Complete Vape Starter Kit Checklist

Reviewed by Ismail Hossain, Product Specialist — Last reviewed: September 28, 2026

Just bought your first pod system or vape kit? This checklist covers everything you’ll need alongside the device itself — e-liquid, spare coils, and the accessories most first-time buyers forget. If you’re still deciding between a disposable and a refillable device, start with our Disposable Vape vs Pod System guide instead. Jump to: The checklist · 1. Your device · 2. E-liquid · 3. Spare coils · 4. Accessories · FAQ.

Device certification and nicotine-strength limits for vapes sold in the UAE are set by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The checklist

1. Your device

If you haven’t bought a device yet, our Pod System category covers everything from compact MTL pod kits to higher-wattage sub-ohm mods. Not sure which brand or line to pick? Our flagship reviews cover the most popular ranges in detail: Vaporesso XROS, VOOPOO Drag, Uwell Caliburn, SMOK Nord, GeekVape Aegis and OXVA Xlim.

If you’re a first-time buyer, deciding between a compact mouth-to-lung pod kit and a higher-wattage sub-ohm pod mod is usually the first real decision to make, and it’s mostly about how you plan to vape rather than which brand looks nicest. A tighter, cigarette-like draw at lower wattage points toward a compact MTL pod kit and nicotine salt e-liquid; a looser, airier draw with bigger vapour points toward a sub-ohm-capable pod mod and freebase e-liquid at a lower strength. Most first-time buyers coming from cigarettes find an MTL pod kit the more familiar starting point.

Setting up your device for the first time

Before your first vape, give a new device a full initial charge rather than using it straight out of the box on a partial charge — most pod kits charge over USB-C, and a full charge typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on battery size. If your kit came with a pre-filled pod, or you’ve just filled an empty one, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before the first draw so the coil’s wicking material can fully saturate; vaping on a dry coil straight away is a common cause of a harsh, burnt-tasting first few puffs that has nothing to do with a faulty device.

Start with shorter, gentler draws rather than long pulls until you’ve gauged how the device and e-liquid strength feel, especially if you’re new to vaping or switching from a different nicotine strength than you’re used to. It’s easier to take another puff than to back off from starting too strong.

2. E-liquid

Your device’s coil resistance decides the format: small, low-wattage pod kits need nicotine salt, while sub-ohm tanks and higher-wattage pod mods need freebase. Our Freebase vs Salt Nicotine E-Liquid guide walks through the difference, and our Best Shortfill E-Liquids guide covers larger-format bottles if you vape a full tank most days.

Nicotine strength is worth thinking through rather than defaulting to the highest number available. A former pack-a-day smoker moving to nicotine salts often starts comfortably around 20mg, which is also the UAE.S 5030:2018 cap; someone who smoked less, or is more sensitive to nicotine, may find a lower strength or freebase e-liquid at 3-12mg more comfortable. Buying one bottle at a moderate strength first, rather than a large multi-bottle order, gives you room to adjust before committing.

3. Spare coils

Buy at least one spare coil or pod alongside your device — most coils last 1-3 weeks with daily use, and running out is the most common reason a new vaper’s device suddenly “stops working.” Our device-specific compatibility guides make it easy to find the exact match: Vaporesso, VOOPOO, Uwell Caliburn, SMOK Nord, GeekVape Aegis and OXVA Xlim.

Knowing the signs a coil is due for replacement saves you from an unnecessary trip back to a compatibility guide: a burnt or muted taste that wasn’t there before, noticeably less vapour, a gurgling sound during a draw, or the pod leaking from the airflow are the usual signals. When you buy your first spare, it’s worth buying two or three rather than just one, since coils are consumed steadily with regular use and having a small reserve avoids a gap in between orders.

4. Accessories

Most pod kits need nothing extra, but if your device takes a removable 18650 or 21700 battery, budget for a spare cell and a battery case — see our Accessories category and our Vape Battery & Charger Safety Guide before you buy your first spare cell.

Switching from disposables?

If you’re moving from pre-filled disposable vapes to a refillable pod system, the biggest adjustment is buying e-liquid and coils separately rather than getting a fresh device each time. It costs less per puff long-term but needs a small amount of upkeep a disposable never asks for — this checklist covers exactly what that upkeep involves.

Vape Starter Kit FAQ

Do I need to buy a spare coil right away?
It’s not essential on day one, but coils wear out within weeks, so having a spare ready avoids being without your device when it happens.

Freebase or nicotine salt — which do I need?
It depends on your device’s coil resistance, not personal preference alone. See our Freebase vs Salt Nicotine E-Liquid guide for the full breakdown.

Does every pod system need a spare battery?
No — only mods with a removable 18650 or 21700 cell. Most compact pod kits have a built-in battery and charge over USB-C directly.

How much should I budget beyond the device itself?
A bottle of e-liquid (AED 40-65) and a pack of spare coils or pods (AED 30-50) covers most first-time setups; add a spare battery and case (AED 40-80 combined) only if your device needs one.

Is a pod system legal to buy and use in the UAE?
Yes, subject to the same UAE.S 5030:2018 rules and 18+ age restriction as other vaping products. See our Is Vaping Legal guide.

Should I prime a new coil before vaping?
Yes. Let a freshly filled pod or tank sit for 5-10 minutes before the first draw so the coil’s wick can saturate fully. Vaping on a dry coil straight away often causes a harsh, burnt first few puffs.

What nicotine strength should a first-time vaper choose?
It depends on your previous smoking or vaping habit. A moderate strength (rather than the highest available) is a safer starting point, since it’s easier to move up than to back off from starting too strong.

How many spare coils should I buy at once?
Two or three is a practical starting point for most new vapers, since coils are consumed steadily with regular use and having a small reserve avoids running out between orders.

How do I know my coil needs replacing?
A burnt or muted taste, less vapour than before, a gurgling sound, or leaking from the airflow are the usual signs. See our device-specific coil compatibility guides for exact replacements.

Last updated: 28 September 2026. Prices are approximate and reflect vaporae.com’s catalogue at time of writing. Sale restricted to adults 18+ in the UAE.

Reviewed by Ismail Hossain, Founder & Product Specialist — Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.

Products on this site contain nicotine, an addictive substance. Sale restricted to adults 18+.

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