Open vs. Closed Pod Systems (& Which is Best for You)

• Open Pod Systems offer refillable pods that let you choose from a wide variety of e-liquid flavours. Buying e-liquid and filling your pods with it by yourself can also save you money, since replacing pre-filled pods costs more.
• Closed Pod Systems offer a simpler “plug-and-play” experience since their pods are pre-filled, but have more limited flavour options.
• Open systems can be more complicated to set up and risk "flavour creep", where the flavour of one e-liquid remains present after the pod is filled with another.
• Closed systems are generally more beginner-friendly, but generate more waste since the pods need to be disposed of once they’re empty.
• U Vape carries high-quality options for both open and closed pod systems. Explore our collection to find the ideal device for you.

If you’re thinking of investing in a new vape device, you’ll need to make some decisions ahead of time. One of those should be deciding on whether you want an open pod system or a closed one. Some users prefer the range of flavour options that come with open pod systems, whereas others enjoy the reliability and ready-made convenience of closed pods.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s begin by covering the key differences between open and closed pod systems, then dive into what each type is best for so you can choose your next pod system with more confidence.

Open pod systems come with refillable, reusable pods. You can fill these pods with your choice of e-liquid, which makes these systems ideal for people who want more control over their vaping experience.

However, if you’re going to invest in an open pod system, it’s vital that you know something about e-liquids and how to choose them. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not filling the same pod with too many different flavours, which can cause residue from previous e-liquids to affect the taste of the e-liquid your pod is currently using (this is known as flavour creep).

Closed pod systems are much easier to set up and start using, because they come pre-filled with e-liquid and typically snap right into your device. No need to refill these pods—you just chuck ‘em when you’re done with ‘em and snap in a new one.

Using a closed pod system can help you maintain better quality control over your e-liquids, since you’ll be limited to choices made specifically for your device. Of course, that’s also the downside with closed systems: they don’t offer as wide a range of potential flavour options.

Numerous high-quality open and closed pod systems are available in Canada. Here’s an example of each kind we recommend for new users:

Open Pod System: SMOK Novo 4

The SMOK Novo 4 is a relatively small and light open pod system that’s easy to store and carry with you on trips. It gives you adjustable airflow controls, and comes with an easy-to-read OLED screen. Here are a few other key features:

• Price: $59.99 (starter kit)
• Size: 93.5mm x 26.5mm x 17.7mm
• Weight: 51.7g
• Battery capacity: 800 mAh
• Charging port type: USB-C
• Charge length: Approx. 60 minutes (with supplied charger)
• E-liquid capacity: 2 mL
• Compatible coils: LP1 coils
• Activation type: Draw-activated

Closed Pod System: STLTH Vape Device Starter Kit

The STLTH is designed to closely mimic the experience of smoking cigarettes for people who have recently made the switch to vaping. It is designed to be extremely compact, light, and simple to use—and its pods are recyclable, which helps solve the issue of waste that occurs with some other closed pod systems.

• Price: $29.99 (starter kit)
• Size:19.1mm x 11.1mm x 85.5mm
• Weight: 26g
• Battery capacity: 420 mAh
• Charging port type: USB
• Charge length: Approx. 60 minutes (with supplied charger)
• E-liquid capacity: 2 mL
• Compatible coils: Magnetic ceramic coils included in pods
• Activation type: Draw-activated

Now that you know the differences between closed and open pod systems, choosing the right kind for you should be much easier. If you still have questions or are considering a different type of vape, just contact us and ask one of our friendly representatives for advice. We’ll be happy to help you find the type of pod system for your needs.

How can I avoid flavour creep in an open pod system?

To avoid flavour creep:

• Clean your pods regularly.
• Avoid mixing different e-liquid flavours in the same pod.
• Consider using a dedicated pod for each flavour.

What type of e-liquid should I use in open pods when MTL or DTL vaping?

For MTL vaping, use e-liquids with a higher PG to VG ratio for a stronger throat hit.

For DTL vaping, use e-liquids with a higher VG to PG ratio for denser vapour production.

Can I open a closed pod to refill it with my own e-liquid?

Closed pods are designed to be disposable and are not intended for refilling. Opening them can compromise the sealing, causing leaks and potentially damaging the device.

Can I change the coils in a closed pod?

Typically, the coils in closed pod systems are integrated and cannot be changed. You’ll need to replace the entire pod once the coil reaches the end of its life.