WARNING: Vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical.
Health Canada
For adults of legal purchasing age only. In British Columbia, the minimum age is 19.
Disposable vapes are now sold almost entirely on one number: 25K, 35K, 65K, 80K and up. It is the biggest text on every box, and it is the least reliable way to compare devices. This guide explains how puff counts are produced, why they don't line up between brands, and the three numbers that tell you more.
Listed liquid volumes do not establish product eligibility. Confirm the exact cartridge and refill-container construction against BC's separate capacity limits before ordering.
What a puff count is
A puff count is a manufacturer's advertised estimate, often expressed as an "up to" figure. It depends on the model, settings and test conditions. Unless the manufacturer publishes its protocol, do not assume a particular draw length, interval or power mode was used.
ISO 20768 addresses routine analytical vaping machines and standard conditions. That does not establish that every advertised total puff count uses identical methods or settings. Without the manufacturer's test protocol for each model, treat advertised ratings as estimates rather than directly comparable guarantees.
Why actual puff counts vary
- Longer draws. A three-second puff uses more e-liquid than the short puffs used in testing.
- Higher power modes. Boost, Turbo and Pulse modes drive the coil harder and use e-liquid faster.
- Open airflow. A wide-open draw pulls more vapour per puff.
- Heat. Leaving a device in a hot car can cause leaks and waste e-liquid.
- Chain vaping. Taking many puffs back to back keeps the coil hot and can increase consumption.
The better number: e-liquid volume
In BC, packaging must state the total volume of e-liquid, and that number is measured the same way for everyone. Here is how the puff ratings of the disposables we stock line up against the e-liquid inside:
| Device | Puff rating | E-liquid | Rated puffs per mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| STLTH x Geek Bar 80K | 80,000 | 30mL | ~2,670 |
| ELFBAR BC Pro 80K | 80,000 | 25mL | 3,200 |
| Allo Ultra 65K | 65,000 | 20mL (2 + 18) | 3,250 |
| ALLO Ultra 25K | 25,000 | 17mL (2 + 15) | ~1,470 |
Two things stand out:
- The two "80K" devices don't hold the same amount. The STLTH holds 30mL, the BC Pro 80K holds 25mL, and both carry the same rating.
- The Allo Ultra 65K holds only 3mL more than the ALLO Ultra 25K, yet its rating is 40,000 puffs higher.
A difference in advertised puffs per mL does not by itself establish which testing method was used. Liquid volume is one useful comparison, alongside construction, settings and the manufacturer's documented protocol. It does not guarantee device lifespan.
The second number: price per mL
Once you know the volume, you can work out what you are paying for the e-liquid itself:
| Device | Price | Cost per mL |
|---|---|---|
| STLTH x Geek Bar 80K | $45.99 | $1.53 |
| ELFBAR BC Pro 80K | $41.99 | $1.68 |
| ALLO Ultra 25K | $29.99 | $1.76 |
| Allo Ultra 65K | $39.99 | $2.00 |
On this measure, the device with the highest price is the cheapest per mL. Prices are our listed prices at the time of writing.
The third number: battery capacity
Large disposables are rechargeable, so battery size decides how often you charge, not how long the device lasts overall. The BC Pro 80K has a 1000mAh battery, the Sniper Pro 35K 850mAh, the STLTH 820mAh, and both Allo Ultra models 600mAh. A smaller battery means more charging over the device's life, not fewer puffs.
What about the Sniper Pro 35K?
Our Sniper Pro 35K listing doesn't state an e-liquid volume, so we haven't included it in the tables. The volume is printed on the box. Our Sniper Pro 35K guide covers its other specs.
How to get closer to the rated number
- Use the lowest power mode (Soft, Standard or Normal) most of the time.
- Take shorter puffs.
- Close the airflow a little if your device has an adjustable airflow.
- Store the device upright and out of heat.
- Charge when the battery is low, rather than running it completely flat.
Is a bigger puff count always better?
Not necessarily. A large device means committing to one flavour for a long time, and a big battery adds size and weight. If you like to switch flavours, a smaller device or a refillable pod kit may suit you better. Our disposable vs pod kit guide compares the costs.
Common myths about puff counts
"Higher puffs means stronger"
No. Puff count has nothing to do with nicotine strength. In Canada, disposables are limited to 20 mg/mL whatever their puff rating.
"An 80K device lasts twice as long as a 40K"
Only if both brands tested the same way. Compare mL of e-liquid instead.
"When the battery dies, the device is finished"
Not on rechargeable disposables. If the device stops firing, charge it. It is only finished when the e-liquid runs out.
"Turbo mode gives you more puffs"
It is the opposite. Higher modes give more vapour per puff and use e-liquid faster, so you get fewer puffs in total.
Quick checklist when comparing disposables
- Compare mL of e-liquid, not puff count.
- Work out price per mL.
- Check battery size to know how often you'll charge.
- Check the power modes, and remember that higher modes use more e-liquid.
- Check the box for a vaping excise stamp and a 20 mg/mL limit. See how to spot fake vapes.
Browse every disposable vape we carry, or ask staff to compare them side by side at our Burnaby store near Metrotown.
FAQ
How many puffs is 1mL of e-liquid?
There is no fixed number of puffs per mL. The advertised figures in this guide range from about 1,470 to 3,250 per mL. Those ratios alone do not reveal the test protocol or establish how many puffs a user will obtain.
Does a bigger battery mean more puffs?
No. On a rechargeable disposable, battery size decides how often you charge. Total puffs depend on the e-liquid.
Which disposable in this guide holds the most e-liquid?
The STLTH x Geek Bar 80K, at 30mL.
