Before moving on to advanced models such as the celebrated iStick Pico (Eleaf), the eVic VTC Mini (Joyetech), or the Alien (Smoktech), newcomers to electronic cigarettes will most likely use a starter kit.

A starter kit is an efficient and easy-to-use e-cigarette designed for new users. A range of manufacturers have developed various types of e-cigarettes made especially for newcomers. Thanks to starter kits, new users can become familiar with the concepts of e-liquid and nicotine levels, batteries, and atomizers.

This article lists the best starter kits being released throughout the year. We will look at the strengths and weaknesses of each product.

This article also includes certain 2016 models, due to their continuing popularity.

 

Ego AIO by Joyetech 

The eGo AIO is an all-in-one e-cigarette in tube form. It is the first e-cigarette starter kit to have a top-filling system as well as a childproof pressure closing system. As a result, this e-cigarette is easy to use and requires little upkeep. When inhaling the vapor, there’s no need to regulate pressure because the battery does it for you.

The only flaw that we could find with this starter kit is that when wicks aren’t fully primed, the liquid tends to rise up the drip tip.

Insert a Q-tip into the chamber when refilling. In effect, the tip of the cotton swab will absorb the extra liquid, which can rise up the coil when the top cap is closed.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2 ml
Battery: 1500 mAh
Dimensions: 19 x 118.05 mm
Type of airflow: Adjustable from the top
Filling method: top-filled
Type of coil: BF Series

 

Endura T18 from Innokin

This all-inclusive kit with a tube form is ideal for e-cigarette newcomers. Since the battery is so simple to use, we are going to focus on the atomizer. The Prism atomizer is independent from the battery. It has a top-down filling system and its coil is designed with multiple vents, which allows the user to fill it with various types of liquid.

Despite its non-adjustable airflow, the Endura T18 allows for mouth-to-lung inhalation with good vapor production.

A recent version of the T18 was released, called the T18E. This version has a 2ml capacity and is TPD compliant. Be careful, however, as the new model uses different coils.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.5 ml
Battery: 1000 mAh
Dimensions: 18 x 145 mm
Type of airflow: non-adjustable
Filling method: top-filled
Type of coil: Prism T18

 

PockeX from Aspire

The PockeX is an all-in-one e-cigarette. It is very similar to the eGo AIO from Joyetech: top-down airflow and filling method, 2ml capacity and a 1500 mAh battery. The advantage that it has over the eGo AIO is that there is no risk of rising liquid. The PockeX’s tank is also replaceable but the airflow is non-adjustable.

Since the PockeX is simply a Nautilus X atomizer fused to a battery, you can use the same coils.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml
Battery: 1500 mAh
Dimensions: 19.7 x 117.7 mm
Type of airflow: non-adjustable
Filling method: top-filled
Type of coil: Utech 0.6 Ohm

 

Q14 and Q16 from Justfog

The Justfrog brand offers two specialized starter-kits. The Q14 starter-kit has a box format (left). It doesn’t have any dedicated buttons to adjust voltage, and is accompanied by the Q14 atomizer. The Q16 kit also contains a box-format battery, but it includes buttons to set the variable voltage and comes with a Q16 atomizer.

Despite their physical differences, the taste and vapour output is identical. The coils are also interchangeable. Both are ergonomic box models and are very easy to use.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml (Q16) / 1.8 ml (Q14)
Battery: 900 mAh
Dimensions: 73 x 13 x 21.5 mm / 18.4 x 34.2 x 62.7 mm
Type of airflow: adjustable
Filling method: from the bottom
Type of coil: Q14/16 Series

 

New Products in 2024

 

 Exceed by Joyetech

Launched recently, Exceed is the new e-cig starter kit by renowned manufacturer Joyetech. While the eGo AIO is clinging to first place, this new kit has a range of features that will appeal to a wide audience.

The starter kit includes a 1500 mAh battery and an Exceed atomizer mainly designed for mouth-to-lung vaping. The Exceed battery features 2 modes:

• Bypass mode, a direct output mode which will transfer the maximum possible voltage,
• Constant voltage, which will regulate a constant battery output depending on the resistance of the coil.

Exceed is a top-filled atomiser. It fits 1.2 and 0.5 ohm coils to allow for both direct-to-lung and mouth-to-lung vaping. The airflow ring has a large slit and 3 smaller holes to allow for fine-tuning.

Unfortunately, the proprietary drip top delivers a tight draw and as a result is not ideal for using the 0.5 ohm coils to their full potential.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml
Battery: 1500 mAh
Dimensions: 19 x 76 mm
Type of airflow: adjustable
Filling method: top-filled
Type of coil: EX series

 

Endura T20 by Innokin

The Endura T20 is the latest starter kit by Innokin. It incorporates a more powerful battery than that of T18 and a Prism T20 atomizer.

While the airflow is not adjustable, the pull delivers a great deal more flow than its predecessor.  The kit also includes a protective tip to cover the top when in storage.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml
Battery: 1500 mAh
Dimensions: 20 x 130 mm
Type of airflow:  non-adjustable
Filling method: top-filled
Type of coil: Prism T20 series

 

Nautilus 2 starter kit by Aspire

The Nautilus 2 stands apart from all models cited previously in this selection.  The kit includes a Zelos battery box featuring variable voltage, and a Nautilus 2 atomizer.  This kit is ideal for new users but will provide consistent quality to intermediate vaping enthusiasts as well.  The battery can output 50 Watts and features a number of advanced modes, including temperature control. Building on the worldwide success of Nautilus and Nautilus Mini, Aspire has released a 3rd generation which is proving functional and practical. The steel-plated tank, ensuring the pyrex is well-protected, and top-fill system are very well designed. Vapour is light and airy, despite the design of the atomizer and resistance level which deliver a tight draw.

Despite these qualities, users should note that the airflow ring is particularly tight when the atomizer is screwed onto a box battery, and the fact that the tank must be empty in order to replace the coil.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml
Battery: 2500 mAh
Dimensions: 131 x 40 x 23 mm
Type of airflow:  From bottom
Filling method: top-filled (the steel dome is removable)
Type of coil: BVC coils

 

Atopack Penguin by Joyetech

Sporting a unique and innovative design, the Penguin is an all-in-one starter kit with a pre-set battery and a proprietary 8.8ml tank.

The ergonomic shape fits comfortably in hand, and the model delivers a light vapour.  The flavours come through very well.  Thanks to a large battery capacity and enormous tank, the Penguin is ideal for beginners but also more experienced users looking for a back-up kit. The ceramic coils allow for vaping all types of e-liquids (high VG ratio).

One notable drawback is that the first versions of the model tended to leak from the resistance screw. However, this malfunction has been corrected in later versions.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 8.8 ml
Battery: 2000 mAh
Dimensions: 27 x 52 x 103 mm
Type of airflow:  non-adjustable
Filling method: bottom-filled
Type of coil: Atopack coils

 

iStick Trim by Eleaf

The iStick Trim is the latest model by Eleaf. Based on successful previous iStick generations, the battery casing is light and streamlined with variable voltage in 3 levels. The GS turbo atomizer is similar to the GS Air 2, the airflow ring opening a large slit and three smaller holes for fine tuning.

When it comes to coils, the GS atomizer relies on the tried and tested GS models used on iStick 30W or the iStick Basic.

Characteristics:

Capacity: 2.0 ml
Battery: 1800 mAh
Dimensions: 35 x 15 x 72 mm
Type of airflow:  from bottom
Filling method: bottom-fill
Type of coil: GS coils

Whatever you choose, the best e-cigarette for you is the one that keeps you away from tobacco products.