SMOK RPM 40 Refillable Vape Pod Kit Black

Overview

The SMOK RPM 40 Refillable Vape Pod Kit Black by Smok in Black at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

SMOK RPM 40 Refillable Vape Pod Kit overview

The SMOK RPM 40 Refillable Vape Pod Kit is a refillable pod system from Smok that sits between the small, entry-level Novo style kits and the larger box-shaped pod mods. It pairs a 1500mAh built-in battery with a chipset that can output up to 40W, a 0.96-inch colour display, and a pod and coil system shared with Smok's RPM and Nord families. Instead of throwing the whole device away when the liquid runs out, you refill the pod, change the coil when flavour fades, and recharge the battery over USB-C.

That refillable design is the main reason people choose a kit like this. A disposable is a sealed unit with a fixed flavour and a fixed lifespan. The RPM 40 is a platform: you choose the e-liquid, you choose the nicotine strength, you choose the coil, and you can adjust the power to suit how you like to vape. If you smoked before you switched, that control matters, because it lets you move from a tight, cigarette-style draw to a looser, more cloud-oriented draw on the same device.

The kit is built around two inhale styles. The mouth-to-lung style, where you draw vapour into your mouth first and then inhale, is what most ex-smokers start with. The restricted direct-to-lung style pulls vapour straight to the lungs through a slightly more open airflow. The RPM 40 handles both, because the box typically includes a mesh coil pod for looser draws and a tighter Nord-style coil pod for a more cigarette-like feel.

This guide covers what is in the box, how the kit performs, what to expect from flavour, how long the battery and coils last, how to choose a nicotine strength, who the kit suits, who should look elsewhere, and how it compares with other pod kits at a similar price. Where something varies between batches or retailers, we say so rather than guess.

One point is worth stating clearly at the start: the RPM 40 is an older-generation Smok product, and newer RPM-series models have been released since. That does not make it obsolete. The device is still a capable 40W pod kit and it uses coils and pods that are widely stocked. But it does mean you should check that pods and coils are in stock before you commit, and our pod and coil pages are the quickest way to do that.

You must be 18 or over to buy this product. It is a nicotine-delivery device intended for adult smokers and vapers, and it should be kept away from children and pets.

Key specifications at a glance

Specifications for the RPM 40 are consistent across the major retailer listings and reviews we checked, with one exception on pod capacity that we explain below. Treat the figures as manufacturer-stated values rather than lab measurements.

• Battery: 1500mAh built-in rechargeable lithium battery.
• Output range: 1W to 40W, controlled by Smok's IQ-R chipset.
• Resistance range: roughly 0.2Ω to 2.5Ω, which covers the mesh and Nord DC coils sold for this kit.
• Display: 0.96-inch colour TFT screen showing power, battery level, coil resistance and pod status.
• Pods supplied: typically two, a standard RPM pod with a 0.4Ω mesh coil and a Nord pod with a 0.6Ω Nord DC coil. Check the box contents line on the product page, since packs can vary.
• Pod capacity: UK-market pods are 2ml, in line with the UK limit on tank and pod size. Some overseas listings quote 4.3ml (RPM pod) and 4.5ml (Nord pod); those are not the UK-supplied sizes.
• Charging: USB-C port on the base or side of the device.
• Dimensions and weight: approximately 99mm tall, 25mm wide and 25mm deep, around 99g.
• Activation: fire button and draw-activated firing, depending on the mode you select.
• Airflow: adjustable, so you can tighten or loosen the draw.
• Colours: six finishes in this product family; select from the options on the product page.

The 2ml figure deserves a short explanation. Under UK regulations, refillable tanks and pods sold for nicotine e-liquid are capped at 2ml, e-liquid bottles with nicotine are capped at 10ml, and nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml. The RPM 40 as supplied in the UK follows those limits. If you see a bigger number on an overseas retailer page, it describes a different regional version, not the pod you will receive here.

The 40W ceiling is a maximum, not a target. Most people vape this style of kit well below that, typically between about 15W and 30W depending on the coil. We explain which power ranges suit which coil in the coil section below.

