The Eco Smok Guide to Vape Kits, Coils and E-Liquid

This guide explains how vape kits work, how to choose between pod kits, tanks and mods, what the numbers on coils and e-liquid bottles mean, and how to fix the most common problems. It is written for adults who already vape. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and they are only sold to people aged 18 and over.

1. UK rules every vaper should know

Vape kits and e-liquids sold in the UK must follow the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), often called the TPD rules. In practice this means:

• Tanks and pods can hold a maximum of 2ml of nicotine e-liquid.
• Nicotine e-liquid bottles can hold a maximum of 10ml.
• Nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml.
• Single-use vapes have been banned across the UK since 1 June 2025. Only rechargeable devices that use refillable pods or tanks, or replaceable prefilled pods, can now be sold.
• Age limit: it is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18, and all Eco Smok orders go through age verification.

If you ever spot a listing on our site that doesn't match these rules, please let us know.

2. The main types of vape kit

Pod kits

Pod kits are small, light devices with a built-in battery and a clip-in pod. Most are draw activated, so there is no button to press. They are designed for mouth to lung (MTL) vaping and usually work best with nic salt e-liquid. Popular examples include the Vaporesso XROS and SMOK Novo ranges. Browse pod kits.

Refillable pods and prefilled pods

Refillable pods are filled from a 10ml bottle of your chosen e-liquid. Prefilled pod systems use sealed pods that arrive already filled; when one is empty you replace it and keep the rechargeable battery. Replacement pods and prefilled pods are sold separately.

Starter kits with a tank

Pen style and compact kits pair a battery with a 2ml tank that takes replaceable coils. They give a little more control over airflow and coil choice than a pod kit. The Innokin Endura range is a well known example. Browse vape kits.

Mod kits

Mods are larger devices with a screen and adjustable wattage, often with removable batteries. They are aimed at experienced vapers and are usually used for direct to lung (DTL) vaping with sub-ohm coils and higher VG e-liquids. Browse advanced kits.

3. How a vape works

Every kit has the same three working parts:

• Battery: powers the device. Capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh); a 1000mAh battery will normally last longer between charges than a 500mAh one.
• Coil (atomiser): a small heating element wrapped in cotton wick. The wick soaks up e-liquid and the coil heats it into vapour.
• Tank or pod: holds the e-liquid (up to 2ml) and feeds it to the coil.

Draw activated devices switch on when you inhale; button activated devices fire when you press the button.

4. Coils and resistance (ohms)

A coil's resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). As a general guide:

• 1.0 ohm and above: mouth to lung vaping, a tighter draw and lower power. Pairs well with nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids.
• Below 1.0 ohm (sub-ohm): direct to lung vaping, more vapour and higher power. Pairs with 70/30 VG/PG shortfills and lower nicotine strengths.

Always use the coil or pod made for your device and stay within the wattage printed on it. Replacement coils and pods and coils are listed by device.

Priming a new coil

Before first use, drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed cotton, fill the tank or pod, and leave it for five to ten minutes so the wick is fully soaked. Firing a dry coil burns the cotton and ruins it straight away.

When to change a coil

Change the coil or pod when you notice a burnt or muted taste, less vapour, or gurgling that doesn't clear. How long a coil lasts depends on how often you vape and on the e-liquid; sweeter liquids tend to wear coils out faster.

5. Understanding e-liquid

PG and VG

E-liquid is mostly propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), plus flavouring and, in most cases, nicotine. PG is thinner and carries flavour; VG is thicker and produces more vapour. Bottles show the ratio, for example 50/50 or 70/30 (VG/PG).

• 50/50: suits most pod kits and MTL tanks.
• 70/30 or higher VG: suits sub-ohm tanks and mods. It is too thick for many small pods.

Nic salts, freebase and shortfills

• Nic salt e-liquid comes in 10ml bottles, usually at 10mg or 20mg, and is made for low power pod kits. Shop nic salts.
• Freebase e-liquid is the traditional form of nicotine e-liquid, also sold in 10ml bottles.
• Shortfills are larger bottles (such as 50ml or 100ml) of nicotine free e-liquid with space left to add a 10ml nicotine shot. For example, one 18mg shot added to a 50ml shortfill makes 60ml at about 3mg. Shop 100ml shortfills.

All e-liquids sold in the UK must list their ingredients and carry nicotine warnings on the label.

6. Troubleshooting

No vapour

Check the pod or tank has e-liquid in it and is seated properly. Clean the contacts on the pod and the device with a dry tissue or cotton bud, and make sure the battery is charged. If it still does not fire, try a new coil or pod.

Leaking or gurgling

Leaks usually come from overfilling, a worn or loose coil, a cracked tank, or e-liquid that is too thin for the coil. Wipe the pod and contacts dry, check the seals, and don't take very hard draws on an MTL device. Storing the device upright helps.

Burnt taste

A burnt taste normally means the wick is dry or the coil is worn out. Make sure the tank is full, let the coil soak, lower the wattage if your device allows, and replace the coil if the taste stays.

Battery won't charge

Use the cable supplied with the device, check the charging port is clean and dry, and try another USB plug. Some devices turn off after five quick presses of the button, so check it is switched on.

7. Battery and e-liquid safety

• Charge with the cable supplied and a standard USB plug, on a hard surface, and don't leave a device charging unattended or overnight.
• Don't leave devices in hot places such as a car in summer, and replace any battery or device that is damaged, swollen or gets hot.
• If your mod uses removable batteries, carry spares in a battery case, never loose in a pocket with keys or coins.
• Keep e-liquid and devices out of the reach of children and pets. Nicotine e-liquid is toxic if swallowed; if this happens, get medical help straight away by calling NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
• Wash e-liquid off your skin with soap and water if you spill it.

8. Recycling your old vape

Vape kits contain lithium batteries, so never put them in household bins. Take old devices, batteries and used pods to an electrical recycling point or a retailer take back scheme.

Need help choosing?

Our team is happy to help you pick a kit, coil or e-liquid. Read our vaping FAQs, browse our guides, or contact us.