Refillable & Rechargeable Vape Kits for Ex-Lost Mary Users
Jessica Tyson
17/04/2025 • 5 min readThere’s no denying the immediate convenience of disposable vapes, but that convenience comes at a cost. Beyond the continuous expense of replacements and the lack of user control, disposables often lack the nuanced flavour and consistent performance that experienced vapers crave. Many users have long recognised these drawbacks, but the sheer ease of use kept them coming back.
However, the landscape is shifting dramatically. With the UK's impending ban on disposable vapes, that fleeting convenience is about to disappear. This leaves many, particularly former Lost Mary users, seeking reliable and satisfying alternatives.
Fortunately, refillable and rechargeable vape kits offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution, and in this guide, through showing the best vape kits for ex-Lost Mary users, we aim to show you that transitioning doesn't mean compromise, it means upgrading.
Why Switch to a Refillable & Rechargeable Vape Kit?
Making the transition from disposable vapes to a refillable and rechargeable kit unlocks a wealth of advantages. Not only will you discover significant long-term cost savings, eliminating the constant expense of disposable replacements, but you'll also be helping the environment by reducing plastic and battery waste.
Refillable kits also offer a level of personalisation that disposables simply can't match. No longer confined to a limited set of pre-filled flavours, you can now customise your vaping experience by choosing from an almost endless variety of e-liquids, adjusting nicotine strength, and tailoring device settings exactly to your liking.
Considering these factors, refillable vapes generally deliver a significantly enhanced vaping experience with consistent vapour production, longer battery life, and smoother, more refined flavour delivery, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction than disposables.
What to Look for in a Lost Mary Alternative?
When seeking a suitable replacement for Lost Mary disposables, keeping these considerations in mind will ensure a smooth transition:
- Opt for a straightforward, beginner-friendly device without complex settings.
- Choose a device that closely mimics the tight, cigarette-like draw of Lost Mary disposables, replicating that authentic mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience.
- Be sure that the device works with nicotine salt e-liquids, offering a smooth throat hit and the satisfying nicotine delivery you're accustomed to.
- Select a lightweight, pocket-sized design to replicate the on-the-go convenience of Lost Marys.
- Look for a device with a long-lasting battery and that doesn’t require long charges.
Best Alternatives to Lost Mary Disposables
OXVA Xlim Pro Pod Kit
The OXVA Xlim Pro Pod Kit offers an excellent upgrade for ex-Lost Mary users, providing more power and battery life in a user-friendly design. Priced at £19.19, it features a robust 1000mAh built-in battery and a 30W maximum output, supporting all-day vaping.
Designed for both MTL and RDL vaping, it's easy to use: insert a filled pod, and the device intelligently sets the wattage. Enjoy the convenience of inhale activation or button firing, with the button also allowing manual wattage adjustments, from 5 to 30W. The adjustable side airflow enables further customisation of vapour production.
The kit includes two top-filling OXVA Xlim pods (0.6Ω and 0.8Ω) to explore different vapour and flavour intensities. For more options, it's compatible with other OXVA Xlim V3 pod resistances, including 0.4Ω and 1.2Ω options at £7.19 per pack, all of which feature a top-fill design that ensures clean and easy refills without pod removal.
Vaporesso XROS Pro Pod Vape Kit
Priced at £21.24, the Vaporesso XROS Pro pod kit provides a significant step up in performance and customisation within a sleek pod system, remaining accessible for those used to disposable simplicity with both draw and button firing. Its durable 1200mAh battery supports all-day vaping and benefits from rapid charging.
Vaporesso's COREX Heating Tech delivers exceptional flavour, particularly with the included 0.4Ω top-fill pod, which uniquely allows adjustable wattage up to 30W for a satisfying RDL experience. It's compatible with the full range of XROS pods (0.6Ω, 0.8Ω, 1.0Ω, and 1.2Ω, £7.99 per pack) and offers ECO, Normal, or Power modes, with higher resistances ideal for MTL.
The integrated AXON Super Pulse mode ensures consistent power delivery for a stable flavour experience, and precise airflow adjustment further enhances control - perfect for optimising nicotine salt e-liquids.
Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini Pod Kit
Sharing the same versatile and flavour-enhancing XROS pod range and Vaporesso's COREX Heating Tech with its more feature-rich sibling, Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini Pod Kit delivers a similarly excellent flavour experience in a more streamlined package for the lower price of £11.69.
Despite its smaller size, it boasts a respectable 1000mAh battery, offering ample power for many users to vape all day. Its simplicity ensures a very user-friendly experience without complex settings, potentially making it an even smoother transition from disposables than the XROS Pro for some.
Depending on the chosen XROS pod, users can enjoy a satisfying MTL inhale or a looser RDL experience, and its sleek and ultra-portable design fits comfortably in any pocket, making it a great on-the-go option.
Geekvape Sonder Q Pod Vape Kit
The Geekvape Sonder Q pod kit offers ex-Lost Mary users an ultra-portable and straightforward refillable option with a sleek and hassle-free design. This lightweight device boasts a long-lasting 1000mAh internal battery, providing ample power for extended vaping sessions.
