The Pros & Cons of Using Disposable Vape Pens

Disposable vaping systems have taken the vaping world by storm, offering a dramatically different approach to finding satisfaction without relying on more complex, bulky, and high-maintenance hardware.  Easier to find than ever, they’re rivaling the popularity of box mod and pod mod setups, and even have appealed to an entirely new generation of the vaping public.

So, does that mean that a disposable vape is the right type of device for you?  Well, that all depends on what you want out of your vaping hobby.  Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to using a disposable as opposed to a different kind of vaping setup.

Getting Down to the Basics of Disposable Vapes: What You Need to Know.

Disposable devices, such as SWFT and Egge, are all-in-one vaping systems that include a full, non-refillable e-liquid cartridge, and fully charged, non-replaceable battery.  The cartridge and battery components are fixed, meaning that they are attached to one another rather than maintained separately.  When the e-liquid runs out, the device is thrown away and replaced with a brand new one.

This is different from other types of vaping systems, in which there is a cartridge or tank component, and a separate device component containing the battery, along with the chipset.  These types of devices use refillable atomizers, and the battery must be charged frequently for the device to continue providing power.  These devices also have coils that must be replaced regularly in order to convert the e-liquid into vapor.  Let’s elaborate a little more by going over the 4 most common types of vaping systems you can choose from.

• Disposables: As stated above, disposables are all-in-one systems that do not involve any replaceable or removable parts, and also, are never refilled with e-liquid. These devices come fully charged and ready to go.
• Pod Systems: Pod systems are pocket-friendly vape kits with rechargeable, integrated batteries (with some exceptions), and refillable pod cartridges that can be detached from the device itself.
• Pen Mod Systems: Pen mod systems are vape kits that consist of a “pen mod”, which is a cylindrical battery device, and a detachable, refillable tank, that uses replaceable coils. Pen mods often come with a small number of adjustable power settings.
• Box Mod Systems: Box mod systems are the most advanced vaping systems, consisting of a high-powered box mod that takes external batteries, and a tank that uses replaceable coils, and must be filled with e-liquid frequently.

Pros of Disposable Vapes:

Now, let’s take a look at the ways in which switching to a disposable can improve your vaping life, according to the pros that fans of disposables find irresistible.

#1: Portable

Disposables are extremely portable – most of them can fit easily into just about any pocket – and the fact that they’re lightweight makes them only more travel-friendly.  Another factor that makes these devices more travel-friendly is that they don’t require that you’re refilling e-liquids and recharging batteries throughout the day, which can be difficult to do when you’re out and about in the world.  Basically, if you’re looking for a device that’s discreet, easy to carry around, and comfortable to handle, then a disposable may be the best choice for you. 

#2: Easy to Use

Disposables are also very easy to use, which has a lot to do with their popularity.  Almost none of them have any buttons, instead allowing you to just pull on the mouthpiece to draw in a cloud of vapor.  They don’t need to be adjusted at any time, and don’t require understanding the ins and outs of vaping technology.  Few even have a power button, in fact. 

#3: Mess-Free

One thing we know about more complex vaping systems is that sometimes, they can make a mess.  Dealing with oily e-liquid isn’t something everyone is a fan of, and some devices are prone to leaking, which means even more of a messy situation.  Disposables aren’t built in the same way, so there’s no mess, no leaks, and no e-liquid to have to deal with, since it’s all contained within the device.

#4: Salt-Based Nicotine

Disposables pretty much exclusively use salt-based nicotine – a type of nicotine that is more potent and more like the nicotine found in cigarettes.  Because of that, salt-based nicotine, also known as nic salt, is often preferred by former smokers.  While refillable pod systems also use salt-based nicotine, large box mod systems do not, as their higher power levels require freebase nicotine e-liquids.

#5: Require No Maintenance

Disposable devices also have the bonus of requiring just about no maintenance.  They’re the only vaping systems in which you never need to take them apart, change a coil, or refill them with e-liquid.  Most of them use batteries that don’t need to be charged at any time, either, but keep in mind that larger devices that contain more e-liquid may require one or two charging sessions, and even come with USB charging ports.

#6: There is No Long-Term Commitment

With a disposable, there’s minimum investment involved.  If you don’t like the flavor, or how it performs, you can throw it out and buy a new one.  It’s not like investing in a costlier vaping system and full bottle of e-liquid, which would make it more difficult to justify throwing it away and buying a new one.

Cons of Disposable Vapes:

Now, let’s talk about some of the ways in which disposables may be less desirable than other vaping systems.  Again, this all comes down to personal preference, so you may not see any of the things below as cons at all.

#1: Not Modifiable

Some people prefer more complex vaping technology, which requires that you adjust the wattage level, play around with different coil configurations, and so on.  If you want a vaping system that comes with lots of settings and options, a disposable probably isn’t for you.

#2: Flavors May Be Limited

With disposable devices, you can only pick from the flavors provided by the manufacturer.  With refillable vaping systems, however, you can choose from any flavor on the market, and choose from a large number of different manufacturers.

#3: Nicotine Strength Options Also Can Be Limited

If you’re someone who is very specific about their nicotine strengths, or wants the option to explore freebase nicotine, you’re not going to get that with disposables.  Virtually all disposables use a 50mg (5%) concentration of salt-based nicotine, and while that’s perfectly suitable for the large majority of vapers, it may not be for you.

#4: You May Get a Dud on Occasion

On rare occasion, you may end up with a “dud” – that is, a disposable device that, for whatever reason, doesn’t work, or dies before it’s supposed to.  Disposables are generally cheaper to produce than other vaping hardware, which means the chance of ending up with a dud is a bit higher than it is with a more substantial vape kit.  Still, this is very rare.

A Lot of it Comes Down to the Disposable that You Choose

Our list of pros and cons applies to the general disposable vape market, but of course, it’s also all about which disposable you end up buying.  Why?  Because there is always the chance that you purchase a disposable that’s ultimately very low in quality, and so, won’t be able to satisfy all of your vaping needs. 

Essentially then, stick to disposables that come from trusted names in the industry, like the ones that we carry at Vapor Authority.  This way, you can be sure that you’re able to feel completely gratified with your vaping experience.

Are Disposable Devices Worth it?

At the end of the day, disposables are as popular as they are for a reason.  Clearly, they satisfy the needs of a huge amount of vaping enthusiasts.  But, does that mean that they’re for everyone?  Of course not.  Luckily, you can find disposables as well as other types of vaping systems at Vapor Authority, to end up with the hardware setup that reflects your unique needs, no matter what.