GeekVape G18 Starter Vape Kit Red

Overview

The GeekVape G18 Starter Vape Kit Red by Geekvape in Red at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

GeekVape G18 Starter Vape Kit at a glance

The GeekVape G18 Starter Vape Kit is a refillable, pen-style starter set from Geekvape, a brand that has spent years building a reputation in the UK for sturdy hardware at sensible prices. At £14.99 it sits at the affordable end of the reusable market, and that price tells you most of what you need to know about its purpose. This is an entry kit. It exists to put real, rechargeable, refillable hardware into the hands of an adult who wants to start vaping, or an existing vaper who wants a simple spare device, without a large outlay.

A refillable kit works differently from the sealed devices many people started on. Instead of a single unit with one fixed flavour and a fixed lifespan, you get a battery section that you recharge and a tank section that you fill yourself with the e-liquid of your choice. The heating element inside the tank, called the coil, is a replaceable part. Over weeks and months the device keeps going, and your ongoing spend moves to e-liquid and the occasional replacement coil rather than a whole new device every few days.

That matters more in the UK than it used to. Single-use vapes have not been legal to sell here since the ban that took effect in June 2025, so a rechargeable device such as the G18 is now the ordinary route for anyone who wants a straightforward, low-cost way into vaping. It also means less waste. A kit that lasts for months creates far less landfill than a stack of throwaway units.

Here are the headline facts before we go into detail:

• Product: GeekVape G18 Starter Vape Kit, a refillable pen-style starter kit
• Price: £14.99, the same across every colour
• Colours: Aqua, Black, Blue, Green, Rainbow, Red, Silver and Wood
• Listed nicotine strength: 0mg, because nicotine comes from the e-liquid you add
• Tank size: a UK-legal 2ml, the maximum allowed for refillable tanks sold here
• Age restriction: strictly 18+, for adults only

Everything below is written for UK adults and it is deliberately candid. The G18 suits some people very well and is the wrong tool for others, and we would rather you knew which group you belong to before you order.

What comes in the box and what you still need to buy

Starter kits can differ slightly between production batches, so always check the contents printed on the pack when it arrives. In general, a kit of this type includes the battery body, the refillable tank section with a coil already fitted, a USB charging cable and a printed instruction card. Because the listing shows 0mg, you should read that as a sign that nicotine is not part of the kit itself. Whatever nicotine you vape comes from the e-liquid you choose to add.

That is a feature rather than a drawback. It means you control the flavour, the strength and the cost from your very first fill, and you can change any of those whenever you like. It does mean you need a few extra items on the first order so that the kit is usable on day one.

• E-liquid: at least one bottle. In the UK, nicotine e-liquid is sold in bottles of 10ml or less with a maximum strength of 20mg/ml. Nicotine-free liquids can come in larger bottles, which is useful if you want to mix your own strength with nicotine shots.
• A spare coil or two: the coil is the part that wears out first. Buy replacements made for this kit rather than guessing, because coils from other systems rarely fit properly.
• A USB plug: the cable is a cable, not a charger. Any ordinary phone charger with a USB port will do the job, and a standard 5V output is all you need.
• Tissue or a soft cloth: refilling is a slightly sticky business, and a cloth keeps the outside of the tank clean.

If you are brand new to refillables, the simplest first order is the kit plus one 10ml bottle of a flavour you already know you like, plus one spare coil pack. That keeps the learning curve short and means a worn coil will not leave you without a working device for a couple of days while a replacement arrives.

One practical note on the 0mg listing. If you are used to disposables, it can look odd to see a nicotine strength on a hardware product at all. It is simply how the shop catalogue records a kit that carries no nicotine of its own. Choose your actual strength when you pick your e-liquid, and the section further down on nicotine strength will help you do that sensibly.

