Can You Use E-Liquid in Pod Kits? Compatibility Explained
Pod vape kits are one of the most popular device types modern vapers choose to buy, but many people wonder if they are using them properly and using the right kind of e-liquid. That's why in this guide, we will explore the basics of what e-liquid and pod vape kits are and provide advice from our vaping experts about which products are compatible.
Read on to explore which pod kits are best for e-liquid, troubleshoot common mistakes vapers make when using pod kits, and the best e-liquids to pair with them, as recommended by our experts with 10+ years of vaping experience. Get answers to your most frequently asked questions and discover top tips for getting the most out of your vaping journey when using pod vape kits.
What is E-Liquid & How Does it Work?
E-liquid, also called "vape liquid" or "vape juice", is the substance we heat up using vape kits to produce a vapour we inhale.
We add e-liquid to a vape kit's tank or pod, where it then absorbs into the vape coil, which then gets heated up by an electric current when we activate the vape device, turning it into vapour.
The four main ingredients work in tandem to deliver a satisfying vaping experience:
- Propylene Glycol (PG) carries the flavourings and nicotine, helping keep the whole mixture stable.
- Vegetable Glycerol (VG) contributes to a smooth inhale and exhale, while being primarily responsible for making the clouds of vapour we inhale when heated up by the coil.
- This vapour contains the nicotine that our bodies absorb, satisfying cravings, alongside the many different flavourings that make the experience tasty and enjoyable.
What are Pod Vape Kits & How are They Different From Other Devices?
Pod vape kits are the most popular type of vape device amongst modern vapers. They are known for their compact size, convenient design and minimal maintenance, most commonly using refillable pods with built-in coils vs more complex devices with modular vape tanks and removable coils.
They range from incredibly basic examples with no buttons and simple lights to denote battery life, such as the Vaporesso 5 Xros Mini, to high-tech models that rival advanced vape mods with multiple functions and digital screens, with some even featuring touch-screen capabilities, like the Aspire Pixo.
In terms of functionality and features, modern pod vapes work in the same way as other vape kits, whether they are pen-style vapes or mod kits. The main difference is the pod itself. Where other kits have a permanent reusable tank that requires cleaning and maintenance, vape pods are intended to be used until the internal coil degrades. It is then replaced with a new unit altogether, enhancing convenience for the user.
There are exceptions to this rule though, with some pod kits having the ability to replace the coil separately. There are also pod vapes that utilise pre-filled pods, which cannot be refilled once the vape juice inside is used up, appealing to different user preferences.
Which Pod Kits Are Best For E-Liquid?
The good news for new vapers is that most pod kits are designed to be compatible with 50-50 e-liquid - the most common starting point for those taking the first steps on their vaping journey. This includes freebase vape juice, like our original £1 range, as well as nic salts like our Bar Salts collection.
Keep an eye out for kits that state they are designed for "MTL" or "50-50" vaping, or those that state their coils are rated at 0.8-1.8ohms. Even if you don't initially understand what this all means, a pod vape kit described in this way or with coils within this ohm range will pair well with normal e-liquids.
We will explore the most important things to note when pairing a pod kit with e-liquid in more detail below:
Choosing The Right Pod Vape Coil
Modern pod vape kits typically offer a range of different coil options. For new vapers, knowing which is best for your e-liquid isn't always obvious.
While the margin for error here is very generous, meaning you are unlikely to end up with a pod that doesn't work at all with your vape juice, certain e-liquids perform better with certain coils.
Despite some crossover between devices, a good rule of thumb is:
- Coils rated 1.0ohm+ are best paired with freebase 50-50 e-liquid.
- Coils rated at 0.6ohm-0.8ohm are best paired with 50-50 nic salt e-liquid.
- Coils rated 0.6ohm and below are often designed for high-VG e-liquid (But most pod systems are not designed for this).
Pod vape kits offer a unique approach to coil design. Traditionally, coils rated below 1.0ohm are called 'sub-ohm' and used to be exclusively for high-VG vape juice. Modern pod vape kits, however, now commonly offer sub-ohm coils that are still designed for 50/50 e-liquids, delivering enhanced flavour and increased vapour vs 'plus ohm' variants - this approach is aligned with the performance of disposable vapes and, in particular, to make the most of nic salt e-liquids with double-concentrated flavours.
Most pod vapes come with both a plus and sub-ohm coil pod option in their starter kit, so you can decide for yourself which experience you prefer.
50/50 Vs High-VG E-Liquid
Above all else, most pod vape kits are designed for use with 50/50 style vape juice. Nicotine type is not important here, only the PG/VG ratio of the e-liquid as this is what will impact the pod's performance.
