Best Vape for Heavy Smokers 2024: Expert Picks

Classed as smoking 20 or more cigarettes daily, a heavy smoker is in serious danger of harming their health, from increasing the risk of a stroke by three times vs a non-smoker to also increasing the risk of lung or heart disease. 

Even smoking one cigarette a day is bad for you but quitting a habit of 20 per day will significantly help your chances.

For this reason, many people look at nicotine cessation tools which can reduce the likelihood of picking up a cigarette, which contains tobacco and is the main cause of illness or death among smokers.

One in roughly four million in the UK now turn to is a vape product, but which is the best for heavy smokers in 2024 to give yourself the best chance of successfully quitting cigarettes?

Transitioning from Smoking to Vaping

Switching from cigarettes to vaping isn’t easy. Let’s be clear – although both products contain nicotine, that’s the only major similarity.

There are a few factors to consider before selecting from the thousands of vape products available, which brands such as Innokin, Vaporesso and Vsavi regularly update.

As you will need to adjust from one habit to another, replacing one nicotine product with another means finding an equivalent throat hit to satisfy any nicotine cravings and ease the process of switching. Other factors to consider the transition a success include choosing the correct:

• Type of vape kit – pod kit, vape pen, disposable or vape mod

• Nicotine strength and e-liquid type

• Battery capacity

• Vape method – MTL, DTL or RDL

• Battery type – internal or external

Best Vape for Heavy Smokers - Top 10 Choices

Below we highlight some of the best devices of 2024 for heavy smokers which deliver based on the factors above.

Vsavi Starter Kit

In many cases, a new vaper and in particular, a former heavy smoker, will prefer a slim vape pen that offers similar dimensions, weight and look to a cigarette. The Vsavi starter kit ticks that box by providing an MTL vape that will look familiar.

To give up cigarettes as a heavy smoker, meaning more than 20 a day, is a monumental task for anybody. Doing so by going ‘cold turkey’ presents even more of a challenge. Previously, heavy smokers have often tried other cessation tools such as gum or patches, but not always to great success. 

Key Features

• Compatible with 15 prefilled cartridge flavours

• Close resemblance to a cigarette

• Ergonomic shape and comfort in the hand

• Option of long or small battery size

• Cartridge with built-in coil

Aspire One Up R1

Currently, disposable vapes still have their place in the market, with many still clamouring for convenient-to-use devices. Something not long-lasting but ready to go when needed with limited knowledge of operating this type of electrical device required.

Previously disposable vapes were only single-use kits that were prefilled and charged ready to go but once empty needed to be disposed of via recycling. This is not cost-effective or environmentally friendly, which is why the UK government has stepped in with a proposed ban.

For this reason, brands like Aspire have designed vape kits that are technically disposable and offer the same simple user-friendly design as the One Up R1 vape kit. 

Key Features

• Refillable Pod

• Rechargeable 650mAh internal battery

• Side-refilling e-liquid port

• Type-C USB Charging

• Constant output of 3.7V

Xeo Void

You start vaping and it feels like a whole other world to smoking. So many choices to make before getting the perfect hit of nicotine satisfaction. You want to avoid the worst-case scenario of a relapse where your mind and body crave a cigarette because we all know the high risks it poses.

Therefore, when switching to a heavy smoker, it’s important to start with an e-cigarette that helps ease the transition and prevent that temptation. A smoker will not be used to coils, adjust voltage, change batteries or even e-liquids.

With your vape juice, it requires topping up at least once a week but in most cases for heavy smokers (at least initially), you’ll need to add e-liquid often. Most devices have pods or tanks with a range of designs to top up your juice, ranging from top-fill to pouring into a side fill. Still, with the XEO Void, we haven’t found a better straightforward design to add your e-liquid.

All you must do is unscrew the cap which contains the mouthpiece and fill the hole to no more than the max level. This sturdy vape with an ergonomic design is essentially leakproof and ideal for heavy smokers who will top up their device more often unless they use nic salts.

