Tank Kits

What a Tank Kit Is and What Comes in the Box

A tank kit is a complete refillable vaping starter set built around two main parts: a battery device (often called a mod) and a separate tank that holds your e-liquid. Unlike a sealed pod system, or the single-use vapes that used to fill UK shelves, the tank sits on top of the battery section, houses a replaceable coil, and fills with whichever bottled e-liquid you choose. When you press the fire button, or simply inhale on a draw-activated model, the battery heats the coil, a cotton wick inside the coil feeds it with e-liquid, and the vapour travels up through the drip tip.

Most kits in this collection ship with the same core items:

• The battery device, either with a built-in rechargeable battery or with space for one or two removable 18650 or 21700 cells
• The tank, which for UK sale is capped at 2ml of e-liquid capacity
• One or two coils, usually one pre-fitted and one spare in the box
• A USB-C charging cable for built-in battery models
• Spare O-rings and a quick-start leaflet, and on some kits a spare glass section

Check the product listing before you order. Kits with removable battery slots frequently do not include the cells, and you should never improvise with unmarked or mismatched batteries. Reputable retailers state clearly whether batteries are included and which cell size the device takes.

Because the parts are modular, a tank kit gives you more control than almost any other format. You can change the coil to alter the airflow and vapour feel, switch e-liquid freely, and replace a worn part instead of throwing away the whole device. That flexibility is the main reason experienced vapers keep coming back to tank kits, and the reason they work well as a long-term setup for newer vapers who want to move on from simple pod systems.

Who Tank Kits Suit

Tank kits cover a wide range of users, but a few groups tend to get the most out of them.

• Smokers switching to vaping. A mouth-to-lung (MTL) tank kit with a tighter airflow and a higher-resistance coil mimics the draw of a cigarette, and nicotine salt or lower-strength freebase liquid can deliver a familiar throat feel. If your goal is to stop smoking, a refillable kit lets you adjust strength over time rather than being locked into whatever a sealed product contains.
• Vapers leaving disposables behind. Single-use vapes were banned from sale in the UK from 1 June 2025, so many people who relied on them are now looking for a refillable alternative. A simple, draw-activated tank kit is the closest match in terms of ease of use, with the added benefit of lower running costs.
• Vapers who want bigger clouds. Sub-ohm tank kits suit direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where you inhale straight into the lungs through an open airflow and a low-resistance coil. They produce more vapour and a cooler, airier draw.
• People who want to save money. Once you own the kit, ongoing costs are limited to bottled e-liquid, the occasional coil, and electricity for charging. Over several months that is usually noticeably cheaper than buying pre-filled pods or pre-filled disposable devices.
• Anyone who likes to tinker. Adjustable airflow, variable wattage and a choice of coils give you plenty of room to refine how your vape feels.

Tank kits are less suited to anyone who wants a completely hands-off device with nothing to fill or maintain. If you value absolute simplicity and are happy with a narrow choice of pre-filled liquids, a pod kit might be a better fit, and we cover the differences in the next section. Remember that vaping products are for adults only, and in the UK you must be 18 or over to buy them. They are intended for current smokers or vapers, not for anyone who has never used nicotine.

Tank Kit, Pod Kit or Box Mod: Picking the Right Format

The three formats overlap, and many kits blur the lines, so it helps to understand the practical differences before you choose.

Pod kits use a small cartridge that is either refillable or pre-filled, combined with a compact battery. They are pocketable, easy to use and need little learning. The trade-off is limited flexibility: you are usually tied to the manufacturer's own pods, and the vapour output is modest. Many pod systems are best suited to nicotine salt e-liquids at higher strengths.

Tank kits sit in the middle. They are larger than a pod device but still simple enough for a beginner, and they offer a wide choice of coils and e-liquids. A typical tank kit gives you either a restricted airflow for MTL vaping or a wide-open airflow for DTL vaping, and some models let you switch between the two with a replaceable airflow insert or a different coil.

Box mods are more powerful, typically adjustable in wattage, and often take two removable batteries. They are sold separately from tanks or in higher-spec bundle kits. They give more control and longer battery life but are bulkier and carry a steeper learning curve. A tank kit built around a box mod is the next step up once you are comfortable with basic maintenance and battery safety.

