Switching from Smoking? Start Here
A simple buying guide for adult smokers who want to move away from cigarettes.
If you smoke and you are not sure what to buy, this page is designed to help you choose a sensible starter setup, pick the right nicotine strength and check out without getting lost.
Vaping is for adult smokers only. It is not for children or non-smokers. Vaping is not risk-free, but UK health guidance recognises nicotine vaping as less harmful than smoking and a useful option for adult smokers who want to quit cigarettes.
The quickest answer
If you want the easiest starting point, choose:
- A prefilled pod kit if you want simple, no-fuss vaping with no refilling.
- A refillable pod kit with nicotine salts if you want more flavour choice and better long-term value.
- 20mg nicotine salt if you smoke regularly, smoke soon after waking, or struggle with strong cravings.
- 10mg nicotine salt if you are a lighter or moderate smoker.
- 5mg nicotine salt if you smoke very lightly or are stepping down from a stronger vape.
Shop prefilled pod kits | Shop prefilled pods | Shop nicotine salts
Step 1: Choose by how much you smoke
If you smoke 1 to 5 cigarettes a day
You are likely to be a lighter smoker. Start with a simple pod kit and a lower to medium nicotine strength.
- Best starting strength: 5mg or 10mg nicotine salt.
- Best product type: Prefilled pod kit or refillable pod kit.
- What to buy: One starter kit plus one pack of pods, or one refillable kit plus one bottle of nicotine salt.
If you still feel like smoking after using the vape properly, move up to 10mg before giving up on the switch.
If you smoke 5 to 10 cigarettes a day
This is the middle ground. You need enough nicotine to take the edge off cravings, but you may not need the strongest option.
- Best starting strength: 10mg nicotine salt.
- If cravings are strong: Consider 20mg, especially if your first cigarette is early in the morning.
- Best product type: Prefilled pod kit for ease, or refillable pod kit with nic salts for more choice.
If you smoke 10 to 20 cigarettes a day
You will usually need a stronger nicotine option at the start. Starting too low is one of the biggest reasons people go back to cigarettes.
- Best starting strength: 20mg nicotine salt.
- Best product type: Prefilled pod kit or refillable pod kit with nicotine salts.
- What to buy: A starter kit plus extra pods or liquid so you are not caught short.
Once you are fully away from cigarettes and settled, you can step down later if you want to.
If you smoke 20+ cigarettes a day or strong roll-ups
Start simple and strong enough. You want something easy to use and satisfying, not a complicated device that makes quitting feel harder.
- Best starting strength: 20mg nicotine salt.
- Best product type: Prefilled pod kit or compact refillable pod kit.
- Avoid at first: Low-nicotine shortfills, large cloud kits or anything too technical.
If you are a heavy smoker, combining product advice with support from a stop smoking service can make the switch easier.
Step 2: Choose the right pod type
Option 1: Prefilled pod kits — easiest choice
Choose this if you want the closest thing to a simple disposable-style experience, but reusable.
- No refilling.
- No coil changing.
- Rechargeable device.
- Replace the pod when it is empty.
- Good for smokers who want something straightforward.
Best for: New switchers, busy customers, disposable users and anyone who does not want maintenance.
Basket checklist: Starter kit + at least one extra pack of compatible pods.
Option 2: Refillable pod kits with nicotine salts — more choice
Choose this if you are happy filling the pod yourself and want more flavour choice, more brands and better long-term value.
- More flavours available.
- You can change nicotine strength more easily.
- Often better value over time.
- Good for people who want more control than prefilled pods.
Best for: Smokers who want flavour choice, people who already know they like vaping, and customers who want to reduce strength over time.
Basket checklist: Refillable pod kit + one or two 10ml nicotine salts + spare replacement pods if available.
Option 3: Replacement pods — only if you already have the matching device
Replacement pods are not usually a full kit. They only work with the correct device. Before buying, check the brand and exact device name.
