Smok Novo 5 Kit 900mAh 30W silver Black Cobra

Overview

The Smok Novo 5 Kit 900mAh 30W silver Black Cobra by Smok in silver Black Cobra at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Smok Novo 5 Kit 900mAh 30W: overview

The Smok Novo 5 Kit 900mAh 30W is a refillable pod vape from Smok, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer that has been producing vaping hardware since the early 2010s. It belongs to the Novo family, a line built around compact, draw-activated devices for people who want to fill a pod, take a puff and get on with their day without learning how to build coils or adjust a dozen settings. The Novo 5 combines a 900mAh internal battery with a maximum output of 30W and a 2ml refillable pod, which places it between a basic starter pen and a more demanding sub-ohm kit.

Because it is a kit rather than a disposable, you buy the device once and then keep it running with 10ml e-liquid bottles and replacement pods. That matters in the UK, where single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025. Reusable devices like this one are now the standard route for adult smokers and existing vapers who want something pocketable, and the running cost per day is usually lower than buying a stream of throwaway devices.

This page covers what the Novo 5 does well, where it falls short, and how it compares with other pod kits at a similar price. We have kept the claims grounded in the headline specifications (900mAh, 30W, 2ml pod) and in how devices of this type normally behave, rather than inflating them. Where a detail varies between pod versions or production batches, we say so and point you to the packaging or the manual in the box.

In short, the kit suits:

• Adult smokers moving to vaping who want a simple, low-fuss device.
• Existing vapers who want a backup or pocket device that is more capable than a basic pen.
• Anyone leaving disposables behind who would rather refill than bin a device every few days.

Vaping products are for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is addictive and a vape is not risk-free, so this kit is intended for people who already smoke or vape rather than for anyone picking up nicotine for the first time.

Specifications at a glance

Below is a plain summary of the core specifications. Battery capacity, output and pod volume come straight from the product name and the UK rules on pod size. Other details are typical of this class of device, so check the packaging of the specific pod you buy for the exact coil resistance printed on it.

• Battery: 900mAh built-in rechargeable lithium-ion cell.
• Maximum output: 30W.
• Pod capacity: 2ml, which is the maximum volume allowed for refillable pods and tanks sold in the UK.
• Firing: draw-activated, with a fire button used for switching on and off and for power control.
• Charging: USB-C.
• Coil: replaceable coil inside each pod, normally a mesh design at or below roughly one ohm.
• Filling: refillable from standard 10ml bottles. A standard kit does not include e-liquid.
• Typical box contents: device, pod, USB-C cable and manual. Confirm the exact contents on the listing before ordering.

What do those numbers mean in daily use? A 900mAh battery is a middle-of-the-road capacity for a pocket pod device. It is larger than the 400 to 700mAh cells found in the slimmest pens, but smaller than the 1,000mAh or bigger batteries in some rivals. At around 3.7 volts, 900mAh works out to roughly 3.3 watt-hours of stored energy, and that figure is the real limit on how many puffs you get between charges.

The 30W ceiling is a maximum, not a target. Most pod coils of this kind produce their fullest flavour well below the top of the range, and running at full power will empty both the battery and the pod faster. Think of 30W as headroom that lets the device warm up quickly and cope with thicker liquids or longer draws, rather than a setting to leave maxed out.

The 2ml pod volume is set by UK law, so every refillable pod you will find here holds the same amount. That makes the Novo 5 easy to compare with rival kits on liquid capacity: they are all limited to the same figure.

Performance and vapour delivery

The Novo 5 is tuned for a relaxed draw. Pods of this type generally suit a loose mouth-to-lung style, where you draw vapour into your mouth first and then inhale, and many people also use them as a restricted direct-to-lung device with a gentle, steady pull. It is not built for the open, airy draw of a high-power sub-ohm tank, and it does not try to be.

With a mesh-style coil and up to 30W available, the device heats quickly. In practice that means the first puff after a pause arrives without a long delay, and the vapour output feels consistent from one puff to the next as long as the pod is properly filled and the coil is not worn out. The feel is closer to a small sub-ohm pod than to a basic low-power pen.