A sensible rule of thumb for newer vapers: if you currently smoke and want something that feels close to a cigarette, start with a small MTL tank kit or a refillable pod device. If you already vape regularly and want more vapour and flavour, a sub-ohm tank kit is the logical upgrade. If you are curious about adjusting power and coil builds, look at the larger mod-style kits, but read the manual carefully and understand your batteries before using one.

Choosing Between MTL and Sub-Ohm Vaping

The single most important decision when choosing a tank kit is the style of vaping you want. Everything else, from coil choice to e-liquid strength, follows from it.

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) means drawing vapour into your mouth first, then inhaling it into the lungs as a second step, much like smoking a cigarette. MTL tanks use coils with a higher resistance, generally 1.0 ohm and above, and a narrower airflow. They run at lower wattages, use less e-liquid, last longer on a battery charge, and pair well with higher nicotine strengths because each puff is small. For anyone moving away from cigarettes, MTL is usually the easier first step.

Direct-to-lung (DTL) or sub-ohm means inhaling straight into the lungs through a wide airflow, like taking a slow, deep breath through a straw. Sub-ohm tanks use coils below 1.0 ohm, commonly in the range of roughly 0.15 to 0.6 ohm, and run at higher wattages. They create larger clouds, a cooler vapour and stronger flavour, but they use e-liquid and battery faster, and they work best with lower nicotine strengths because each inhale delivers much more vapour.

A few practical pointers:

• If you are unsure, an adjustable airflow ring on the tank lets you start tight and open it up gradually
• Do not put high-strength nicotine salt liquid into a powerful sub-ohm setup; the throat hit will be harsh and you will absorb more nicotine than you intend
• Some tank kits ship with both a sub-ohm coil and an MTL coil, which is a useful way to experiment before committing
• Check the recommended wattage range printed on each coil and stay within it

Both styles are legitimate, and neither is automatically better. Match the style to your habit and your goals, and if you find it is not working, swapping the coil or the e-liquid will often fix it without the cost of a new kit.

Coils, Resistance and Wattage Explained

The coil is the heart of any tank kit, and it is also the part you will replace most often. Understanding a few simple terms makes buying replacements much easier.

• Resistance (ohms). Lower resistance means the coil heats up more quickly and produces more vapour, but needs more power and uses more e-liquid. Higher resistance gives a cooler, tighter draw.
• Mesh coils. These use a flat sheet of woven metal rather than a simple wire wrap. They heat evenly across a wider surface and tend to deliver strong flavour with fast ramp-up. Many current kits favour mesh coils.
• Round-wire coils. A traditional design that can offer a slightly warmer, more rounded flavour and is common in MTL coils.
• Cotton wick. The organic cotton inside the coil draws e-liquid to the heating element. If it runs dry, you get the dreaded burnt taste.

Every coil has a recommended wattage range, normally printed on the side. Staying within that range gives the best flavour and longest life. A fresh coil should always be primed: drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton, fill the tank, and wait five to ten minutes before vaping. Skipping this step is the most common reason a new coil tastes burnt.

Coil life depends on your e-liquid, your wattage and your habits. As a rough guide, many vapers replace a coil every one to three weeks. Sweeter, thicker e-liquids and higher power levels tend to shorten coil life, as sugars and flavourings build up on the heating element. Signs a coil is ready to be replaced include a muted or burnt flavour, reduced vapour, gurgling or leaking, and a harsh throat feel even with fresh e-liquid.

Coils are almost always brand-specific and often series-specific within a brand. Always check the compatibility of the coil with your tank model before you buy replacements, and keep a spare or two at home so you are not caught out.

E-Liquid and Nicotine Strength for Tank Kits

Unlike a sealed disposable, a tank kit needs e-liquid that you buy separately, and the right choice depends on your coil. In the UK, e-liquid containing nicotine is sold in bottles of no more than 10ml, and the maximum nicotine strength allowed is 20mg/ml (often shown as 2%). That 20mg cap applies across the board and is the same ceiling that applied to the disposable devices that are now off the market. Nicotine-free liquid is available too, and some vapers use it to taper down gradually.