Vapour and performance in everyday use

The first thing to understand about performance is that a refillable kit does not have a puff count in the way a sealed device does, which is why the catalogue lists none for the G18. The number of puffs you get depends on how much e-liquid you put in, how strong and how thick that liquid is, how long each draw lasts, and how fresh the coil is. A useful way to picture it is by volume. The 2ml tank on this kit holds roughly the same amount of liquid as the 2ml disposables that were common before the ban, and those were typically sold on the basis of several hundred puffs. Treat that as a rough guide rather than a promise, because every vaper uses a device differently.

In daily use, a pen-style kit at this price point is built for a gentle to medium vapour output rather than for big clouds. That is intentional. Most adults moving away from cigarettes find that a tighter, more cigarette-like draw is easier to settle into than the airy, open pull of a high-powered sub-ohm device. You draw slowly into your mouth first, then inhale, which vapers call mouth-to-lung. The vapour is warm rather than hot, and flavour tends to be clearer on lighter liquids than on very thick ones.

A few things affect what you will notice from one session to the next:

• Liquid thickness: a balanced 50/50 blend of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine flows easily into a small coil and gives a clear throat hit. Very thick, high-VG liquids can wick slowly through small coils, which shows up as weak flavour or a dry, scratchy draw.
• Coil age: a new coil is at its most vivid in the first few days. Flavour softens gradually as the coil gums up with residue from sweeteners.
• Draw length: long, hard pulls overwork a small coil. Short, steady draws give cleaner flavour and make the battery last longer.
• Battery level: as any small battery runs down, vapour can thin slightly. Charging before it is completely flat keeps output more even.

The honest summary is that the G18 does the job of a simple starter kit competently. It will not produce the flavour density of a premium mesh-coil device or the vapour volume of an enthusiast kit, and it does not try to. What it offers is predictable, easy performance that a beginner can learn in a day.

Eight colours and the e-liquid flavours that suit the kit

Strictly speaking, the G18 has no flavour of its own, because flavour comes from whichever e-liquid you add. What the range does offer is a choice of finish. The family currently covers eight colours, all at the same price, plus the main kit listing, which is how the catalogue arrives at nine entries in total. Choosing a colour is the only decision that involves the hardware itself, so it is worth a moment of thought.

• Black: the understated option, and the one that hides fingerprints and wear well over months of pocket use.
• Silver: a metallic finish that looks clean and a little more grown-up than the brighter shades.
• Blue: a strong, classic colour that is easy to spot in a bag or on a desk.
• Red: bold and visible, which helps if you tend to lose small devices.
• Green: a distinctive shade that stands out from the usual black and silver.
• Aqua: a lighter blue-green tone that suits people who prefer something softer.
• Rainbow: a multi-colour finish for anyone who wants the device to look different from everyone else's.
• Wood: a wood-look finish that gives the pen a warmer, more traditional feel.

Colour makes no difference to how the kit performs. Pick the one you like looking at, because you will handle it many times a day.

For flavour, a sound approach is to start with a taste you already enjoy and keep the first few bottles simple. These are the profiles that tend to work well in a small refillable tank:

• Tobacco: a natural first choice for adults who are leaving cigarettes behind, since it echoes what they are used to.
• Menthol and mint: cool, clean and forgiving, and good for a first week when you are learning your draw.
• Blue raspberry: sweet and tangy, and one of the more popular fruit profiles in UK shops.
• Strawberry ice: bright fruit with a cooling finish that carries well even on a modest coil.
• Mango: juicy and rounded, and a good example of how a fruit liquid can taste fuller in a refillable than in many sealed devices.
• Cola: a nostalgic, fizzy profile that suits people who find very sweet fruits too much.
• Vanilla custard: smooth and dessert-like, though heavy sweeteners will age a coil faster.

When you want to change flavour, empty the tank rather than topping up a different liquid on top of the old one. Tastes blend poorly, and a clean swap gives you a fair judgement of the new bottle.

