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If you’ve been a in a vape shop or had a look online lately, you may have seen disposable vapes and other devices boasting higher puff counts than your typical 600-puff disposables.
Whether it’s the 2400-puff disposable from IVG 2400, or the 3500-puff Zap! Instafill that’s caught your attention, you might be wondering how these big puff vapes are legal here in the UK.
After all, surely TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) regulations limit all disposable vapes to 600 puffs?
Well, sort of. But, there are ways to work around this. 600 puffs is the highest puff count you can get from 2ml of e-liquid, which is the legal capacity for nicotine-containing vapes and pods in the UK.
As a result, some vape manufacturers have brought out innovative devices that circumvent this restriction — Big Puff Disposable Vapes.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about the clever ways that disposable vape brands are getting around TPD regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Big puff vapes are disposables or prefilled pod kits that circumvent TPD regulations to offer higher puff counts and better value for money.
- They come in the form of either refill container type devices, or with 4-in-1 prefilled pod designs that make use of four 2ml pods.
- All big puff vapes adhere to TPD’s restrictions on nicotine strength and e-liquid capacity.
Current TPD Restrictions On Disposables
Nicotine Content
Under TPD regulation, vape juice, prefilled pods and disposables can’t contain any more than 20mg/ml (2%) of nicotine.
If you come across any e-liquids or disposable vapes stronger than 20mg, they’re illegal.
If that doesn’t bother you and you fancy yourself as a bit of a rebel, please keep in mind that the quality and safety of these illicit vaping products can’t be guaranteed.
Pod Size
Vape kits and disposables are limited to a tank or pod size of 2ml. Typically, this amount of e-liquid provides up to 600 puffs, depending on usage.
Big puff vapes, such as the Zap! Instafill, IVG Smart 5500, and Lost Mary BM6000 bypass this limit by including a 10ml bottle or container of e-liquid.
On the other hand, devices like the IVG 2400 make use of a ‘4-In-1’ prefilled pod system — Instead of one 2ml pod, they come with four separate 2ml pods.
Battery Size
There aren’t currently any restrictions on vape battery sizes in the UK.
To make sure you don’t have to endure any nasty dry hits, manufacturers equip their disposable vapes with just enough battery to last just as long as the vape juice inside.
As a result, big puff vapes will usually be fitted with bigger batteries in order to keep up with the larger volume of vape juice and higher counts of these devices.
How are big puff vapes legal?
Given the legal limit on e-liquid capacity in the UK, it may seem puzzling how devices like the Lost Mary BM6000, which offers up to 6000 puffs and 12ml of vape juice, can be legal.
So, let’s break down how different big puff disposables comply with current regulations.
Zap! Instafill
The Zap! Instafill Disposable Vape Kit is a handy, TPD-compliant big puff disposable that delivers an impressive 3500 puff per device.
It comes equipped with a 500mAh rechargeable battery and a built-in 2ml pod, which provides around 600 puffs — just like a standard disposable vape.
Where this device and similar big puff vapes differ, is that they come with a 10ml e-liquid container that you can load into the device.
This means that you get more vape juice and a higher puff count, while keeping in line with TPD’s 2ml limit on pod capacity.
Plus, the 20mg strength of the vape juice in the container is the highest nicotine strength allowed under TPD, so it complies with that restriction too.
Once you’ve loaded the bottle in, just tilt the device upside down and press the auto-fill button, activating a smart vacuum pump mechanism that automatically refills the pod.
Continue vaping the pod until the e-liquid inside runs out, then press the button again when you need to refill it.
Repeat this process until the e-liquid container is empty, then dispose of your device and grab a fresh one.
It also makes for a more eco-friendly alternative to regular 600-puff disposable vapes, as you can disassemble and recycle it when you’re done. If that wasn’t enough, it’s only £12.99!
IVG Smart 5500
The IVG Smart 5500 Disposable Vape Kit employs a similar method of getting around TPD restrictions as the Zap! Instafill — only it’s capable of more puffs.
As it’s name suggests, this nifty disposable device boasts a whopping 5500 puffs! This is thanks, in part, to its 1000mAh built-in battery, which provides approximately 400-500 puffs per charge.
Like the Instafill, it’s equipped with a 10ml e-liquid container accompanies a built-in 2ml pod. You also need to tilt upside down to refill it. The difference, is that that there isn’t any button that you need to press.
When the pod needs a top up, simply tilt the device to refill and puff on the mouthpiece to vape — nice and simple.
The IVG Smart 5500 is an easy and convenient way of getting around TPD regulations and it’ll cost you just just £11.99 for the whole set up.
IVG 2400
Next up, is another big puff vape from the titans over at IVG. It works a little differently to the Smart 5500, utilising 4-in-1 prefilled pod design instead of a 10ml vape juice container.
The IVG 2400 is an innovative workaround to the TPD regulations governing disposable vapes.
While the IVG 2400 is technically disposable vape, since you can’t recharge or refill it, it cleverly uses a prefilled pod system to comply with regulations.
Rather than a single 2ml pod, it includes four separate 2ml pods that you load into the chamber one at a time.
