Elfbar disposable vapes currently take up a huge part of the vaping industry in Germany. With more than half the market, they’ve become a go-to option, particularly for new vapers who want something simple and beginner-friendly. At the same time, pod systems are more reusable and can save money in the long run, especially as new laws against disposables begin to take shape. Disposable vapes will likely fall out of favor as their share drops below 10% by the end of 2025, driven by environmental worries and legal restrictions. Pod systems, which are kinder to the planet and follow strict European rules—like limiting nicotine to 20mg/ml and tanks to 2ml—are expected to keep growing in popularity. When choosing between an Elfbar disposable (like the 600) and pod devices such as Elfbar Elfa or alternatives like Uwell Caliburn, Germans need to look at convenience, cost, legality, and the environment.
What Makes Elfbar Disposables Stand Out?
Elfbar disposables, such as the widely recognized Elfbar 600, are popular for many reasons. Each device comes pre-filled and ready to use, delivering up to 600 puffs per stick with a wide selection of fruit and dessert-like flavors. These are powered by nicotine salt (with strengths following TPD rules at 20mg/ml maximum) and use a simple inhale-to-activate system, so users don’t have to fuss with buttons or maintenance. This approach is especially convenient for people moving away from cigarettes, offering steady quality and reliable nicotine strength.
Only certain models are still permitted in Germany due to strict tank size laws. These models (Elfbar 600, 800, NC600, ELFA, Mate, and CR500) meet the requirements, while larger versions that go beyond the 2ml tank restriction are no longer allowed. The main appeal remains their pure convenience—there’s no need to charge, refill, or replace parts. This simplicity made Elfbar extremely successful until tighter rules began to take effect. For vapers who like Elfbar’s taste but want to move toward sustainability, ELFLIQ liquid is available in bottles for reusable vapes, matching the authentic flavors and nicotine strengths (10mg or 20mg in a 50/50 mix).
However, Elfbar disposables do come at a price in the long run. While a single device usually costs between €5 and €7, the cost per puff adds up over time. There’s also the concern about waste, as each device uses plastic and includes a built-in, non-recyclable battery, contributing to the growing e-cigarette landfill problem.
How Do Pod Systems Work?
Pod systems are vaping devices that use a reusable battery and replaceable pods. These pods may come pre-filled with e-liquid or be refillable, and the devices are commonly designed for a mouth-to-lung (MTL) experience—which feels a lot like smoking a cigarette. Pod systems often feature small, hundred-to-one-thousand mAh batteries (such as the Uwell Caliburn G4’s 1300mAh) for extended use and fast charging by USB-C.
Popular models include Uwell Caliburn G4 and Elfbar Elfa Pro—both follow TPD rules, using pods with only 2ml capacity, so they’re compliant with the law. These devices can deliver hundreds of puffs per pod, can be recharged, and the pods themselves simply snap into place magnetically, making them easy to swap. You can also use ELFLIQ nicotine salts for a softer throat hit and to have your craving satisfied quickly.
These devices are compact and portable, ideal for everyday activities such as commuting or for former smokers looking for a similar sensation without hassle. Different manufacturers, including Voopoo Vinci or Geekvape, sometimes allow both mouth-to-lung and restricted direct lung vaping, offering extra variety. Models like Elfbar’s Elfa Turbo even feature mesh coils for bigger clouds and better taste. The cost is often lower over time, as pods cost around €3-5 and last longer, making them less wasteful than full disposables.
Comparing Elfbar Disposables and Pod Systems
| Feature | Elfbar Disposables | Pod Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Just inhale, no buttons or charging needed | Charge battery and swap pods, still very simple |
| Long-Term Costs | €5-7 per device, frequent buying adds up | Starter kit €7-10, then €3-5 per pod (more affordable long-term) |
| Customization | Flavors and strengths are fixed | Choice of flavors, nicotine levels, adjust airflow |
| Consistency | Taste and nicotine drop near end of device | Consistent flavor and vapor until pod change |
| Environmental Impact | Can’t be recycled easily, heavy waste | Base reusable, parts recyclable, makes less waste overall |
| Portability | Extra-light, can use anywhere | Slightly bigger but still pocket-friendly |
While Elfbar disposables excel at being easy-to-use and convenient, pod systems are ahead when it comes to savings, custom options, and strength of flavor. They also produce more vapor per puff and let you change flavors quickly and easily. Refillable pod systems work well with ELFLIQ or similar nicotine salt liquids, offering the same popular flavors in a way that harms the environment less.
German Laws and German Vape Market
In Germany, all vaping products need to follow the Tabakerzeugnisgesetz and the strict guidelines of the EU Tobacco Products Directive. This means companies must provide complete ingredient lists and health warnings, and vapes are only legally available to users over 18. Effective from 2025, taxes on e-liquid will also become higher, reaching €0.26 per milliliter. Furthermore, larger Elfbar models with sizable tanks or high nicotine are strictly banned, and new proposals are pushing for a total ban on disposables because they add significantly to environmental and city-waste problems.
As a result, the market share of disposables has tumbled— once making up 40% in 2022, but forecasts project them dipping to just 10% by the end of 2025. Pod systems are gaining in this environment because they fit within current laws and there is no talk of banning them when staying under the tank and nicotine thresholds. Meanwhile, flavoured disposables that try to exceed the limits attract additional government attention. Restrictions on when and where people can vape are similar to those for smoking—no vaping in bars or trains, for example. Offering or carrying more than allowed can lead to product confiscation and fines, especially after Germany cracked down on the market in 2023.
What’s the Best Choice for Germans?
People who want pure simplicity, for occasions like parties or to experiment for the first time, will find Elfbar disposables convenient and easy to use. Legal versions like the Elfbar 600 carry bright, fruity ELFLIQ-inspired flavors and are ready straight from the package. Anyone who vapes regularly is likely to notice real benefits—both financial and environmental—by moving to pod systems. These can halve your cost thanks to reusable technology, and you won’t be throwing away nearly as many batteries or plastics. Elfbar themselves have diversified into pod technology, so favorite flavors carry over seamlessly.
If you care about environmental issues or want to avoid the confusion of future bans, pod systems are a safer choice. Both types of devices contain nicotine salts and do not have the same health risks as cigarettes—vaping is considerably safer—but neither is risk-free. Trying ELFLIQ flavor in pods is a good gateway into sustainable vaping or helps lower your nicotine over time. For those looking for occasional use, an Elfbar disposable is enough, just stick with the ones that are TPD-legal to stay out of trouble. Anyone thinking longer-term, however, should go for a pod system for its better value, flexibility, and compliance with future regulations.