Pros and Cons of Disposable Vapes: Part 2

Vaping has boomed in popularity in recent years, and that is partly due to access to easy-to-use devices like disposable vapes. For many vapers, the disposable variety makes the most sense, as they can begin vaping as soon as they purchase one and then simply replace it once the e-liquid has run out.

Just how beneficial are disposable vapes – really? While they are certainly convenient, there are also some disadvantages vape users should be aware of.

 

What Are Disposable Vapes?

Before diving into the pros and cons of disposable vapes, first, let’s understand exactly what they are. Disposable vapes are vapes that only last for a short lifespan and are meant to be thrown away at the end of use. They are vaping products which come pre-charged with a full battery and pre-filled with e-liquid, so users don’t have to worry about performing any maintenance or purchasing separate accessories. They are often small, lightweight, and come in a range of colours to attract buyers. 

The Pros of Disposable Vapes

There is no denying that many vapers find disposable vapes beneficial for their own vaping habits. Here are the advantages of them. 

No Maintenance Required

Vapers who use a vape tank have to keep up with maintenance. That involves priming the coil, replacing the coil, filling the tank with e-liquid, and taking the whole tank apart for regular cleaning. While some vapers enjoy this ritual, others find it too time-consuming. A disposable vape kit requires no maintenance at all; instead, you can begin taking puffs as soon as it’s purchased. 

A Variety of Flavours

If you walk into a vape shop, you will find a wide variety of disposable vapes with a plethora of flavours readily available, such as the Elf Bar Lost Mary brand. Whether you like tobacco, menthol, or sweet-flavoured e-liquids, you are sure to find disposable vape brands that appeal to your tastes. 

Cheap in the Short Term

There is no denying that disposable vapes are far cheaper than entire vape tanks – you can usually pick up a disposable vape for as little as £1, depending on the type you choose. A low price tag like this is highly advantageous for those who simply want a quick puff but don’t want to have to spend a lot of money. The idea of spending a couple of pounds on a disposable vape seems much easier than dropping £50 on a tank that requires maintenance and potentially other purchases. 

They Are Small and Lightweight

Vape tanks can be big and bulky, whereas disposable vapes are typically small and lightweight, making them the more convenient option. You can usually fit a disposable vape in your pocket, so you will always have it on hand. You can take them pretty much anywhere without issue.  

A Way to Give Up Cigarettes

Disposable vapes are a way some people are giving up smoking tobacco, as they provide ease of access in the same way as cigarettes. Think about it – most cigarette smokers are not used to having to constantly refill a tank or purchase a brand-new coil, which means a disposable vape is the most similar option to their cigarette habit. With a disposable vape, ex-smokers get easy access to an alternative classic tobacco-flavoured device that does not come with a significant learning curve. On top of that, disposable vapes come in various nicotine strengths including nicotine free to help with the journey of quitting. 

It’s Easy to Get Vape Tanks Wrong

The other option for vaping is vape tanks, which are popular with experienced vapers but easy to get wrong. There’s a lot to consider with a vaping tank – for example, you must choose the right e-liquid for your device. You will also need to know how to use the adjustment settings and how to replace a coil when necessary. Not to mention learn all the terms - nicotine salts for instance. For beginners, these steps can be a little overwhelming, and it’s easy to get something wrong, making the entire vaping experience less than enjoyable!  

Disposable Vapes Are Consistent

Most people don’t want to overthink their vaping experience. With a disposable vape, the results are consistent – every single time. Unless there has been a major error on the production front (which is very unlikely), vapers can expect their disposable vape to give the same kind of hit as last time. So, if you find you love a strawberry vanilla vape with a particular brand, you can rest assured you will love it just the same the next time around. 

The Cons of Disposable Vapes

While there are plenty of advantages to disposable vapes, it’s worth understanding the disadvantages, as there are several, and may make you want to try a reusable vaping device instead. 

A Bad Long-term Investment

While disposable vapes are cheap at first, they will become more costly as time goes on. Over time, it is much more cost-effective to purchase a vaping device that can stick by your side for the long haul. While it’s true you will still need to re-purchase e-liquid or vape coils, this cost won’t be as much as replacing an entire vape. 

No Chance of Customisation

When you purchase a disposable vape, you get what you’re given, and there is no room for customisation. This is a major downside for some vapers, as they like to adjust their vapes to suit their preferences, whether that means increasing the airflow or mixing two separate e-liquids to create their ideal flavour. 

There Are Many Low-Quality Options

Disposable vapes offer a ton of variety. Unfortunately, this means there are plenty of low-quality vapes on the market. If you aren’t well-versed in the various high-quality brands of disposable vapes, you might end up with a sub-bar vaping experience. 

They Are Bad for the Environment

One of the biggest downsides to disposable vapes is that they are not good for the environment, primarily due to the electronic and plastic waste. Disposable vapes are designed to be used for just a short period of time – after that, they get thrown away and often end up in landfill, which is terrible for the environment. Not to mention the manufacturing impact on Co2 production. For those who are eco-aware, a reusable vape makes a lot more sense. 

