Uwell Caliburn Vape Kit Grey

Overview

The Uwell Caliburn Vape Kit Grey by Uwell in Grey at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Uwell Caliburn Vape Kit overview: what it is and what you get

The Uwell Caliburn Vape Kit is a compact, refillable pod system for adults who want a simple replacement for smoking without the fuss of tanks, coils and wattage menus. It is draw-activated: there is no fire button, no screen and no settings to learn. You fill a small pod with the nicotine salt e-liquid of your choice, click the pod into the battery section, breathe in, and the device does the rest.

Uwell has built a large part of its reputation on pod hardware, and the Caliburn range is one of its best known families. The classic Caliburn set out a formula that later models in the line refined: a slim pocketable body, a pod that seats with a firm click, a modest battery, a tight draw and a coil tuned for nicotine salt liquids. We have written this page as a plain-speaking buyer's guide, so you will find the limits of the kit listed alongside its strengths.

Here is the short version of the specification, as it is generally published for the classic Caliburn pod kit. Specifications can vary slightly between production batches and between later models in the Caliburn family, so always check the pack you receive against the printed manual.

• Format: refillable closed pod system, draw-activated, no buttons
• Battery: built-in 520mAh lithium-ion cell
• Output: fixed, in the region of 11W
• Pod capacity: 2ml, which is the maximum size permitted for refillable pods sold in the UK
• Coil: 1.4 ohm replaceable coil built into each pod
• Charging: USB-C, 5V input
• Suited to: nicotine salt liquids in 10mg or 20mg strengths

There are four variants of this kit listed on the page. In most cases these are differences in finish and colour rather than in performance, so choose the one you like the look of and check the variant selector for what is currently in stock.

Inside the box you will normally find the Caliburn battery unit, one or more pods (the exact count depends on the kit), a USB-C charging cable and a paper manual. E-liquid is not included, and that is deliberate: a refillable system lets you pick your own flavour and strength, and it is where most of the long-term saving comes from compared with buying single-use devices.

Performance and puff delivery

The Caliburn behaves like a tight, restricted-draw pod. The airflow is fixed, the coil resistance is on the higher side for a modern pod, and the output is modest. That combination produces warm, fairly dense vapour in small quantities, which is what many ex-smokers look for because it resembles the pull on a cigarette. If you are coming from sub-ohm kit, expect the Caliburn to feel restrained and quiet by comparison.

Because the device fires as soon as you inhale, the draw feels natural. Take a slow, two to three second pull, hold the vapour in your mouth for a beat, then inhale or exhale as you prefer. Short, steady pulls give the cleanest flavour and keep the coil from overheating. Long, hard drags tend to produce a hot, slightly harsh vapour and use up liquid faster.

Puff counts need careful reading. Disposable vapes advertise figures such as 600 puffs, and those numbers are a manufacturer estimate, not a measurement. A refillable pod kit has no fixed puff count at all, because the number depends on how you vape. As a practical guide, a full 2ml pod of nicotine salt liquid on the Caliburn usually lasts somewhere between 250 and 400 puffs, depending on draw length, liquid thickness and how worn the coil is. The 520mAh battery is the tighter constraint: one full charge generally covers around 200 to 300 puffs, so most people end up charging about once per pod.

• Light use (a few dozen puffs a day): a filled pod and a charge can last several days
• Moderate use (around 150 puffs a day): expect to refill and recharge roughly daily
• Heavy use or chain vaping: you will probably need to top up the battery during the day, and the coil will wear faster

Output stays fairly consistent through the charge until the battery runs low, at which point the vapour thins and the LED flashes a warning. There is no adjustable power, so performance is steady rather than tunable. That is a feature for people who want a no-decision device and a limitation for anyone who likes to tinker.

In terms of throat hit, the Caliburn pairs well with 20mg nicotine salts. The hit is clear but smoothed by the salt chemistry, which is why nic salts are the standard choice for this class of pod. Freebase nicotine liquids tend to feel harsher at this power level and are not recommended. If you want bigger clouds, looser airflow or adjustable power, a different device will serve you better, and we say so plainly in the comparison section further down.