Performance and puff delivery

Refillable kits do not have a fixed puff count the way disposables do, so any number quoted for the RPM 40 is an estimate. As a working guide, a 2ml pod filled with a typical nicotine salt liquid and vaped at moderate power gives somewhere in the region of 400 to 800 puffs per fill, with the lower end applying at higher wattage and long draws, and the higher end applying at lower wattage with shorter, lighter puffs. Because refilling takes a minute, the practical measure is not puffs per pod but how many fills you get through before the coil needs replacing, which we cover under the coil section.

Performance depends heavily on which pod you load. The 0.4Ω mesh coil pod is the more generous of the two. Mesh coils use a flat sheet of mesh rather than a wound wire, which gives a larger heating surface area. In practice that means faster ramp-up, a fuller vapour volume, and flavour that stays more even through a long puff. At around 20W to 30W it produces a warm, medium-to-large vapour cloud with a looser, restricted direct-to-lung feel.

The 0.6Ω Nord DC coil pod is the tighter option. It is designed for lower power and gives a more restrained draw closer to the resistance of a cigarette. At roughly 12W to 22W it delivers a smaller, warmer vapour and a crisper throat hit, which is why mouth-to-lung vapers and people stepping down from smoking often prefer it, especially with nicotine salt e-liquid.

Output is delivered smoothly rather than in a spike. The IQ-R chipset reads the coil resistance when you insert a pod and recommends a power level, so you are not guessing at settings on day one. If you want to adjust, you can raise or lower the wattage in small steps and watch the effect on the screen. Raise it for more vapour and warmth, lower it for cooler vapour, longer coil life and better battery endurance.

Airflow is adjustable, and it interacts with power in a way that is easy to overlook. A tighter airflow at a given wattage concentrates the vapour and gives a stronger throat hit, while a more open airflow thins and cools it. If a pod feels harsh, open the airflow before you lower the power. If it feels weak or airy, close the airflow slightly.

Draw response is quick on both pods, with little delay between pulling and firing. Two things can spoil that: a pod that is not fully seated and a coil that has not absorbed liquid. Both are easy to avoid by following the priming steps in the setup section.

Flavour profile and e-liquid choices

Because the RPM 40 is refillable, the flavour is whatever you put in it. That is a strength of the format, but it also means the kit itself needs to deliver flavour cleanly, which is where the coil design matters. Mesh coils generally reproduce fruit, ice and dessert profiles with good definition, and the 0.6Ω Nord DC coil is well suited to tobacco, menthol and lighter fruit liquids that are designed for lower power.

Here are some e-liquid styles that tend to work well in a pod kit of this type, with notes on which coil pairs naturally with each:

• Strawberry ice: a popular nicotine salt flavour. Works well on the 0.4Ω mesh pod at moderate power, where the sweetness stays distinct from the cooling.
• Blue raspberry: a sharp, sweet profile that suits mesh. Keep power on the lower side to avoid it tasting sugary or scorched.
• Mango and peach: softer, juicier flavours that show their character at medium power on the mesh coil.
• Menthol and mint: clean and cooling. Both pods handle these, though the 0.6Ω Nord DC coil gives a crisper, more focused menthol hit.
• Tobacco: the most useful option for people who want a familiar taste. Lower power on the 0.6Ω pod keeps tobacco flavours warm and rounded.
• Vanilla custard and dessert blends: thicker liquids that benefit from the 0.4Ω mesh pod, whose larger wicking area handles them better than a small wound coil.
• Cola and soft drink flavours: usually light and zesty, so they suit moderate to low power so the fizz character is not lost.

On liquid thickness: look at the PG/VG split on the bottle. Pod systems like this one cope well with a balanced or slightly VG-leaning liquid, such as 50/50. Very thick, high-VG liquids can wick slowly through a small mesh coil, which causes dry hits at higher wattage. If you buy a high-VG shortfill, keep the power modest and prime the coil carefully.

You also need to choose between nicotine salts and freebase. Salts are the usual pairing for lower-power pod use and are smoother at higher strengths. Freebase liquids at lower strengths such as 3mg or 6mg are better matched to sub-ohm style higher-power vaping, and work reasonably on the mesh pod at 25W to 35W. Our nicotine section below goes into more detail.