Design, size and build quality

The G18 is a pen-style device, which means a slim, cylindrical body that you hold much as you would a thick marker pen. This shape is familiar to anyone who has used older cigarette-alike or pen kits, and it has genuine practical advantages. The tank sits in line with the battery rather than beside it, the device slips easily into a jacket or jeans pocket, and the drip tip lands naturally between the lips. It is a design that rewards simplicity and works the same way for a first-time user as for someone who has vaped for years.

At £14.99 you should have realistic expectations about materials. Entry-level kits generally use lightweight alloy and plastic components, and the finishing is solid for the money rather than precision-machined. In practice that means the body is light, the threads that join tank and battery are straightforward, and the whole unit survives normal pocket use without fuss. Geekvape has a long record of building tough devices, and the brand's rugged approach shows even in its cheaper kits, but it is sensible to treat any budget device as an everyday item rather than a keepsake.

Points worth checking when your kit arrives:

• Thread fit: the tank should screw onto the battery smoothly and sit snug without forcing. If it grinds or feels cross-threaded, back it off and start again.
• Seals: the small rubber seals on the tank keep liquid where it belongs. Make sure none are pinched or sitting out of position before the first fill.
• Drip tip: it should push firmly into place. A loose tip leaks and lets air in where it should not.
• Finish: inspect the colour for any chips or marks straight away so that any issue is dealt with while the kit is brand new.

Carrying advice is common sense. Keep the device upright where you can, and keep it away from loose keys or coins in a pocket, because contact with metal objects can trigger accidental firing on kits that use a button. Store it away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight in a parked car, since heat thins e-liquid and encourages leaks. If you travel by air, a partly filled tank can weep as cabin pressure changes, so empty it or carry it upright in a sealed bag.

Battery life and charging

A built-in rechargeable battery powers the G18, and as with most kits of its class the capacity sits in the broad range you would expect for a slim pen: somewhere around one thousand to one thousand five hundred milliamp-hours. We would rather give you that honest range than a precise figure we cannot verify for every batch, so check the number printed on the pack or the device for the exact rating. What matters in practice is how that translates into a day.

For a moderate vaper taking a few draws at a time through the day, a pen battery of this size generally gets you through from morning to evening. A heavier user may need a top-up charge in the afternoon. Because you can charge while you do other things, and because the tank is the same size as any other UK tank, battery life and liquid usually run out at a similar pace, which is a reasonable balance on a starter device.

Charging is simple. Plug the supplied cable into the charging port on the device and the other end into a USB plug or computer. Most current kits use USB-C, but look at the port on your own unit to confirm. Some practical habits keep the battery in good condition:

• Use a sensible charger: a standard 5V phone charger is fine. Avoid unbranded or damaged chargers, and never use a cable with frayed insulation.
• Do not charge unattended overnight: lithium cells are safe in normal use, but it is good practice to unplug once the device is full and not leave it charging while you sleep.
• Charge before it is flat: topping up at around a quarter remaining is gentler on the cell than running it dry every time.
• Keep it cool: do not charge on a soft surface such as a bed or sofa, where heat can build up.
• Stop using it if it swells or overheats: a bulging, hot or damaged battery should not be charged again.

Expect the first full charge to take a while, since the battery may arrive partly discharged. Plan on leaving the kit plugged in for a couple of hours before first use. After that, a top-up is usually a matter of an hour or two, depending on how drained the cell is and how much current your charger delivers. If you need a longer-lasting battery or fast charging, this is one of the clearest places where pricier kits earn their extra cost.

End of life matters too. Vapes, batteries and chargers must never go in household rubbish or ordinary recycling bins, because lithium batteries can start fires in collection vehicles and sorting plants. UK shops that sell vaping products are required to take back used vapes, and many local recycling centres and supermarkets also run drop-off points for small electricals. When your G18 eventually reaches the end of its life, empty the tank, wipe it down and take the whole device to one of those points. Spent coils can go in with general waste once they are dry, unless your local council advises otherwise.