Flavour profile and choosing e-liquid

The Caliburn does not come with a flavour of its own, because the flavour comes entirely from the e-liquid you put in the pod. What the hardware controls is how faithfully that flavour is delivered. With a 1.4 ohm coil running at around 11W, the Caliburn tends to give a clean, slightly muted rendering of the liquid: top notes such as menthol, mint, citrus and berry come through clearly, while the heavier dessert and bakery profiles are readable but less rich than they would be on a higher-powered device.

For best results choose a nicotine salt liquid with a balanced or PG-leaning ratio. Common 50VG/50PG nic salts wick well through the cotton in the pod and keep the coil fed. Very thick, high-VG liquids, including most shortfills, are slow to move through the small wicking ports and can lead to dry hits, gurgling or a burnt taste. As a rule, if a liquid is sold for sub-ohm tanks, leave it out of this pod.

• Fruit and ice blends: blueberry, strawberry, watermelon and lemon-lime styles suit the Caliburn well, as the warm vapour carries sweetness without becoming cloying
• Menthol and mint: a reliable pairing, with a crisp cooling effect that stays consistent through the pod
• Tobacco: light tobacco and tobacco-with-vanilla liquids work nicely and are popular with people moving away from cigarettes
• Sweet dessert profiles: usable, though heavy sweeteners shorten coil life, so expect to change pods sooner

A practical point on flavour swapping: cotton holds on to residue. If you move from a strong menthol to a fruit liquid in the same pod, you will probably taste a trace of the old flavour. The tidy solution is to dedicate each pod to one flavour family, or to fit a fresh pod when you change direction. Because pods are sold in multi-packs and are inexpensive relative to the device, many users keep two or three on the go.

It also helps to let the pod rest after filling. Five to ten minutes gives the cotton time to saturate fully, and the first few puffs will taste noticeably better as a result. If flavour fades gradually over a week or two, it is usually the coil ageing rather than the liquid going off, and a fresh pod brings it back immediately.

Finally, stay with reputable, labelled UK-sold liquids. Nicotine e-liquid in the UK is sold in bottles of 10ml or smaller with a maximum strength of 20mg per ml, and the packaging must carry the required health warning and ingredients information.

Design and build quality

The Caliburn is slim, light and easy to hide in a hand or a jacket pocket. The body is a flattened, rounded rectangle with a metal alloy shell and a finish that varies by colour option. It is closer in size to a thick pen than to a box mod, and that shape is a large part of the appeal. It feels like a deliberate, finished product rather than a toy, and the edges are smooth enough that it will not snag in a pocket lining.

The pod slots into the top of the battery and is held by magnetic or friction retention, depending on the revision, with a firm click when it seats. The connection is reasonably tight, which matters because a loose pod is one of the most common causes of intermittent firing. The mouthpiece is a short, rounded oval that is comfortable for long sessions and shaped for a gentle lip seal.

• Body: metal alloy shell with a coloured finish, which resists everyday scuffs but can show wear at the edges after months of pocket life
• Pod: clear plastic reservoir so you can see the liquid level at a glance
• Fill port: a silicone bung that you lift or pull aside to fill, then press back firmly to seal
• Indicator: a small LED that lights when you draw and flashes to flag low battery or a protection event
• Charging: USB-C port at the base

Tolerances are generally tidy for the price bracket. The pod and battery section align cleanly and there is little rattle. As with any slim pocket device, you should not treat it as rugged. Dropping it onto a hard floor can crack the pod or loosen the connection, and keeping coins and keys in the same pocket will eventually mark the finish. A simple lanyard or case is a sensible, inexpensive addition.

One design trade-off worth knowing about is the lack of a window or gauge for battery life. The LED gives you a warning when power is low, but it will not tell you in advance how many puffs you have left. If you like to plan, charge the Caliburn each evening as a routine.

The four variants of this kit share the same internal hardware. If you are weighing up the colour options, bear in mind that darker finishes hide fingerprints and pocket wear better than pale or glossy ones.