As for the six variants in this product family, they are colour finishes of the same device rather than different flavours. The electronics, pods and performance are identical, so choose the finish you like.

Design and build quality

The RPM 40 is a compact, slightly rounded rectangular device roughly the size of a large lighter or a small torch, at about 99mm tall and 25mm square. Weighing around 99g, it is noticeably heavier than a Novo-style kit but comfortable in the hand. It slips into a jacket pocket or bag without much bulk, though it is not as flat as the slimmest pod kits.

The body is a metal-effect shell with a textured or leatherette-style panel, depending on the colour. The finish resists scuffs reasonably well in everyday use. Like most anodised or painted vape hardware, it will show wear at the corners if you carry it loose with keys, so a small pouch or case is a sensible, cheap protection.

The 0.96-inch colour display is one of the more useful features. Rather than guessing at the state of the battery or pod, you can see power level, battery percentage and coil resistance at a glance. The screen is small but legible, and the menu is shallow enough that you will learn it in a couple of minutes. It is a step up from the single indicator light that many compact pod kits rely on.

The pod connects at the top of the device with a firm magnetic or friction fit that holds it steady without needing force. A pod that sits loosely is the single most common cause of the kit failing to fire or showing a pod error, so it should click or seat decisively. The pod has a fill port covered by a silicone bung, which lifts away for refilling and presses back to seal.

Airflow is adjustable, which is a design choice many small pod kits skip. Being able to tighten the draw for a salt liquid or open it for a cooler, looser vape on the mesh pod lets one device cover several preferences.

Build quality is solid for the price bracket, but it is worth knowing where the weak points on any pod kit sit. Seals and bungs are small rubber parts that wear. Pods are plastic consumables and will crack if dropped on hard floors. The USB-C port should be kept free of lint and liquid. None of these are specific faults of the RPM 40; they are the normal care points for any refillable device. Treat it like a small piece of electronics and it will last well.

Battery and charging

The RPM 40 uses a 1500mAh built-in lithium battery, which is sizeable for a pod kit of this footprint. Compare that with the 800mAh to 1000mAh batteries in many compact pod systems and you can see why the RPM 40 is aimed at people who vape throughout the day and do not want to recharge at lunchtime.

Real-world battery life depends on power setting, coil and vaping pattern. As a rough guide, at moderate power on the 0.6Ω Nord DC pod (around 15W to 20W), a full charge commonly lasts a full day of fairly heavy use, and often a day and a half for lighter use. On the 0.4Ω mesh pod at 25W to 30W, expect closer to one day of moderate use. Pushed toward the 40W ceiling, the battery drains considerably faster, and since that power is rarely needed with these coils, it is better to leave headroom unused.

Charging is over USB-C, which means the cable you probably already own for a phone or tablet will work. A few practical points apply:

• Use a standard wall adaptor or a computer USB port rather than a fast-charge brick designed for laptops. A modest 5V adaptor is all the device needs.
• Expect a full charge to take roughly one to two hours depending on how low the battery was and how powerful the charger is.
• Do not leave the device charging unattended overnight, on a soft surface such as a bed or sofa, or under a pillow. Charge it on a hard, heat-safe surface where you can see it.
• If the device or cable becomes unusually hot, stop charging and unplug it.
• Do not use a damaged cable, and avoid charging if the port is wet or has liquid in it.

It is possible to vape while charging, but it is not recommended as a habit, since it puts extra heat load on the battery. If you run through a charge faster than you would like, carrying a small power bank and cable is a more sensible fix than stretching the battery.

Batteries do degrade over time. After a year or more of daily use, you can expect a modest reduction in capacity, which is true of every lithium device. Because the cell in the RPM 40 is built in, you cannot swap it. When the device reaches the end of its life, do not put it in general waste or an ordinary recycling bin. Take it to a household waste recycling centre or a retailer take-back point that accepts small electricals and batteries, as set out in the recycling note in our FAQs.

Coil and pod technology

The pod and coil system is what determines how the RPM 40 feels, so it deserves a close look. The kit uses pods from Smok's RPM and Nord families, and the coils sit inside the pod rather than screwing into a separate tank. When a coil is spent, you replace the coil or the whole pod depending on the type, rather than rebuilding anything.

