Uwell Caliburn G3 Pod Vape Kit

Overview

The Uwell Caliburn G3 Pod Vape Kit by Uwell across 10 flavours at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Uwell Caliburn G3 Pod Vape Kit overview

The Uwell Caliburn G3 Pod Vape Kit is a refillable, rechargeable pod system from Uwell, the Shenzhen manufacturer behind the long-running Caliburn range. Within that range the G3 is a mid-tier device. It offers more battery capacity and a higher maximum output than the entry-level Caliburn models, yet it stays small enough to slip into a jeans pocket and simple enough that a first-time vaper can fill it and use it within a few minutes of opening the box.

Because this is a kit rather than a disposable, you are buying a device that you keep, plus a pod that you refill with e-liquid of your own choosing. That distinction matters in the UK. The sale of single-use vapes was banned in the UK from 1 June 2025, so refillable systems like the Caliburn G3 are now the practical route for anyone who liked the convenience of a disposable but wants something that is legal to buy, cheaper to run and less wasteful. The device lasts for years; only the pod or coil is replaced as it wears out.

This guide is written for UK vapers who want a clear picture before they buy. We cover what the kit does well, where it is merely average, which nicotine strengths and e-liquid styles suit it, how to set it up, what to do when something goes wrong, and how it compares with rivals such as the Vaporesso XROS series, the OXVA Xlim family and the SMOK Novo range. Where we are reasoning from the design rather than quoting a manufacturer figure, we say so, and we suggest you check the product listing for the exact contents of the variant you are ordering.

The key points in brief:

• Refillable pod system with a side-fill port, so there is no need to pull the pod apart to top it up.
• Built-in rechargeable battery of around 900mAh, charged over USB-C.
• Output of up to 25W, which suits mouth-to-lung and restricted direct-to-lung vaping.
• Mesh-style replaceable coils in more than one resistance, so you can pick a tighter or looser draw.
• UK-sized 2ml pod, designed to work with nicotine salt liquids up to the 20mg/ml legal limit.
• Draw-activated, so there is nothing to learn beyond inhaling gently on the mouthpiece.
• Available in 11 variants within this product family, which differ mainly in finish and colour.

Specifications at a glance

Manufacturer specifications can vary slightly between regional versions, so treat the figures below as a working guide and confirm anything that matters to you against the product listing and the manual in the box. They reflect how the Caliburn G3 is positioned in the UK market, where pod capacity and nicotine strength are limited by law.

• Device type: refillable pod vape kit, not a disposable.
• Battery: built-in rechargeable lithium cell, approximately 900mAh.
• Charging: USB-C port on the device. A cable is normally included in the box.
• Output: up to 25W maximum. The device adapts its output to the coil resistance fitted.
• Pod capacity: 2ml for the UK. Some overseas versions of the pod are rated slightly higher, but UK rules cap tank and pod size at 2ml.
• Coil: replaceable mesh coil in the pod. Typical options for this system are 0.6 ohm and 0.9 ohm.
• Filling method: side-fill port on the pod.
• Activation: draw-activated. Inhale to fire.
• Intended e-liquid: nicotine salt or freebase liquids in roughly a 50VG/50PG to 30VG/70PG range. Very thick, high-VG liquids are not a good match.
• Maximum nicotine strength in the UK: 20mg/ml (2%) for refill liquids, and the pod is designed for strengths at or below that.
• Size and weight: compact pocket format, closer in size to a thick lighter than to a box mod.
• Variants in the family: 11, differing in colour and finish.

Two things are worth stating plainly. First, the device does not ship with e-liquid, so you need to buy that separately. Second, the Caliburn G3 uses its own G3-specific pods and coils. Pods from older Caliburn models, including the Caliburn G and G2, should not be assumed to fit, so always match the pod to the device name before ordering spares.

A puff count is not an official specification for a refillable kit, because the number of puffs depends on how much liquid you put in, how long you draw and how often you refill. For orientation, a full 2ml pod will usually give somewhere in the region of 400 to 700 puffs. That is our estimate from typical puff sizes rather than a manufacturer claim, but it is a reasonable way to compare the kit with a 600-puff disposable.