Battery and charging

The Caliburn uses a built-in 520mAh lithium-ion battery. That is a small capacity by current standards, chosen to keep the body slim. At roughly 11W of output, the arithmetic is straightforward: a 520mAh cell at 3.7V holds about 1.9Wh of energy, which equates to roughly 10 to 11 minutes of total firing time at full power. In real use, with two to three second pulls, that works out to around 200 to 300 puffs per charge once conversion losses are allowed for.

The device charges over USB-C using a standard 5V supply. Any ordinary USB wall adapter, computer port or power bank will do the job, and a fast-charge phone brick is unnecessary because the device draws only a small current. A full charge from empty typically takes in the region of an hour, though the exact time depends on the charger and cable. Use the cable supplied or a good-quality replacement, and avoid unbranded chargers of unknown origin.

• Charge before the battery is flat: lithium cells are happier when they are not repeatedly run to zero
• Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface: never on a bed, sofa or pillow
• Do not leave it charging unattended overnight: this applies to any lithium device, however well protected
• Unplug when full: the device has protection circuitry, but good habits cost nothing
• Keep it out of heat: a hot car dashboard or a radiator shelf will shorten battery life and can be unsafe

The device includes standard protections: short-circuit protection, low-voltage cut-off, and a cut-off that stops firing if you hold the draw for too long. If you hit one of these, the LED flashes in a pattern described in the manual, and the fix is normally to release the draw, re-seat the pod, or put the device on charge.

Being honest about the limits: 520mAh is not much. Heavy users will find themselves reaching for the cable more than once a day, and the Caliburn does not support pass-through use in a convenient way, because holding a cable in your hand while vaping is awkward. If battery anxiety is a big deal for you, a power bank in the bag solves most of it, or consider a model in the wider Caliburn family or a competitor with a larger cell.

Over time all lithium batteries lose capacity. With sensible charging you can expect the Caliburn to remain useful for many months of regular use before the shortened run time becomes noticeable. When the device does reach the end of its life, recycle it properly rather than binning it, as described near the end of this guide.

Coil and pod technology

Each Caliburn pod has its own coil built in. That is the central idea behind a closed pod system: when the coil wears out you replace the whole pod, which takes seconds and needs no tools or wicking skills. The coil in the classic Caliburn pod is rated at 1.4 ohms and uses cotton wicking around a heating element, tuned to work with the roughly 11W output of the battery.

The resistance figure matters because it governs how the device feels. A higher resistance coil heats more gently and produces a tighter, cooler, more cigarette-like draw. Lower resistance coils, such as the 0.8 or 0.9 ohm units used in later Caliburn models and in many competitors, heat faster, give a bigger vapour cloud and use up liquid and battery more quickly. Neither approach is wrong; they suit different people. The 1.4 ohm pod is the gentler of the two and is a good fit for lower-nicotine-need users and for those who want a longer-lasting pod.

• Pod capacity: 2ml, matching the UK limit for refillable tanks and pods
• Coil type: cotton-wicked heating coil, replaced with the pod
• Airflow: fixed, restricted, draw-activated
• Filling: via a silicone bung on the pod, with the liquid level visible through the clear wall
• Expected coil life: typically one to two weeks of regular use, shorter with very sweet or thick liquids

Pods are consumables and are usually sold in packs of four, so it is worth ordering a spare pack when you buy the kit. Be careful with compatibility: different generations of the Caliburn family use different coil resistances and, in some cases, different pod shapes. Check the product title and the pod listing before buying, and do not assume a pod from a newer model will fit the battery section in this kit.

Coil care is mostly about avoiding what shortens its life. Always prime the pod by letting it rest after filling, never fire the device on a dry or nearly empty pod, and avoid long, hot, repeated draws. Overfilling is the other common mistake. If you flood the airflow channel, the coil can gurgle, leak or taste muddy until the excess clears.

Signs a pod needs replacing include a burnt or flat taste that persists after a fresh fill, noticeably reduced vapour, and a darkened, gunky liquid. It is not worth trying to squeeze extra puffs out of a pod in this state, because the flavour suffers and so does your enjoyment of the device.

