Best Vape Devices for Heavy Smokers 2025 (UK)
This website wouldn’t exist if my mum hadn’t been a heavy smoker. In 2008 she came across a basic cigalike device. Fortunately, it worked and she hasn’t had a single cigarette since.
That simple device helped many smokers take their first step away from tobacco. And while It didn’t work for everyone, since then both vape technology and our understanding of what helps people switch have come on immensely.
So in this post I want to focus on the best vapes for people, like my mum, who are looking to ditch a heavy smoking habit and switch to vaping.
Contents
- Top Picks
- Best closed pod systems
- Best open pod systems
- Best vapes for heavy smokers at a glance
- Factors to consider when choosing a vape
- Related guides
Top picks
Refillable kit | 1500mAh battery | Superb flavour
Best for: Long lasting battery between charges
Read more below
Prefilled, rechargeable kit | Beginner-friendly | Cost-effective alternative to 600 puff devices
Best for: Big puff count
Read more below
Best closed pod systems for heavy smokers
Dojo Blast 10K: Long-lasting, disposable-style flavour
Best for: Heavy smokers who want a low-fuss, high-capacity vape
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ 10ml of e-liquid – vape for days ✔️ Strong, satisfying flavour ✔️ Very easy to use ✔️ Great value alternative to 10ml pods kits |
What we don’t like: Large size Mouthpiece not as comfortable as other kits |
The Dojo Blast 10K offers great flavour, a large e-liquid capacity and a satisfying hit that makes it an excellent choice for heavy smokers looking for simplicity and staying power.
That extra capacity does come with a trade-off – this is a big device. If you’re after something pocket-sized or discreet, it won’t be the best fit. But the 10ml of e-liquid it holds is equivalent to five prefilled pods, so you can go days before replacing the refill pods, while the 1000mAh battery easily saw me through a day of regular use.
If I had one complaint, it would be the mouthpiece, which wasn’t quite as comfortable as other kits I’ve used. Still, for ease of use, flavour and sheer convenience, the Dojo Blast 10K is one of the best prefilled options we’ve tested - especially if you’re a heavier smoker who doesn’t want to mess around with refills.
Elf Bar 600: Sleek and simple
Best for: Smokers who want a no-fuss pod kit with strong flavour
Reviewed by: Helen, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Strong flavour and simple design ✔️ Easy to replace pods ✔️ Battery lasts longer than pods |
What we don’t like: No charging cable included Draw a little airy |
Sometimes, when you switch from smoking to vaping, convenience and ease of use are your top priority. If that’s you, look no further than the Elf Bar 600.
It looks and feels just like the original disposable it’s named for except it comes with a rechargeable battery and replaceable pods. It’s slim, light and very simple to set up - just pop in a pod and vape. The magnetic fit also makes it easy to handle if you struggle with dexterity.
Flavour is a big draw here. The pods give a strong, satisfying vape and the coils last as long as the 2ml of e-liquid with no drop-off. The downside is that heavy vapers will go through pods quickly, which can be costly compared to refillable kits.
Battery life comfortably outlasts the 2ml pods, so you’ll get through one or two before recharging. A light tells you when the charge is low, although instructions aren’t included and there’s no cable in the box. The draw is on the airy side - some will like it, others may prefer a tighter inhale.
Overall, it’s a sleek, easy option for heavy smokers who want disposable-style flavour without the throwaway device.
Halo Cigalikes: Just like a cigarette!
Best for: People who want something as close as possible to a cigarette
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Cigarette-style draw and throat hit ✔️ Familiar flavours ✔️ Simple to use |
What we don’t like: Limited flavours Small capacity |
The longest-running vapes on our website, Halo Cigalikes’ enduring popularity is testament to the fact they remain the closest experience to a cigarette.
There are three key reasons I wanted to include them in this post: the draw, the taste and throat hit. Halo Cigalikes are perfect for those wanting an old-style vape that tastes and feels like a regular cigarette, with a strong cigarette-style throat hit compared with some of the more modern devices mentioned in this post.
That cigarette similarity extends to the appearance. The battery is white and cylindrical, and the cartridges look like a filter tip. There’s no pretense at fruit flavours here - just a straightforward choice of menthol or tobacco, just like you get in cigarettes.
While the devices have seen subtle design/technology upgrades over the years, modern vapers may find them simplistic, and very limited in flavour choice, but for smokers who want an experience close to smoking they are a great option.
Best open pod systems for heavy smokers
Vaporesso Xros 5: All-day battery, excellent flavour
Best for: Heavy smokers who want a reliable pod kit
Reviewed by: Lloyd, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Long-lasting battery ✔️ Solid premium feel ✔️ Superb flavour |
What we don’t like: Charging port on side |
When you’ve been a heavy smoker, switching to vaping means getting your nicotine hit when you need it. So running out of battery halfway through the day - especially when you're miles from a plug - just won’t cut it. And because heavy smokers tend to take more frequent, longer puffs, you’ll burn through the battery faster than lighter users.
That’s where the Xros 5 shines. With a high-density 1500mAh battery in an efficient device, I find it easily lasts all day, even with heavier use.
But there’s more to the Xros 5 than just battery life. The draw is satisfying, the flavour is excellent (especially when using the new Corex 3.0 pods), and the device has a solid, premium feel. The colour screen shows your battery level, puff count and lets you switch theme colours too.
Prefer something simpler? Go for the Xros 5 Mini. You lose the screen and power control, but you still get that same 1500mAh battery in a more compact, easy-to-use body - perfect if you want something pocket-friendly with fewer frills.
