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How to Refill a Pod Kit: Complete Beginner Guide (2026)

by [name] 21 July 2025 [count] min read

Written by the Vape7Store UK Team — real vapers since 2024. Last updated: April 2026.

To refill a pod kit: remove the pod, open the fill port, fill slowly to the maximum line, reseat the pod, and wait 10 minutes before vaping to let the coil fully prime. For prefilled pod kits like the Lost Mary BM6000, there is no refilling — just swap in a new pod and wait 10 minutes. The 10-minute wait is the single most important step to avoid a burnt coil.

If you used single-use vapes before the June 2025 UK ban, pod kit maintenance is brand new to you. The good news is there is not much to learn. This guide walks through every common task — filling, priming, changing pods, replacing coils, cleaning, and troubleshooting — in plain language. Follow these steps and your pod kit will last for months.

Everything here applies to the pod kits sold legally in the UK in 2026. For adults 18+ only.

Prefilled vs Refillable Pods — Know Which You Have

First, know what you are working with. There are two types of pod kits in the UK market:

Prefilled pod kits (like the Lost Mary BM6000, Hayati Pro Ultra 25K, RandM Tornado 32K) — pods come factory-filled with e-liquid. You cannot refill them. When empty, you swap in a new pod. No mess, no e-liquid bottles, no work.
Refillable pod kits (like open pod systems, some MTL starter kits) — pods are empty and you fill them yourself with e-liquid bottles. More effort, but cheaper long-term and offers unlimited flavour variety.

The instructions below cover both. Jump to the section matching your kit.

Part 1: How to Swap a Prefilled Pod (BM6000, Hayati, RandM etc.)

This is the simplest task in all of vaping. Five steps, under 30 seconds:

Remove the old pod. Grip the pod firmly and pull straight up out of the device. Some kits require a firmer pull than you expect. Do not twist.
Inspect the device. Wipe the connection port with a dry cotton bud to remove any residue.
Unpack the new pod. Remove any silicone covers or stickers protecting the mouthpiece and connection.
Insert the new pod. Push it straight down into the device until you feel or hear a click. The magnet should hold it firmly.
Wait 10 minutes. This is the critical step. New pods need time for the cotton wick to fully absorb e-liquid from the reservoir. Vape immediately = burnt coil.

After 10 minutes, take a gentle first puff — short, soft, 2–3 seconds. If the flavour is clean, you are done. If it tastes burnt, wait another 10 minutes and try again.

Part 2: How to Refill a Refillable Pod

For open pod systems or refillable pod kits, here is the correct filling technique:

Remove the pod from the device. Pull straight up.
Locate the fill port. This is usually a silicone-plug or rubber flap on the side or bottom of the pod. Some pods have a rotating cap; others a push-in plug.
Open the fill port. Gently pull out the silicone plug or rotate the cap. Do not force it — if it is stuck, check the pod instructions.
Fill slowly. Insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port. Squeeze gently, letting liquid flow down the side of the pod (not directly onto the coil). Fill to the maximum line marked on the pod — usually about 90% full.
Do not overfill. Overfilling pushes liquid into the air channel, causing leaks, gurgling, and spitting. Stop at the max line.
Close the fill port firmly. Push the silicone plug back in or rotate the cap until sealed.
Wipe any excess liquid. Use a dry cloth or kitchen roll to clean any spills off the pod and your hands.
Reinsert the pod. Push it firmly into the device until it clicks.
Wait 10 minutes. Same rule as prefilled pods — the coil needs to fully absorb the new liquid.
Take a gentle first puff.

The most common mistake beginners make is filling too fast and injecting liquid into the coil chimney. Slow and steady is correct.

Part 3: How to Prime a New Coil

Priming is the process of saturating a new coil's cotton wick with e-liquid before first use. A properly primed coil lasts longer, tastes better, and avoids dry hits. Here is how to do it on any device:

Method 1: The Wait Method (Easiest)

Install the new pod or coil in the device
Fill the pod (if refillable) or let the prefilled pod settle
Leave the device upright, untouched, for 10 minutes
Take a gentle first puff after 10 minutes

This works for every pod kit and is what we recommend for beginners.

Method 2: The Drip Method (For Confident Users)

Before inserting a new coil, drip 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton around the coil
Let it absorb for 1 minute
Install the coil in the pod and fill as normal
Wait another 5 minutes
Take a gentle first puff

This is slightly faster and works well if you are changing coils in a refillable tank. For prefilled pods where you cannot access the coil, stick with Method 1.

Part 4: How Often to Replace Your Pod

Pods do not last forever. Here is when to replace:

Lost Mary BM6000 pod: 6,000 puffs, approximately 7–10 days for a 20-a-day ex-smoker
Hayati Pro Ultra 25K: 25,000 puffs, 2–3 weeks
RandM Tornado 32K refill pod: 15,000–16,000 puffs per pod, 2 weeks
Lost Mary NERA 15K pod: 15,000 puffs, 10–14 days
General rule: replace when flavour starts fading, even if the e-liquid is not fully gone

Signs Your Pod Is Finished

Flavour is noticeably weaker than when new
Faint burnt taste on every puff, even after resting
E-liquid in the pod has darkened significantly
Visible black residue on the coil or cotton
Vapour production has dropped

Push through a dying pod and you will ruin your taste buds for hours. Just replace it.