Key Features

• Easy filling system

• Two mouthpieces with each kit

• Large battery capacity

• User-friendly ergonomic design

• Compatibility with range of e-liquids

Vuse Go Reload 1000

A small and compact strong vape kit, the Vuse Go Reload 1000 is a wise choice for heavy smokers because it offers a simple system based on prefilled 20mg nic salt pods. It offers an auto-draw vape where you puff by inhaling on the mouthpiece.

The battery capacity is enough for all-day MTL vaping, and a unique ceramic heating technology design creates a consistent warm puff which maintains flavour throughout the cycle of the pod.

Because each pod offers up to 1000 puffs, there is longevity and great value with the Go Reload 1000, available in a  variety of flavours and strengths. Once the pod is empty, all you have to do is swap it with another Vuse Extra Intense pod. 

Key Features

• Up to 1000 puffs
• Auto-draw
• 530mAh battery
• 2ml prefilled pods with preinstalled coils
• Advanced ceramic heating technology
• New childproof lock
• Compatible with all Vuse pods
• LED indicator
• Fast type-c charging 

Elf Bar EV5000

Next up is the Elf Bar EV5000. As we’ve come to expect from vape giants Elf Bar, they know how to produce a device that boasts great flavour and a variety of options for vapers to experience 20mgnic salts. This kit is a seamless solution to move over from cigarettes to vaping because there are tons of strong vape flavours to choose from and a free  Elfliq e-liquid inside the kit, all for just £12.99.

The device is just as compact and simple to inhale as a cigarette but is instead available in different colours with fruity alternatives such as watermelon, blueberry or strawberry kiwi. QUAQ mesh coil technology ensures strong consistent flavour and up to 5000 puffs per device. 

Innokin Trine

While some vapers find a better replacement for cigarettes via disposable pods, the Innokin Trine offers an alternative solution. A 1000mAh removable battery means for heavy smokers they will be less worried about running out of capacity to keep up the high nicotine habit. All you will need is a spare and once the battery dies completely, you don’t need to get rid of the whole device, but instead replace it with another.

The wattage is on the low side with a maximum output of 25W which highlights a low-powered small puff device. There are also three different pods available with varied resistances of preinstalled coils – 1.2, 0.8 and 0.6 - which means a tight MTL draw, a smoother looser one or even a restrictive direct lung.

Key Features

• 1000mAh replaceable battery

• 6-25W adjustable power

• Compatible with nic salt and freebase e-liquids

• Leakproof top fill pods

• Safer battery recycling

• OLED display

• Adjustable airflow 

Vaporesso Xros 4

Vaporesso provides some of the best devices for heavy smokers because of the fantastic flavour available from their stylish and beginner-friendly kits. The Xros 4 is a clear example of this pattern with a fresh design, 1000mAh battery and easy-to-operate three-stage power output.

Capable of vaping with MTL or RDTL, the device is perfect for new vapers who want to try different methods when picking up an e-cigarette for the first time. At just under £25, it represents great value and longevity to use the vape kit for many months.

Plus, with a 2A charge, you can expect a 100% battery replenishment in only half an hour! Therefore, it’s a useful choice when considering the nicotine habits of a heavy smoker. 

Key Features

• Built-In 1000mAh battery

• 16W max power output

• Compatible with all Xros Pods

• Simple three-stage power level

• Ideal for MTL & RDTL vaping

• Adjustable airflow

• Pulse mode power boosting

• Fast full charge in 30 minutes

• Corex 2.0 mesh coil technology for consistent flavour

Elf Bar Mate 500

Because former heavy smokers need to replicate a larger amount of nicotine in the system, many now turn to nic salt e-liquids as their go-to option. This is because of its smoother intake and faster getting into the bloodstream for more efficient delivery of nicotine.

What you need to get the full benefit of nicotine salt compared to traditional freebase nicotine is a low-wattage device with a high resistance coil to support the thinner consistency of the e-liquid, which should have a ratio of at least 50PG/50VG but ideally a higher ratio of PG acting as the carrier. Combine that with a high battery capacity and it’s the perfect formula for nic salt vaping.