Nicotine strength guidance

Choosing the right nicotine strength is the single most important decision for a good first experience, and the Caliburn is designed around nicotine salt liquids in the 10mg to 20mg range. In the UK, e-liquid is capped at 20mg of nicotine per millilitre, and refillable pods are limited to 2ml, so every legitimate liquid you buy for this kit will sit at or below that ceiling. The same 20mg cap applies to single-use devices, which is part of why refillable kits like the Caliburn are a sensible alternative.

Here is a simple, cautious starting point. It is general guidance rather than medical advice, and you should adjust it to how you feel.

• 20mg nic salt: a sensible starting point for people who smoke around 10 or more cigarettes a day and want to stop. The hit is firm, and a few puffs are usually satisfying
• 10mg to 12mg nic salt: a good fit for lighter smokers, for people stepping down, or for anyone who finds 20mg too harsh. You will probably take more puffs, so the pod empties sooner
• Lower or nicotine-free: useful as a final step down, or for people who enjoy the hand-and-mouth habit but want to leave nicotine behind

Because the Caliburn delivers a modest amount of vapour per puff, some people find that the strength they need on this device is slightly higher than on a big sub-ohm setup. Equally, if you start with 20mg and feel dizzy, queasy, jittery or get a racing heart, you have probably taken too much: put the device down, take some air and move to a lower strength.

Nicotine is addictive, and this product is intended for adult smokers and existing vapers. If you do not smoke, do not start. Vaping is not risk free, but for adult smokers who switch completely it is considered far less harmful than continuing to smoke, which is the position taken by the NHS and UK public health bodies. If you want structured help to quit, free local stop smoking services and pharmacy advice are available through the NHS, and vaping is often used alongside that support.

Remember that the legal age to buy nicotine vaping products in the UK is 18. Keep the device, pods and e-liquid out of the reach of children and pets, and store e-liquid bottles with their child-resistant caps closed. Nicotine can be harmful if swallowed or if it gets on the skin in large amounts, so wipe up spills and wash your hands after filling.

Who the Caliburn suits, and who should look elsewhere

The Caliburn is a good match for a particular kind of vaper, and it is better to know in advance whether you are one of them. It is a simple, forgiving device with a gentle learning curve, and that makes it a natural fit for several groups.

• Adult smokers switching for the first time: the tight draw, nicotine salt compatibility and absence of controls make it easy to pick up
• People moving on from disposables: the pod format feels similar, but you choose your own liquid, pay far less per millilitre and generate less waste
• Light to moderate vapers: the 520mAh battery is adequate if you are not chain vaping
• Anyone who prefers a discreet device: it is slim, quiet and produces modest vapour

On the other side, there are people for whom a different device would be a better purchase. Being straight about this saves you money and frustration.

• Heavy vapers: if you go through several millilitres a day, the small battery and 2ml pod mean constant charging and refilling
• Cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts: the restricted draw and modest power will feel limiting
• People who want adjustable power or airflow: the Caliburn is fixed by design
• Anyone who prefers pre-filled convenience: a refillable system involves handling liquid, and that means occasional spills
• Non-smokers and under-18s: nicotine vaping products are not for you, and it is illegal to sell them to anyone under 18

Another group to mention: people who already own a Caliburn-family device. If you have a later model and are simply looking for a spare or a travel device, check whether the pods are interchangeable before you order, because they are not all cross-compatible.

The Caliburn also works well as a second device. Plenty of experienced vapers keep a slim pod like this for evenings out, travel and work, while using a larger device at home. Its low profile and simple operation make it easy to use in situations where a bigger setup would be awkward.

If you are unsure which category you fall into, a useful test is to count how many cigarettes you smoke in an ordinary day and how many puffs you take from each. If you smoke ten or fewer and take a handful of puffs from each, the Caliburn will probably keep up. If you smoke a pack or more a day, think seriously about whether you will be content with its battery and pod capacity.

How to use the Uwell Caliburn step by step

Setting up the Caliburn takes only a couple of minutes, and doing it carefully the first time avoids most of the problems people run into later. Follow these steps in order.