Performance and vapour delivery

The Caliburn G3 is built around a restricted draw. With the higher-resistance coil fitted, the airflow feels tight and close to pulling on a cigarette, which is the mouth-to-lung style that most ex-smokers start with. With the lower-resistance coil, the draw opens up a little and the device behaves like a restricted direct-to-lung pod, delivering a warmer and fuller puff. Neither coil turns the G3 into a cloud-chasing device, and that is not its purpose. If large clouds are your priority, you will be happier with a sub-ohm kit.

Output is capped at 25W, and the chip manages power according to the coil resistance, so you do not need to adjust settings. In practice this means consistent performance from the first puff of a fresh pod to the last puff before it needs a refill. The device does not fade noticeably as the liquid level drops, provided the pod is not run completely dry. The usual symptom of a pod that has been left too low is a sudden harsh or burnt taste, which is a prompt to refill rather than a fault.

Ramp-up time, meaning the delay between starting to inhale and getting full vapour, is short with a mesh coil. Mesh has a large surface area in contact with the cotton, so it heats evenly and quickly. Most users will notice that vapour arrives almost immediately on a normal four-second draw. Throat hit depends mainly on your nicotine strength and liquid type: nicotine salts feel smooth even at 20mg/ml, while freebase nicotine at the same strength is noticeably sharper.

Here is what you can realistically expect from this kit:

• Vapour volume: moderate. More than a basic 10W starter pod, noticeably less than a sub-ohm system.
• Draw style: tight to lightly open, depending on the coil.
• Throat hit: adjustable through nicotine strength and PG ratio rather than through device settings.
• Consistency: steady across a full pod, with the usual warning signs when the liquid runs low.
• Pod life per fill: roughly 400 to 700 puffs, in line with a typical 600-puff disposable.

One practical point on puff length: keep draws to around three to four seconds. Long, hard pulls on a small mesh coil dry the cotton out faster than steady ones and shorten coil life. Letting the coil rest for several seconds between puffs, especially in the first few minutes, helps the cotton keep up with the heat the coil is producing.

Flavour profile and choosing e-liquid

A refillable kit has no flavour of its own, so the flavour you get is the flavour of the liquid you put in. That is one of the real advantages over a disposable: you are not locked into whatever the manufacturer chose, and you can change the taste whenever you want. The 11 variants in this product family differ in colour and finish rather than flavour, so choose the one you like the look of and pick your e-liquid separately.

What the Caliburn G3 does contribute is how cleanly it renders flavour. Mesh coils spread the heat across a wide area, which tends to give a crisp, accurate taste with less of the burnt edge that small round-wire coils can produce on sweet liquids. Fruit and ice profiles come through clearly, and menthol and mint stay sharp rather than turning muddy. Tobacco liquids carry a decent amount of depth for a pod this size.

These are the flavour styles that tend to work well in a device of this type:

• Classic tobacco: a natural choice for smokers switching over, and one that mesh handles without turning bitter.
• Menthol and spearmint: cool and clean, with a good throat hit at 10 to 20mg/ml in salt form.
• Blue raspberry and blueberry ice: bold fruit profiles that suit the restricted draw.
• Strawberry and watermelon ice: light, juicy flavours that stay clear over a long session.
• Mango and peach: tropical and stone fruit blends, which taste fuller on the lower-resistance coil.
• Cola and energy drink styles: fizzy profiles that are popular with former disposable users.
• Bubblegum and sweet candy: enjoyable, but see the caution below about coil life.

Be aware that heavily sweetened liquids, especially dessert, custard and candy blends, leave more residue on the coil. That residue is caramelised sweetener, and it dulls the flavour and shortens coil life. If you vape mostly sweet liquids, expect to replace the pod or coil a little sooner than someone using tobacco or menthol.

