The UK disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June 2025, and since then big puff vapes have become the go to choice for vapers who want long lasting convenience without single use waste. These prefilled pod kits deliver thousands of puffs from a rechargeable unit, keeping the simplicity that made disposables popular while staying within TPD regulations.
One of the most popular options in the UK right now is the Hayati Pro Ultra, which has quickly become a favourite among ex disposable users thanks to its high puff count and wide flavour selection.
This guide explains how big puff vapes work, what makes them different from traditional disposables, and whether they’re the right choice for you.
How Big Puff Vapes Work
Big puff vapes use clever designs to maximise e liquid capacity while staying compliant with UK regulations. The TPD limits nicotine containing e liquid to 2ml per pod, so manufacturers have developed two main approaches to extend how long each kit lasts.
Multi pod rotation. Some kits house multiple 2ml pods in a single unit. A rotating mechanism lets you switch between pods without removing them. This approach typically delivers around 2,400 puffs and gives you the option to change flavours throughout the day.
Internal reservoir feeding. Other kits pair a standard 2ml pod with a larger internal e liquid reservoir, usually 10ml. The reservoir gradually feeds liquid into the pod as you vape. This design can deliver 6,000 puffs or more from a single refill container.
Both approaches keep the same draw activated, button free operation that disposable users are familiar with. You inhale to vape, and the kit does the rest.
Comparing Big Puff Vapes to Standard 600 Puff Options
A traditional 2ml prefilled pod delivers roughly 600 puffs, which lasts most vapers a day or two. Big puff kits change that equation significantly.
A 2,400 puff kit can last around a week. A 6,000 puff kit can stretch to two or three weeks. Higher capacity options rated at 10,000 puffs or more can last a month or longer for moderate vapers.
The upfront cost is higher. You might pay two or three times more for a big puff kit compared to a basic 600 puff option. But the ongoing cost drops because you’re buying refill pods far less frequently. For regular vapers, the savings become obvious within a few weeks.
Nicotine Strength in Big Puff Vapes
Most prefilled big puff kits use 20mg nicotine salts. This is the maximum strength permitted under UK regulations for nicotine containing e liquid.
Nicotine salts deliver nicotine more efficiently than traditional freebase nicotine. They feel smoother on the throat at higher strengths, which makes them popular with ex smokers who need a strong hit to manage cravings. Some brands also offer 10mg options for vapers who prefer a lighter experience or are stepping down their nicotine intake.
Puff Count Expectations
Big puff vapes are marketed with specific puff counts, but these numbers come from controlled testing conditions. Real world results vary based on how you vape.
Longer draws use more e liquid per puff. Frequent vaping throughout the day drains the pod faster. Shorter, lighter puffs will stretch the total higher.
As a general guide, expect around 70 to 80 percent of the advertised puff count under normal use. A kit rated at 6,000 puffs might deliver 4,500 to 5,000 puffs in practice. That’s still significantly more than standard options.
Types of Big Puff Vape Kits
The market has settled into two main formats since the disposable ban. Each has strengths depending on what you prioritise.
Multi Pod Rotation Kits
These kits hold several 2ml pods in a carousel style chamber. Rotating the mouthpiece or a selector ring switches between pods. Most hold four pods, giving around 2,400 puffs per full set.
The main advantage is flavour flexibility. You can load different flavours and switch based on your mood or the time of day. Morning coffee might call for a tobacco flavour. Afternoon might suit something fruity. Evening might be time for dessert.
Setup is minimal. You slot the pods in, rotate to your chosen flavour, and vape. When a pod empties, you rotate to the next. When all four are done, you replace the full set.
Works well for vapers who get bored with single flavours, people who like variety, and anyone transitioning from disposables who wants to try multiple options.
Less suited to vapers who want maximum puff count per purchase, or those who prefer sticking with one flavour for extended periods.
Reservoir Fed Pod Kits
These kits combine a 2ml pod with a larger internal reservoir, typically 10ml. The reservoir feeds liquid into the pod automatically as you vape. Some require occasional tilting to keep the flow moving. Others use wicking systems that handle it passively.
Puff counts are substantially higher. Kits in this format commonly deliver 6,000 to 10,000 puffs, with some claiming 20,000 or more.
The trade off is size. These kits are bulkier than multi pod options because they need space for the reservoir and a larger battery. They also commit you to one flavour until the reservoir empties, which can take weeks.
Works well for vapers who want maximum longevity, people who find a flavour they love and stick with it, and anyone who dislikes frequent pod changes.
Less suited to vapers who want a compact kit, or those who get flavour fatigue easily.
Setup and Daily Use
Big puff vapes are designed to be nearly as simple as disposables. Setup typically takes under a minute.
For multi pod kits, you click or slide the pods into position, rotate to select your starting flavour, and begin vaping. The kit handles everything else.
For reservoir fed kits, you insert the refill container, wait a few minutes for the pod to saturate, and start vaping. Some kits recommend tilting occasionally to ensure consistent flow to the coil.
Charging uses USB C on most modern options. A full charge takes one to two hours depending on battery size. Larger reservoir kits often have bigger batteries to match their extended e liquid capacity, so you’re not constantly recharging even though the kit lasts longer.
Advantages of Big Puff Vapes
Extended Use Between Purchases
The obvious benefit is longevity. Where a 600 puff pod might last two days, a big puff kit can last a week, two weeks, or longer. That means fewer trips to buy refills, less chance of running out unexpectedly, and more convenience overall.