Some points about how it behaves under different conditions:

• Lower power settings: cooler, smoother vapour with a tighter throat hit. This is where nicotine salt liquids tend to feel most comfortable, and it is also where battery and liquid last longest.
• Higher power settings: warmer, denser vapour and a stronger throat hit. Use them with lower nicotine strengths, because more power delivers more nicotine per puff.
• Long draws: keep puffs to a few seconds. Holding the fire for much longer than that heats the coil beyond what the wicking can keep up with and shortens its life.
• Chain vaping: back-to-back puffs without a pause can dry the wick, giving a burnt taste. Give the pod a short rest between draws.

There is no official puff count for a refillable device, because the number depends entirely on how you vape. As a rough guide, a 2ml fill gives several hundred puffs at moderate power. A 10ml bottle is five full pods, so a single bottle goes a long way. Heavy users will refill more often, while light or occasional users may stretch a pod across a full day or more.

The takeaway is that the Novo 5 delivers a steady, flavour-focused experience without needing any tuning. If you want to push for large clouds, a different class of device suits you better, and we cover that in the section on who should skip this kit.

Flavour and e-liquid pairing

Because the Novo 5 is a refillable kit, the flavour you taste comes from the e-liquid you choose, not from the device. The 15 variants listed in this product family are cosmetic options such as colours and finishes rather than different tastes, so pick the look you like and choose your liquid separately.

What the device does influence is how that liquid is rendered. Mesh coils have a large heating surface, which tends to give fuller, more even flavour than a basic cotton coil. Here is how several popular e-liquid styles typically behave in a pod like this:

• Strawberry ice and other fruit-and-ice blends: bright and clear at low to mid power. The cooling note stays crisp rather than getting muddy.
• Blue raspberry or berry mixes: sweet and slightly tart, with good definition when the coil is fresh.
• Mint and menthol: cool and clean, and they put little strain on the coil, so pods used with menthol liquids often last the longest.
• Virginia and other tobacco profiles: work well at moderate power. Turn it down if the flavour starts to taste toasted.
• Vanilla custard and other dessert liquids: rich and smooth, but sugary bases tend to coat the coil faster, so expect a shorter coil life.
• Cola and fizzy drinks: reproduce well and stay lively on a mesh coil.
• Mango, peach and other tropical fruit: juicy and rounded, and a good match for a warmer setting.

A few practical rules help any liquid taste better. Let a freshly filled pod rest for five to ten minutes so the wick can soak up the liquid. Take the first few puffs gently. If you switch between very different flavours, such as menthol to dessert, expect some ghosting of the old taste until the coil clears, and consider using a new pod when you change profile completely.

Use e-liquid that is made for sale in the UK, with ingredients and nicotine strength clearly labelled on the bottle. Avoid thin, watery liquids with a very high ratio of propylene glycol if the pod runs warm, and avoid anything unmarked or of unknown origin.

Design and build quality

The Novo 5 follows the compact styling Smok has used across the Novo range: a slim, rounded body that fits in a trouser pocket or a small bag without a bulge. The pod seats into the top of the device and is held by a snug fit, so it stays in place in a pocket but can still be removed easily for refilling or replacement.

The body is a mix of metal and plastic in a style typical of Smok, with colour finishes that differ between the variants on this page. The design is deliberately simple. There is a fire button, an LED indicator that shows battery and status, and a USB-C port on the base. Nothing on the outside is fiddly, which suits people who want to pick it up and use it.

Points worth noting about build and handling:

• Size and weight: light enough to carry all day. It is not a thin pen, but it is noticeably smaller than a box mod.
• Grip: the rounded edges sit comfortably in the hand. Glossy finishes can show fingerprints, which is a cosmetic issue rather than a functional one.
• Pod fit: a properly seated pod should click or sit flush with the body. A pod sitting proud is a common cause of misfires, so push it fully home.
• Mouthpiece: a standard drip tip shape that is comfortable for longer sessions. Wipe it with a clean cloth rather than rinsing it.
• Durability: like any pocket vape, it will mark with keys and coins. A small pouch or a separate pocket avoids that.

Colour choice is a matter of taste. The 15 variants cover a range of finishes, and the pick that suits you depends on whether you prefer something discreet or something that stands out. Because the electronics are identical across variants, there is no performance difference between them.

