The Best Vapes for Heavy Smokers

Making the switch from cigarettes to vaping and wondering what is the best vape for heavy smokers? Here at VPZ, we’ve got you sorted. 

First: well done on getting this far! It can feel like a daunting life change to make, so we want to help you make it as seamless as possible. Here at VPZ, we not only sell great beginner vapes - we also curate helpful resources on all of the big questions you might have when you first start vaping. Including which is the best choice if you’re a heavy smoker and need extra support from your device. Let’s get started.

How to start your switch

When they were available, many ex-smokers found their way into vaping through disposable devices. It's easy to see why. They were ready to use straight out of the package, required no setup and gave a satisfying nicotine hit that helped manage cravings.

With the UK's ban on disposable vapes, this popular entry point into vaping is no longer available. This might leave you wondering exactly how to get started if you’re a heavy smoker looking to make the switch. Don't worry - there are plenty of other great vape kits out there that are more convenient than disposable options were and have loads of other great features that support you even more.

We’ll walk you through the ideal vape devices and vape juices you need.

Top factors smokers should look for in a vape device 

We know just how tricky it is to enter the world of vaping and be confronted with so many options all at once. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide for you. 

While we’ll give you some specific recommendations on the different types of vape kits you might want to consider specifically as a heavy cigarette smoker, there are some key features that you’ll likely want to look out for. 

Here’s what they are and why:

MTL vaping style

We’ll discuss the perfect e-liquids to be on the lookout for if you’re used to smoking later on. However, for now, it’s useful for you to know that most ex-smokers prefer to smoke using an MTL vaping style. 

This means that you take the vapour into your mouth, hold it for a few seconds and then suck it down into your lungs. You might not even be aware that this is how you’ve been smoking, but it’s the most common style of smoking. 

For that extra familiarity, you’ll need a vape that can support this specific style of vaping, so be on the lookout for an MTL vape and liquids that work best in these devices. Luckily, all of our suggestions below are MTL! 

Learn more about MTL vs DTL vaping in our guide.

Adjustable airflow

You might not know this yet, but the airflow in a vape can really change the sensation you experience. Getting the right draw makes a big difference when switching from cigarettes. A device with adjustable airflow lets you control how tight or loose your inhale feels - meaning you can replicate the sensation of a cigarette draw when cravings hit. 

Often, smokers will start with a tighter draw, then gradually open it up as they become more comfortable with vaping and want something a little less intense.

Long battery life

This one is probably self-explanatory, but in the early stages of making your transition to vaping, you’re likely to experience cravings. So you need a vape that’s going to support you, even through intensive use. We’d suggest picking something with a powerful battery and long life - so at least 1000mAh ideally.

Our picks of the best vapes for heavy smokers

Without further ado, these are VPZ’s suggestions for the best vapes if you’re making the switch as a heavy smoker and want the best support possible!

The best closed pod systems

What is a closed pod system?

Since disposable vapes were banned in the UK, closed pod systems are effectively the simple and easy-to-adopt way to get vaping. These beginner vaping kits involve a reusable device that runs using pods that are prefilled with e-liquid. Meaning no faff of refilling them yourself. 

Plus, the coil (the part that turns the liquid into vapour) is usually housed in the pod itself, meaning you don’t have to change it out separately. 

It all adds up to a very smooth and simple experience, although with more waste than refillable options as you’ll be throwing away your pods more frequently. 

However, you can find recycling bins in our 180+ VPZ stores where anything that can be recovered and reused will be carefully processed in partnership with a specialist WasteCare facility.

What makes them ideal for heavy smokers?

The most simple - Convenient - No refilling

If you’ve been smoking for a while and struggling to make the switch to vaping, it couldn’t be any easier than this. Simply click a pre-filled pod in and go. Lots of pods systems account for their main users being smokers switching over and have high nicotine strengths on offer in their pods.

You won’t have the same level of control over flavours as you would if you were filling up your own pod (more on that next!), but there are still lots of options to explore for newbies.

Our picks: 

Avomi FLIQ Starter Kit

Top Features:

• Comes with 4 pre-filled pods in different flavours
• Strong 950mAh battery that lasts for up to 2400 puffs
• 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid for a satisfying experience
• Available in different colour packs with matching flavours
• Quick USB-C charging
• LED light that shows battery level

What makes it special?

If you’ve got no idea where to start, the Avomi FLIQ makes it easy by including 4 zingy citrus e-liquid pods for you to enjoy. That should start you off on your flavour discovery journey. This extra touch is brilliant if you're just switching from cigarettes and aren't sure what you'll enjoy.

