Coils & Pods

Coils and pods are at the heart of every vaping device. They play a vital role in vapour production, flavour delivery, and overall performance. Whether you’re using a compact pod system or a more advanced mod, understanding the difference between coils and pods — and how they work — is essential to getting the best possible vaping experience.

Both components are consumables, meaning they need to be replaced regularly. But while they may seem simple, the type of coil or pod you use can dramatically influence everything from vapour density to how your e-liquid tastes.

Coils & Pods

What Are Vape Coils?

A vape coil is the heating element inside your device that converts e-liquid into vapour. It usually consists of a wire (or mesh strip) wrapped in cotton that absorbs the liquid. When you press the fire button or inhale (depending on your device), the coil heats up, vaporising the soaked cotton.

Key Features:

  • Made from materials like kanthal, stainless steel, or mesh
  • Measured in ohms (Ω) — the resistance of the coil
  • Typically replaceable in tanks, clearomisers, and pod systems with replaceable coil heads

Types of Coils:

  1. Sub-ohm Coils (below 1.0Ω):
    • Produce large clouds
    • Work best at higher wattages (25W+)
    • Suited for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping
    • Require more powerful devices and consume more e-liquid
  2. Above-ohm Coils (above 1.0Ω):
    • Produce a tighter draw, similar to smoking
    • Work well at lower wattages (10–20W)
    • Suited for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping
    • More efficient with e-liquid and battery life
  3. Mesh Coils:
    • Use a fine metal mesh instead of a wire coil
    • Heat more evenly and quickly
    • Provide better flavour and longer coil life

When to Replace a Coil:

  • Burnt taste
  • Weak flavour
  • Reduced vapour production
  • Gurgling or leaking
  • Typically every 5–10 days, depending on use and e-liquid

What Are Vape Pods?

A vape pod is a cartridge that holds both the coil and the e-liquid in pod systems. Some pods come with built-in coils (disposable once burnt out), while others have replaceable coils, offering greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Pods are most commonly used in pod kits and compact MTL devices, offering a convenient and mess-free way to vape.

Key Features:

  • Usually magnetically or click-fitted into the device
  • Available in refillable or pre-filled options
  • Come in fixed-coil or replaceable-coil varieties
  • Hold between 1ml and 2ml of e-liquid (UK TPD-compliant)

Types of Pods:

  1. Pre-filled Pods:
    • Disposable after use
    • Preloaded with e-liquid
    • Ideal for beginners and convenience
  2. Refillable Pods:
    • Can be topped up with any compatible e-liquid
    • More cost-effective over time
    • Eco-friendlier than disposables
  3. Replaceable Coil Pods:
    • Combine the convenience of a pod with the versatility of coil swapping
    • Allow users to change just the coil when needed, not the whole pod

When to Replace a Pod:

  • When the coil inside is burnt (for fixed-coil pods)
  • If the pod is leaking or cracked
  • When flavour or vapour production drops
  • Usually every 1–2 weeks, depending on frequency of use

Key Differences: Coils vs Pods

Feature Coils Pods
Purpose Heats e-liquid to create vapour Holds e-liquid and coil in one unit
Replacement Type Just the coil (more economical) Whole pod or coil (depending on type)
Use Case Tanks and refillable pod systems Pod kits and compact devices
Installation Screw-in or push-fit Plug-in, magnetic, or snap-in fitting
Customisation More coil options and flexibility Easier to use but fewer configuration options

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Coils if you:

  • Use a sub-ohm tank or rebuildable atomiser
  • Want greater customisation over vapour and flavour
  • Are comfortable with replacing and priming coils
  • Want to reduce long-term running costs

Choose Pods if you:

  • Prefer a simpler, low-maintenance experience
  • Use a pod device for convenience or portability
  • Are a new vaper or looking for a smoking-style draw
  • Want to minimise mess when refilling or replacing

Conclusion

Coils and pods may be small components, but they have a huge impact on your vaping experience. Coils give you the power to fine-tune your vape, whether you’re chasing clouds or seeking pure flavour. Pods, on the other hand, offer convenience and portability — ideal for busy lifestyles and discreet vaping.

Knowing when and how to replace them, and choosing the right type for your device and style, ensures you’ll always get the best performance from your vape.