SnapVape vs. Disposable Vape: Cost and Environment Compared
The popularity of compact e-cigarettes has grown rapidly in recent years. For a long time, so-called disposables dominated the market. However, the trend is increasingly shifting: More and more consumers are looking for a sensible disposable vape alternative. The reasons for this vary, but mostly focus on two main aspects: ongoing expenses and the environmental impact of electronic waste. Using a refillable vape instead of a disposable one offers a clear solution here.
In this article, we highlight the differences between conventional disposable devices and modern reusable solutions. Using the SnapVape system as an example, we show how the transition looks in practice, how the pod system works, and provide a concrete calculation example of how you can save costs on vapes in Switzerland.
Why Switching to a Reusable Vape Makes Sense
Disposable vapes are ready to use immediately and require no prior knowledge. Once the e-liquid is used up or the battery is empty, the entire device is discarded. This leads to considerable resource consumption, as a fully functional lithium-ion battery is lost with every throw into the trash. A reusable vape separates these components: The battery is retained and recharged, while only the e-liquid or the pod is replaced.
Besides the ecological aspect, price plays a crucial role. Those who vape regularly spend a lot of money on disposable devices over time. Switching to a system where only liquid and occasionally a wear part are repurchased drastically reduces expenses.
The SnapVape Pod System in Detail
To understand how a refillable vape works, we look at the structure of the SnapVape. The system is modular and consists of three core components:
- The battery mod: The centerpiece is a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1100 mAh. This is designed for long-term use and costs CHF 11.50 individually. It is fully retained after the liquid is consumed and is recharged via cable.
- The empty pod: This pod acts as a tank and vaporizer in one. The SnapVape empty pod holds 10 ml of liquid and features a visible liquid level as well as a leak-proof design. Inside, a dual mesh coil operates, ensuring even heating and flavor development. The integrated airflow control allows for adjusting the draw resistance. A special feature is the top-fill design, which enables easy filling from above. An empty pod costs CHF 7.50.
- The e-liquid: E-liquid in 10 ml bottles is used to fill the pod. The SnapVape liquid contains 20 mg/ml nicotine salt, which provides a smooth vaping sensation in compact devices while allowing for rapid nicotine absorption. Each bottle costs CHF 7.90. There are 10 flavors to choose from, including varieties like Banana Ice, Fresh Mint, Triple Mango, or Wild Berries.
Anyone wanting a comprehensive overview of this new alternative on the Swiss vape market can find more information in our article SnapVape Switzerland: an overview of the new refillable pod system.
Calculation Example: Saving Costs on Vapes in Switzerland
The central question for many switchers is the financial benefit. To make this transparent, we compare the costs for a 10 ml liquid volume between conventional disposable products and the SnapVape.
A typical disposable vape often contains 2 ml of liquid and costs on average about CHF 8.00 to 10.00 in Switzerland. To reach an amount of 10 ml, five such disposable devices would have to be purchased. This corresponds to expenses of around CHF 40.00 to CHF 50.00.
Let us now look at the prices for the SnapVape. Here we distinguish between the initial acquisition costs and the ongoing costs:
The Acquisition (Starter Kit)
To get started, the battery, a pod, and liquid are required. A complete starter kit (battery mod + empty pod + 1x e-liquid) is available for CHF 26.90. A set with two bottles of liquid is CHF 34.90. Details on the scope of delivery can be read in the article SnapVape Starter Kit: content, price, and getting started.