The coil and tank: how the refillable system works

Inside the tank section is a replaceable coil head, which is a small cylinder of cotton wrapped around or sandwiched by a heating wire. When you draw on the device, the battery sends current through the wire, the wire heats up, and the cotton releases e-liquid as warm vapour. Because the cotton must keep refilling itself from the tank, the coil is the heart of the system and the part that determines flavour more than any other.

Coils are labelled with a resistance in ohms. A lower resistance lets more current flow and produces warmer, denser vapour, while a higher resistance suits gentler, tighter draws and tends to stretch both battery and liquid further. Entry-level pen kits such as the G18 are designed around a coil that sits in the more moderate range suited to mouth-to-lung vaping. Check the resistance printed on your coil head and buy replacements to match.

Here is how to get the most from the tank and coil:

• Prime every new coil: drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton, then fill the tank and let it stand for several minutes before the first draw. Skipping this is the most common reason new coils taste burnt.
• Fill to a sensible level: do not overfill. Leave a small gap at the top and never fill the air tube in the middle of the tank.
• Match liquid to coil: thinner 50/50 blends and nicotine salts are generally kinder to small coils than very thick, sugary liquids.
• Do not dry burn: never fire the device when the tank is empty or the cotton looks dry. It ruins the coil in seconds.
• Swap before it fails: a coil does not die suddenly. Flavour fades first, then a faint burnt note appears. Replace it at that point.

Most users find that a coil lasts somewhere between one and three weeks, depending on how much they vape and how sweet their liquids are. Heavy sweeteners such as those in dessert and candy flavours leave residue on the cotton and shorten coil life, while tobacco and menthol profiles tend to be kinder. Treat a coil as a consumable part, like a razor blade, and budget for a small supply of spares.

Maintenance of the tank itself is minimal. Every time you change flavour or coil, rinse the tank in warm water, dry it completely and refit it. That keeps old flavours from lingering and stops residue building up in the airflow channel.

Choosing the right nicotine strength

Because the G18 has no nicotine of its own, strength is a decision you make every time you buy e-liquid. UK rules set a maximum of 20mg per millilitre, which is the same 2 per cent ceiling that applies to disposables in the days when they were still on sale and to every other nicotine e-liquid sold in the country. You will not find anything stronger in a legitimate UK shop, so you cannot accidentally overshoot the limit by buying carefully.

Picking a sensible strength is mostly a matter of matching your current habits. These ranges are a general guide, not medical advice:

• Heavier smokers (around a pack a day): many adults start at 18mg or 20mg nicotine salt, which gives a smoother hit at high strength than traditional freebase nicotine.
• Moderate smokers: something in the 10mg to 12mg range is a common starting point and is often comfortable in a small pen kit.
• Light or social smokers: 3mg to 6mg is usually enough, and either strength works well in a mix of 50/50 propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine.
• Non-smokers: nicotine is addictive and these products are not intended for people who do not already use nicotine. If you do not smoke, 0mg liquids are available.

There are two main nicotine types to know about. Freebase nicotine is the traditional kind, with a noticeable throat hit that becomes harsh at higher strengths, so it is normally used at 3mg to 12mg. Nicotine salt is processed to feel smoother at higher strengths, and is typically sold in 10mg and 20mg bottles with a lower-power device in mind. The G18 is a modest-power kit, so nic salts are a natural match and are often the easiest route for former smokers.

If you cannot find the strength you want in a 10ml bottle, shortfills and nicotine shots are an alternative. A shortfill is a larger bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid with room left in the bottle, and you add a shot of nicotine to bring it up to a precise strength. Whichever route you pick, start slightly lower than you think you need. It is much easier to step up than to deal with the headache and nausea that come with too much nicotine.

Who the G18 suits, and who should skip it

Every device is a compromise, and the G18 is aimed at a particular kind of buyer. It is easiest to be clear about that than to pretend it suits everyone.