When a pod is empty, or you just fancy trying a different flavour, simply switch to the next one by twisting the top of the device.
Continue this cycle until the battery is depleted and all the pods are out of e-liquid. Then, just replace the whole device with a new one.
Prefilled with e-liquid in classic IVG flavours, each pod delivers 600 puffs, which amounts to 2400 in total.
By using four separate pods filled with vape juice in a 20mg strength, the IVG 2400 remains within the legal limits for both tank size and nicotine strength, making it a highly convenient TPD-compliant device that you can pick up for just £12.99.
Lost Mary BM6000
Vaping industry mainstays, Lost Mary have created a rechargeable update to their legendary disposable vapes.
Accompanied by 10ml e-liquid that you load into them to fill their built-in 2ml pods, Lost Mary BM6000 Disposable Vapes can deliver a colossal 6000 puffs — the highest puff count of all the vape devices mentioned so far!
Offering the same level of simplicity as the IVG Smart 5500 vapes, they’re draw-activated, so you don’t have to press any buttons to start vaping — just inhale on the mouthpiece.
However, they do feature a handy little OLED screen that displays battery life, so you’ll know when your device could do with a recharge.
Speaking of which, the Lost Mary BM6000 devices boast a slightly larger battery than their 600-puff counterparts, increasing in capacity from 550mAh to 650mAh.
This, combined with the complementary 10ml e-liquid bottle, supports its 6000 puffs pretty comfortably.
If the fact that they’re rechargeable Lost Marys that deliver 6000 puffs wasn’t enough to win you over, then please keep in mind that you can get your hands on them for just £12.99!
SKE Crystal 4 In 1 2400
Here’s another big puff vape from a top disposable brand, but this time in the form of a 4-in-1 prefilled pod kit.
Brought to you by the same flavour experts behind the iconic Crystal Bar disposable vapes, the SKE Crystal 4 in 1 2400 Pod Kit utilises a rotating chamber and four 2ml pods, prefilled with classic Crystal Bar flavours in a 20mg strength, and providing up to 600 puffs each (2400 in total) — just like the IVG 2400.
However, unlike the IVG 2400 vapes, the Crystal 4in1 is rechargeable, so you can keep using it as long as the battery is charged and there are filled pods in the chamber.
This makes it the slightly more sustainable option out of the 4-in-1 big puff vapes we’ve talked about so far.
The four separate pods mean you can seamlessly switch between flavours without the hassle of refilling, all while keeping within the legal 2ml limit.
Not only that, but the 20mg strength of the e-liquid inside the pods complies with the TPD regulations around nicotine strength too.
When a pod runs out of e-liquid, or you just want to try a different flavour, rotate the mouthpiece to switch to the next one. Once all the pods are empty, just replace them with a new selection.
All in all, it’s a great choice if you’re after a rechargeable big puff vape that offers a solid selection of SKE flavours in one convenient package, while complying with TPD regulations. Plus, it’s only £11.99!
Lost Mary 4 In 1
Alongside their BM6000 big puff disposable vapes, Lost Mary have also had a go at creating their very own 4-in-1 device.
What separates it from other 4-in-1 big puff vapes, is that instead of providing up to 2400 puffs, the Lost Mary 4 in 1 Pod Kit is capable of delivering up to 3200.
Like similar devices, the Lost Mary 4-in-1 features a rotating chamber and four 2ml prefilled pods, each loaded with your favourite Lost Mary flavours in a 20mg nicotine strength. Each pod delivers 600 puffs, amounting to 2400 in total.
That said, if you switch to Eco Mode, it can provide up to 3200 puffs. This means that your device won’t produce as much vapour.
However, you’ll be getting more bang for your buck, while still complying with TPD restrictions on pod size and nicotine strength.
Once a pod is out of vape juice, or if you just feel like trying something different, rotate the mouthpiece to switch to a new pod. When all the pods are depleted, you can easily replace them with a fresh set.
Overall, it’s perfect for those vapers seeking a big puff vape with a variety of classic Lost Mary flavours, sitting at a price point of just £12.99.
Feoba Big Bar 6000
Lost Mary aren’t the only ones with a big puff vape boasting 6000 puffs under their belt.
Relatively new to the UK vaping scene, Feoba Big Bar 6000 Disposable Vapes are big puff disposables that come with 10ml refill containers to supplement the 2ml prefilled pod — just like the BM6000 and IVG Smart 5500.
They’re also rechargeable, but what sets the Big Bars apart from the other two ranges just mentioned, is the size of their built-in batteries.
Boasting a 1750mAh battery capacity, these devices are the most powerful and long-lasting out of the big puff disposables we’ve talked about. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise how easily they can deliver 6000 puffs with minimal recharging.
Beyond that, they function in the same way the other refill container big puff vapes work. Click the 10ml bottle of e-liquid into the device and inhale on the mouthpiece to vape.
The refill container automatically fills the pod as you use it, so all you have to do is load it in and charge the device when needed.
