If you’ve been hunting for the best pod vape in the UK that doesn’t cost the earth or end up in the bin after a few hundred puffs, you’ve probably stumbled across two big names: Elf Bar ELFA PRO and Lost Mary Tappo.
Both are designed to be easy, convenient alternatives to disposables, but with less waste and more value. Sounds brilliant, right? But which one actually lives up to the hype?
Let’s break it down like real people: no marketing fluff, no complicated tech talk, just a straight-up, honest, human review of these two refillable pod vapes.
What Are These Pod Kits Anyway?
Let’s start with the basics.
Elf Bar ELFA PRO Pod Kit
The Elf Bar ELFA PRO is Elf Bar’s reusable pod system. Instead of chucking away your vape every time you finish, you recharge the battery and just swap out the pod. These ELFA PRO pods come prefilled with 2 ml of nic salt vape juice (20mg strength), and they use something called a QUAQ mesh coil, basically, it makes the flavour pop and the draw smooth.
The battery is slim, pocket-friendly, and dead simple to use. Just click in the pod, inhale, and you’re vaping.
Curious about longevity? Read How Long Do ELFA PRO Pods Last to get a full flavour breakdown per puff cycle.
Lost Mary Tappo Pod Kit
On the other side, we’ve got the Lost Mary Tappo. It’s a similar idea, rechargeable battery, prefilled pods, and mesh coils for smooth flavour. It’s part of the Lost Mary pod vape line-up, which is known for bold, juicy flavours and stylish design. The Tappo definitely looks the part, it’s a bit flashier than the ELFA PRO, with a polished design and stronger draw.
So far, they sound pretty similar. But when you actually use them, the differences start to show.
Design & Build
ELFA PRO
If you’re after a slim, no-fuss vape that feels light in the hand, the ELFA PRO is spot on. It’s got a soft matte finish, a clicky pod system, and just looks clean. The mouthpiece is comfy, and it feels natural to use, especially if you’re transitioning from a disposable.
Tappo
The Lost Mary Tappo looks fancy. It’s got a glossier, more premium-style design and feels a bit heavier. Not uncomfortable, just… a bit more noticeable in the pocket. If you like vapes that look cool, the Tappo might win on style points. But in terms of all-day use? ELFA PRO is a bit more practical.
Flavour & Coil Performance
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: flavour. If you’re buying a pod vape, you want it to taste great from the first puff to the last, not die out halfway through.
ELFA PRO with QUAQ Coil
Here’s where the Elf Bar ELFA PRO pods shine. Thanks to the QUAQ mesh coil, flavours stay strong all the way through. No weird aftertaste, no flavour drop-off, just consistent, delicious vapour. Whether it’s Blue Razz Lemonade, Watermelon, or Pink Lemonade, the taste is clean and true.
This coil tech also helps avoid dry hits and burning, which is a massive win, especially if you chain vape (we won’t judge).
Lost Mary Tappo
The Tappo pods also use mesh coils and deliver decent flavour, particularly on stronger blends like Blueberry Sour Raspberry or Lemon Lime. But it can start to fade after a while, especially with sweeter juices. It’s not bad at all, just not as consistent as ELFA PRO, especially if you’re vaping regularly.
Ease of Use
Both the Elf Bar ELFA PRO and Lost Mary Tappo are buttonless draw-activated pod systems, meaning you just inhale to vape. No buttons, no settings, just plug in the pod and puff.
But the ELFA PRO edges ahead for a few small reasons:
- Pod clicks in securely – less risk of leaks
- Slimmer battery – easier to hold and charge
- Pods are everywhere – easy to find and swap flavours
It’s the kind of device you can hand to a mate who’s never vaped before, and they’d figure it out in seconds. If you’re looking for a vape kit for beginners, this is a solid choice.
Flavour Range & Nicotine Hit
Both kits use 20mg nic salts, which deliver that smooth, fast-acting hit that keeps cravings in check. Perfect if you’re quitting smoking or just want a satisfying draw without a throat punch.
But when it comes to flavour range, Elf Bar ELFA PRO pods offer a bit more variety, and most match the Elf Bar disposable flavours we all know and love.
Here are some standout Elf Bar ELFA PRO flavours:
- Blue Razz Lemonade
- Kiwi Passionfruit Guava
- Pink Lemonade
- Cola
- Apple Peach
The Tappo flavours are tasty too, but there’s currently less choice in the UK, and they can be a bit harder to find.
Battery & Charging
Both devices feature a 500mAh battery and charge via USB-C, so you’ll get similar performance in terms of longevity.
- Light vaper? You’ll get a full day easy.
- Heavy vaper? You’ll probably need to top up in the evening.
No major differences here, but again, the ELFA PRO feels slightly faster to charge, and you can often vape while it charges (depending on your cable).
Price & Value
This is where things get interesting.
ELFA PRO
- Lower pod prices
- More bundle deals
- Bigger UK stock availability
- Long-term savings vs disposables
If you’re looking for the best cheap vape kit in the UK that still tastes great, ELFA PRO offers more bang for your buck.
Lost Mary Tappo
- Slightly more expensive pods
- Less availability in smaller shops
- Still cheaper than disposables, but not the best value overall
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a hassle-free alternative to disposable vapes in the UK, both the Elf Bar ELFA PRO pod kit and the Lost Mary Tappo deliver solid performance. But one definitely edges out the other.
Go for Elf Bar ELFA PRO if you want:
- Longer-lasting flavour with QUAQ coil
- More flavour options
- Better value for money
- A lightweight, easy-to-use pod vape
- Something that feels just like an Elf Bar disposable, but better
Choose Lost Mary Tappo if you prefer:
- Stylish design and warmer vapour
- A tighter, cigarette-style draw
- A pod vape that feels a little more premium in the hand
Final Thought
At the end of the day, it’s not just about flavour or tech, it’s about which vape fits your lifestyle. If you’re after a simple, satisfying, and more affordable way to vape without the waste of disposables, the Elf Bar ELFA PRO pod vape is the no-nonsense winner.
It’s reliable, refillable, and ready whenever you are, no mess, no drama.