How to Refill a Vape: Tips for Beginners

Refilling a vape might seem like a daunting task if you're new to the vaping world, but with a bit of guidance, it can become second nature. Whether you're using a vape pod or a traditional vape tank, knowing how to refill a vape is essential for maintaining a satisfying vaping experience. In this blog post, we'll delve into the nitty-gritty of refilling your vape, covering everything from the types of vape tanks to the specific steps for different devices.

Do Vape Pens Need to Be Refilled?

Yes, most vape pens need to be refilled. Vape pens come in two main types: open systems and closed systems. Open systems, including vape pods and vape tanks, require regular refilling of vape juice, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Vape tanks, essential components of open systems that act as e-liquid reservoirs, come in various designs such as top-filling and bottom-filling, each with its own refilling method.

In contrast, closed pod systems feature pre-filled pods intended for one-time use. When the e-liquid runs out, the pod is disposed of and replaced with a new one. Although convenient, these closed pod systems restrict flavor options and may become costlier over time.

What Are Refillable Vapes Called?

Refillable vapes are commonly referred to as open-system vapes. This category includes a variety of vape devices designed with the flexibility to be refilled with your preferred vape juice. The most popular types within this category are vape pods and vape tanks.

Vape pods are compact, user-friendly devices with replaceable and refillable pods featuring a fill port or filling hole for adding e-liquid. Although pods vary in capacity, they are generally easy to refill and maintain, making them ideal for those seeking a balance between convenience and customization.

Vape tanks, on the other hand, are larger and typically attached to more powerful vaping devices like box mods. These tanks, available in styles like top-filling and bottom-filling, differ in how you access them for refilling. Top filling tanks have a convenient opening at the top, often revealed by unscrewing a cap or sliding a cover, making refilling a breeze. Bottom-filling tanks require you to detach the tank from the device and access the filling port from the bottom, which can be slightly more cumbersome but is preferred by some for its secure design.

Another term you might encounter is rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs). These advanced tanks allow for refilling and customization of coil setups, making RTAs popular among experienced vapers who enjoy tinkering with their devices to achieve the perfect vape.

When Should I Refill a Vape?

Generally, the best time to refill your vape is when the e-liquid level drops close to the fill line or becomes visibly low. Most vape tanks and pods have transparent windows or clear markings that enable easy monitoring of the e-liquid level.

1. Low E-Liquid Level:

The most obvious sign is when the e-liquid in your vape tank or pod is running low, indicating it's time to add more. Many devices have a fill line indicating the optimal e-liquid level, and it's integral to keep the level above this line to prevent dry hits that can damage your coil and affect the flavor.

2. Muted Flavor:

A drop in your vape’s flavor intensity might be due to a low e-liquid level, as nearly depleted vape liquid prevents the wicking material from saturating properly, leading to a less satisfying vape.

3. Burnt Taste:

A burnt taste clearly indicates that your coil is dry and needs more e-liquid, as continuing to vape in this state can burn the wicking material and necessitate coil replacement sooner than expected.

How to Refill a Vape

Refilling a vape can seem challenging if you’re new to the process, but once you understand the steps, it becomes a routine part of maintaining your device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling a Vape Pod:

1. Remove the Pod: Detach the vape pod, as most pods are secured with magnets or a click mechanism, making them easy to remove.

2. Open the Filling Hole: Find the filling hole or silicone plug on the pod and gently open or remove it to reveal the fill port.

3. Fill the Pod: Insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port and slowly squeeze to fill the pod, being careful not to overfill. Most pods have a clear window or fill line indicating the optimal level, so stop filling before reaching this line to avoid any leaks.

4. Seal the Pod: Securely close the filling hole or replace the silicone plug, ensuring it's tightly sealed to prevent e-liquid leaks.

5. Reattach the Pod: Place the filled pod back into your vaping device and allow a few minutes for the e-liquid to saturate the coil, assuring proper priming and avoiding dry hits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling a Top Filling Tank:

1. Remove the Top Cap: Most top-filling tanks have a cap that either unscrews or slides open to reveal the fill port, so carefully remove or slide it open.

2. Fill the Tank: Insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port and fill the tank slowly to prevent air bubbles and spillage, while also monitoring the fill line to prevent overfilling, which can cause leaks and gurgling.

3. Close the Top Cap: After securely screwing the top cap back on or sliding it closed to tight sealing, double-check the cap to verify proper alignment and securement.

4. Adjust Airflow Settings: Some vapers opt to close the airflow control while refilling to prevent e-liquid leakage through the airflow holes, then, after filling the tank and securing the cap, adjust the airflow to your desired setting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling a Bottom Filling Tank:

1. Remove the Tank: Detach the tank from your vaping device by unscrewing it from the base, taking care not to spill any remaining e-liquid.

2. Unscrew the Bottom Section: Carefully unscrew the bottom section of the tank to access the fill port. Set aside the bottom section and coil to avoid contaminating them.

3. Fill the Tank: Insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port and slowly fill the tank, avoiding overfill and leaving a small air gap at the top to prevent pressure buildup.

4. Reassemble the Tank: Once the tank is filled, securely screw the bottom section back on and make sure all parts are tightly sealed.

5. Attach the Tank: Allow a few minutes for the e-liquid to saturate the coil before you start vaping, which helps guarantee the coil is fully primed and ready to deliver optimal flavor.

General Tips for Refilling a Vape:

1. Use a Paper Towel: Keep a paper towel handy to wipe off any excess e-liquid and prevent messes.

2. Check for Leaks: After refilling, confirm all components are securely tightened.

3. Prime the Coil: let the coil sit for a few minutes, which allows the e-liquid to entirely saturate the wicking material, preventing dry hits.

4. Avoid Overfilling: Always fill up to the indicated fill line or slightly below in case of leaks and gurgling.

Can I Refill a Disposable Vape?

Refilling a disposable vape is generally not recommended since these devices are sealed to prevent tampering and lack refill ports or access points for adding more e-liquid.

Challenges of Refilling Disposable Vapes

• Sealed Construction: Disposable vapes are sealed units, and refilling them requires prying open the casing, which may damage the disposable and make it unsafe to use.
• Battery Limitations: The battery in a disposable vape is intended to last only as long as the pre-filled e-liquid, and even if you manage to refill the e-liquid, the battery might not have sufficient charge to power the device for an extended period.
• Wicking Material: The wicking material in a disposable vape is not designed for reuse, and once depleted, it may not absorb e-liquid efficiently, resulting in reduced vapor production and the risk of dry hits.
• Leakage and Spills: Refilling a disposable can cause leakage and spills, as without appropriate sealing mechanisms, e-liquid can seep out, rendering the device messy and potentially hazardous.

Refilling your vape can seem complex at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes a simple and routine task. Knowing how to refill a vape — whether it’s a vape pod, top filling tank, or bottom filling tank — ensures you get the best performance and flavor from your device. While disposable vapes offer convenience, investing in a refillable system provides greater flexibility, cost savings, and a more customizable vaping experience.