The kit tends to work well for:

• Adults switching from cigarettes: the pen shape, the tight draw and the low price make this a straightforward first step away from tobacco.
• Budget-conscious first-time buyers: at £14.99 you can try refillable vaping without committing much money.
• Former disposable users: if you relied on single-use devices before the ban, a refillable pen is the closest equivalent in how it is used.
• People who want a backup: a cheap spare that lives in a bag or a car is useful when your main device runs flat.
• Casual vapers: someone who vapes occasionally will find the 2ml tank and the simple controls more than enough.

It is probably not for you if:

• You want big clouds: a pen kit is built for a tight draw. For dense vapour you need a sub-ohm kit with a more powerful battery.
• You dislike refilling: if the idea of filling a tank, handling bottles and replacing coils puts you off, a pre-filled pod system may suit you better.
• You want advanced controls: variable power, temperature control and adjustable airflow are features of dearer kits.
• You need very fast charging or all-day battery: heavy users will outrun a small pen battery.
• You are under 18 or do not use nicotine: vaping products are for adult smokers and existing nicotine users only.

If you recognise yourself in the first list, the G18 is a sensible and economical way in. If you recognise yourself in the second, look further up the range instead of buying cheaply and being disappointed.

How to fill, prime and start using the kit

Setting up a refillable pen takes about ten minutes the first time and less than a minute thereafter. Follow these steps in order and you will avoid the usual beginner problems of leaks, dry hits and burnt coils.

• Step 1, charge it: plug the device in using the supplied cable and let it charge fully before first use. This also gives you time to prime the coil.
• Step 2, open the tank: unscrew the tank from the battery, then remove the drip tip or open the fill port as shown in the instruction card. Designs differ slightly, so follow the card for your unit.
• Step 3, prime the coil: place a few drops of e-liquid straight onto the cotton visible in the coil head. This stops it firing dry the first time.
• Step 4, fill the tank: tilt the tank and run the liquid down the inside wall to avoid trapping air bubbles. Fill to just below the maximum line, and keep liquid out of the central airflow tube.
• Step 5, wait: close the tank and stand it upright for at least five minutes so the cotton can absorb the liquid fully.
• Step 6, reassemble: screw the tank back onto the battery without over-tightening it.
• Step 7, take the first draws: take a few short, gentle pulls to check that vapour is forming, rather than going straight into long draws.

On the question of activation, the exact method depends on the version in your box. Many pen kits fire on a button press, others fire as you inhale, and some offer both. The instruction card tells you which applies, and it will also tell you how to switch the device on and off. A common arrangement for button-fired kits is to press the button several times in quick succession to lock the device, which is helpful in a pocket. Check the card for the exact sequence for your unit.

For the first day, keep your draws short, around two to three seconds, and let the kit settle. If a draw feels tight, adjust the airflow if your unit has a ring, or tilt the device slightly. If the liquid level drops below a quarter of the tank, refill it rather than wringing out the last millilitre, because a nearly empty tank is where dry hits come from.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with a starter kit fall into a handful of categories, and most can be fixed in a minute or two. Before assuming the device is faulty, work through the following.

• No vapour or no response: check that the battery is charged and the tank is screwed on properly. Make sure the device is switched on if it has an on and off sequence. Wipe the contact point between tank and battery with a dry cloth, because a film of e-liquid can interrupt the connection.
• Burnt taste: usually a coil that is worn out or was not primed. Replace the coil, prime it properly and let it stand before vaping. Also check that you are not drawing for too long.
• Weak or fading flavour: often a coil that has gummed up from sweet liquids. A new coil usually restores it. Check you are not using a liquid that is too thick for the coil.
• Leaking: look at the seals, make sure the tank is not overfilled, and check that the drip tip is seated firmly. Leaks at altitude or after a hot car journey are typically caused by expanding air in the tank.
• Gurgling noise: condensation is pooling in the airflow channel. Remove the drip tip and blow gently through the tank, or wipe the channel clean with a tissue.
• Dry or scratchy draw: the tank is running low or the cotton is not saturated. Refill, wait a few minutes and take shorter draws.
• Device blinks and will not fire: an indicator light flashing usually points to low battery or a short circuit, such as a misplaced coil. Check your instruction card, then reseat the coil and try again.
• Slow or no charging: try another cable and another USB plug, and check the port for lint or dried e-liquid.