The Ongoing Costs (Refilling)
Once the first liquid is used up, you only need a new bottle of liquid (CHF 7.90) for the next 10 ml and, after a certain period of use, a fresh empty pod (CHF 7.50), as the integrated coil is subject to natural wear. If you buy an empty pod combined with an e-liquid (20 mg/ml), the price is CHF 15.40.
| Comparison (for 10 ml liquid volume) | Disposable Vapes (5 x 2 ml) | SnapVape (Ongoing Costs) |
|---|---|---|
| Required hardware | 5 complete devices incl. battery | 1 empty pod + 1 bottle of liquid |
| Estimated price | approx. CHF 40.00 - 50.00 | CHF 15.40 |
| Waste | 5 batteries, 5 casings, plastic | 1 plastic pod, 1 empty bottle |
The numbers show clearly: The purchase of the battery pays for itself from the second filling onwards. The ongoing costs for 10 ml are CHF 15.40 with SnapVape – an enormous saving compared to constantly buying new disposables.
The Ecological Aspect: Reusable Instead of Disposable
In addition to the wallet, the environment also benefits when reusable is chosen instead of disposable. The core problem with disposable vapes is the built-in battery. This is discarded as soon as the liquid reservoir of usually only 2 ml is empty – even though the battery could technically be recharged hundreds of times.
With the SnapVape pod system, the 1100 mAh battery remains in use long-term. When the 10 ml reservoir is empty, the device is charged via USB cable and the pod is simply refilled using the top-fill system. When the pod reaches the end of its lifespan (which becomes noticeable through a diminishing or altered taste), only this plastic component is replaced. Electronic waste is thus reduced to an absolute minimum.
Handling and Flavor Variety
A common prejudice against refillable e-cigarettes is that they are complicated to operate. However, modern systems have greatly simplified this process. Filling from above (top-fill) means that the pod does not necessarily have to be separated from the battery mod for refilling. The visible liquid level also protects against the pod accidentally being vaped dry. A precise explanation of this process is provided in our step-by-step guide to filling the empty pod.
When it comes to flavor selection, refillable vapes are in no way inferior to disposable models. SnapVape offers ten different e-liquid varieties (20 mg/ml nicotine salt), ranging from classic fruit notes like Juicy Peach and Grape Ice to fresh options like Fresh Mint. A detailed overview of all available flavors can be found in our SnapVape flavors variety comparison.
By the way: Customers of the former partner shops snustrend.com and dampfwelt.ch can now conveniently find the complete SnapVape assortment here at Schnupfhus.com.
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a true alternative to disposable devices can hardly ignore modern pod systems. The SnapVape impressively demonstrates how uncomplicated the switch can be. With a rechargeable 1100 mAh battery, a generous 10 ml empty pod, and high-quality nicotine salt liquid, it combines the simple operation of disposable devices with the advantages of the reusable vape. The acquisition costs are low, the ongoing costs of CHF 15.40 for 10 ml of liquid and a new pod noticeably relieve the budget, and retaining the battery massively saves on electronic waste. A win for the wallet and the environment.
Important note: E-cigarettes and liquids are intended exclusively for adults over 18 years of age. Nicotine is addictive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is SnapVape cheaper than disposable vapes?
Yes, significantly. While you pay around CHF 40.00 to 50.00 for 10 ml of liquid in the form of typical 2 ml disposable vapes (five pieces) in Switzerland, the ongoing costs for the SnapVape for 10 ml (one empty pod for CHF 7.50 plus a bottle of e-liquid for CHF 7.90) are only CHF 15.40. Only the initial purchase of the battery (CHF 11.50) or a starter kit is a one-off cost.
What happens to the battery?
Unlike disposable vapes, the SnapVape battery mod is not thrown away. The powerful 1100 mAh battery is rechargeable and remains intact even after the liquid is completely consumed. It is easily recharged via a USB port.
When does the empty pod need to be replaced?
An empty pod holds 10 ml of liquid. The built-in mesh coil inside is subject to natural wear. When the vapor decreases or the flavor becomes distorted or tastes slightly burnt, it is time to replace the pod with a new one.
How is the SnapVape filled with liquid?
The SnapVape system uses a so-called top-fill design. This means that the pod is conveniently filled from above without having to be complicatedly unscrewed or removed from the device. A bottle holds exactly the 10 ml that also fit into the empty pod.