Part 5: How to Clean Your Pod Kit

Regular cleaning extends device life and maintains flavour. Weekly routine:

Wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or damp cotton bud. Dried e-liquid residue affects flavour.
Clean the pod exterior with a slightly damp cloth. Do NOT get water inside the pod or near the connection contacts.
Clean the battery connection port on the device with a dry cotton bud to remove residue and dust.
Wipe the USB-C port to remove pocket fluff — lint buildup causes charging issues.
Check for leaks. If you see liquid pooling anywhere, clean thoroughly and inspect the pod for cracks.

Never immerse the device in water. Never use alcohol or solvents inside the pod. Never try to clean the coil itself — it is consumable.

Part 6: VG/PG Ratio Basics

If you are using a refillable pod kit, the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid matters. Here is the quick guide:

50/50 VG/PG — Standard for MTL pod kits and nic salts. Good flavour, good throat hit, good wicking. This is what most pod kits are designed for. All Elux Legend nic salts are 50/50.
60/40 or 70/30 VG/PG — More vapour, less throat hit. Thicker liquid that needs a larger coil opening to wick properly. Do not use in 1.0Ω+ MTL pods — the liquid is too thick and will cause dry hits.
80/20 or higher VG — Sub-ohm territory only. Do not use in any MTL pod kit.

For virtually every UK pod kit in 2026, stick to 50/50 nic salts. Browse our Elux Legend Nic Salts collection — all 50/50, all designed for pod kit use.

Part 7: Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Vaping a new pod immediately — skip the 10-minute wait, get a burnt coil, ruin the pod.
Chain-vaping — puffing every 3 seconds instead of waiting 15 seconds. Floods the coil and burns the wick.
Overfilling — pushes liquid into air channels, causing leaks and spitting.
Storing on its side — causes leaks through seals. Always store upright.
Using high-VG liquid in MTL pods — too thick to wick, causes burnt coils.
Ignoring flavour fade — pushing through a dying pod gives you a burnt taste that can linger for hours.
Leaving the device in a hot car — damages the battery and expands liquid, causing leaks.
Using the wrong charger — always USB-C from a reputable source. Cheap chargers can damage batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you refill a vape pod for the first time?

Remove the pod from the device, open the fill port, insert your e-liquid bottle nozzle, squeeze slowly to fill to the maximum line, close the fill port firmly, reinsert the pod into the device, and wait 10 minutes before vaping to allow the coil to prime.

How long should I wait after refilling a vape pod?

Wait at least 10 minutes after refilling or installing a new pod. This allows the cotton wick inside the coil to fully absorb e-liquid. Vaping too soon causes a burnt coil and permanently damages the pod.

Why does my new vape pod taste burnt?

The coil wasn't primed. Remove the pod, let it sit upright for 10 minutes so the cotton wick fully saturates with e-liquid, then take a gentle first puff. If it still tastes burnt, the coil is faulty and the pod needs replacing.

How often should I replace my vape pod?

Replace pods based on flavour, not just e-liquid level. Most prefilled pods last 6,000–15,000 puffs (7–14 days of heavy use). Replace immediately when flavour fades or you detect any burnt taste.

Can I refill a Lost Mary BM6000 pod myself?

No. The Lost Mary BM6000 uses sealed prefilled pods that are replaced, not refilled. Attempting to refill prefilled pods damages them and voids any warranty. Buy replacement pods from Vape7Store.

What is the best e-liquid for a pod kit?

Use 50/50 VG/PG nic salt e-liquid at 10mg or 20mg strength for most pod kits. High-VG e-liquid (70/30 or higher) will not wick properly in MTL pod kits and will cause burnt coils.

How do I prime a new vape coil?

Install the pod or coil, let it sit upright for 10 minutes so e-liquid fully saturates the cotton wick, then take a gentle first puff. For refillable tanks, you can also drip 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton before installing.

The Bottom Line

Pod kit maintenance is genuinely simple. Wait 10 minutes after any new pod. Fill slowly and do not overfill. Replace pods when flavour fades. Store upright. Clean weekly. That is 95% of the knowledge you need.

Browse our prefilled pod kits that require zero refilling skill: Lost Mary BM6000 (£6.99), Hayati Pro Ultra 25K, RandM Tornado 32K, and Lost Mary NERA 30K. Plus replacement pods for every kit with same-day dispatch before 2pm.

For adults 18+ only. Contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.

Shop the kits I tested

All the products mentioned above are in stock at Vape7Store with same-day dispatch before 2pm and £5 UK delivery. UK TPD compliant, MHRA notified.