• 1. Charge first: connect the USB-C cable and give the battery a full charge before the first use. It is a small cell and it will not hurt to start with it topped up
• 2. Prepare the pod: remove any protective packaging or plugs from the pod, and check that the silicone bung is in good condition
• 3. Fill the pod: open the fill port and, with the pod held upright, slowly add your nicotine salt liquid down the side of the fill hole. Stop just below the top of the reservoir and never fill above the maximum line. Do not cover the central airflow tube
• 4. Seal it: press the silicone bung firmly back into place so it sits flush
• 5. Rest the pod: wait five to ten minutes so the cotton can saturate. This is the step most often skipped, and skipping it is the leading cause of a burnt first taste
• 6. Fit the pod: push the pod into the battery section until it clicks
• 7. Take gentle first puffs: draw slowly for two to three seconds. The first few puffs may be thin while the wick finishes priming

There are no buttons to press for normal use. Inhale and the device fires; stop and it stops. Many Caliburn revisions also include a charging and low battery indicator in the form of a flashing LED, and the manual lists what each pattern means.

When the pod is empty, remove it, refill it and let it rest again. You can refill the same pod several times until the flavour fades or the vapour thins, which is the signal that the coil is spent. Replace the whole pod at that point.

Day-to-day care is minimal. Wipe the contacts at the base of the pod and the top of the battery with a dry cotton bud now and again, as residue can interrupt the connection. Wipe any liquid off the outside of the pod before inserting it. Keep the device upright where you can, particularly when travelling by air, as pressure changes can push liquid towards the airflow channel and cause a leak. For flights, the best habit is to empty or nearly empty the pod beforehand, or keep the device in a sealed bag.

If you are switching flavours, remove the old pod, store it upright, and fit a new one. Label the pods if you keep several, so you always know which is which.

Troubleshooting common Caliburn problems

Most problems with pod kits have simple, quick fixes. Work through the likely cause before assuming the device is faulty.

• Device does not fire: remove the pod and re-seat it firmly, and wipe the metal contacts on both the pod and the battery with a dry cloth. Check the battery is charged. If it flashes when you draw, it may be in a protection mode, and plugging it in for a few minutes often resets it
• Burnt or harsh taste: usually caused by a pod that has not been left to rest, a low liquid level, chain vaping, or a coil that has aged. Refill, rest for ten minutes, and take shorter, gentler draws. If it persists, fit a new pod
• Weak flavour or thin vapour: either the battery is low or the coil is worn. Charge the device first, then replace the pod if the problem remains. Also check that the liquid is not too thick for this pod
• Leaking: the usual causes are overfilling, a bung that is not fully seated, condensation in the airflow channel, or pressure changes. Wipe the pod, check the bung, avoid filling above the line and avoid carrying the device with a full pod in a warm pocket
• Gurgling or spitting: condensation has built up in the airflow channel. Remove the pod and blow gently through the mouthpiece, or press a tissue to the base to clear it
• Liquid in the mouthpiece: too much liquid reaching the coil, normally from overfilling or very thin liquid. Wipe and take a few short puffs to clear it
• Dry hits: the wick is not saturated. Rest the pod longer, make sure there is enough liquid, and switch to a thinner liquid if you are using a thick one
• Not charging: try a different cable and a different power source, and check the USB-C port for lint. A pocket device can gather debris in the port, which a wooden toothpick can gently clear while the device is unplugged

If the device seems warm to the touch during a charge, unplug it and let it cool. If it is hot, swollen, smells odd or shows visible damage, stop using it, move it away from anything flammable, and take it to a recycling point rather than continuing to charge it.

If you have worked through the list and the device still does not behave, contact us with your order number and a short description of the fault. A defective unit within its warranty period is a different matter from a worn pod, and we would rather sort it out than have you struggle with a faulty device.

Finally, remember that coils and pods are consumables, so a pod that has reached the end of a normal life is not a fault. Tracking when you started each pod makes it easy to judge whether a problem is wear or something else.

