If you’ve ever wondered whether a reusable vape or a disposable vape is better for your budget, you’re not alone. With so many options available in Canada, it can be challenging to determine which vape style saves you more money in the long run.
At Shoprite Smoke Shop, we carry both types—reusable and disposable—so we’ve seen firsthand how each one fits different lifestyles. This guide will help you compare the two based on cost, convenience, and your vaping habits.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which type is right for you—and which one makes more sense for your wallet.
What Are Reusable Vapes?
Reusable vapes, also called refillable or rechargeable vapes, are designed for long-term use. Instead of tossing the device when the e-liquid runs out, you simply refill the tank or pod and recharge the battery.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable Battery: You charge the device using a USB or USB-C cable.
- Refillable Pods or Tanks: You can fill them with any compatible e-liquid.
- Customizable Settings (on advanced models): Some allow you to adjust airflow, wattage, or temperature.
Common Types of Reusable Vapes:
- Closed Pod Systems (e.g., STLTH or Allo Sync) – Use pre-filled pods; easy to use but less customizable.
- Open Pod Systems (e.g., Uwell Caliburn) – Let you refill with your preferred e-juice.
- Vape Pens and Mods – larger devices that offer more vapour and flavour control.
Why People Choose Them:
- Lower cost over time due to refillable nature
- More flavor options with your own e-liquids
- Eco-friendlier than disposables
Reusable vapes require a bit more attention—you’ll need to recharge them, refill them, and occasionally replace coils or pods—but they offer flexibility and savings for regular users.
What Are Disposable Vapes?
Disposable vapes are pre-filled, pre-charged devices that are ready to use straight out of the box. Once the e-liquid runs out or the battery dies, you simply throw the whole device away—no refilling, recharging, or maintenance required.
Key Features:
- All-in-One Design: Includes a built-in battery and pre-filled e-liquid.
- No Maintenance: Use it until it’s done—no coils, no chargers, no mess.
- Fixed Puff Count: Most come labeled with an estimated number of puffs (e.g., 5,000–8,000).
Popular Disposable Brands in Canada:
- Elf Bar BC5000 – 5,000 puffs, mesh coil, strong flavor consistency
- Flavour Beast 8K – Up to 8,000 puffs, bold Canadian flavours
- Lost Mary OS5000 – Stylish design with reliable flavor output
- Rufpuf Ripper 6000 – Mid-range puff count and smooth draw
Why People Choose Them:
- Ultra-convenient—perfect for travel or on-the-go vaping
- No upfront setup required
- Great way to try new flavours without committing to a whole bottle of e-liquid
If you’re just getting started or want something easy with zero upkeep, disposables are a satisfying and straightforward choice.
Cost Breakdown: Reusable vs Disposable Vapes
To understand which type of vape saves you more, you need to look at both the upfront and ongoing costs. While disposables seem cheaper at first, reusable vapes often pay off in the long run—especially if you vape regularly.
Upfront Costs
Reusable Vape Starter Kit:
- STLTH Device Kit: around $15–CAD 20
- Uwell Caliburn: around $35–CAD 45
- Pods or e-liquid sold separately: $15–$25
- Total initial cost: $30–CAD 70
Disposable Vape:
- Elf Bar, Lost Mary, etc.: $20–CAD 30 per device
- No additional cost required up front
Verdict: Disposables are cheaper to start, but reusable devices may save more over time.
Ongoing Monthly Costs (Moderate Vaper: ~2,000 puffs/week)
Reusable Vape:
- E-liquid usage: ~2 bottles/month (~60mL total) → $30–$40 CAD
- Occasional pod or coil replacement: $5–CAD 10
- Total Monthly Cost: ~$40–CAD 50
Disposable Vape:
- Each device lasts ~5,000–6,000 puffs → You’d need ~3–4 per month
- Cost per device: CAD 25
- Total Monthly Cost: ~$75–$100 CAD
Verdict: If you vape often, reusables cost less month-to-month.
Long-Term Cost (6-Month Outlook)
- Reusable Vape: ~$300
- Disposable Vape: ~$600
Over 6 months, a regular vaper could cut costs in half by switching to a reusable system.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Beyond the price tag, a few other things can impact how much you spend on vaping. Whether you’re using a reusable device or a disposable one, your habits and preferences play a significant role in the overall cost.
Vaping Frequency
- Daily vapers will get more value from reusable devices because the cost per puff drops over time.
- Occasional users may find disposables more cost-effective if they only vape occasionally.
Battery Life and Recharging
- With reusable vapes, battery performance can degrade over time. Replacing devices or batteries adds to the long-term cost.