Aspire PockeX: Best for throat hit
Best for: Heavy smokers who want a strong throat hit
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Strong, punchy throat hit – ideal for heavy smokers ✔️ Works well with freebase e-liquid ✔️ Solid battery life ✔️ Great track record for reliability |
What we don’t like: Filling involves unscrewing the top Can sometimes get hot with heavy use |
Some devices hit the market, hang around for a few months, and then vanish.
And then there’s the Aspire PockeX.
This is one of the oldest devices still going - and it remains hugely popular, with a loyal following that keeps coming back. I personally used the PockeX for several years, and I think I know why: it's the throat hit.
Unlike newer devices designed for smooth nic salts, the PockeX delivers a sharper, punchier inhale – much closer to the sensation of smoking. If you're a heavy smoker missing that harsh-but-pleasurable feeling at the back of your throat, this device delivers. That’s especially true when paired with a strong freebase liquid like Halo Originals.
Of course, being an older device, it has a few quirks. Refilling means unscrewing the top - not difficult, but a bit fiddlier than today’s pod kits. But battery life is solid - I used to get a full day out of it - and coils tend to last well if you keep the wattage-friendly e-liquid flowing.
It’s not flashy, and it won’t win any design awards. But if you’re chasing that all-important throat hit, the PockeX is hard to beat.
Eleaf iStick Power 2: Superb battery life in a smart mod
Best for: Heavy smokers who want long battery life and solid performance
Reviewed by: James, ECD Team
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What we like: ✔️ Huge 5000mAh battery lasts days ✔️ Smart Mode prevents coil burnouts ✔️ Strong flavour and flexible airflow ✔️ Stylish, solid build |
What we don’t like: Larger and heavier than pod kits Bottom-fill pod, need to empty for coil changes |
Not every smoker wants a light, plastic vape device. So it’s a pleasure to introduce the iStick Power 2, which looks and feels like a proper box mod, with a zinc alloy body and stitched leather-style grip. It’s bigger and heavier than most pod kits, so not ideal if you want something pocket-friendly, but the finish is smart and the 0.96-inch colour screen makes it look polished and modern.
That extra size brings one big advantage: a huge 5000mAh battery. In practice, this means days of use between charges if you vape Mouth-to-Lung (MTL). Charging is quick and easy via USB-C, and you can even vape while it’s plugged in.
Performance is strong too. The bundled GTL pod tank works well for MTL and restricted Direct-Lung (DL) vaping, with flavour that rivals more expensive tanks. Smart Mode is a neat touch, automatically limiting wattage to protect coils - great for avoiding accidental burnouts. Airflow control is flexible, offering everything from a tight draw to a more open inhale.
There are some compromises: the bottom-fill pod is less convenient than a top-fill, and you’ll need to empty it before swapping coils. But for reliability, battery life and flavour, the iStick Power 2 stands out as one of the best options for heavy smokers who need a device that will keep going all day - and then some.
Best vapes for heavy smokers at a glance
| Device | Type | What’s special? |
| Dojo Blast 10K | Prefilled pod kit | Long-lasting, disposable-style flavour |
| Elf Bar 600 | Prefilled pod kit | Simple, sleek, strong flavour |
| Halo Cigalikes | Cigalike | Closest to smoking |
| Vaporesso Xros 5 | Refillable pod kit | All-day battery, great flavour |
| Aspire PockeX | Refillable pen kit | Best for throat hit |
| Eleaf iStick Power 2 | Mod kit | Huge 5000mAh battery, reliable flavour |
Factors to consider for heavy smokers
Nicotine delivery
The key to switching is getting enough nicotine. In the UK, strengths are capped at 20mg. Low-powered devices pair well with high-nicotine e-liquids, while higher-powered kits are often used at lower strengths, as each puff delivers more. If you’re starting out, a simple, low-powered kit with a stronger e-liquid is usually best.
Learn more: How to choose the right nicotine strength
Throat hit for heavy smokers
Many heavy smokers miss the “kick” of cigarettes. You’ll get the strongest throat hit from 50:50 VG:PG e-liquids, or freebase nicotine. If that’s too harsh, nicotine salts give high nicotine with a smoother feel, while hybrid blends balance both.
Learn more: The Vaper’s Guide to Throat Hit
Airflow and vape style
Adjustable airflow lets you choose between a tight or airy draw. Adjusting it can also help you mirror the experience of your cigarette or rollie. Most heavy smokers start with a restricted Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) draw, which is closest to smoking, but some devices also allow Direct-Lung (DL) if you want to experiment later.
Learn more: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vs Direct-Lung (DL) Inhale Explained
Best vape juice flavours for switching to vaping
Studies show smokers are more likely to switch successfully with non-tobacco flavours. Fruity or menthol blends often work best, though if you crave tobacco, start with a classic flavour or a tobacco blend like Classic Virginia before branching out.
Ease of use
For most people, when you switch to vaping you don’t want to be learning how to use fiddly settings. Instead, you want a device that you can just pick up and use.
Cigalikes and pod kits are some of the easiest devices to use, but most of the devices we’ve selected here have a relatively gentle learning curve. That said, if you are using a refillable device, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of priming coils.
Remember, everyone is different
I’ve known people who switched from smoking to vaping after one vape. I’ve even known people who accidentally switched to vaping.
I’ve also known people who took months or even years to fully make the switch.
If it takes time, don’t be hard on yourself. Chances are you are still cutting down on the amount of cigarettes you are using. However, these ten tips to help make the switch might help.