The 0.4Ω mesh coil. A mesh coil replaces the usual round wire with a flat woven sheet, which gives the heating element more surface contact with the cotton and the liquid. That does three useful things. It heats up more evenly, which improves flavour consistency. It reduces the hot spots that can burn cotton, which helps coil life. And it supports higher vapour production without the coil having to work as hard. A 0.4Ω mesh coil is typically run at around 20W to 30W on this kind of device, with a sweet spot most users find at about 25W.

The 0.6Ω Nord DC coil. This is the tighter, lower-power option. The DC designation refers to a dual-coil style construction that keeps flavour reasonably crisp at modest wattage. It is generally run between roughly 12W and 22W and is the natural choice for nicotine salts, tobacco and menthol, and anyone who wants a restricted draw.

As for lifespan, a coil typically lasts from one to three weeks with daily use, depending on liquid sweetness, power and how carefully you prime. Sweeter, thicker liquids leave more residue and shorten coil life. A coil that has reached the end of its life gives you clear signs: flavour becomes flat or burnt, vapour thins out even at higher power, and a gurgling or leaking sound may develop.

A few habits extend coil life noticeably:

• Prime a new coil by dripping a few drops directly onto the visible wicking holes and letting it rest for five to ten minutes before the first puff.
• Do not chain-vape the coil at high power. Pausing between puffs gives the cotton time to re-wet.
• Keep the pod at least a third full. Running the liquid very low is one of the quickest ways to cause dry hits.
• Match power to the coil. Staying within the recommended range for each coil reduces burning.
• Switch liquids sparingly. Heavily sweetened liquids, especially dessert profiles, can gunk a coil faster.

Before you buy replacements, check which pod and coil type your kit uses and confirm compatibility on the product page. Do not mix and match pods from unrelated Smok families unless the listing explicitly states they fit, since the resistance range and connector can differ.

Nicotine strength guidance

Choosing a nicotine strength is the decision that has the biggest effect on whether switching works for you. The right answer depends on how much you smoked, what kind of e-liquid you use, and what power you vape at. This is general information, not medical advice, and anyone with a health condition or who is pregnant should talk to a pharmacist or GP first.

In the UK, e-liquid containing nicotine is capped at 20mg/ml (2%), and that cap applies to both nicotine salt and freebase liquids as well as to disposables. A refillable kit does not change the cap; it simply lets you pick a strength anywhere beneath it, including nicotine-free.

Here is a practical starting point:

• Heavy smokers (20 or more cigarettes a day, first cigarette within minutes of waking): start with a 18mg to 20mg nicotine salt on the 0.6Ω Nord DC pod. A salt at this strength feels smooth rather than harsh, and the tighter draw gives a throat hit that resembles smoking.
• Moderate smokers (10 to 20 a day): a 10mg to 12mg nicotine salt is often enough, on either pod.
• Light or social smokers: 5mg to 10mg salt, or 3mg freebase, is usually enough.
• Existing vapers cutting down: step down gradually, for example from 20mg to 12mg to 6mg, over weeks rather than days.
• Non-smokers: nicotine-free liquid is available and is the sensible choice if you do not already use nicotine.

Salts versus freebase is the second half of the choice. Nicotine salts are formulated to be smoother at higher strengths, so they suit lower-wattage, tighter-draw vaping, which is what the 0.6Ω pod is built for. Freebase nicotine gives a sharper throat hit and is normally used at 3mg to 6mg with bigger clouds at higher wattage, which suits the 0.4Ω mesh pod at the upper end of its range.

Power affects delivery as well. The more vapour you inhale per puff, the more nicotine you take in. A 20mg salt vaped at 30W on a mesh coil delivers a lot of nicotine and can feel harsh or lightheaded. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or get a racing heart, stop and drop to a lower strength or lower wattage.

If you are unsure, start a step lower than you think you need and move up if cravings return within the hour. Starting too high is a more common mistake than starting too low, and a lower strength is easier to adjust upward than the reverse.

Who the RPM 40 is for, and who should skip it

No single kit suits everyone, and a straight answer is more useful than a sales pitch. This section sets out who tends to get on well with the RPM 40 and who would be better served by something else.

