Open Pod – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

An Open Pod is a refillablecartridge used in pod-based vaping devices that allows users to manually add their preferred e-liquid rather than purchasing pre-filled replacements. Unlike closed pod systems, open pods feature a removable mouthpiece or silicone plug that reveals a small Port“>fill port, giving vapers the freedom to choose any nicotine strength, flavour, or VG/PG ratio. Designed for convenience and economy, open pods typically hold 1.5–3 mL of liquid and integrate a built-in organic cottoncoil with resistance ranging from 0.6–1.4 ohm. This flexibility makes open pods the most popular choice among Australian vapers who want to move away from disposable cartridges while still enjoying the ultra-portable form factor of a pod vape.

Technical Details

Open pods operate as a semi-permanent component within an open system device. The pod’s chassis is moulded from PCTG plastic to resist cracking when repeatedly opened for refills. A 1–1.2 ohm kanthal coil is press-fitted into the base and wicked with Japanese Cotton“>organic cotton for clean flavour. Liquid is drawn upwards through two 1 mm juice holes that align with the cotton, preventing dry hits. Most pods snap into the battery via gold-plated magnetic pins rated for 3.3–4.2 V; data such as coil resistance and puff count are shown on the host device’s OLED screen. Variations include side-fill, top-fill and “duck-bill” mouthpiece designs, while newer mesh-coil versions drop resistance to 0.6 ohm for restricted-direct-lung draws. Expect 5–20 W power, 1.5–3 mL capacity and a service life of 8–15 refills before flavour drops.

Usage & Tips

• Priming:Drip 3–4 drops of e-liquid directly onto the visible cotton before first use to avoid burning the coil.
• Refill gently: Tilt the pod 45°, insert the bottle nozzle only 2 mm into the port and stop when liquid reaches the max line—overfilling causes leaks.
• Prevent over-heating: Chain-vaping can melt plastic housings; if vapour feels hot, rest 30 s so the device’s overheating protection isn’t triggered.
• Fix spit-back: Flick the pod downward to clear flooded coils, then take two short primer puffs without firing.
• Know when to retire: Replace the pod when you notice persistent burnt taste or resistance readings jump by 0.2 ohm.

History & Context

Open pods emerged around 2017 as vape brands sought a middle ground between bulky tanks and restrictive closed pods. By combining the portability of the then-new JUUL with the freedom of an open system, manufacturers such as Vaporesso and Uwell captured Australia’s nicotine prescription market, helping adult smokers transition while complying with local import regulations that favour refillable hardware.