Overall, the build feels appropriate for the price band. It is not a premium metal-only device, but it is sturdy enough for daily carry as long as you treat it like the electronic item it is: keep it out of pockets with loose change, avoid dropping it on hard floors, and keep it away from heat and water.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is where the 900mAh figure matters most. It is a reasonable capacity for a pod device of this size, and the 30W maximum means the battery will drain at different rates depending on how you use it.

Here is the arithmetic. A 900mAh cell at about 3.7 volts holds around 3.3 watt-hours, or roughly 12,000 joules. At 15W, that is about 800 seconds of continuous firing, or around 260 puffs of three seconds each in theory. At 30W it is about 400 seconds, or around 130 three-second puffs. Real-world figures are lower, because some energy is lost as heat in the electronics, but the pattern is clear: lowering the power roughly doubles the number of puffs per charge.

For most moderate users this translates to a full day on a single charge at sensible power levels. Heavier users, or anyone who vapes at the top of the range, should expect to top up once or twice a day.

Charging and battery care:

• USB-C: the device charges through a standard USB-C port, so a spare phone cable or a car charger will do. A full charge normally takes somewhere between one and one and a half hours.
• Use a decent charger: a standard 5V phone or laptop charger is fine. Avoid unbranded, damaged or very high-output chargers.
• Do not leave it charging unattended: charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from bedding and sofas, and unplug when it is full.
• Avoid extremes: do not leave the device in a hot car or in direct sun, and do not use it if the body is swollen or has taken damage.
• Top up little and often: lithium-ion cells are happier with regular partial charges than with being run completely flat every time.

Cells wear gradually. After a year or more of daily use you will probably notice shorter runtimes, which is normal for a built-in battery. When the device finally reaches the end of its life, do not put it in the household bin or the standard recycling bin. Lithium batteries can cause fires in collection vehicles and recycling plants.

In the UK you can take dead vapes and batteries to a household waste recycling centre, to supermarket and retail drop-off points that accept small electricals, or back to a retailer that sells vaping products. Check the symbol on the packaging, which shows that the item must be disposed of as electrical waste.

Pods and coil technology

The pod is the part that matters most for flavour and for running costs. Each Novo 5 pod holds 2ml of e-liquid and contains the coil that heats it. When the coil wears out, you replace the pod rather than rebuilding anything, which is why pod kits suit people who do not want to handle bare coils.

Novo 5 pods use a mesh coil design in common resistance options at or below roughly one ohm. A mesh coil is a thin flat strip of metal with many small holes, rather than a round wire wrapped around cotton. The advantages are practical:

• Larger heating area: the liquid is heated across a wider surface, so flavour tends to be fuller and more consistent.
• Faster response: the coil reaches working temperature quickly, so there is little lag between pressing or drawing and getting vapour.
• Even wicking: liquid reaches the whole surface, which helps reduce hot spots that cause a burnt taste.

Compatibility needs care. Smok has produced several generations of Novo pods, and not all of them are interchangeable. Match the pod to the device generation, and check that the listing says it is made for the Novo 5 before you buy. A pod from an older Novo model may look similar but may not seat or fire properly.

Getting the most from a pod:

• Prime it: after filling, wait five to ten minutes before the first puff so the wick is saturated. Skipping this step is the most common way to ruin a new coil.
• Fill carefully: fill slowly to just below the max line. Overfilling can push liquid into the airflow channel and cause leaks.
• Start gently: take the first few puffs at a lower power to condition the coil.
• Watch the level: do not let the pod run dry. Firing a coil with no liquid will burn the wick for good.
• Expect a lifespan of roughly one to three weeks: this depends on your usage, power setting and liquid. Sweet, thick liquids shorten it, and thinner or menthol liquids extend it.

Signs that the coil is finished include a burnt or flat taste even after a fresh fill, gurgling sounds, weaker vapour and a rough throat hit. Replace the pod rather than trying to clean or rinse it. Rinsing a pod with water rarely helps and can damage the coil.

Choosing a nicotine strength

In the UK, e-liquids are capped at 20mg/ml of nicotine (2 per cent), and refillable pods and tanks are capped at 2ml, with refill bottles limited to 10ml. This cap applies to refills just as it applied to the disposable devices that used to be common, so you will not find liquid stronger than 20mg on legitimate UK shelves. If something claims to be stronger, avoid it.