High-VG vape juice most commonly has a 70/30 VG/PG ratio, which makes it very thick vs 50/50 products. In order for this thick vape juice to properly absorb into a vape coil, the wicking ports need to be larger, and the ohm rating much lower (0.6ohm or below, called 'sub-ohm' coils).
Most pod vape kits are designed for 50/50 e-liquids, which means the wicking ports are smaller. Using a 70/30 vape juice with this kind of coil increases the risk of dry burn, which can damage the coil, meaning the pod it is built into also becomes useless.
Even though many modern pod vape kits offer 'sub-ohm' coils, these are most often still only compatible with 50/50 vape juice. These coils are instead designed to enhance flavour and vapour production for thinner e-liquid, but are not robust enough to handle thicker HVG e-liquids.
The Vaporesso Xros Pro's 0.4ohm pod option is a good example of this: a sub-ohm coil, well within the typical range used for 70/30 e-liquid, but with wicking ports designed for 50/50 only - this crossover can be confusing for beginners, so take care when deciding which products you pair together.
A rare example of a true High-VG pod vape kit is the Vaporesso Luxe XR Max, which has coils properly designed to pair with thick vape juice - this is an advanced kit, however, and may not be suitable for beginners.
Refillable Pods Vs Closed Systems
Unlike any other type of vape kit, pod vapes offer a unique option in the form of pre-filled pods, or by technical name, 'closed system' vapes.
The majority of pod vape kits keep to the traditional refillable pod format, meaning you may fill them at your leisure with your choice of bottled e-liquid. Some, however, offer pre-filled pods, often alongside a refillable version, like the Elf Bar ELFA pod device series. Many disposable vape brands have converted their vape kit designs to feature pre-filled pods to comply with new UK laws.
The primary benefits of a pre-filled pod option are convenience and simplicity. This makes them particularly good for beginners who want to try vaping without the added complexities of carrying refill bottles, opening and refilling pods, and worrying about whether they are using the right e-liquid with the right pod coil.
Replacement pods for closed-system vapes are available in many of the same flavour options and nicotine strengths as 10ml bottled e-liquids, only they are pre-loaded in a vape pod that simply needs to be slotted into the pod kit's battery. A good example of this is the EDGE GO range.
The decision to choose a pre-filled or refillable pod kit depends on the following factors:
- Your vaping experience level
- Your preference for convenience
- Your preference for more or less e-liquid choice
Refillable pods offer the most freedom of choice, allowing you to use any 10ml 50/50 e-liquid, while prefilled pods are limited to the range that the manufacturer offers. Closed systems, however, have an enhanced convenience factor and require the least skill to use, which may be better for certain lifestyles or experience levels.
Swipe → For Pod Kits & Replacement Pods
Voopoo Argus Z2 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Vape Kit
Elf Bar Elfx Pro Pod Vape Kit
Uwell Caliburn G4 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros Replacement Pods - Pack of 4
Innokin Klypse Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
GeekVape Q Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
Oxva Xlim V3 Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
Aspire Gotek Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
Aspire TG Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
Uwell Caliburn G3 Replacement Pods - Pack of 4
VooPoo ITO Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
The Best E-Liquids For Pod Vape Kits
In simple terms, the best e-liquids for pod vapes will have a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. This includes both freebase and nic salt vape juice, as mentioned previously.
The reason for this is that the balanced ratio of PG and VG is compatible with the widest range of pod and coil options available on the market. For new vapers, this means that by opting for a 50/50 e-liquid, even if you don't have a good understanding of vape coils and ohm ratings, you are unlikely to end up with a combination that doesn't work.
If you want to try 50/50 freebase e-liquid, we recommend opting for a pod vape kit that has coil options of 1.0ohm or above. These will provide a smoother vaping experience as they regulate the throat-hit intensity of higher freebase nicotine strengths like 12mg or 18mg.
If you want to use nic salt e-liquid, we recommend pairing it with a pod vape kit that has sub-ohm coils rated between 0.6 and 0.8ohms - these will make the most of the rich flavours and provide a little more vapour - ideal if you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes.
We have plenty of both compatible e-liquid types available in our online vape store that you can explore below:
Swipe → For 50/50 E-Liquids Compatible With Pod Vape Kits
Blueberry Sour Raspberry Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Blue Razz Lemonade Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Blueberry Bubblegum - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Strawberry, Raspberry & Cherry - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Mad Blue - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Watermelon Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Kiwi Passion Guava Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Common Mistakes When Using E-Liquid In Pod Kits
Public knowledge about vaping is still thin on the ground, and even experienced vapers can encounter problems and challenges from time to time. Explore the below troubleshooting guide, which will explain the most common mistakes people make when using pod vape kits, and how to solve/avoid them:
Wrong Coil Type
Wrong Coil Type
Vape coils are one of the most confusing things for new vapers to get their heads around.