On the liquid itself, stay in the range of 50VG/50PG to 30VG/70PG. Higher-VG liquids are thick, and a small coil with narrow wicking channels struggles to keep up, which leads to dry hits and a scorched taste. Short-fill liquids are normally 70VG or higher and are generally not the right choice here. Nicotine salt liquids in 10ml bottles are the natural match, and they are what most UK shops stock for pod devices like this one.

Design and build quality

Uwell has kept the Caliburn G3 conservative in shape: a rounded-rectangle body with a flat, comfortable mouthpiece on the pod, and no external controls that you need to learn. The body is a metal-alloy construction with a plastic pod, which gives it a solid feel in the hand without being heavy. It reads as a device made to be carried daily rather than one that stays on a desk.

The finish is smooth and, depending on the variant, either a solid colour or a lightly textured surface. The 11 variants in this family let you choose something that suits your taste, from subtle tones that look discreet in a pocket to brighter finishes that are easy to spot if you tend to misplace your vape. As with any painted or coated metal device, expect cosmetic wear on edges after months of pocket and key contact. That is normal and does not affect performance.

The pod seats into the top of the device with a firm, secure fit, and the connection is designed to be easy to remove and replace. The side-fill port sits on the pod and is covered by a silicone bung, which you press open to add liquid and press back down to seal. That silicone bung is the part most worth treating carefully, because if it is not seated fully, liquid can seep out. A quick press and visual check after every refill is a good habit.

The mouthpiece is shaped for a relaxed, slightly flattened lip fit. It stays comfortable over long sessions and does not require you to clamp your teeth around it. The USB-C port is on the base of the device, and it works with a standard cable, which is easier to replace than the proprietary or micro-USB connectors found on older pods.

Points to note on build:

• The device feels sturdy but is not drop-proof. A fall onto a hard floor can crack the pod, so keep spares if you are prone to dropping things.
• Keep the contacts between pod and body clean and dry. A drop of condensation or e-liquid there can interrupt firing.
• The pod is a consumable. It is designed to be replaced rather than kept indefinitely.
• The indicator light shows battery and firing status, so you do not need a screen to know the device is working.

Battery life, USB-C charging and recycling

The built-in 900mAh battery is well matched to the 25W ceiling and the 2ml pod. For a moderate vaper using the device through the day in short sessions, a full charge will usually last the whole day. A heavy user, or someone who vapes long draws on the lower-resistance coil, should expect to top up once during the day. These are estimates based on the cell capacity and typical usage rather than lab figures, and real results vary with your puff length and coil choice.

Charging uses the USB-C port on the base of the device. A typical full charge from empty takes in the region of an hour, though the manual in the box has the official figure. Use a standard 5V USB charger or a computer port. A decent phone charger works fine, and there is no benefit in using an unusually high-powered fast charger. Avoid cheap, unbranded chargers, because lithium cells deserve a reliable power source.

Safe charging habits matter with any vape:

• Never charge unattended or overnight, and never on a bed, sofa or other soft surface.
• Stop using the device and contact us if it becomes hot during charging, swells, or develops visible damage.
• Do not carry a loose vape in a pocket with keys or coins. Contact with metal can short the device.
• Do not leave it in a hot car or in direct sun for long periods.
• Use only a cable in good condition. A frayed or loose cable is a replacement job, not a repair job.

The battery in the Caliburn G3 is built in, so the whole device has to be disposed of as a unit when it reaches the end of its life, usually after several years of daily use. In the UK, vapes containing batteries are classed as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and must never go in household bins or kerbside recycling, because crushed lithium cells cause fires in collection vehicles and recycling plants. Retailers that sell vaping products are required to offer take-back for old vapes, and most council household waste recycling centres have a small-electricals bin or a dedicated drop-off point. Pods and coils do not contain a battery, but they hold liquid residue and should be disposed of according to your local council guidance.

If a single device fails early, check the warranty position with us before disposing of it, because a genuine manufacturing fault may be eligible for a replacement.

