The rise of big puff vapes and why they’re gaining popularity

Big puff vapes are some of the fastest-growing devices on the scene, with many users making the switch or simply trying out the new options available. But what’s making them so popular?

Well, there are a few different factors at play. Big puff vapes (refillable and rechargeable ones especially) have grown massively in popularity since the UK Government announced plans for a ban on disposable vapes. Big puff vapes are also a more affordable option, as they need replacing less frequently. This also means they create less waste, which means they appeal to vapers who’re looking to reduce their impact on the environment.

What is a big puff vape?
A  big puff vape is a type of vaping device that comes with more than 2ml of e-liquid, meaning they can offer a higher puff count and longer lasting experience than the average disposable vape. Big puff vapes can be disposable vapes or prefilled pod kits and they come in a huge range of different flavours. Typically, vapes that offer up to 1,200 puffs or more are considered big puff vapes. You can find out more in our handy guide to different puff counts.

There are three main different types of big puff vapes; big puff disposables, reusable big puff, and nicotine-free big puff, and you’ll find devices on offer from a huge array of brands. Check out some of the big names and popular devices available right now in our beginners guide to big puff brands and flavours.

How do big puff vapes work?
Essentially, big puff vapes work the same way that other vapes do. The crucial difference is the fact that they come with more than 2ml of e-liquid, which allows them to offer a higher puff count. How they offer this higher volume of liquid varies depending on the type of vape they are and whether they contain nicotine or not. The other major difference is the battery size, and whether the battery is rechargeable or not. These differences vary depending on the type of big puff vape, here’s how those differences break down per type.

Disposable big puff vapes
Disposable big puff vapes are very similar to their traditional counterparts in the way that you use and enjoy them, the big differences is in the amount of e-liquid and the battery size. While your average nicotine containing disposable vape is designed to hold 2ml of e-liquid and has a battery configured to match, big puff vapes come with more e-liquid and with a bigger battery, and sometimes even a rechargeable battery.

Some big puff disposables come prefilled with 2ml of vape juice and with an additional refill container included that is clicked into the device to refill the internal pod. Others will come with multiple 2ml pods preinstalled into the device and a design that allows you to switch between pods at will.

Their batteries are either significantly bigger than disposable vapes or, like in the case of Elf Bar AF5000, they are easily rechargeable via a USB-C cable. The pods can’t be replaced, these vapes are designed to be disposed of once all of their e-liquid has been used.

Reusable big puff vapes
Reuseable big puff vapes are different because are pod kits that can hold multiple prefilled pods at a time. They have rechargeable batteries, and it is possible to add new prefilled pods once you’ve finished the ones included. Each of the individual pods offers the amount of liquid (and puffs) you might expect from a traditional disposable vape. These kits aren’t refillable but once the pods are finished, they can instead be replaced with compatible replacement pods, making the kit reusable indefinitely.  

One nice extra feature offered by models like the Lost Mary 4in1 pod kit is the fact that you can select four pods with different flavours if you like, making it very easy to swap one for another while you’re on the go.

Nicotine-free big puff vapes
Nicotine-free big puff vapes work in a way very similar to your average disposable vape. The difference is that because they don’t contain nicotine, they can offer a higher volume of prefilled e-liquid as standard. For example, the Hayati Pro Max contains 10ml of vape juice and offers up to 4,000 puffs.

There are also devices like the Vuse GO Max, which comes prefilled with 4.8mls of e-liquid and lasts for up to 1,500 puffs per device, over twice as much as you’d expect from standard nicotine-containing disposable vapes. Nicotine-free big puff vapes can be a good choice for anyone who is trying to cut out or lower their nicotine intake and who’d like a longer-lasting vape.

Advantages of big puff vapes that make them so popular
Big puff vapes wouldn’t be gaining so much traction with vapers if it wasn’t for the fact they offer some pretty big advantages. Here are just a few of the things that are contributing to the popularity of big puff vapes:

Higher puff counts: The thing that makes big puff vapes so exciting is the fact that they offer higher puff counts than the average disposable vape. While the exact puff count you experience will vary depending on your vaping style, vapes that offer up to 1,200 puffs or more are considered big puff vapes.

Longer lifespan: Because they’re designed to hold a higher volume of vape juice and offer a higher number of puffs, big puff vapes are also designed to last longer. Whether they’re disposable or reusable big puff vapes, they are made to last longer than the average 2ml disposable vape.  

Rechargeability: While not all big puff vapes are rechargeable, many are. The convenience of being able to recharge the battery for a longer-lasting experience is a real draw for many vapers.

Reusability: Big puff vapes that are designed so that you can replace the prefilled pods with new ones are reusable. Changing the pod kits is very quick and easy, and the convenience is another big advantage for vapers.

Time effectiveness: Because big puff vapes last longer than your average disposable, you won’t need to think about replacing your device or pods as often as you would if you were using a standard 2ml vape.

Cost effectiveness: As well as saving time, big puff vapes can save you money too. They are more cost-effective than buying an equivalent number of disposable vapes, as they’re able to deliver more puffs in one device.

Less waste: You won’t need to replace your device as often if you’re using a big puff vape, this means you’ll produce less waste than you would if you were using standard disposable vapes. Prefilled pod kits even allow you to replace your pods, allowing you to keep reusing your vape.

Be prepared for the future with reusable big puff vapes
The previous Tory Government had made it clear that their intention was to ban the supply and sale of disposable vapes in 2025. Find out more in our article on the potential ban of disposable vapes in the UK.

It is likely that the current Labour Government will continue with plans to follow the same change in law, making now a good time to think about alternatives like reusable big puff vapes. Whether you’re looking for nicotine-free big puff vapes like the ELUX Legend 3500 or you’d prefer a pre-filled pod kit like the SKE Crystal 4in1, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Choosing a big puff vape that works for you
With so much going for them, it’s not exactly surprising that big puff vapes are quickly rising in popularity – and now you know how they work and what they do, you can be confident in making the switch if it’s the right one for you.