Refillable and Prefilled Pod Systems: How Each Type Works
Since single-use vaping devices were prohibited in New Zealand, pod systems fall into two groups: prefilled (a sealed pod that is replaced when empty) and refillable (a pod the user fills from a bottle). This page explains how each type works and what the practical differences are. It describes product categories as they are defined by New Zealand regulation. It is not purchase advice.
How a prefilled pod system works
A prefilled system has two parts: a rechargeable battery unit and a sealed pod containing e-liquid and a built-in coil. When the pod is empty it is removed and replaced with another of the same type. There is no filling, no coil to fit and nothing to adjust.
Prefilled pods are supplied in the nicotine strengths and flavours the pod manufacturer produces for the New Zealand market. They are typically sold by a manufacturer-rated puff count rather than by volume. Rated puff counts are laboratory figures and depend on puff length and draw, so actual use varies between people.
How a refillable pod system works
A refillable system also uses a rechargeable battery unit, but the pod is filled by the user from a bottle of e-liquid. Depending on the design, either the whole pod is replaced periodically, or a replaceable coil inside it is.
Because the pod is filled by the user, a refillable system can be used with any compatible e-liquid, at any nicotine strength within the legal limits, including nicotine-free e-liquid. Refillable pods typically hold around 2 mL and are replaced every one to three weeks depending on use.
Practical differences
| Prefilled | Refillable | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation before use | Insert pod | Fill pod and allow it to stand 5–10 minutes |
| E-liquid | Sealed in the pod | Bought separately in bottles |
| Nicotine strength | Fixed per pod | Selected by the user, within legal limits |
| Consumable replaced | The pod, when empty | The pod or coil, when performance drops |
| Routine maintenance | Charging | Charging, filling, pod or coil changes |
Working out running cost
Running cost depends on how much e-liquid a person gets through, which varies widely. The method is the same for either type:
- Refillable: e-liquid used per month, multiplied by the per-millilitre price of the bottle size bought, plus the number of pods or coils replaced in that month.
- Prefilled: the number of pods used per month, multiplied by the price of a pod. Because rated puff counts do not translate reliably into days of use, the only accurate method is to time how long the first pod actually lasts.
Current prices for any particular item are shown on that item's product page.
Nicotine limits
New Zealand caps nicotine concentration at 20 mg/mL for freebase nicotine e-liquid and 28.5 mg/mL of nicotine for nicotine salt e-liquid, which corresponds to 50 mg/mL of nicotine salt. These limits apply to both prefilled pods and bottled e-liquid. Reading a nicotine figure on a label explains how the two figures relate.
Batteries and disposal
Both types use a small lithium battery charged over USB. See the Battery Safety Guide for handling and charging. Used pods should not go in kerbside recycling; prefilled pods that contain a battery should go to a council e-waste or battery collection point. Pod and coil life covers disposal in more detail.
Related reading
Questions about anything on this page: email customerservice@vapourium.nz or call 03 974 8136, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.