- If you have a Lost Mary, Elf Bar, Vaporesso, OXVA, Uwell or other device, the pod must match that device.
- If you are unsure, contact us before buying.
- Do not guess — pods that look similar may not fit.
Option 4: Coils — only for devices that use coils
Coils are for tanks and some refillable pod systems. If your device uses sealed pods, you may not need coils at all.
- Buy coils only if your device specifically takes replaceable coils.
- Check the resistance printed on your current coil or device instructions.
- If your vape tastes burnt, the coil or pod may need replacing.
Step 3: Pick your nicotine strength
This is a starting guide, not a strict rule. How soon you smoke after waking, how strong your cravings are and how often you puff all matter.
| Smoking pattern | Suggested starting strength | Best format |
|---|---|---|
| Very light smoker, 1 to 5 cigarettes a day | 5mg or 10mg | Prefilled pod or refillable pod with nic salt |
| Light to moderate smoker, 5 to 10 cigarettes a day | 10mg | Nicotine salt pod setup |
| Regular smoker, 10 to 20 cigarettes a day | 20mg | Prefilled pod kit or refillable pod with 20mg nic salt |
| Heavy smoker, 20+ a day or strong roll-ups | 20mg | Simple pod kit with strong nicotine salt |
| Already vaping and reducing down | 10mg or 5mg | Nic salt or lower strength pod option |
Step 4: Choose a flavour that helps you stick with it
The best flavour is the one that helps you avoid cigarettes. Do not overthink it.
- If you smoke menthol cigarettes: Start with menthol, mint, ice or a cool fruit flavour.
- If you smoke tobacco cigarettes: Try tobacco, caramel tobacco or a simple fruit flavour as a backup.
- If you used disposables: Start with familiar flavours such as blue raspberry, cherry, watermelon, mixed fruit or ice flavours.
- If sweet flavours put you off: Choose mint, tobacco or a cleaner fruit profile.
For your first order, choose one familiar flavour and one backup flavour. That gives you a better chance of finding something you will actually use.
Step 5: Add the right things to basket
If you choose a prefilled pod kit
- 1 prefilled pod starter kit.
- 1 or 2 packs of compatible prefilled pods.
- Choose 10mg if you are a lighter smoker, or 20mg if you smoke regularly.
Shop prefilled pod kits | Shop prefilled pods
If you choose a refillable pod kit
- 1 refillable pod kit.
- 1 or 2 bottles of nicotine salt in your chosen strength.
- Spare pods if your device has them available.
Shop nicotine salts | Shop replacement pods
If you already own a device
- Search the exact device name.
- Buy only pods or coils that match that device.
- If you cannot find the exact match, contact us before ordering.
Common problems and what they usually mean
“I still want a cigarette.”
Your nicotine strength may be too low, or you may not be using the vape often enough. Many smokers need 20mg nicotine salt at the start.
“It feels too harsh.”
The strength may be too high, the flavour may be too sharp, or the device may not suit you. Nicotine salts are usually smoother than traditional freebase liquids.
“It tastes burnt.”
The pod or coil may need replacing, or the pod may not have had enough time to soak after filling. Replace the pod or coil and avoid chain vaping.
“I do not know which pod fits my device.”
Do not guess. Send us the device name or a photo and we will help you choose the correct pods.
Our easiest recommendation
If you want the most hassle-free first order, start with a prefilled pod kit, choose 20mg if you smoke regularly, and add extra compatible pods in two flavours. That gives you everything you need to start without needing liquids, coils or complicated settings.
Need help before you buy?
Tell us what you currently smoke, how many cigarettes you smoke a day, and whether you want the simplest option or the best value option. We will help you choose the right device, pods and nicotine strength before you check out.
This guide is general product guidance for adult smokers. It is not medical advice. For stop smoking support, speak to your GP, pharmacist or local NHS Stop Smoking Service. Adult nicotine products only. Not for non-smokers or under 18s.
