Vape Pens

A vape pen is a vape kit that's designed to resemble the shape of a pen. They are the original form of vape, and their shape makes them a discreet and convenient option to carry in a pocket or bag. This, combined with their ease of use, makes them a perfect introduction to vaping.

A vape pen is one of the simplest types of vape kit to use. To use your vape pen you just need to follow 3 simple steps:

• Fill the tank of the vape pen ensuring all of the wick / cotton is covered with e-liquid.
• Wait for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the e-liquid to fully saturate the wick.
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and take a puff for a few seconds whilst holding down the activation button.

Vape pens are made up of 3 basic parts: the battery, tank and coil. 

• Battery – This is also known as a "mod", and it holds the actual battery, as well as the control chip.
• Tank – This is where the vapour is generated and where you refill the e-liquid.
• Coil – The coil is also in the tank. This is the element that heats up and turns the e-liquid into vapour.

The majority of pen-style vapes have a top filling tank. To refill these kits, you simply open the top of the tank by either twisting it or sliding it, depending on the specific model. 

Then, you just need to insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle and ensure that you fill the tank until all the cotton on the coil is covered. 

Some newer vape pens will have a pod instead of a tank. In this instance, you'll need to open the tab on the side or bottom of the vape pod and insert the nozzle of the e-liquid bottle.

Before choosing an e-liquid, you'll need to work out what type of vape pen you have. 

Most are Mouth to Lung (MTL) devices. However, you can now find some advanced vape pens that are Direct to Lung (DTL). These are also known as sub-ohm kits. 

If you're not sure which type you have, you simply need to check the coil resistance, which is printed on the side of it. If the resistance is 1.0 Ohm or higher, then you have an MTL vape pen. If it's lower, then you have a sub-ohm vape. 

MTL e-cig pens work best with a 50% propylene glycol (PG) e-liquid. For sub-ohm e-cig pens, you want a high vegetable glycerin (VG) e-liquid, like 70% VG.
 

The length of time you need to charge your vape pen will depend on the battery size and the charger you're using. 

However, a good rule of thumb for a modern vape pen and charger is between 1 and 2 hours. Just remember to always use a compatible charger and cable.

For more information on safe charging, take a look at our guide on How to Charge Batteries Safely.

The mouthpiece of a vape pen comes into regular contact with both your mouth and the outside world, so it is essential to keep it clean. For the outside of the mouthpiece, you can simply clean it with some warm, soapy water or an anti-bacterial wipe. 

For the inside of the mouthpiece, it is best to remove it and use a cotton bud dipped in soapy water. Or, for a deeper clean, dip in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). This is better at dissolving stubborn dirt and disinfecting the mouthpiece.

Most disposable vape pens offer 600 puffs, which will last the average user between 1 and 2 days. 

There are now some high-capacity disposable vape pens, known as big puff disposables, which can offer up to 5000 puffs. This would last you a week or more.

There are excellent options from all of the top brands. However, if we had to pick just one pen-style vape kit, then we would choose the Aspire Pockex as the best. It can be used for either MTL or sub-ohm vaping, is small and compact and has been the best-selling vape pen in the UK for the past five years!