Available at an affordable price of £7.19, it features adjustable airflow control, allowing users to fine-tune their inhale from a tight MTL draw, similar to a disposable, to a less restrictive one. It utilises the top-filling Geekvape Q pod cartridges, which are available with integrated coils in various resistances to suit your preference. The kit conveniently includes a 0.8Ω Q pod, but for further customisation, the Sonder Q is also compatible with 0.6Ω and 1.2Ω options for £5.99 for a pack of 3. Refilling the Q pods is a breeze thanks to their top-fill design – simply snap off the drip tip to access the fill port.
With its auto-draw activation, adjustable airflow, and compatibility with different pod resistances, the Geekvape Sonder Q provides a user-friendly and customisable alternative for those transitioning from disposable vapes who value simplicity and portability. Just remember that a USB-C charging cable is required and sold separately.
Elf Bar ELFX Pod Vape Kit
At only £10.39, the Elf Bar ELFX pod kit marks Elf Bar's entry into the refillable pod system market, offering ex-disposable users a familiar brand with enhanced features. This sleek kit boasts a built-in 1000mAh battery rechargeable via USB-C, providing ample power for extended use.
A key highlight of the ELFX is its innovative dual mesh coil pods. The kit includes both a 0.6Ω pod and a 0.8Ω pod, both engineered to deliver an instantly satisfying and smooth MTL taste with double the lifespan of traditional single mesh pods. These pods also feature anti-leaking technology for a cleaner vaping experience and are particularly well-suited for nicotine salt e-liquids. Replacement ELFX pods are available for £7.19 for a pack of three.
The ELFX offers a powerful output of up to 30W, which the device automatically and intuitively adjusts based on the installed pod resistance to suit different vaping preferences.
With its focus on smooth MTL flavour, long-lasting pods, and the trusted Elf Bar name, the ELFX Pod Vape Kit presents a compelling refillable and rechargeable option for those looking to transition from disposable vapes.
How to Switch from Disposables to Refillable Vapes
While the convenience of disposables is clear, transitioning to refillable vapes is a lot more straightforward than you think.
A key difference is priming. Unlike pre-primed disposables, refillable vape coils need manual priming to prevent dry hits and prolong their lifespan. To do this, saturate the coil within the pod with e-liquid before fully filling it. After filling, wait 5-10 minutes for the e-liquid to absorb into the wicking material. Gentle, unpowered puffs during this time can help saturation for even heating and flavour.
If you're used to Lost Mary's 20mg strength, you might prefer a similar nicotine level in your refillable vape. However, refillables offer the flexibility to try lower strengths. For a familiar MTL experience like a disposable, choose e-liquids with flavours you enjoy and a 50/50 PG/VG ratio.
Although refillable vapes demand a bit more upkeep, these steps guarantee consistent and enjoyable vaping. To maintain flavour and avoid burnt hits, replace coils or pods regularly. While there's no set time frame for replacement, you'll know it's time when the flavour starts to degrade noticeably. Keep the device clean, particularly around the pod connection and airflow areas, to avoid leaks and residue buildup, which can affect performance. Finally, charge your device properly, using the supplied cable, and avoid overcharging to maximise battery life.
Cost Comparison: Disposables vs. Refillable Vapes
For many considering the switch, the long-term cost is a significant factor. While Lost Mary disposables offer immediate convenience, their daily use adds up quickly. As we explored in our article exploring the lifespan of Lost Marys, a Lost Mary typically lasts a moderate vaper around 3.5 days. Considering this, purchasing roughly twice weekly at £3.49 each results in a weekly spend of £6.98, approximately £30.23 monthly, and a significant £367.97 annually.
As expected, refillable vape kits require an initial investment higher than that of a Lost Mary. The average price of the recommended kits in this article is £13.94, with replacement pod packs averaging £7.27. However, considering pod lifespan is crucial. Notably, the Vaporesso XROS pods highlighted in this article are known for lasting one to two weeks of moderate vaping.
Using XROS pods as an example (4-pack for £7.99), with an average lifespan of 1.5 weeks per pod, a pack lasts around 6 weeks. This equates to a weekly pod cost of roughly £1.33. Adding an estimated £3 weekly for e-liquid, the total weekly running cost is approximately £4.33.
Lost Mary Yearly Cost: ~£368 Average Refillable Setup (Device, pods, and e-liquid, over a year): ~£196
As you can see, switching to a refillable vape kit can save you a significant amount - around £172 per year. This substantial saving, alongside improved flavour, customisation, and environmental benefits, makes the transition a financially and practically sound choice for ex-Lost Mary users.
Make the Switch
The impending ban on disposables doesn't have to be a disappointment. As this guide has shown, refillable and rechargeable vape kits offer a significant upgrade in terms of cost, customisation, and overall vaping satisfaction. Embrace the change and discover a more rewarding and sustainable way to vape.
Explore our full range of refillable pod kits and improve your vaping experience today.