Pod Vs Coil: What's The Difference & Which Do You Need?
The difference between vape pods and coils used to be a lot more obvious than it is now. This is owed largely to the once separate parts now being combined into a single unit for most modern vape kits.
If you are a new vaper trying to get your head around how vape kits work and which to buy for your own vaping journey, read on. In this quick guide, we will explore the difference between pods and coils, as well as provide advice on which format suits different vapers best, so you can buy with confidence.
Vape Pods & Coils Explained
What Is A Vape Pod?
Vape pods are a modern, simplified version of vape tanks.
They work in largely the same way, featuring a chamber holding e-liquid around a coil that absorbs the e-liquid via a wick, and then heats it up to create the vapour we inhale.
Vape pods are generally considered to have less longevity than a tank, which is designed to be used indefinitely by replacing separate, removable coils.
This depends on the design of the pod, as some have removable coils, allowing you to re-use the main housing and e-liquid chamber. Others have built-in coils and are sold as a single unit, which must be replaced entirely once the coil has reached the end of its lifespan.
What Is A Vape Coil?
Vape coils are a core component of any vape kit. They feature a wick, typically cotton, wrapped by a tight coil of wire or a mesh screen.
This wire heats up when the battery is activated, vaporising the e-liquid that has absorbed into the wick for us to inhale.
Coils are a perishable part, degrading over time with regular use, lasting on average 7-14 days before needing to be replaced.
Separate vape coils are more common in vape kits that use tanks, as these are for more modular by design. Some vape kits use pods with removable coils, but the vast majority now use pods with built-in coils. This makes it harder for new vapers to understand the difference between the two parts.
Removable vs Built-In Coils: Which Should You Choose?
Below, we will explore the pros and cons of both removable coils and those that are built-into vape pods as a single unit.
Before you invest in a vape kit, make sure it has pods or coils that best match your preferences. For example, if you prefer convenience and simplicity, built-in coils are probably best; if you enjoy a more modular and less wasteful vape, removable coils might be a better option - explore the benefits and drawbacks below so you can decide for yourself:
Pros & Cons Of Built-In Coils
Pros:
- They are mess-free as the whole pod unit is discarded and replaced without exposing you to e-liquid residue.
- They are more convenient to replace and install, as it is as simple as removing one pod and popping in a new one.
- You don't have to worry about device compatibility; they are purpose-built for your pod kit.
Cons:
- They cannot be primed before use like removable coils, meaning you have to wait longer for the e-liquid to absorb before vaping when new.
- They are a little more wasteful, as the plastic pod housing must be thrown away when only the coil section has actually degraded.
Pros & Cons Of Removable Coils
Pros:
- They create less waste as only the coil needs replacing, rather than discarding the entire pod.
- They can be primed before use, reducing downtime after replacement.
- Kits that support removable coils sometimes have a wider range of options available in different ohm ratings to suit different vaping styles.
Cons:
- They can be messy and require more effort to replace.
- They come with an increased risk of choosing the wrong coil for your model of pod vape kit or e-liquid type if you lack experience.
- They often cost just as much as a pack of pods with built-in coils, even though they do not include the pod housing.
Conclusion: Choose The Hardware That Best Suits Your Individual Needs
After reading this blog, you should have a better understanding about the difference between pods and coils, as well as those that combine the two into a single unit.
Ultimately, the decision of which you should choose should come down to your individual needs. The device you choose may make the decision for you, as it may only support one type of coil/pod format. Besides device choice, keep in mind your preferences for convenience, e-liquid type and vaping experience when deciding which format is right for you.
If in doubt, explore the collections below to get a better idea of how different vape kits work and what sort of pods and coils are available; sometimes seeing things first-hand can help join the technical dots. Failing that, our UK-based customer care team are always on hand to answer any queries or clear up any confusion to help guide you to the right products!