Coil and pod technology

The most important part of any pod system is the coil, because it determines flavour, vapour and running cost. The Caliburn G3 uses a replaceable mesh coil built into the pod, in the Uwell UN2 meshed-H style. Instead of a thin round wire wrapped around a cotton wick, mesh uses a flat, perforated metal sheet that sits against the cotton. That gives a larger heating area and more even heat across the cotton, which is the technical reason mesh coils usually give quicker ramp-up and cleaner flavour than older round-wire pods.

Uwell supplies this style of coil in more than one resistance. The two you will normally meet are around 0.6 ohm and around 0.9 ohm. The choice comes down to the style of vaping you want:

• 0.9 ohm: tighter, more cigarette-like draw and cooler vapour. It uses less liquid and less battery per puff, so each pod lasts a little longer. This is the sensible starting point for ex-smokers and for nicotine strengths in the 10 to 20mg/ml range.
• 0.6 ohm: a looser draw with warmer, fuller vapour and slightly stronger flavour. It uses more liquid and battery and is better matched to lower strengths such as 5 to 10mg/ml.

Coil life is not fixed. With tobacco and menthol liquids, a coil commonly lasts one to two weeks of normal use. With sweet liquids and heavy use, it may be closer to a week. The signs that a coil is ready to be replaced are a flat or burnt taste that does not clear after refilling, reduced vapour, and a harsh feel at the back of the throat. If you notice those signs, the fix is a new pod or coil, not a higher power setting.

Always prime a new coil. Fill the pod, then let it stand for at least five to ten minutes so the cotton absorbs the liquid fully. Skipping this step is the most common cause of a burnt first pod, because a dry cotton wick scorches almost instantly when it is fired. Take a few short, gentle puffs before settling into a normal draw.

The side-fill design keeps refilling simple. You open the silicone bung, tilt the pod and the bottle, fill slowly to just below the maximum line, and press the bung back in. Filling too fast can trap air bubbles, and overfilling is a common cause of leaking and gurgling. Leave a small air gap at the top, and do not fill into the central airflow tube.

Finally, note that the G3 coil and pod are specific to this device. Always check that a replacement is listed as a Caliburn G3 pod, and do not assume pods from earlier Caliburn models are compatible.

Choosing the right nicotine strength

In the UK, nicotine-containing e-liquid is limited to 20mg/ml (2%) in bottles of up to 10ml, and the same ceiling applies to pre-filled products. The Caliburn G3 is designed to work within that framework, so it pairs naturally with nicotine salt liquids at 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml, which are the most common strengths sold for pod kits. Choosing the right strength has a bigger effect on how satisfying the device feels than almost anything else you can adjust.

As a general guide, many UK vapers use the following starting points. Your own pattern may differ, so use this as a place to begin, not a rule.

• 20mg/ml salt: suited to heavier smokers, typically those who smoked around 15 or more cigarettes a day or who smoked within half an hour of waking. It is best paired with the 0.9 ohm coil.
• 10 to 12mg/ml salt: a good middle ground for moderate smokers or for people who find 20mg too harsh. It works on either coil.
• 5 to 6mg/ml: for light smokers or for anyone moving down in strength. This is best on the 0.6 ohm coil, where the larger vapour volume delivers more nicotine per puff.
• 0mg/ml: a nicotine-free option for people who enjoy the habit and flavour but are finished with nicotine.

The coil you choose matters here. A looser, lower-resistance coil produces more vapour per puff, so you take in more nicotine per draw than you would on a tight, higher-resistance coil with the same liquid. If you are switching from the 0.9 ohm coil to the 0.6 ohm coil at the same strength, expect it to feel stronger and consider stepping down a notch.

Nicotine salts and freebase nicotine are different. Salts are smoother at high strength, which is why 20mg salt is bearable where 20mg freebase would be unpleasantly harsh. Freebase liquids are usually sold at lower strengths and are more commonly used with larger devices. On a pod kit like this one, salts are generally the more comfortable choice.

One important caution: if you are not a current smoker, there is no reason to start using nicotine. Vaping is intended as an alternative for adult smokers, and nicotine is addictive. This is not medical advice, and if you are trying to quit smoking, your local NHS stop-smoking service can offer free support alongside vaping. It is illegal to sell vapes or e-liquid to anyone under 18 in the UK.

