If you have been vaping happily for a while and find yourself wanting more vapour, a smoother flavour and an airier draw, a good sub ohm kit is often the natural next step. This style is known as direct-to-lung, or DTL, and it produces noticeably bigger clouds than a tight, cigarette-like setup. It is not the right starting point for everyone, and there is no rush to move up. The list below walks through the main types of sub ohm kit, who each one suits, and what you gain and give up with each, so you can make an informed choice at your own pace.

A quick word before we begin. Sub ohm vaping tends to suit more experienced vapers rather than people only just making the switch. The larger vapour and lower nicotine strengths can feel like a lot at once when you are new, so if you are at the very start of your journey a tighter mouth-to-lung setup is usually the kinder choice. Our mouth-to-lung vape kits cover that gentler style, and if you would like to understand how the two approaches differ, our guide to the advantages of each vaping style lays it out plainly. We are rated 4.8/5 by over 4,800 UK customers, so whichever way you lean, our friendly advisers can help you get it right.

The best sub ohm and DTL kit types for bigger clouds

Rather than chase the newest release, we have grouped the options by the type of vaper each one suits. Every kit here is a compliant, refillable device, and our advisers can match a specific model to you in store or online.

1. The gentle DTL pod kit, for your first step into direct-to-lung

These compact kits offer a restricted direct-to-lung draw that sits neatly between tight mouth-to-lung vaping and full sub ohm clouds. They are the most forgiving way to try the airier style without committing to a large device, and because they use a refillable 2ml pod they stay pocket-friendly and simple to live with.

Pros: easy to carry, straightforward to use, and a genuinely gentle introduction to DTL. Cons: smaller clouds than a full sub ohm kit, and a more modest battery capacity, so heavier all-day vaping may mean a midday charge.

2. The all-in-one sub ohm kit, the best all-rounder

An all-in-one pairs a sub ohm tank with a built-in battery in a single, balanced device. For most people moving up to bigger clouds this is the sweet spot, offering proper vapour and adjustable airflow without the fuss of separate parts. Wide-open airflow gives the biggest, airiest clouds, while narrowing it slightly warms the vapour and concentrates the flavour, so one kit can suit several moods. You will find plenty of these in our sub ohm vape kits collection.

Pros: excellent value, simple to use, and solid cloud production with clean flavour from modern mesh coils. Cons: less customisable than a separate mod and tank, and the battery is not removable, so it charges by cable rather than swapping cells.

3. The mod and sub ohm tank pairing, for the most control

A dedicated mod paired with a quality sub ohm tank gives you the fullest control over wattage, airflow and battery life. This is the classic enthusiast setup for anyone who enjoys fine-tuning their vape, and it is easy to future-proof because you can change the tank later without replacing the whole device. If you already own a mod you like, browsing our sub ohm tanks is a sensible way to refresh your setup.

Pros: long battery life from removable cells, highly adjustable, and flexible as your tastes change. Cons: larger to carry, asks a little more knowledge, and removable batteries need careful, sensible handling.

4. A well-supported family range, for easy coil and pod availability

Some manufacturers offer a whole family of devices that share the same coils and accessories, spanning gentle DTL pod kits right through to capable sub ohm devices. Choosing from a well-supported range means replacement coils and spare pods are easy to find, and the feel stays familiar if you decide to move up a size later. It is a reassuring route if you value consistency and simple restocking over having the very latest model.

Pros: tried and tested, a wide choice of models at different sizes, and coils that are easy to source. Cons: the sheer breadth of a large family can feel like a lot of choice at first, so a quick chat with an adviser helps narrow it down.

5. The high-power cloud device, for the biggest clouds

For experienced vapers who genuinely want maximum vapour, a high-power device paired with a low-resistance tank delivers the largest, warmest clouds of all. It is the most specialised option here and the least suited to anyone new. Worth being honest with yourself before choosing it, as this style gets through e-liquid and coils quickly and rewards a bit of know-how. Enjoy it tastefully and within your comfort, rather than treating clouds as a competition.

Pros: the biggest clouds, a warm and full draw, and a long runtime between charges. Cons: uses e-liquid and coils quickly, is larger and heavier to carry, and is not beginner-friendly.

6. Our own-brand DTL option, for excellent value

Our own-brand range includes a dependable direct-to-lung option developed around what our customers actually ask for. It offers premium quality and excellent value in an easy-to-use device, which makes it a reassuring choice for anyone stepping up without overspending. You get the airier draw and satisfying vapour of a sub ohm setup with the reassurance of in-store support close to hand.

Pros: excellent value, simple to set up, and backed by advice in any of our UK stores. Cons: fewer adjustable settings than a full enthusiast mod, which for most people stepping up is no bad thing.

Getting the e-liquid and safety right

Whichever kit you choose, pairing it with the correct e-liquid makes all the difference to both your enjoyment and your wellbeing. Two figures matter most. First, the VG to PG ratio: high-VG liquids, typically 70% VG or higher, are thicker and produce the large, smooth clouds these kits are built for, and they keep the coils properly wetted at higher power. High-PG liquids made for mouth-to-lung kits can struggle in a sub ohm coil, so look for a liquid labelled for sub ohm or DTL use.

Second, the nicotine strength. Because a direct-to-lung draw delivers far more vapour per puff, you take in more nicotine with each inhale, so DTL vapers generally use lower strengths such as 3mg or 6mg rather than the higher strengths common in pod kits. Many high-VG liquids come as nicotine-free shortfills in larger bottles, to which you add a 10ml nicotine shot to reach your chosen strength. Nicotine salts, designed for tight mouth-to-lung vaping, are not suitable here.

A few sensible habits keep everything running smoothly. Always fit coils designed for your specific tank and stay within the wattage range printed on the coil, and prime a new coil by letting the e-liquid soak in for a few minutes before you vape to prevent a burnt taste. If your device uses removable batteries, only use reputable, undamaged cells with intact wrap, keep them in a proper case when loose, and charge them with a suitable charger. Sub ohm kits do get through more e-liquid than a smaller mouth-to-lung setup, so it is worth keeping a little extra to hand.

Above all, choose the kit that matches where you are on your vaping journey, not the one with the biggest numbers on paper. For most people stepping up, an all-in-one sub ohm kit strikes the best balance of bigger clouds, simple use and excellent value, while a gentle DTL pod kit is the kindest way to dip a toe in. Whenever you would like a steer, our friendly advisers are here to help you make an informed choice at your own pace. Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking but is not risk-free, and if you are moving away from smoking entirely, free NHS support is available. All vaping products are for adults of 18 or over.

Vaping products are intended for adults of 18 or over. Nicotine is an addictive substance. The guidance in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from our trained advisers.