Each pod contains strong 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid that delivers a smooth but powerful hit, which should help you through when cravings hit. It also means no harsh throat hit that leaves a scratchy feeling, even at high strengths. Plus, the 950mAh battery will give you several days of runway time before it’s time to charge.

At £11.99 with four pods included, it's exceptional value compared to buying cigarettes or disposables!

E-liquid options: 

Your FLIQ will arrive with four 2ml pods of 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid. When you need replacements, individual pods are available in over 20 flavours including tobacco options for those who prefer something familiar or sweet tooth favourites like Pink Lemonade.

Shop the Avomi FLIQ Starter Kit  

Lost Mary Tappo Pod Kit

Top Features:

• Authentic Lost Mary flavours in a rechargeable device
• QUAQ mesh coil technology for intense flavour
• Intuitive draw-activation technology
• Tight MTL draw that feels like smoking
• 750mAh battery with USB-C charging
• Stylish colour options with matching flavours

The Lost Mary Tappo is undoubtedly one of the best vapes for heavy smokers who have some experience of using disposable vapes. If you found that the hugely popular Lost Mary disposable vapes were helpful in your mission to stop smoking, you can still enjoy all of the same fantastic flavours. 

Plus, the pod system is super simple to use, so it’s just as convenient. The Tappo feels just like a disposable thanks to its inhale-activation technology that means you simply inhale to activate - no buttons necessary. Just pop your pod in and start.

The Lost Mary Tappo Pod Kit includes an attractively shiny metal vape device that includes prefilled cartridges in 4 intense flavours: Lemon & Lime, Watermelon, Blue Sour Raspberry & Strawberry Ice.

E-liquid options: 

The 20+ liquid flavours are all vibrant and moreish, thanks to the premium QUASH coil and the iconic nic salt formulation. Plus the standard 20mg nicotine strength is ideal for heavy smokers who need maximum support initially. 

Shop the Lost Mary Tappo Pod Kit

Vuse ePod Device Kit

Top Features:

• Very compact and lightweight
• Ceramic coil for pure, clean flavours
• Draw-activated with no buttons or settings
• Very tight, cigarette-like draw
• Available in Graphite, Rose Gold and Silver

What makes it special?

The Vuse ePod is perfect if simplicity and portability are important. At 23.6g it weighs less than a standard lighter, making it an extraordinarily pocket-friendly vape. This is brilliant news for heavy smokers who’ll want to have their vape on them at the ready for when cravings strike.

Plus, the premium ceramic coil technology means you’ll experience clean flavours without any metallic aftertaste that can be off-putting to new vapers.

Operation couldn't be simpler – just inhale, exactly as you would with a cigarette. The tight draw perfectly mimics the smoking experience, making the transition even easier. 

While the 350mAh battery is smaller than some competitors due to the smaller vape size, it will still see most users through a whole day of use. And when you need to charge, the included USB-C cable makes recharging quick and convenient.

E-liquid options: 

Choose from Vuse’s pre-filled cartridges in a wide range of flavours from familiar options like Golden Tobacco and Chilled Mint to fruitier choices. All pods come in 20mg nicotine strength, designed to satisfy heavy smoker cravings.

Shop the Vuse ePod Device Kit

The best open pod systems

What is an open pod system?

An open pod system runs in much the same way as a closed one does, but with one key difference: you can refill the pods. That’s what the system being ‘open’ refers to. 

You simply purchase empty compatible pods for your particular device and then fill them up with your e-liquid of choice. The pods usually still contain the coil, meaning the only maintenance you’ll need to do it charging up and the occasional clean.

What makes them ideal for heavy smokers?

Flavour variety - Bespoke nic strengths - Still simple

The fact that you can add in your own e-liquid opens up a world of possibilities for you as an ex-smoker. It’s crucial that you stay engaged with your switching journey, and the novelty of finding exciting new flavours is a big part of that. Plus, you’ll be able to tailor the strength exactly to your liking. 

Our picks: 

AEQ Pro+ Pod Kit

Top Features:

• Reliable 1000mAh battery that lasts up to two full days of vaping
• Handy screen that shows battery life, pod details & power level at a glance
• Adjustable airflow so you can make your draw tighter or looser
• Works with different pods (from 0.4Ω to 1.0Ω) to suit your preferences
• Mesh coils that deliver richer flavour and last longer
• Fast USB-C charging that gets you back to vaping quickly

What makes it special?