Value for money and running costs

The real cost of a vape is not the price on the box but what it costs you to keep using it. A refillable kit like the Caliburn has a modest upfront price, followed by a recurring cost for pods and e-liquid. Looking at the whole picture is the fairest way to judge it.

Start with the liquid. A 10ml bottle of nicotine salt will fill a 2ml pod roughly four to five times, allowing for a little spillage. At 250 to 400 puffs per pod, a single 10ml bottle gives you something in the order of 1,000 to 2,000 puffs. Compare that with single-use devices, where you pay for a sealed unit and then throw the battery and plastic away when the liquid runs out. Per millilitre of nicotine liquid, refilling is almost always substantially cheaper.

• Upfront: the kit itself, including one or more pods and a cable
• Pods: a replacement pack, typically four pods, lasting a moderate user roughly a month, depending on the liquid
• E-liquid: the main ongoing cost, driven by how much you vape and which strength and brand you choose
• Electricity: negligible, as the battery is tiny

It is also worth setting the Caliburn against the true cost of smoking. For a daily smoker, the money spent on cigarettes over a few weeks easily exceeds the cost of a Caliburn kit plus a month of liquid and pods. Individual results vary, but cost is a common reason people switch and stay switched.

On the other hand, the Caliburn is not the cheapest route if you vape heavily. A small battery and 2ml pod mean you will spend more time and effort on upkeep than with a larger-format device, and the coil is a consumable that adds up if you go through one every week. Being realistic about your habit helps you pick the right level of device.

Where it does offer good value is in being a straightforward, low-maintenance device that does its one job reliably. You are paying for simplicity and a proven, mature design, not for headline specifications. For a first refillable kit, a back-up device or a low-hassle everyday option, it holds its own. Buying a spare pod pack with the kit is a sensible way to avoid a mid-week gap, and ordering the pack together with your first bottle of liquid saves a second delivery.

Remember also that the device's lifespan matters. A well-treated Caliburn can run for many months on its original battery, so the cost per month falls the longer you use it.

How the Caliburn compares with similar pod kits, and disposing of it responsibly

No device suits everyone, so here is a fair comparison with the alternatives you are most likely to be weighing up. Figures are approximate and based on published specifications for widely sold models, so check the individual product pages for current details.

• Later Caliburn models (G, G2, A2, KOKO Prime): these generally add a larger battery, often in the 690mAh to 750mAh range, and lower-resistance coils for stronger flavour and bigger vapour. If you want more output, a later Caliburn is the natural step up, though pods are not all interchangeable with the classic kit
• Vaporesso XROS series: typically offers a bigger battery, in some models around 1000mAh, plus adjustable airflow on certain versions. It suits heavier users but is a little bulkier
• SMOK Novo series: a popular line with larger battery capacities, commonly in the 800mAh to 900mAh region, and a wide pod range. Often better for longer days, with a somewhat different draw feel
• OXVA Xlim series: well regarded for build and a roomy battery in several models, again aimed at people who want fewer charges
• Single-use vapes: from 1 June 2025, the sale of single-use vapes has been banned across the UK, which has made refillable and rechargeable kits the mainstream option. The Caliburn is a reusable alternative that gives the same simple, no-button experience

Where the classic Caliburn holds its own is in its simplicity, gentle draw and ease of use. Where it falls behind newer rivals is battery capacity and the lack of adjustable settings. If neither of those matters to you, there is no strong reason to spend more.

A short word on responsible disposal. A vape is a small electrical item containing a lithium battery, and it should never go in your household bin or kerbside recycling, where crushed batteries have caused fires in collection vehicles and waste sites. Instead, take it to a household waste recycling centre or use a retailer take-back scheme for small electricals. Many shops that sell vapes now provide drop-off points for old devices, and your local council website will list the nearest one.

• Device: recycle as small electrical waste, never in general rubbish
• Used pods: check your local council guidance, as pods contain a small coil and residual liquid
• Leftover e-liquid: keep it sealed and store it safely, and do not pour nicotine liquid down the drain or onto soil

Look after the device, charge it sensibly, recycle it properly at the end, and the Caliburn should serve you well. If you are still undecided, use the questions below to check the details that matter most before you order.