The RPM 40 suits:

• Smokers who want to switch with a flexible device. The two-pod set means you can begin on the tighter 0.6Ω pod with a nicotine salt and later move to the mesh pod for a looser vape, without buying a new device.
• Disposable users who want to move to refillable. Disposable single-use vapes have been banned across the UK since 1 June 2025, so many former disposable users are looking for a refillable alternative. A pod kit with a 1500mAh battery covers a day of use and costs far less per week to run.
• Vapers who want control without complexity. The screen, adjustable power and adjustable airflow give you real control, but the chipset recommends sensible settings so you do not have to be an expert.
• People who want to experiment with flavour. Because you choose the liquid, you can try menthol, fruit, tobacco and dessert profiles without buying a new device each time.
• Cost-conscious vapers. Over a few months, refilling a pod from a 10ml bottle is typically cheaper than buying disposables.

You might want to skip the RPM 40 if:

• You want a set-and-forget, zero-maintenance experience. Refillable means priming, filling, wiping and occasional coil changes. If that sounds like a chore, a closed pod system with pre-filled cartridges is simpler.
• You want the very slimmest device. At around 99g and 25mm square it is pocketable but not discreet in tight clothing.
• You want the largest possible clouds. The 2ml pod and the mesh coil range are aimed at everyday vaping, not at sub-ohm cloud chasing.
• You want the newest hardware. Newer RPM-series models offer updated features. If you value the latest generation over price, look at those.
• You are under 18, or you do not already smoke or vape. Nicotine products are not for non-smokers or anyone under 18.

Anyone concerned about nicotine dependence should know that stop-smoking services and NHS support are available, and that vaping is intended as a route away from smoking rather than a habit to start.

Setup, filling and how to use the kit

Setting up the RPM 40 takes about ten minutes, most of which is waiting for the coil to absorb liquid. Rushing the priming step is the main reason new users get a burnt first puff, so it is worth following the sequence below.

• Charge the battery first. Plug the device into a USB-C cable and a standard wall adaptor for an hour or so before first use, until the display shows a full battery.
• Remove packaging and film. Take off any protective film from the pod, and check the coil seat is clean and dry.
• Fill the pod. Lift the silicone bung on the fill port, hold the pod upright, and slowly squeeze liquid into the opening. Stop slightly below the maximum fill line so there is room for air. Press the bung back in until it sits flush.
• Prime the coil. Let the filled pod stand upright for five to ten minutes so the cotton soaks through. If you want to speed it up, put a couple of extra drops directly on the wicking holes before filling the rest.
• Seat the pod. Push the pod into the top of the device until it sits firmly. The screen should recognise the coil and show its resistance.
• Switch on. Most Smok devices of this generation turn on and off with a rapid sequence of presses of the fire button, typically five. Check the quick start card in your box if yours differs.
• Take two or three gentle priming puffs. Use short, low-power puffs with a pause between each, before moving up to normal draws.
• Adjust power and airflow. Start at the recommended wattage for the coil, then change it in small steps until the flavour and throat hit feel right.

When you refill, do it with the device switched off, and wipe any liquid from the pod exterior and the contacts with a tissue. Liquid on the contacts is a common cause of misfires. Avoid filling beyond the line, since overfilling leads to leaks through the airflow.

Store the device upright where possible, away from heat and direct sun. Do not leave it in a hot car, since heat expands liquid and softens seals. If you are travelling by air, check the airline rules for carrying vapes, which generally require them to be in hand luggage, switched off and with the pod empty or sealed.

Always keep nicotine liquid in its original bottle with the child-resistant cap, away from children and pets.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with pod kits come down to a handful of causes, and most are fixed in a minute or two. Here are the issues we see reported most often with the RPM 40, with the likely cause and the fix.