To tick all of these boxes is no mean feat but the Elf Bar Mate 500 Kit does exactly that with the smooth 1.2 Ohm MTL pre-filled P1 pods.Containing ml of e-liquid, available in a variety of flavours and providing 500mAh battery support, it’s the ideal all-day option for vaping nic salts. 

Key Features

• 1.2 Ohm coil resistance

• 5V charging

• 500mAh rechargeable battery

• Metallic aluminum design

• 2ml e-liquid capacity

Uwell Caliburn Explorer

A unique little device from Uwell creates a fantastic first vape kit for beginners looking to quit heavy smoking and try two different flavours together or separately.

Better yet, at the push of a button using the clever clover leaf system, you can combine two unique flavours together, double the strength of one flavour or just get one hit of nicotine. All of this is possible because of the two separate cartridge systems inside each 2ml pod.

Instead of the standard 2mlcapacity pod as we see with so many brands, the Uwell Caliburn Explorer pods provide two 1ml chambers with separate Caliburn-g compatible coils. What this means is a heavy smoker although needing to refill more often can mix and match flavours by experimenting to see which is their favourite e-liquid.

In addition, at the time of writing, there is also an offer of a free Vsavi Platinum e-liquid as well as part of a bundle, so you get even better value to kick-start your swap or vapes. 

Key Features

• Unique dual coil pod with an easy 4-leaf clover button system
• Dual airflow
• Cross-compatible with Caliburn G and G2 coils
• Super wide clear window to see e-liquid levels
• Dual side-fill mechanism – more puffs and fewer refills!
• Max 36W
• 1000mAh battery capacity
• Auto-draw
• Adjustable airflow
• 1ml per side of the pod
• 2A fast charging
• MTL and RDL capability
• Pro-FOCS flavour technology 

Lost Mary BM6000

Last on our list is the new trend in vaping, which is known as big puff vapes. Examples like the Lost Mary BM6000 stores a container that the vaper will need to refill, but most importantly provides up to 6000 puffs by offering a larger container of e-liquid that still meets TPD compliancy.

The device has a 650mAh battery which can be recharged but eventually, the vape juice will run out as you cannot buy new containers. However, because there are up to 10 refills of the device in a variety of flavours at just £11.99 and a high nic salt strength, this means much better value than cigarettes to satisfy nicotine cravings on the go. 

Key Features

• Removable battery for responsible recycling
• Up to 6000 puffs! (TPD Compliant Device)
• 20mg nic salts
• Upgraded QUAQ mesh coil for enhanced flavour
• Rechargeable 650mAh battery
• Power display screen
• Auto-draw only device
• Visible e-liquid level
• Type-C Charging

Best Vape for a Heavy Smoker FAQs

Disposable vs Pod Vape Kits – Which Should You Pick?

Do you want the added convenience of purchasing a disposable vape at a higher price, or do you have greater concerns such as the increased usage of batteries causing waste? How much are you willing to spend on a device? Do you have a set budget each week for your nicotine habit?

These are the kinds of questions you will need to consider when deciding between a pod vape and a disposable vape. The former is cheaper to operate and will last you longer, but requires greater care, time spent refilling and management. Meanwhile, the latter is typically better for operation while out and about but costs more in the long run.

What is the Best E-Cigarette to Quit Smoking?

The best vape for UK smokers depends on how many cigarettes they vape daily and how far or close they wish to stay with that habit. If you seek something tasting like tobacco but not containing the dangerous compound, you would be better off with a starter kit that offers that taste and a vape device that feels familiar in the hand.

Best Vape Juice for Heavy Smokers

Two key terms vapers will need to understand before buying the right e-liquid are VG and PG. VG stands for Vegetable Glycerine while PG is an abbreviation for Propylene Glycol.

While a high VG provides sweeter flavours and more cloud due to its thicker consistency, a high PG e-liquid is thinner and offers a stronger throat hit similar to cigarettes. The best vape juice for heavy smokers should be a high PG e-liquid starting at 20mg and working down the strength when it feels easy to manage.

Read our disclaimer on Vaping and Smoking Cessation