Who the Caliburn G3 is for, and who should skip it

The Caliburn G3 is a straightforward device with a clear target audience. It is not trying to cover every use case, and it is better to know up front whether it fits yours.

It is a good match for:

• Smokers switching to vaping: the tight draw and nicotine salt compatibility are close to the feel of a cigarette, which makes the transition easier.
• Former disposable users: the draw-activated, no-fuss operation will feel familiar, and the running cost is lower per puff over time.
• People who value simplicity: there is no menu or settings to master. Fill, wait, inhale.
• Everyday carry users: the compact size and 900mAh battery suit a day out without a charger.
• Anyone who wants a mid-range pod without a high price: it sits comfortably between entry-level starters and larger pod mods.

You should consider something else if:

• You want large clouds: a pod at 25W with a restricted draw will not satisfy that, and a sub-ohm kit is the right category.
• You want fine control over airflow and wattage: larger devices from other brands offer more adjustment and may suit enthusiasts better.
• You regularly vape very high-VG liquids: the narrow wicking channels in a pod coil are not designed for them.
• You are a very heavy all-day vaper: a bigger battery and a larger tank, or a device with a built-in power bank, will save you charging stops.
• You have never smoked: vaping is not recommended for non-smokers, and this product should not be bought by or for anyone under 18.

If you are undecided, the honest summary is this: the Caliburn G3 is a reliable, sensible, general-purpose pod. It is not the cheapest nor the most powerful, and it does not pretend to be. For many adult smokers moving away from cigarettes, that is exactly what is needed.

How to fill, set up and use the Caliburn G3

Setting up the Caliburn G3 takes a couple of minutes, and a few careful steps at the start prevent most of the problems that new users run into. Follow this sequence for your first fill.

• Step 1, unpack and inspect: check the device, pod, cable and manual are all present, and that nothing is cracked or visibly damaged. Remove any protective plastic from the pod.
• Step 2, charge the device: plug in the USB-C cable and charge fully before first use. This also confirms the port and cable are working.
• Step 3, fill the pod: remove the pod from the device and open the silicone bung on the side. Tilt the pod and the bottle, and fill slowly to just under the maximum line. Do not overfill, and do not let liquid run into the central airflow tube.
• Step 4, seal and wipe: press the bung firmly back into place and wipe any spilled liquid from the outside of the pod, especially around the base contacts.
• Step 5, let it soak: with the pod upright, wait at least five to ten minutes so the cotton fully absorbs the liquid. Do not skip this step, because it prevents burnt coils.
• Step 6, insert and take first puffs: push the pod into the device until it seats securely. Take two or three short, gentle puffs to finish priming before moving to normal draws.
• Step 7, vape normally: put your lips on the mouthpiece and draw gently for around three to four seconds. The device fires as you inhale, and the indicator light shows it is working.

For ongoing use, top up the pod before the liquid gets low rather than waiting for the last drop, because running a coil nearly dry is the quickest way to scorch it. Check the liquid level through the pod window each time you refill, and keep the device upright when you are not using it to reduce the chance of leaks.

When the coil is spent, remove the pod, empty any remaining liquid, and fit a new G3 pod or coil. Prime the replacement just as you did the first one. If you want to change flavour, you can simply empty the pod, rinse it with a little warm water, let it dry fully, and then refill. Some of the previous flavour may linger in the cotton for a pod or two, so many people dedicate a pod or coil to one flavour family.

Store the device with the pod in place, in a cool and dry location, and keep it away from children and pets. E-liquid should always be kept in its child-resistant bottle.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most issues with pod kits come down to a small number of causes: priming, overfilling, a worn coil, or a dirty contact. Here is a practical checklist for the problems we see most often with the Caliburn G3.

