A Canadian Vaping Choice: The Case for E-Liquids and Open Pod Systems

Canadian vapers choosing between disposables and reusable systems have more options than ever. Open pod systems paired with bottled e-liquids offer a different set of trade-offs: more flavour choices, lower ongoing costs, and less packaging waste per millilitre of e-liquid. Here is a factual look at how they compare.

Adults 19+ only. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is addictive.

What Is an Open Pod System?

An open pod system is a reusable vape device with a refillable pod. Instead of discarding the device when the e-liquid runs out, you refill the pod from a bottle of e-liquid and replace the pod or coil when flavour quality drops. The device itself is recharged via USB and lasts for months of regular use.

Popular options at Aroma Vapes include the STLTH Device Type C and the Geekvape Wenax Q Pro, both of which use refillable or replaceable pods. Browse our pod systems collection for the full range.

Key Specifications to Compare

• Device cost: Open pod devices typically range from $25 to $45 upfront.
• E-liquid cost: A 30 mL bottle of nicotine salt e-liquid (20 mg/mL) generally costs less per millilitre than the equivalent in disposable devices.
• Pod/coil lifespan: A refillable pod typically lasts one to two weeks of regular use before flavour diminishes.
• Battery: Most pod systems use built-in rechargeable batteries charged via USB-C.
• Nicotine options: Bottled e-liquids come in strengths from 0 to 20 mg/mL (the federal cap), giving more choice than the fixed 20 mg/mL of most disposables.

Flavour Selection

One of the main draws of open systems is the breadth of e-liquid flavours available. While a disposable line might offer 15 to 20 flavours, the bottled e-liquid market in Canada spans hundreds of options across fruit, mint, dessert, beverage and tobacco profiles. Brands like Allo and Allday Vapor offer salt nicotine e-liquids in 30 mL bottles at 10 and 20 mg/mL strengths.

Flavour availability varies by brand and changes over time, so check current stock online or ask in store.

Cost Comparison: Open Pods vs. Disposables

Here is a rough illustration based on typical Canadian retail prices. Actual costs vary by brand and consumption:

• Disposable (3,000-puff device): Approximately $18 per device. At one device every three days, that is roughly $180 per month.
• Open pod system: Approximately $35 for the device, plus roughly $20 to $25 per 30 mL bottle of e-liquid. A 30 mL bottle typically lasts one to two weeks depending on use, putting monthly e-liquid costs around $40 to $80, plus occasional pod replacements.

Over several months, the reusable device plus bottled e-liquid generally works out to a lower per-month cost, though the exact savings depend on individual usage patterns.

Nicotine Information

Bottled nicotine salt e-liquids in Canada are available at 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL (the federal maximum). Freebase e-liquids come in lower strengths such as 3 mg/mL and 6 mg/mL, typically used in higher-power devices. All nicotine-containing products are for adults 19+ in Ontario.

Getting Started with an Open Pod System

If you are new to refillable devices, the process is straightforward:

1. Charge the device fully before first use via the supplied USB-C cable.
2. Fill the pod: Remove the pod from the device, open the fill port (usually a silicone plug on the side or bottom), and squeeze e-liquid in. Do not overfill.
3. Prime the coil: After filling, wait 5 to 10 minutes so the e-liquid fully saturates the coil wicking. Skipping this step is the most common cause of burnt hits on a fresh pod.
4. Insert and vape: Place the pod back in the device and draw. Most pod systems are draw-activated with no buttons.
5. Refill as needed: Top up the pod before it runs dry. When flavour quality drops after a week or two, replace the pod or coil.

Our staff can demonstrate filling and priming in store if you would like a walkthrough on your first visit.

Who Are Open Pod Systems For?

Open pod systems suit adult vapers who:

• Want access to a wider range of e-liquid flavours than disposables offer.
• Prefer choosing their own nicotine strength, including lower or nicotine-free options.
• Are comfortable with basic maintenance: refilling pods, charging the device, and replacing pods or coils as needed.
• Want to reduce the number of disposable devices they go through.

Disposables remain the simpler option for those who prefer zero maintenance. Both categories are available at Aroma Vapes.

Where to Buy in Toronto

Visit Aroma Vapes at 3735 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, open daily 10 AM to 11 PM, to compare open pod devices and sample the e-liquid range. Shop online at aromarush.ca with Canada-wide shipping. Start with our pod systems and e-liquids collections.