As a caveat to this – be aware that disposable vapes are meant to be recycled. So, if you prefer disposable vaping, you can still be earth-conscious by always disposing of them in the proper way. 

Disposable Vapes Do Not Last Long

A disposable vape does not last very long. Of course, how long one lasts depends on the number of puffs you take in a day, but generally, expect the device to be out of use within days. They only last for around 500-600 puffs, which means you will be purchasing a new one before too long. If you want larger puff counts, you’ll need to consider other types of vaping. 

They Are Appealing to Younger People

One of the biggest issues governments have with disposable vapes is how appealing they are to the younger generation. Vaping is often seen as an alternative to smoking, but young people often go straight into vaping due to the bright colours and tasty flavours. Disposable vapes make this very easy, as they can be purchased from a shop and puffed on without any significant learning curve. 

E-Liquid Options Aren’t as Diverse

While disposable vapes offer some variety, you will never find as many flavour variations as you would with separate e-liquids. When purchasing e-liquids, you can get hold of many different flavours, from succulent desserts to tangy berries to exciting drinks! There are endless options, and many vapers even enjoy mixing some of these e-liquids to create something unique. Disposable vape flavours simply cannot compete.

A Slight Fire Risk

Disposable vapes come with a fire risk if they are stored in direct sunlight or at an extreme temperature. While this is very unlikely, it’s worth mentioning – if you choose to use a disposable vape, always keep it in a cool, dark place. 

Potential Health Risks

There are some health risks associated with vaping in general, which all vapers should be aware of. For example, using a nicotine vape can lead to nicotine addiction. There is also the possibility that vaping could raise your blood pressure. 

Disposable Vape Banning

Disposable vapes will not be around in the UK for much longer, which is naturally a major disadvantage to them – they will not be accessible! The UK is not the only place that has made this decision, as other countries such as Australia, Norway, Brazil, and India have also made the decision to stop the sale of disposable vapes. Often, this decision is made due to the environmental impact and the fact that too many youths purchase disposable vapes, which can impact their health. 

Transitioning from Disposable Vapes: 5 Tips 

Have you weighed up the pros and cons and decided that disposable vapes aren’t worth it anymore? Switching to a reusable device is an excellent idea, as you will save money in the long run and be able to customise your vaping experience to suit your exact tastes. Of course, that transition is not always easy, so here are the five tips for getting it right. 

Find the Right Vaping Device

If you have only ever used disposable vapes, finding the right vaping device may seem overwhelming. This is a crucial stage, as purchasing the wrong one may mean you revert back to disposable vapes before too long. Ideally, choose an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly vape tank that doesn’t require too much maintenance or configuration. 

Consider What Matters to You

There are many options for reusable vaping tanks out there – consider what you are looking for. Many vaping devices have their own features that appeal to some. For example, some may be better for sub-ohm vaping, and others more suitable for mouth-to-lung vaping. 

Get All the Accessories You Need

One of the biggest difficulties when transitioning from a disposable to a reusable vape is knowing all the accessories you need and how to use them. To make the process easier, purchase all the accessories in advance so you have everything on hand when you need it, you might find some suitable vape kits that make the process easier – there’s a wide range. 

Don’t Play With Mods Just Yet

A significant appeal of reusable vape tanks is that they come with customisation options. You might be excited at this prospect, which is great, but don’t rush things – at least not yet. Before you get into playing with customisation options and playing with mods, get used to the vape tank and how it works. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself, after all. 

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

The chances are your first big puff of a disposable tank will feel a little off – you won’t be used to the device, after all. Don’t let this part put you off. You may struggle to get used to the changes initially, but over time, you’ll understand what does and doesn’t work for you. Giving yourself time to adjust will mean you will get there eventually! 

What About Alternatives to Vaping?

Do you want to move on from vaping completely? If disposable vapes are no longer your thing and you don’t want to get into reusable vape tanks, there are other options. 

If you have a nicotine addiction, one alternative is nicotine pouches. These are small pouches that contain nicotine and other flavourings. You place them inside your mouth (usually between the gum and your cheek) to receive the hit of nicotine – you do not swallow them. These are highly appealing to ex-smokers and ex-vapers as they help with nicotine addiction without having to inhale anything, thus making them better for your health. 

There are other products for nicotine addiction that don’t require inhalation, too, such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and nicotine sprays. It’s best to try a few to see which one works best for you. 

In Summary

As you can see, there are both clear advantages and disadvantages to disposable vaping. On the one hand, disposable vaping is convenient, involves a cheap upfront cost, and can be a great way to stop smoking cigarettes. On the other, disposable vaping isn’t cost-effective in the long run, contributes significantly to environmental damage and pollution, and there is no room for customisation options. Due to these cons, most vapers eventually move on to a reusable device, which is generally considered the better option.