Within that limit, the right strength depends on how much you smoked or vaped before, the type of nicotine in the liquid and the power you use. As a general starting guide:

• Nicotine salt liquids at 18 to 20mg: for people who smoke around 10 or more cigarettes a day and want a strong, quick hit similar to a cigarette. Works better at lower power.
• Nicotine salt at 10 to 12mg: for moderate smokers, or anyone who finds 20mg too sharp at higher power.
• Nicotine salt at 5 to 6mg: for lighter smokers or for stepping down after a period of vaping.
• Freebase liquids at 3 to 6mg: a smoother, throat-friendly option if you use the higher power settings or prefer a more open draw.

Salts feel smooth at higher nicotine strengths, which is why they are popular in pod kits like this one. Freebase nicotine is harsher at the same strength, so it is normally used at lower levels. Power also matters. Running at 30W with a high nicotine strength delivers a lot of nicotine per puff, and many people find that uncomfortable, causing dizziness, nausea or a racing heart. If that happens, put the device down, drink some water, and step down either the strength or the power next time.

If you are unsure, start lower and move up. It is easier to adjust than to recover from a dose that was too high. If you are using a vape to stop smoking, local stop smoking services in the UK can provide advice and support, and a pharmacist or GP can discuss options that fit your circumstances. The guidance above is general information, not medical advice.

Buyers must be 18 or over, and nicotine is addictive. Never buy nicotine products for anyone under 18, and keep liquids and devices out of reach of children and pets.

Who the Novo 5 suits, and who should skip it

No single device suits everyone, and being honest about that saves you money. Here is a straightforward view of who gets the most from the Novo 5 and who might be better served elsewhere.

It suits:

• Adult smokers switching to vaping: it is simple to operate, light to carry and gives a draw that is easy to adapt to.
• Former disposable users: it gives you a refillable replacement, with a battery and pod you can reuse instead of throwing away the whole device.
• People who value flavour: mesh coils render fruit, dessert and menthol liquids well.
• Vapers who like a draw-activated device: there is no need to hold a button for every puff.
• Anyone wanting a second device: it makes a decent backup for the glovebox, the office or travel.

You might want to skip it if:

• You want very large clouds: a pod this size does not compete with a high-power sub-ohm kit. If cloud size matters to you, look at larger devices.
• You need several days of battery: 900mAh is fine for a day of moderate use, but it is not a multi-day power source.
• You hate refilling: any refillable device asks you to handle liquid, and a 2ml pod needs topping up regularly if you vape a lot.
• You want extensive tuning: if you enjoy changing wattage, coils and airflow settings in detail, a full adjustable mod will suit you better.
• You are under 18 or have never smoked or vaped: this kit is not for you. Nicotine is addictive.

If you recognise yourself in the first list, the Novo 5 is a sensible shortlist candidate. If you recognise yourself in the second, do not force it. Spend your money on a device that matches the way you actually vape.

How to set up and use the Novo 5

Setup takes a few minutes. Follow these steps in order and you should have a working device without any leaks or misfires. The manual in the box lists the exact button sequences for your device, and it takes precedence over the general description below.

• Step 1. Unbox and inspect: check that the body is undamaged and the pod is intact. Remove any protective film or plugs from the pod, including the silicone plug at the fill port if one is fitted.
• Step 2. Charge first: connect the USB-C cable and give the battery a full charge before the first use. It sets a good baseline for the cell.
• Step 3. Fill the pod: open the fill port, tilt the pod and slowly add e-liquid along the inside wall, stopping just below the max line. Avoid filling the central chimney, which can flood the coil. Close the port firmly.
• Step 4. Let it soak: wait five to ten minutes. This is the most important step for a new coil.
• Step 5. Seat the pod: push the pod fully into the top of the device until it sits flush.
• Step 6. Switch on: most Novo devices are switched on or off by rapidly clicking the fire button a set number of times, and the LED confirms the state. Check the manual for the exact number.
• Step 7. Take your first puffs gently: draw slowly for two or three seconds. Start at a lower power setting and raise it if you want more warmth.
• Step 8. Adjust to taste: if the vapour is too hot or harsh, drop the power. If it feels thin or cool, raise it a notch.

Day-to-day tips:

• Switch the device off or lock it when it is in a pocket or bag so it cannot fire by accident.
• Top up the pod before it empties, rather than waiting for it to run dry.
• Wipe the metal contacts between the pod and the body with a dry cloth now and then to keep the connection reliable.
• Store the device upright where possible, at room temperature, away from direct sun and out of reach of children.