If you’re looking for the best vape for heavy smokers, there’s a strong case for the AEQ Pro+ Pod Kit. Let’s give you the lowdown on why. 

The OLED screen is perfect if you're new to vaping as it clearly shows your battery charge, coil resistance and wattage, meaning you’ve got easy access to all the information you need without overwhelming you. This allows you to learn more about your own vaping preferences, as well as keeping your vape charged and ready to go at all times.

One feature you might particularly appreciate as an ex-smoker is the adjustable airflow. On those days when you're really missing cigarettes, you can tighten the draw for that familiar smoking sensation. Then, as you adjust to vaping, you can open it up for a looser, more relaxed experience. 

Want something that’s going to last? One recent reviewer described the AEQ Pro+ as ”weighty and substantial”. It’s not one of the more discreet, pen-shaped devices, it’s more a sturdy piece of kit that will handle daily life easily. Just what you need on your switching journey.

Shop the AEQ Pro+ Pod Kit 

Vaporesso Xros Pro Kit 

Top Features:

• Long-lasting 1200mAh battery that keeps you vaping for up to 48 hours
• Smart Mode that automatically sets the perfect power level for your pod
• Three power options: Eco Mode (conserves the battery), Normal, and Power Mode (creates maximum vapour)
• Super-fast USB-C charging - Fully charges in just 35 minutes!
• Features special leak-resistant technology that ensures no annoying spills in your bag, pocket or hand

What makes it special?

The Vaporesso Xros Pro is a dream come true if you're making the switch from cigarettes. In particular, you’re able to customise the draw to make it feel just right for you. Choose between a tight MTL draw that mimics that familiar cigarette inhale or a slightly looser RDTL experience that you might appreciate more as you get more comfortable with vaping.

One of the biggest worries when switching from smoking is battery life, as you’ll definitely want your vape to be there if cravings hit. The Xros Pro’s substantial 1200mAh battery keeps going for up to two full days, meaning no getting caught out. And if you do run low, the USB-C fast charging gets you back up and running from zero in just 35 minutes. Very impressive.

If you're new to vaping, you'll also appreciate the Smart Mode that does all the technical work for you by detecting which pod you've inserted and setting the perfect power level. 

Shop the Vaporesso Xros Pro Kit 

OXVA Xlim Go Pod Kit

Top Features:

• Inhale activated - meaning you just breathe in to start
• Slim, lightweight pen-style shape that feels comfortable in your hand
• Automatically adjusts power for different pods
• Easy top-fill system for quick refills
• One of the cheapest vapes on this list

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thought of switching to vaping, the OXVA Xlim Go might be just what you need, as it strips away all the complexity. There aren’t even any buttons to press or settings to figure out. You simply inhale just like you would with a cigarette to activate it, and the device automatically picks the best power output for your pod. 

The slim, pen-style design makes it comfortable to hold and easy to carry around in a handy or pocket. Plus it feels natural in your hand, which can make a big difference when you're first making the switch from cigarettes - especially as a heavier smoker. Every little can help.

Refilling is straightforward too – the top-fill design means you can add more e-liquid quickly without any mess or fuss. And with the 1000mAh battery lasting up to two days, that's another weight off your mind.

Shop the OXVA Xlim Go Pod Kit 

The best refillable vape devices

What is a refillable vape?

If you want to skip the pod phase and get right to a vape pen with an internal tank, there are lots of options that make it simple. They run just the same as a pod system, except instead of a pod you’ll fill up a larger tank that might either be internal or fully removable. 

The big difference is that you’ll need to replace the coil every so often. With pods, the coil is built in. You can read up on when to change a coil in our guide. 

What makes them ideal for heavy smokers?

Best flavour variety - Customisable - Cheapest 

If you’re a heavy smoker, you’re likely to be puffing more than the average vaper. That means you’ll be getting through more e-liquid, especially to start with.

Every pod you use costs more on average than refilling a vape with a larger tank and simply replacing the coil when it expires. That can really add up after a while, so refillable tanks are the most cost-efficient way to switch if you can get over the barrier of not using a pod system.

The larger tank also means less refilling, which is another bonus!

Our picks: 

Innokin Endura T22 Pro Kit

Top Features:

• 1500mAh battery that lasts up to two days
• Simple single-button operation
• Tight MTL draw similar to smoking
• LED battery indicator
• Available in sleek Black, Blue, Red and Silver colour options
• Consistent 18W output

Need the best vape pen to quit smoking? Look no further. The Innokin Endura T22 Pro Kit gives an extremely gentle introduction into the world of refillable vapes. Let’s get into the features that make it so accessible for beginners.

