headaches
  • Coughing
  • Dry Mouth & Throat
  • Eye Irritation
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Nausea

  
  If you do encounter any of these side effects, we recommend either reducing the amount that you are vaping or the strength of your vape. Sometimes, you may need to switch the type of vape you use before finding one that suits your need. Ensure that you drink plenty of water when vaping to help combat dry, irritated ‘vapers mouth’.

• Can You Use Disposable Vapes While Pregnant?

  Unfortunately, there is very little research into the impact of vaping on pregnancy. According to NHS guidelines, if you find using an e-cigarette helpful for quitting and staying smoke-free, it's much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke. Overall, licensed nicotine replacement treatments (NRT), such as gum or patches, are the recommended option to stop smoking during pregnancy.

• Are Disposable Vapes Waterproof?

  Most vapes are not waterproof, so dropping them in water will impact their ability to work and could pose safety issues if water gets inside the vape. If the vape is fully submerged in water, such as a bathtub or pool, it can cause battery corrosion. Water can also get into the vape tank and mix with the e-liquid; if this happens, it will reduce the effectiveness of the liquid.
  
  If you drop your disposable vape in clean, shallow water - it may be salvageable. Leave the vape to dry thoroughly; do not charge or use the device until dry.

• Can You Use Disposable Vapes While Driving In The UK?

  There is a lot of misinformation surrounding vaping and drinking in the UK. At present, it is not illegal to use a disposable vape in the car or while driving; however, existing laws may come into effect if vaping impairs your driving ability. Laws against driving without ‘due care and attention or driving without reasonable consideration for other road users’ can be applied to drivers who are impacted by vaping. This includes vapour obscuring vision while driving, which can result in an on-the-spot fine.
  
  Police stress that vapers do need to take extra care and be ‘extra observant’ while on the road and vaping. Stop vaping immediately if you start to experience any side effects which could impair your ability to drive.

• Can Disposable Vapes Explode

  There have been instances where disposable vapes have exploded due to internal defects or user error. Examples of increased fire or explosion risks include using a disposable vape left in extreme heat or a damaged battery.
  
  It is crucial that you do not try to recharge a disposable vape for safety reasons. It is also recommended that you check your device for any defects before starting to vape. Always vape with caution and follow the instructions on the packet. If you are unsure about a vape, it is best to dispose of it safely.

• Will Disposable Vapes Be Banned?

  In early 2024, the UK government announced its intention to ban the sale of disposable vapes as well as introduce new restrictions on vape flavours, packaging, and display. At present, there is no set date as to when the ban will come into place. It is expected that once the bill is passed by parliament, it will be passed into law towards the end of 2024 and implemented around the middle of 2025.
  
  Retailers will likely be given a 6 months grace period to adapt to the new restrictions as well as any alternatives that the government proposes to ensure the UK stays on track to becoming smoke-free by 2030.

• Why Buy Disposable Vapes At Go Smoke Free?

  As well as being one of the UK’s leading retailers of disposable vapes and vaping products, Go Smoke Free is the place to find the right vape for you. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we’re here to support your vaping journey. Alongside over 28,000 positive Trustpilot reviews, we also offer our customers.

  • Ultra Competitive pricing
  • Fast delivery
  • Incredible customer support
  • Vaper to vaper product knowledge
  • Customer-oriented shopping
  • The latest vaping brands at unbeatable online prices