Lower Long Term Costs
The maths favours big puff kits for regular vapers. Buying a 600 puff pod every two days adds up quickly. A single refill container lasting two weeks costs less per day of use, even though the individual purchase price is higher.
Reduced Waste
You keep the main unit and replace only the pods or containers. Compared to disposables, where the entire kit went in the bin after 600 puffs, big puff vapes generate significantly less waste. The batteries and electronics stay in use for months.
Familiar Experience
The draw style, throat hit, and overall feel match what disposable users expect. There’s no learning curve. No buttons to press. No settings to adjust. You inhale and it works.
Larger Batteries
Higher capacity batteries mean less frequent charging. Many big puff kits can go several days between charges, even with regular use. USB C charging speeds up the process when you do need to top up.
Disadvantages of Big Puff Vapes
Limited Customisation
Most big puff kits have fixed airflow. You get whatever draw resistance the manufacturer built in. If you prefer tighter or looser draws, your options are limited to choosing kits that match your preference rather than adjusting a single kit.
Smaller Flavour Selection
Prefilled pods offer fewer flavour choices than bottled e liquids. You’re limited to whatever the brand produces for that specific kit. Popular flavours are usually well covered, but niche or unusual options are harder to find.
Commitment to One Flavour
Reservoir fed kits lock you into a single flavour until the container empties. If you pick something you end up disliking, you’re stuck with it for potentially thousands of puffs. Multi pod kits avoid this problem, but have lower overall capacity.
Not the Cheapest Option
Refillable pod kits with bottled e liquid still offer the lowest cost per puff. Big puff vapes sit in the middle ground, cheaper than disposables but more expensive than full refillable setups. You’re paying for convenience.
Size and Weight
Reservoir fed kits are noticeably larger than compact pod kits or disposables. They still fit in a pocket, but they’re bulkier. If portability is your top priority, multi pod kits or smaller options might suit better.
TPD Compliance and Legality
Big puff vapes sold through legitimate UK retailers are TPD compliant. They achieve high puff counts without breaking the 2ml nicotine-containing limit by using multi pod designs or reservoir feeding systems.
The 2ml pod itself contains nicotine e liquid. The reservoir or additional pods are technically separate containers. This keeps the kit within regulations while extending total capacity.
Not all products claiming high puff counts are legitimate. Illegal vapes with oversized pods or non compliant nicotine levels still appear in some shops and online marketplaces. Buying from established UK vape retailers is the safest approach. If a deal seems too good to be true, or the packaging looks questionable, it probably is.
How Long Will a Big Puff Vape Last?
Longevity depends on your vaping habits. A useful baseline is the 600 puff pod lasting two days for an average vaper.
Using that estimate, a 2,400 puff kit lasts around 8 days. A 6,000 puff kit lasts around 20 days. A 10,000 puff kit lasts around 33 days.
Heavy vapers will see shorter times. Light or occasional vapers will stretch them further. The numbers give you a rough guide for planning purchases and comparing value.
Who Benefits Most From Big Puff Vapes
Recent Ex Smokers
The simple, familiar experience makes big puff kits ideal for people who have just quit smoking. There’s nothing to learn. You inhale and get nicotine. The high strength nic salts satisfy cravings effectively.
Busy Lifestyles
If you don’t want to think about your vape, big puff kits handle that. One kit in your pocket lasts days or weeks. No spare pods to carry. No bottles to pack. No coils to change.
Travellers
Long trips, flights, festivals, camping, and holidays are all easier with a high capacity kit. You’re not hunting for vape shops or worrying about running out at inconvenient times.
Ex Disposable Users
If you like disposables but want something more sustainable and cost effective, big puff kits are the natural next step. The experience is nearly identical, but you’re not throwing away electronics every couple of days.
Popular Big Puff Vape Brands in the UK
The brands that dominated the disposable market have transitioned to prefilled pod kits. Familiar names include Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE Crystal, Hayati, IVG, and Gold Bar.
The Hayati Pro Ultra stands out as one of the most popular choices since the disposable ban. It delivers high puff counts, offers a wide selection of flavours that ex disposable users recognise, and has built a strong reputation for reliable performance.
Other notable options include the Elf Bar range for vapers who want the 4 in 1 multi pod format, Lost Mary kits for mid range puff counts with solid battery life, and SKE Crystal options for fans of the original Crystal disposable flavours.
Recycling Big Puff Vapes
UK vape retailers are required to accept used vape hardware for recycling. You can return spent kits to the shop you bought them from, either in person or by post depending on their policy.
Local council recycling points also accept small electrical items, which includes vape hardware. Check your council website for drop off locations.
Never put vape kits in regular household waste. The lithium batteries can cause fires during waste processing. Proper recycling recovers valuable materials and keeps hazardous components out of landfill.
Summary
Big puff vapes have filled the gap left by the disposable ban. They deliver the same simple, draw activated experience that made disposables popular, but with significantly longer life and less waste.
The choice between multi pod rotation kits and reservoir fed kits depends on whether you value flavour variety or maximum longevity. Both formats offer substantial improvements over 600 puff options in terms of convenience and cost per puff.
Kits like the Hayati Pro Ultra have become favourites because they combine high capacity with familiar flavours and reliable performance. For ex smokers, ex disposable users, and anyone who wants vaping to be simple, big puff kits are worth considering.