When changing pods, remove the old one, check for dried liquid on the contacts, wipe if needed and seat the new pod. Fill and prime it just as you did the first time.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most issues with pod devices have simple causes. Work through the likely ones before assuming something is faulty. If a fix below does not help, keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer.

• The device will not fire: check that it is switched on and charged. Make sure the pod is pushed fully home and the contacts are clean and dry. Try a second pod if you have one, which tells you whether the fault is the pod or the device.
• The LED flashes or shows an error: flashing patterns usually mean low battery, a pod not detected, a short circuit or an overheating warning. The manual lists what each pattern means. Re-seat the pod, let the device cool and recharge it.
• Burnt taste: the coil may be dry, worn or overpowered. Check the liquid level, lower the power, rest between puffs and replace the pod if the taste does not clear after a fresh fill.
• Weak or flat vapour: the wick may not be saturated, the battery may be low or the pod may be nearing the end of its life. Prime properly, charge and replace if needed.
• Leaking: overfilling, a poorly closed fill port or a worn pod are the usual causes. Fill to just under the max line, close the port fully and avoid pressure and temperature changes, such as storing it in a hot car or taking it on a flight with a full pod.
• Gurgling or spitting: condensation or excess liquid in the airflow path. Wipe the mouthpiece, blow gently through it to clear it and fill a little lower next time.
• Short battery life: a high power setting, frequent chain vaping or an ageing cell. Lower the power and charge more regularly.
• Slow or no charging: try another cable and another charger, and check the port for lint or dried liquid. A damaged cable is a common culprit.
• Pod loose in the device: clean the contacts and try a different pod. If the problem persists, check that you are using a pod made for this model.

Do not attempt to open the device, bypass the battery protection, or use a visibly swollen or damaged battery. If the device gets unusually hot, smells of burning or leaks from the battery area, stop using it and move it somewhere safe, away from anything flammable.

For a faulty or finished device, take it to a UK electrical recycling point rather than the bin. Retailers that sell vaping products can often take it back too, and local authority recycling centres will accept small electricals and batteries.

Value for money and how it compares

Value for a refillable kit comes from two numbers: the cost up front and the cost of running it. The Novo 5 kit sits in the mainstream price band for pod devices. After the initial purchase, your regular costs are 10ml e-liquid and replacement pods. A pod commonly lasts one to three weeks for a daily user, and a 10ml bottle covers five fills, so for many people the weekly spend comes out lower than the cost of buying disposables, which are no longer sold in the UK anyway.

The kit is also a sensible purchase because pods and liquids are widely available across UK retailers, so you are not locked into a single supplier. That is worth considering when choosing between brands.

How does it compare with similar kits? A fair view of the main alternatives:

• Vaporesso XROS series: a popular family of pod kits, typically with a battery of around 1,000mAh and slightly lower output. It is a strong rival for mouth-to-lung users who value a longer-lasting cell, and several versions have adjustable airflow. The Novo 5 offers a higher maximum wattage, whereas the XROS often wins on battery size.
• OXVA Xlim line: compact devices with around 900mAh and output in the mid-20W range, often with adjustable airflow built into the pod. They are comparable in size and run time, and a good fit if you want to tune the draw. The Novo 5 has more power in reserve.
• Uwell Caliburn G-series: simple, flavour-focused pods with similar battery sizes. Choose these if you like the Caliburn pod style. The Novo 5 offers a wider power range.
• Voopoo Vmate and Geekvape Wenax ranges: both offer compact kits in a similar price bracket with their own pod ecosystems. The right choice depends on which pods are easiest for you to buy locally.

Specifications change between versions and revisions, so check the current figures for any model you are comparing. Where the Novo 5 stands out is the 30W ceiling and the Smok pod ecosystem. Where it is average is battery size, and where rivals sometimes edge it is airflow adjustment and capacity.

Whichever kit you pick, buy from a UK retailer that provides clear age verification, a returns policy and genuine stock. A cheap price from an unknown seller is not a bargain if the device is counterfeit or unsupported. The Novo 5 is a solid, practical choice for adults who want a refillable pod kit with a little more power than the entry level, and a reasonable one to start with if you are leaving disposables behind.