Disposable vs Refillable Vapes vs Cigarettes: Compared

There are differences between these three formats in their method of use, their cost over time, and the items you have to replace when they run out. This page looks at those practical differences and doesn’t address health risks, that issue is for Health Canada and the research literature, and our page on what the evidence says about vaping risks sets out what they say.

The Practical Differences

Cost Over Time

There is a noticeable difference in cost between the various formats in the case of vaping, and the figures mentioned below are from devices that we keep in stock.

The cost per puff for disposable devices varies immensely. In our range the cost per 1,000 puffs goes from about $0.72 on the largest 50,000-puff devices down to roughly $19.99 on the smallest ones, a difference of more than twenty-five times. It is often the case that purchasing the cheapest device ends up being the most expensive way to vape over a longer period.

Refillable systems have a greater initial cost for the hardware but lower running costs since instead of having to replace the entire device you only replace the e-liquid and the coils. Whether it ends up being the cheaper option depends on how much you use the system and on how long the hardware lasts, which is why the comparison is truly different for each person rather than applying to all cases.

Cigarette prices in Canada differ from province to province due to the various tobacco taxes imposed by the provinces, which is why a single figure would be misleading.

Waste and Disposal

The most obvious practical difference between the two types of vaping devices is that a disposable has a lithium-ion battery which has to be sent for battery or electronics recycling and not thrown away in ordinary household waste. With a refillable system, the battery remains in use and it is only the pods or coils that need to be replaced. For information on where to take disposable vapes for recycling in BC, see our guide to recycling disposable vapes in BC.

Which Format Suits Which Situation

Disposable vapour devices are appropriate for individuals who do not want to carry out any maintenance, avoid having to set something up, and are unwilling to make a commitment to a device. Refillable systems, on the other hand, are suitable for those who already know that they will continue to use one and prefer to purchase liquid rather than the hardware itself. The straightforward conclusion is that the two types of vaping systems differ primarily in terms of convenience and running cost, and the correct choice depends on a person’s usage habits rather than on one of them being generally superior.

If you are comparing any of these formats with smoking, that question should be referred to a physician, pharmacist, or the provincial quitline rather than the retailer.

Here is our full range of disposable vapes, together with the complete disposable vapes guide which shows you how to choose one.

FAQs

Are disposable or refillable vapes cheaper?, Refillable systems usually cost less over time because you replace liquid and coils rather than whole devices, though the hardware costs more upfront. Among disposables themselves, cost per puff varies by more than twenty-five times between the smallest and largest devices.

What is the difference between a disposable and a refillable vape?, A disposable is sealed and pre-filled and is recycled when the e-liquid runs out. A refillable device is reused, with e-liquid, pods or coils replaced as needed.

Do disposables and refillables have the same nicotine limit in Canada?, Yes. The federal cap of 20 mg/mL applies to vaping products generally, regardless of format.