Feobar Big Bars are a handy way of getting more puffs while staying TPD-compliant, and you can pick one up for just £10.99 — the cheapest big puff vape in our collection!
Nicotine-Free Disposables
TPD regulations on tank and bottle sizes do not apply to nicotine-free disposables or vape juice. So, a disposable vape that doesn’t contain any nicotine can be available in any size.
This is why you might come across larger puff disposables like the Elux Legend 3500, offering up to 3500 puffs, available in the UK.
Similar devices, such as the Insta Bar, are also on the market. As long as the disposable vape contains 0mg of nicotine, its pod size and puff count doesn’t matter.
However, be cautious—devices like the Elux Legend 3500 are also sold in countries like the US with nicotine strengths as high as 50mg (5%), which is illegal here in the UK.
When shopping at places like corner shops or off-licences, be mindful of potentially illegal vapes. These unregulated products may not meet quality or safety standards.
Big Puff Vape Pros & Cons
Part of what makes big puff vapes so appealing to a lot of people, is that they maintain the convenience of traditional disposables and prefilled pod kits, while offering a much longer-lasting experience — with some options lasting for up to a week.
Those who use a refillable vape kit might enjoy the simplicity of not having to carry around multiple bottles of e-liquid and spare pods as well.
That said, big puff vapes do have some drawbacks, so let’s quickly go through some of their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Longer-Lasting
The main appeal of big puff vapes is that they last a lot longer than standard single-use disposables.
You can get up to 10 times more use out of a big puff vape compared to 600-puff single-use vapes, essentially providing the experience of multiple disposables in one.
Cost-Effective
While a big puff vape typically costs twice as much as your average 600-puff disposable vape, you get a lot more for your money.
The majority of them are equivalent to roughly 6-10 single-use disposable vapes.
Rechargeable
Unlike other disposable vapes, most big puff vapes are rechargeable, allowing you to savour every last drop of the e-liquid inside.
For those that aren’t rechargeable, the battery capacity is increased to match the larger amount of vape juice.
Prefilled Pods
Many big puff vapes use changeable prefilled pods, especially when it comes to the 4-in-1 variety.
This, combined with the rechargeable battery found in most of them, means that you won’t have to dispose of vape devices themselves, just the pods and/or refill container.
Ease Of Use
Big puff vapes are great choice for both beginners and those who just want to keep things simple. They require minimal setup and maintenance.
Once your prefilled pods and/or refill container is inserted, your device be activated by simply puffing on the mouthpiece.
Cons
More Electronic Waste
A lot of big puff vapes, like the IVG 2400 and Zap! Instafill, are still fundamentally disposable.
While they last longer, once their multiple pre-filled pods or refill container is empty, or the battery is depleted (in the case of the IVG 2400), you need to recycle and replace them.
That said, devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 make use of replaceable pre-filled pods, allowing you to keep the device and simply swap out the empty pods for new ones.
Fewer Flavours To Choose From
The flavour variety offered by big puff vapes is quite limited compared to the vast amount of choice available in e-liquid ranges.
Refillable pod kits, which use bottled vape juice, provide a much wider range of flavour combinations.
These might include some of the more unique tobacco and dessert blends that are often lacking in collections of big puff vapes.
Fixed Airflow
Big puff vapes are typically designed with simplicity in mind, making them ideal for beginners.
However, this streamlined approach comes with a trade-off — you’ll miss out on some features commonly available in refillable vape kits, such as adjustable airflow.
Without the option to customise your draw by adjusting airflow, you’re limited to the mouth-to-lung (MTL) setting predetermined by the manufacturer.
Are big disposable vapes right for me?
Big vapes are an excellent choice for beginners looking to quit smoking, as well as for traditional disposable vape users seeking a simple and cost-effective alternative. With up to 6000 puffs offered by some device, you can enjoy uninterrupted vaping without the concern of running out unexpectedly.
They also make the perfect travel companion, ideal for hiking or any active lifestyle where you could do with minimising extra baggage.
However, if you’re a bit more experienced, then you might want to go for something less basic that offers more features and flavours.
How should you recycle big disposable vapes?
Most registered vape retailers in the UK (aside from smaller businesses and some online retailers) are obligated to offer a take-back service for used vape devices. This means you can either mail them back or return them to the store where you purchased them.
The devices will then be sent to a specialised electronics waste recycling facility. Alternatively, you can recycle your used big disposable vapes directly at a local electronics recycling centre.
Summary
Big puff disposables are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, all designed to comply with current regulations.
Big vapes like the IVG 2400, Zap! Instafill, and Lost Mary BM6000 are 100% TPD-compliant. However, be cautious of other big vapes that claim to be legal in the UK.
If a device resembles a regular Elf Bar or Lost Mary, has a high puff count (over 600 puffs), and contains nicotine, it’s likely not legal to sell in the UK.
If a vape isn’t legally compliant, you can’t be sure it’s safe to use, as it won’t be regulated under TPD standards.
If you have any questions about big puff disposable vapes or need personalised advice on vaping, feel free to contact us via email or live chat.
Our knowledgeable team of vapers are ready to assist with any queries you may have.
