The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone to a lesser or greater extent. Energy bills have gone through the roof, food prices have risen dramatically, and you need a second mortgage to fill up your car. Few people are fortunate enough to have unlimited funds.
If your finances are being squeezed, it makes sense to save money wherever you can. Here’s our top tips for minimising the cost of vaping while continuing to enjoy tasty flavours and getting your nicotine fix.
1.Ditch disposables
Snazzy and convenient, disposable devices are now incredibly popular. But there can be no doubt that they represent the most expensive way to vape. Disposable vape pens may cost as little as £4 each and sometimes even less, which seems cheap. But each colourful little e cig contains a maximum of 2ml of e liquid.
With rechargeable beginner vape kits starting at just £5.99 and budget e liquids costing as little as 89p for 10ml, you don’t need to be Pythagorus to do the maths. It’s cheaper to invest in a rechargeable and refillable e cig.
2.Avoid prefilled pods and those with built-in coils
As with disposable vape pens, prefilled pods are loaded with no more than 2ml of e liquid and must be discarded once the juice runs dry.
If you think that the pods will save you from a whole load of hassle, topping up and replacing your coils, consider how long it really takes to perform these minor tasks. You can top up in ten seconds and it shouldn’t take longer than a minute to replace a coil. Of course, coils cost money too, but they will last you several days.
3.Vape mouth to lung
Sub ohm vape kits for direct to lung (DTL) vaping plough through high volumes of e liquid. The impressive clouds that you enjoy are costly. You will spend much less on your e liquids if you vape mouth to lung (MTL). Investing in a low wattage device and cheap, high PG e liquids could save you a small fortune in the long run.
4.Choose cheap e liquids
If you are vaping on a budget, cheap e liquid ranges enable you to enjoy a variety of flavours but at more affordable prices. Hangsen e liquids are the best-selling flavours on the planet and those in the impressive UK-made 88Vape range are even cheaper. High PG, High VG and 50/50 e liquids feature in these ranges and so there are bargains up for grabs regardless of the device you are using.
5.Choose a device with replaceable batteries
If you can’t bear to leave the clouds behind and so require a sub ohm vape kit, choose one powered by replaceable (external) batteries. Mods with integrated batteries must be discarded when the battery reaches the end of its life and so may only last a few months. When a replaceable battery gives up the ghost, you only need to replace the battery and not the entire device.
It may not be possible to find a suitable device with replaceable batteries if you favour low wattage vape pens. But you can still save money by doing everything you can to prolong the life of the integrated battery. For advice on how to do this, take a look at our guide.
6.Take advantage of multibuy deals
It is often the case that the more juice you buy, the less you will pay per bottle. So, it makes sense to order enough e liquid for a month rather than placing an order every week. Multibuy deals give you the lowest prices and it is worth taking advantage of them.
7.Invest in shortfills
If you vape high VG flavours, you will probably find that shortfill e liquids represent the best value for money. E liquid that does not contain nicotine can be sold in larger volumes. There’s room in the bottles to add nicotine shots if you need them. A 50ml shortfill with a nicotine shot added gives you 60ml of juice and will often be less expensive than buying six 10ml e liquids.
8.Try nic salts e liquids
If you are a reformed smoker, you will likely be vaping to get your nicotine fix. Salt nicotine is absorbed more quickly by the body than the usual freebase nicotine and can give you speedy satisfaction. Many vapers say that nic salts also relieve their cravings for longer. All of which means you may need to take fewer puffs when you vape nic salts e liquids. Fewer puffs will reduce your e liquid consumption and therefore save you money.
9.Maintain your coil
If you can ensure that your coil lasts for longer, it will give you better value. Always prime your coil before taking a puff as otherwise you will burn your wicking and be forced to discard the coil.
Choose e liquids with the right VG/PG ratio for your coil as those high in VG will quickly clog high resistance coils.
Adhere to the recommend wattage for your coil.
Keep your tank topped up to prevent the wicking in your coil from drying out and then burning.
·Choose mesh coils
Many vape kits are compatible with a range of coils and your choices could impact your overall spend. Mesh coils tend to be longer-lasting. Their construction reduces the likelihood of hotspots that can limit the lifespan of a coil and lead to burnt wicking. Mesh coils are also great choices if you love the taste of your e liquids as they tend to deliver more intense flavour.
It is possible to reduce the cost of vaping, but you need to make the right choices and you might have to forego a few clouds. You can save money whatever your vaping style and need for nicotine. Just remember that convenience comes at a price and won’t give you the best vaping experience.
By spending a few minutes each week topping up and changing your coil rather than vaping disposables, you can reap huge rewards. If you choose your device, coils and juice advisedly you will make impressive savings.