• Burnt or harsh taste: usually a coil that was not primed, a pod that was run too low, or a coil that is worn out. Refill, wait ten minutes, and try again. If the taste persists after a full prime, replace the coil.
• Weak flavour: often a coil near the end of its life, a flavour that does not suit mesh, or residue from sweet liquids. A new coil resolves most cases, and switching to a less sweetened liquid helps coils last longer.
• Leaking from the pod: check that the silicone bung is seated fully, that the pod has not been overfilled, and that the pod is fitted straight. Wipe up any liquid and let the device dry before use. Leaks are more likely after air travel or sudden temperature changes.
• Gurgling or spitting: this is condensation or too much liquid reaching the coil. Blow gently through the mouthpiece with the pod removed to clear it, and avoid filling right to the top.
• No vapour or no firing: make sure the pod is fully seated and that the contacts are clean and dry. Wipe the contacts with a dry cotton bud. Confirm the battery is charged, and if the indicator light is flashing, check the manual for the specific pattern.
• Dry hit despite a full pod: the cotton is not keeping up, which usually points to a liquid that is too thick, chain-vaping with no pause between puffs, or an unprimed coil. Use a lower-VG liquid and slow your pace.
• Device will not charge: try a different cable and charger, check the USB-C port for lint or debris, and make sure the cable is fully inserted. If there is still no response, contact us with your order details.
• Device gets warm: mild warmth in use is normal. Significant heat, especially during charging, is not, and you should stop using the device immediately.
• Battery life seems short: a lower-resistance coil and long draws drain a 900mAh battery faster. Over many months, all lithium cells lose capacity gradually.

If none of these steps solve the problem and you suspect a fault, keep your order number and a short description of the symptoms. We can then advise on whether it is a warranty matter. Do not attempt to open the device, as the battery is sealed inside and opening it can be dangerous.

Value for money and how it compares with rivals

Price is the part of the buying decision that changes most often, so check the current listing, but the Caliburn G3 kit has typically sat in the low-to-mid range for UK pod kits. The more useful question is what it costs over a few months compared with the alternatives, and on that count a refillable kit wins clearly against single-use products.

Consider a simple example. A disposable giving around 600 puffs is often priced at a few pounds and is thrown away when empty. A 10ml bottle of nicotine salt liquid costs a similar amount or a little more, and fills a 2ml pod about five times. That is roughly 2,000 to 3,500 puffs from one bottle, depending on puff length and coil, so the liquid cost per puff is a fraction of the disposable cost. On top of that you pay for replacement pods or coils, which are a modest recurring cost, and a one-off device purchase that is recovered quickly. Compared with smoking, where a pack of 20 cigarettes now costs upwards of £15 in the UK, the saving is larger still.

Here is how the Caliburn G3 compares with some well-known alternatives. Specifications for rival products are approximate and can change between versions, so check each manufacturer's current listing before deciding.

• Vaporesso XROS series: the XROS line is the most direct competitor. Current models offer a slightly larger battery of around 1,000mAh and adjustable airflow, which gives them an edge for people who like to fine-tune the draw. The Caliburn G3 counters with simplicity and a flavour that many users prefer on tobacco and menthol liquids. If airflow adjustment is important to you, look at the XROS first.
• OXVA Xlim family: the Xlim models typically carry a larger battery, often around 1,200mAh or more, and a higher power ceiling. They are a better fit for heavier users who want more output and longer runtime, but they are usually a little larger and cost more.
• SMOK Novo range: the Novo kits are a similar size and a comparable price tier. They are a sensible alternative if you already own Novo pods or want to stay with that ecosystem, and the main difference comes down to coil flavour preference rather than any large gap in capability.
• Uwell siblings: Uwell also sells other Caliburn models, including larger and smaller versions. If you like the Caliburn style but want more battery or a slimmer body, check those before choosing a different brand.

The honest verdict is that the Caliburn G3 does not lead on any single specification, but it is balanced. The battery is adequate, the coils are cleanly flavoured, the design is simple, and it works well with nicotine salts. For a first refillable device, or for a disposable user making the switch, it is a sound purchase. Buy it if you value ease of use and consistent flavour. Look elsewhere if you need maximum battery, adjustable airflow or large vapour output.