There are two main types of nicotine in e-liquid:

• Freebase nicotine. The traditional form, sold in strengths such as 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg. It has a more noticeable throat hit and suits sub-ohm and general-purpose use. Lower strengths of 3mg and 6mg are typical for DTL vaping.
• Nicotine salts. A form of nicotine that feels smoother at higher strengths, commonly sold at 10mg and 20mg. It works well with low-wattage MTL tanks and pod systems, where small puffs need to deliver a satisfying amount of nicotine.

The ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG) also matters. Higher-PG liquids, such as 50/50, are thinner, carry flavour well and suit MTL coils. High-VG liquids, such as 70/30 or higher, are thicker, produce more vapour and are better suited to sub-ohm coils. Using a very thick liquid in a small MTL coil can starve the wick, while a thin liquid in a powerful sub-ohm setup can leak and shorten coil life.

As a starting point for those moving off cigarettes: lighter smokers often do well with 6mg to 12mg freebase in an MTL kit or 10mg nicotine salt; heavier smokers may want a 20mg nicotine salt in a low-power MTL tank. If you choose a sub-ohm kit, start with 3mg or 6mg and adjust. If you are getting headaches, nausea or a racing heart, the strength is too high for your setup, so reduce it. Flavour choice is personal, but tobacco, menthol, fruit and dessert profiles are all widely available for tank use.

Popular Brands and Formats Compared

A handful of manufacturers account for most of the tank kits sold in the UK. The summary below is a general guide rather than a ranking, as individual models within each brand vary considerably.

• Vaporesso. Offers a broad range from simple pen-style MTL kits to powerful sub-ohm mod kits. Its coil systems are widely stocked, which makes replacements easy to find.
• Geekvape. Best known for the Aegis line, which has a reputation for rugged builds with water, dust and shock resistance. A sensible choice for people who are hard on their devices or work outdoors.
• Voopoo. The Drag series uses plug-and-play coils that are quick to change and come in both sub-ohm and MTL varieties.
• Innokin. Long associated with approachable kits, including the Endura and Go series, which suit newer vapers and ex-smokers who prefer a straightforward MTL experience.
• Aspire. Famous for the Nautilus tank, a long-standing MTL design with a simple adjustable airflow and an established coil range.
• Freemax. Frequently pairs mesh coils with value-minded kits that suit a first sub-ohm setup.
• Eleaf, Uwell, SMOK and OXVA. Each has tank-style and pod-style products, with compact designs aimed at everyday carry.

Within those brands, formats generally fall into three types. Pen-style kits are slim, easy to carry and usually MTL-focused, with a modest battery. Compact all-in-one kits have a built-in battery in the 1,000mAh to 3,000mAh range and are the most popular choice for a first tank kit. Larger mod kits have more power, removable batteries and a wider range of tank options, suited to those with some experience.

When comparing, look at the battery capacity, the coil range and how easy it is to buy spares, the build material, the charging port (USB-C is now standard), and whether the airflow is adjustable. A kit from a well-known brand with easily available coils will serve you far longer than a cheap alternative with no replacement parts on the market.

UK Legal Context for Tank Kits

Vaping is regulated in the UK under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which set out several rules that directly affect what you can buy and how it is packaged.

• Tank capacity. Tanks and refillable cartridges are limited to 2ml. A tank kit sold for the UK market should reflect this.
• Bottle size. Nicotine-containing e-liquid may not be sold in containers larger than 10ml. Nicotine-free liquid is not subject to the same limit.
• Nicotine strength. The maximum is 20mg/ml for e-liquid, the same cap that applied to single-use vapes.
• Health warnings and leaflets. Nicotine products must carry the required warning and include safety information. A bottle without the required labelling is a red flag.
• Product notification. Manufacturers must notify nicotine vaping products to the MHRA before they are placed on the market.
• Age restriction. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18, and illegal for an adult to buy them on behalf of someone under 18.

