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Updated October 11, 2026
Disposables, prefilled pod systems and refillable pod systems all use the same basic parts: a battery, a coil and e-liquid. What changes is which parts you replace and which you keep. That decides how much upkeep each type needs and what you pay per mL of e-liquid. Here's how they compare, with real prices from our store at 5171 Yonge St in North York.
A sealed device with the battery, coil and e-liquid built in. You use it until the e-liquid runs out, then replace the whole thing. Most larger disposables now have a USB-C port, so the battery can be recharged until the e-liquid is gone. There's nothing to fill or change. Our disposable vape guide covers the models we carry, sorted by size.
A reusable battery, usually called a base or device, plus sealed pods that come filled with e-liquid and have their own coil. When a pod is empty, you swap in a new one and keep the battery. You never handle e-liquid. Pods usually fit only their own brand's base. Examples we stock:
A reusable battery plus empty pods that you fill from a bottle of e-liquid. You pick the e-liquid, including its nicotine strength, and replace the pod (or its coil) when the taste fades. They take a little more care: filling, letting a new pod soak before the first use, and now and then clearing condensation. Examples we stock:
Refillable pods and tanks sold in Canada must be child-resistant, which is why you'll see "CRC" on kits like the Caliburn G4 and G5 Lite.
Puff counts are manufacturer estimates, so the fairest comparison is cost per mL of e-liquid:
The hard part with refillable pods is how long each pod lasts. It depends on the e-liquid, the power and how much you vape, and manufacturers don't publish a figure, so treat it as an estimate. As an illustration, if a $5.50 replacement pod lasts through 15 mL of e-liquid, it adds about $0.37 per mL. If it lasts through 30 mL, it adds about $0.18 per mL. Replace a pod when the taste turns burnt or flat, or gurgling won't clear.
Here's how the numbers work out at our regular shelf prices on October 11, 2026, before tax, for products in stock that day. Prices change, so check the product page for today's price.
| Type | Examples | Cost per mL |
|---|---|---|
| Small disposables | 2 to 13 mL | $2.31 to $8.00 |
| Mid-size disposables | 18 to 20 mL | $1.67 to $2.22 |
| Large disposables | 25 to 30 mL | $1.33 to $1.80 |
| Prefilled pods | 20 to 30 mL pods | $1.17 to $1.70, plus a base |
| Refillable pods | 30 mL nic salt | $1.00 to $1.20, plus pods and a kit |
| Refillable pods | 60 mL bottles | $0.77 to $0.83, plus pods and a kit |
Two things stand out. Small disposables cost the most per mL by a wide margin. And once you add a share of replacement pods, refillable pods with 30 mL bottles land in the same range as prefilled pods and large disposables. Refillable pods pull ahead per mL mainly with 60 mL bottles, which come in nic salt and in lower-strength freebase.
Before tax, at October 11, 2026 shelf prices. Your numbers will depend on the products you choose and how long your pods last.
Not sure? Our staff at 5171 Yonge St can walk you through the options. You can also browse pods and pod kits, refillable kits and hardware and e-liquid online.
Is a pod vape the same as a disposable?
No. A disposable is one sealed unit that you replace when it's empty. A pod vape keeps its battery and replaces only the pod.
What's the difference between open and closed pod systems?
Closed systems use sealed, prefilled pods. Open systems use refillable pods you fill from a bottle of e-liquid.
Can I refill a prefilled pod?
No. Prefilled pods are sealed, like disposables. If you want to refill, choose an open pod system.
What do terms like MTL, mesh coil or priming mean?
See our vape glossary.
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