Firstly, there’s only 1 button and it’s not at all hard to start using it. It’s just 3 taps to turn it on, and then hold the button down when you want to puff. Simple. The battery life is ample, but you won’t get caught out because there’s a warning indicator light when you’re running low.

The device itself is sleek and slender, mostly down to the 2ml tank, which is small in comparison to others but offers great portability and means you have the perfect chance to try more flavours while you’re switching.

Shop the Innokin Endura T22 Pro Kit 

Smok SLIMAX Kit

Top Features:

• One-of-a-kind filter tips that replicate cigarette smoking
• Tight MTL draw with adjustable power
• 900mAh battery with USB-C charging
• Helpful OLED screen
• Ultra-portable, pocket-friendly design
• Comes in Black, Blue, Purple and Silver

What makes it special?

Now here’s something truly special that the only Smok SLIMAX offers: optional filter tips that perfectly mimic the sensation of a cigarette between your lips. These familiar details can really help heavy smokers to make the switch, as there’s no unfamiliar hard metal or plastic sensation.

You can choose between using the cigarette-like filter tips or the standard mouthpiece, depending on your mood, giving you flexibility. The tight MTL draw delivers that satisfying throat hit that many smokers crave, while the adjustable power output (5- 25w) lets you fine-tune the intensity.

The compact, lightweight design means it's easy to have on you at all times and the screen helps you keep an eye on battery life and adjust the settings to your liking. 

Shop the Smok SLIMAX Kit

Vaptio Zeton Plus 

Top Features:

• Works for both tight MTL and looser DTL vaping styles
• Huge 2000mAh battery that lasts up to 3 days
• Simple top-fill design with no mess
• Adjustable airflow you can fine-tune
• Tough metal body that can handle drops
• Comes with two different mouthpieces

What makes it special?

The Vaptio Zeton Plus is perfect if you want a vape that can grow with you as you move away from cigarettes. When you first switch, use the 1.0 Ohm coil with the narrow mouthpiece for that familiar tight draw. Later, you might fancy trying the 0.7 Ohm coil with the wider tip for bigger clouds and more flavour. 

One thing you won't need to worry about is battery life. The massive 2000mAh battery keeps going for up to three days between charges. And filling couldn't be easier thanks to the top-fill design - just twist and pour, no need to take anything apart. You can also adjust exactly how tight or loose your draw feels by simply turning the tank head.

The solid metal casing is solid, meaning it can handle being dropped or knocked about in your bag or pocket. So maybe it’s the right companion for the journey ahead?

What strength e-liquid do you need?

Wondering what strength e-liquid to use if you’re a smoker? Make sure you match your existing cigarette consumption to your e-liquid nicotine strength. 

Too little and it won’t hit your cravings effectively enough. Too high in strength and you’ll risk feeling faint, nauseous or having a headache. Our guide breaks it down simply.

For heavy smokers who’ve been smoking 20+ a day, we’d recommend 20mg e-liquid as it’s the highest strength available. This should help to support you fully, and then you’ll be able to taper the strength down in your own time. 

What else to look for in e-liquid as a heavy smoker

Here’s what to keep in mind…

Throat hit

A 20mg strength can come with quite a harsh throat hit if you don’t opt for the right e-liquid. We’d suggest using nicotine salts. You’ll find them in all of the closed pod devices we’ve suggested. Their unique formulations offer a satisfying nicotine hit with none of the harshness, ideal for switchers.

Read our guide what are nic salts? to learn more about them and why they work so well for higher strengths. 

Nicotine delivery

Another great thing about nicotine salts is that they offer rapid nicotine absorption compared to traditional freebase liquids. The fact that they are quickly absorbed means you’ll get the same nicotine rush you’d normally get from the first puff of a cigarette, meaning great satisfaction and greater incentive to stick with vaping.

We’ve also been busy creating an innovative new formulation that’s absorbed even faster than nicotine salts: NuNic Max. Find out more about our ground-breaking e-liquid to see what the fuss is about.

Want more inspiration on which e-liquids to stock up on? Take a look at our pick of the top 20 e-liquid flavours that should be on your radar as you make your switch. The wide variety of satisfying flavours you can find at VPZ will help keep your mind off cigarettes for good.

And remember, with every bottle you purchase, you can bank up to 12.5% back in loyalty points! That’s all part of being part of the VPZ family.