Single-use vapes have also been banned from sale in the UK since 1 June 2025. This is part of the reason refillable tank kits and rechargeable pod devices have grown in popularity: they remain legal, and they generate far less waste. Rules around flavours, packaging, display and online sales continue to be reviewed, so it is worth checking government guidance if you rely on a particular product. We do not give legal advice, and the regulations can change.

You should also be aware that vaping on public transport and in many workplaces, schools, hospitals and on some trains and buses is restricted by the policy of the operator, even where the law does not strictly prohibit it. Always check before you vape in a shared space, and be considerate of people around you.

Honest Value Guidance and Buying Tips

Tank kit prices vary widely, and a higher price does not always mean a better experience for your particular needs. Entry-level kits typically cost less than a night out and include a basic MTL tank with a modest battery. Mid-range kits add better build quality, larger batteries and more flexible airflow. Premium kits add removable batteries, advanced chips, water resistance and higher power. For most people moving from smoking or disposables, an entry-level or mid-range kit is entirely sufficient.

To judge real value, think about the whole cost of ownership rather than just the sticker price:

• Coil cost. Check the price of replacement coils and how many come in a pack. A cheap kit with expensive or hard-to-find coils is not good value.
• E-liquid use. Sub-ohm kits burn through liquid faster than MTL kits. If you plan to vape heavily, factor this in.
• Battery life. A device that needs charging twice a day may not suit a long commute or a busy shift.
• Spare parts. Availability of replacement glass, O-rings and drip tips extends the life of the kit.

A few practical buying tips:

• Buy from a retailer who clearly lists the kit contents, battery requirements and coil specification
• Read the product description for the coil type and the recommended wattage before checking out
• Pick up a spare coil pack with your first kit so you are not left without a vape
• Choose a starter e-liquid in the right strength and PG/VG ratio for the coil, ideally one or two small bottles so you can experiment
• Be wary of any listing with prices far below the market norm, as unusually cheap deals are a common sign of counterfeit or unnotified stock

Be realistic about expectations as well. A refillable kit has a learning curve: priming coils, filling without flooding the airflow, and cleaning occasionally. Most people find it simple after a week or two, and the savings and flexibility make the effort worthwhile. If a kit turns out not to suit you, you can often move to a different coil type within the same tank before you give up on the kit entirely.

Care, Maintenance, Battery Safety and Recycling

A little routine care keeps a tank kit tasting fresh and extends the life of both the device and the coil.

• Filling. Unscrew the top cap (most modern tanks use a top-fill design), tilt the tank slightly and fill along the side of the central tube, avoiding the airflow hole. Stop before the maximum line. Overfilling can cause leaks and gurgling.
• Priming. Always saturate a new coil with a few drops of e-liquid and wait several minutes before the first puff.
• Cleaning. Every time you change a coil, rinse the tank in warm water, dry it fully and wipe the battery contacts with a dry cloth. Residue left in the tank can affect taste.
• Storage. Keep the device upright where possible, away from direct heat, and never leave it in a hot car. Store e-liquid in a cool, dark place and out of reach of children and pets.
• Leaks. If your kit leaks, check that the coil is screwed in firmly, the O-rings are seated and the tank is not overfilled. Pressure changes during flights can also cause leaks, so empty the tank before you travel.

Battery safety deserves special attention. Use only the charger supplied with the device, or a suitable quality alternative, and do not leave it charging unattended or overnight. If your kit uses removable 18650 or 21700 cells, use cells from reputable manufacturers, check the wraps for damage, always carry spare cells in a case, never loose in a pocket with coins or keys, and charge them only in a proper charger. Stop using any device that becomes unusually hot, swells, or smells of burning.

Recycling. Never put vapes, coils or batteries in household bins, as lithium cells can cause fires in bin lorries and recycling plants. Under UK waste electrical rules, retailers who sell vaping products must offer take-back for used devices, and many local household waste recycling centres have dedicated drop-off points for small electricals and batteries. Larger supermarkets and some convenience stores also offer battery recycling bins. Used coils and empty e-liquid bottles can usually go in general waste unless your local council advises otherwise, and clean bottles may be accepted in plastic recycling. Check your local council website for the closest drop-off point.