If a problem returns after you have tried these steps with a fresh coil and a fully charged battery, the kit may be faulty. Stop using it, keep the packaging and your order details, and contact us. Faulty goods are covered by your statutory rights, and we will help you sort it out quickly.

A final word on safety. If you ever notice a battery getting hot while charging, swelling, hissing or smelling of burning, unplug it immediately and do not use it again. Take it to a proper recycling point rather than the household bin.

Value for money and how the G18 compares with similar kits

The way to judge a starter kit is by what you spend over several months, not by the shelf price alone. A refillable kit asks for a small upfront payment and then a steady, modest running cost, in contrast to the repeated purchase of sealed devices.

The costs break down simply. There is the kit, at £14.99. There is e-liquid, which in the UK typically costs a few pounds per 10ml bottle depending on brand and strength. And there are replacement coils, bought in small packs and changed every week or two. As an illustration only, a moderate user who gets through a bottle every week or so and replaces a coil fortnightly will find that the running costs stay low and predictable compared with buying a new sealed device every few days. Your own figures will differ, but the structure is the same: a small fixed cost followed by cheap consumables.

The advantages that make the G18 good value for a beginner:

• Low entry price: few reusable devices cost less, so a failed experiment costs little.
• Cheap consumables: coils and e-liquid are widely available and easy to compare on price.
• Total control: you choose flavour and strength, so you are never locked into a flavour you have come to dislike.
• Longevity: with sensible care, the battery and tank last far longer than a sealed device.

We offer free UK delivery on orders over £20, and orders placed before 4pm are dispatched the same day. All stock is 100% genuine, which is worth noting because counterfeit hardware is a real problem in the vaping market and a fake battery is not something to gamble on.

No review is credible without some comparison, so here is how the G18 stacks up against the sort of devices you are likely to be weighing it against. The comparisons are general and fair, because each of these has strengths of its own.

• Innokin Endura pen kits: these are probably the closest direct rivals, being pen-style refillable kits aimed at beginners and former smokers. They tend to cost somewhat more and sometimes offer more refined construction. The G18 wins on price, while the Endura range is a reasonable step up if you want a little extra polish.
• Vaporesso Xros and similar pod kits: these use slim, easy-swap pods, which makes refilling and coil changes quicker and tidier. They are usually dearer than the G18 and cost more to run because each pod includes its own coil. They suit people who want convenience over the lowest running cost.
• SMOK Novo and Uwell Caliburn kits: compact pod systems with a loyal following, generally more pocketable than a pen. They are a good alternative if you want a smaller device, though the price per kit is typically higher.
• Geekvape's own higher-end kits: the brand's dearer devices offer much faster charging, bigger batteries and more adjustability. If you find you enjoy vaping and want more control, that is the natural next step after a G18.

The pattern is consistent. The G18's main advantage is that it costs very little for a rechargeable, refillable kit from a recognised brand. Its main limitations are the modest battery, the lack of advanced features and a basic finish, all of which are expected at this price. If those trade-offs suit you, it is hard to argue with the economics. If they do not, you will probably be happier paying more for a pod kit or a more powerful device, and there is nothing wrong with doing that.

A sensible way to use the G18 is as a low-risk starting point. Spend a few weeks learning what flavours, strengths and draw style you prefer, then decide whether to upgrade. By then you will know exactly what you want, which guards against spending money on the wrong hardware.