- Disposables don’t need recharging, but they must be replaced entirely once they’re dead, which can be more expensive over time.
Flavor Variety and Switching
- If you like switching between flavours often, disposables seem more appealing since each one comes with a preset flavor.
- With reusables, you’ll need to buy multiple e-liquids and possibly separate pods to rotate flavors—an upfront cost, but cheaper in the long run.
Maintenance Costs
- Reusable vapes require occasional coil or pod replacements, which occur every 1–2 weeks on average. These are relatively low-cost but necessary for performance and safety.
- Disposables require no maintenance, which is part of their appeal—but you pay for that convenience with each purchase.
These factors can add up differently depending on your lifestyle, so the “cheaper” option isn’t always the same for everyone.
Convenience vs Savings: What Matters to You?
When choosing between reusable and disposable vapes, it comes down to what you value more—ease of use or long-term savings. Both options offer clear benefits, but they serve different needs.
Reusable Vapes: Best for Long-Term Value
You might prefer a reusable vape if:
- You vape daily or regularly
- You’re comfortable refilling and charging a device
- You want to save money over time
- You enjoy customizing your vaping experience with different e-liquids
Reusable vapes give you more control and reduce your cost per puff, especially if you’re vaping often.
Disposable Vapes: Best for Simplicity and Portability
You might prefer a disposable vape if:
- You’re new to vaping and want something simple
- You don’t vape often
- You don’t want to deal with refilling, charging, or maintenance
- You’re travelling or need a backup device
Disposables are all about convenience—you open the box and start vaping. No setup, no fuss.
Whichever you choose, it’s essential to match your vape style to your lifestyle. Some vapers even use both—reusables at home, disposables on the go.
Which One Saves You More? Final Verdict
Let’s break it down clearly. If your main goal is to save money over time, reusable vapes are the smarter choice. But if simplicity and ease are more important to you, disposable vapes offer a stress-free way to vape.
| Feature | Feature | Disposable Vapes |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Higher ($30–CAD 70) | Lower ($20–CAD 30) |
| Monthly Cost | ~$40–CAD 50 | ~$75–$100 CAD |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Easy |
| Customizability | High | None |
| Maintenance Needed | Yes (refills, charging) | No |
| Best For | Regular users | Occasional or new users |
Our Take:
- If you vape daily or even a few times a week, a reusable vape will save you more in the long run.
- If you vape casually or only when travelling, disposables offer flexibility without the need to manage a device.
You don’t have to commit to just one type. Many of our customers at Shoprite Smoke Shop use both—keeping a reusable device at home and a disposable in their bag or car for when they’re out.
Reusable and Disposable Vapes Available at Shoprite
At Shoprite Smoke Shop, we stock a wide range of both reusable and disposable vapes, so you can choose what fits your needs without compromising on quality or price.
Reusable Vapes We Carry
If you’re looking to switch to a refillable device, here are some of our best-selling reusable options:
STLTH Device Kit
- Compact, reliable, and uses pre-filled pods
- Ideal for users who want a simple reusable setup
Allo Sync Device
- Compatible with Allo pods
- Leak-resistant design with magnetic pod connection
Uwell Caliburn Series
- Great for flavour lovers
- Refillable pods with excellent coil life
Voopoo Vinci
- More advanced features (wattage control, screen display)
- Suitable for intermediate to experienced users
All reusable devices are compatible with 20mg e-liquid options in Canada.
Top Disposable Vapes at Shoprite
If you prefer something with no setup or maintenance, check out these trusted disposable models:
Elf Bar BC5000
- Up to 5,000 puffs
- Rechargeable with bold, fruity flavors
Lost Mary OS5000
- Sleek and ergonomic
- Great for discreet vaping on the go
Flavour Beast 8K
- Up to 8,000 puffs
- Strong throat hit and full-bodied taste
Rufpuf Ripper 6000
- A comfortable, mid-size option
- Smooth draw and excellent vapor production
You can order these online and get them delivered across Canada.
Whether you’re ready to switch to reusable or just want a backup disposable for convenience, you’ll find the right gear here.
Still Not Sure? Let Us Help You Decide
Choosing between a reusable and a disposable vape isn’t always straightforward. It depends on how often you vape, the types of flavours you enjoy, and how much you want to spend each month. If you’re still on the fence, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Shoprite Smoke Shop, we’ve helped thousands of customers across Canada pick the vape setup that fits their lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re brand new to vaping or looking to make a switch, our team is here to give you honest, straightforward advice.
Contact us today for product recommendations, cost comparisons, or a quick chat to find out what might work best for you.
You can also browse our reusable and disposable vapes online and filter by puff count, flavour, and price to find exactly what you’re looking for.