• The device will not fire, or shows a no-pod or check-atomizer message. The pod is probably not fully seated, or there is liquid or lint on the contacts. Remove the pod, wipe the contacts and the base of the pod with a dry tissue, and press it back until it sits firmly. If the message persists, try the other pod to find out whether the coil or the device is at fault.
• Burnt or dry taste. Usually a coil that has not soaked, a pod that is nearly empty, or power set too high. Refill, prime for several minutes, lower the wattage, and take shorter puffs. If a coil still tastes burnt after correcting these, it is spent and should be replaced.
• Weak flavour with a full pod. The coil is probably worn, or the liquid is a sweet one that has coated the cotton. Replace the coil. If you changed liquids recently, residue from the previous one may be to blame.
• Leaking from the airflow or the base. Often overfilling, a bung that is not seated, or a worn seal. Fill to a little below the line, press the bung in fully, and wipe up before using again. Keep the device upright and avoid squeezing the pod.
• Gurgling or spitting. Condensation or excess liquid in the airway. Remove the pod, tap it gently on a tissue, and dry the airflow channel. Tighten the airflow slightly if it continues.
• Battery drains quickly. High wattage, a mesh coil run hard, or an older battery. Lower the power, use the 0.6Ω pod for light use, and charge before it reaches the bottom.
• The device is not charging. Try a different cable and adaptor, check the port for lint (a wooden toothpick works, with the device off and unplugged), and make sure the plug is fully in.
• Screen is blank or the device is unresponsive. Check it is switched on, then plug it in for a few minutes to wake a deeply discharged battery.
• The device gets warm. Gentle warmth is normal during use or charging. If it gets hot to the touch, stop using it, unplug it, let it cool, and contact us if it happens again.

If you have worked through these steps and a fault remains, keep your order number, take a couple of photos or a short video of the issue, and contact us. Faults on a new device are handled under the manufacturer's guarantee and our returns policy, as described in the FAQs.

Value for money and how it compares

Value on a refillable kit is the sum of the upfront price, the running cost of liquid and coils, and how long the device lasts. The RPM 40 sits in a budget-to-mid bracket for pod kits. Its hardware is stronger than the cheapest pod kits, with a bigger battery, a display, adjustable power and a mesh coil. It also supplies two pods, which means you can test two vaping styles before deciding which coils to buy in bulk.

Running costs are where refillables pull ahead of disposables. A 10ml bottle of nicotine salt liquid typically costs a few pounds and fills a 2ml pod several times over. A pack of replacement coils or pods lasts a few weeks to a couple of months depending on use. For a regular vaper, that tends to come out well below the weekly cost of buying single-use devices, and the gap widens the more you vape. The 2025 ban on disposable vapes also means refillable systems are now the mainstream choice in UK shops.

Here is how the RPM 40 compares with other options a UK buyer is likely to consider, in fair terms:

• Against Smok Novo 5 or Novo 6 style kits: Novo kits are smaller and lighter, with a smaller battery (around 900mAh in the Novo 5) and fewer controls. They suit people who want simplicity. The RPM 40 offers more battery, adjustable power and a screen, in exchange for more bulk.
• Against the Vaporesso XROS 3: the XROS series is also a compact refillable pod system with a 1000mAh battery and a 2ml pod. It is slimmer and has simpler controls, with an easier learning curve. The RPM 40 has more battery and a wider power range, but the XROS is easier to carry.
• Against the Smok Nord 5: the Nord 5 offers a larger battery and a higher power ceiling for people who want more flexibility. It is a larger and typically pricier device, so it only makes sense if you need that extra headroom.
• Against closed pod systems with pre-filled cartridges: these are simpler and tidier, with no priming or refilling, but you are limited to the flavours the manufacturer makes and cartridge cost per ml is usually higher.
• Against newer RPM-series models: later devices in the range add refinements, and if you value them, they are worth a look. The RPM 40 remains a competent option if price and availability of pods matter more to you than the latest features.

Honest limitations are worth listing too. The 2ml pod limit is a UK regulation, not a design flaw, but it means refilling more often than you would on an overseas version. The kit is not the smallest, the screen menu takes a few minutes to learn, and as an older model its pods and coils may be easier to find from some suppliers than others. We recommend buying a spare pack of coils with the kit so you are never caught short.

Overall, the RPM 40 represents sound value for an adult smoker who wants a flexible, refillable device with a decent battery and does not need the newest hardware. If you want something simpler, a Novo-style or closed pod kit may suit you better; if you want more power and capacity, look at a larger Nord device.