Thankfully, by choosing a pod vape kit, it's quite hard to go wrong, but if you are worried, the following guide should keep you on the right track:
- Coils rated 1.0ohm+ are best paired with freebase 50-50 e-liquid.
- Coils rated at 0.6ohm-0.8ohm are best paired with 50-50 nic salt e-liquid.
- Coils rated 0.6ohm and below are often designed for high-VG e-liquid (But most pod systems are not designed for this).
Don't forget, the old-school rule of less than 1.0ohms = HVG e-liquid and 1.0ohms+ = 50/50 does not always apply to pod vape kits - they often have sub-ohm coil options that are still designed for 50/50 e-liquid, they simply enhance flavour and vapour production.
Poor Wicking
Poor Wicking
If you are frequently experiencing dry hits from your pod vape kit or a bad taste, this is a classic sign of poor wicking.
This means your e-liquid is not absorbing properly into the coil housed within your pod, leaving some of the cotton wick dry. It then burns when the vape kit is fired up. This will leave a bad taste and can sometimes damage the coil permanently, meaning you will need to replace it, or the entire pod if it is a single unit.
Poor wicking is most commonly caused by:
- Using High-VG e-liquid in a device/with a coil designed for 50/50 vape juice - it is too thick to absorb properly into the smaller wicking ports of a 50/50 coil.
- A faulty pod/coil - while not a common issue, as with all mass-manufactured consumer goods there is a margin for error and sometimes faulty products make it to market. If you suspect this is the case for you, contact the seller and report the issue, they should replace or refund the product in-line with their terms of service.
Overfilling or Leaking Pod
Overfilling or Leaking Pod
A Leaking vape pod is a very common issue amongst vapers of all experience levels.
It is worth noting that through regular use, almost all vape kits, especially pods, will start to show signs of slight leaks or condensing of e-liquid vapour, usually around the base of the pod, where it's individual parts have been slotted together, or where the contact points connect with the device battery.
Some kits are less affected by this than others, but none are exempt. Regularly cleaning your vape kit is the best way to prevent this from becoming an issue that impacts the performance of your vape. As pod vapes have evolved, this universal issue has become less common, but it still persists.
One way you can avoid more extreme leaks is by avoiding overfilling your vape pod. When topping up with vape juice, take care to leave at least a few mm of space in the pod; don't fill it to the brim. Overfilling can contribute to leaks but also coil flooding, which causes gurgling sounds when you inhale and often e-liquid to 'spit' at you as you use the device. This can also be a sign that the coil itself is reaching the end of its lifespan, so don't ignore it!
Wrong Power Settings
Wrong Power Settings
Even if you have paired the right pod kit with the right coil and e-liquid, it can still perform poorly if the settings aren't correct. Thankfully, most modern pod kits automatically adjust the power output to match the resistance (ohms) of your pod/coil, but this is not foolproof.
Many pod vape kits have variable wattage, allowing you to adjust the power settings to your preferred level. Take note of your chosen pod/coil's ohm rating, as different options perform best within specific power ranges (which you can often find on the device's packaging or in the user guide for reference).
Using too much power can:
- Burn out the coil
- Drain your battery faster
- Make you cough
- Make the vape pod overheat
Having the power too low can:
- Cause coil flooding as the e-liquid doesn't vaporise properly
- Cause e-liquid 'spitting' as you inhale
- Decrease flavour and vapour production
- Increase the risk of pod leaks over time
If you are dissatisfied with your current pod vape kit performance, consider switching to a different pod/coil option before cranking up/lowering the power to extremes.
Final Top Tips For Vaping With Pod Kits
After reading this guide, you should now have a good understanding of pod vape kit and e-liquid compatibility. If you have specific questions that were not answered in this blog, you can contact our UK-based customer service team, who will be happy to guide you to the right product.
If in doubt, remember these key points from this guide:
- Pod vape kits are most compatible with 50/50 e-liquids, including freebase and nic salt vape juice types.
- Contrary to tradition, pod vapes with sub-ohm coil options work best with the double-concentrated flavours of nic salts, not HVG 70/30 e-liquid.
- Pod coils rated at 1.0ohm or above are best used with Freebase 50/50 e-liquids.
- Pod kits offer basic models for beginners and advanced models for more experienced vapers - you should match their features to your experience level when choosing which to buy.
- Pre-filled vape pods offer excellent convenience, but reduced freedom of choice vs refillable options - explore available flavours and nicotine options & consider your lifestyle and preferences before investing.
