Rechargeable Batteries Vs. Disposable Batteries

Doesn't it seem like modern dispensaries carry more vaporizers and cartridges than they used to? You’re not just imagining it. A cursory glance at market share breakdowns of the commercial cannabis industry suggests that more and more brands have released new lines of vape products. 

Cultivators who don’t want to get left behind have several decisions to consider when beginning to develop their own line of vapes. Perhaps the most important of these decisions is whether to sell just the extract itself or include disposable hardware to appeal to a broader customer base. 

If going the hardware route, is it better to just sell disposable cartridges or complete ready-to-use vape pens with disposable batteries? Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of each option. 

What Are Vape Batteries?

Portable cannabis vapes are made up of four main parts: 

• The mouthpiece
• The tank
• The heating element (atomizer)
• The battery

Each part of the vaporizer plays an essential role in the device’s function. The tank, which is most commonly made from a transparent material like quartz or glass, houses the cannabis extract. The battery sends power to the heating element, which heats up the extract to a high enough temperature to create vapor that users can inhale through the mouthpiece.

The battery provides the power for the entire device, arguably making it one of the most important components. Some batteries are button activated, while others automatically activate when users inhale. 

Additionally, some batteries can be recharged and used with multiple cartridges, while others are designed as single-use products. 

Pros Of Rechargeable Vape Batteries 

Consumers who purchase rechargeable batteries have the distinct advantage of experimenting with different cartridges, all with one battery. Because almost every disposable cartridge on the market today utilizes a 510 thread connection, any 510 thread battery is compatible with almost any cartridge, regardless of brand. This gives consumers free rein to try and compare different strains and different manufacturers. 

Rechargeable vaporizers are the more cost-effective solution for consumers who consistently vape. And, they’re the more environmentally-friendly option as they reduce the amount of electronic waste that will wind up in landfills. 

Finally, rechargeable vapes tend to outperform their disposable counterparts and are more likely to include features like variable voltage.

Cons Of Rechargeable Vape Batteries 

One of the most significant deterrents to purchasing a rechargeable battery is the initial cost. While disposable vapes do end up costing more money in the long run, the upfront price of a battery and cartridge can discourage customers, especially more casual cannabis users. 

Plus, as the name would suggest, rechargeable vapes require charging. How long do vape batteries take to charge? The answer depends on the battery, but times can range from as quick as thirty minutes to multiple hours. 

Additionally, novice vape users may find the process of selecting a battery and cartridge separately overwhelming and prefer the simplicity of a ready-to-use disposable device. 

Pros Of Disposable Vape Batteries 

Disposable vapes have a strong appeal for casual cannabis users due to the device’s simplicity. No prior vape knowledge is needed, and consumers only have to make a single purchase to have a fully functional cannabis vape device. 

Unlike with rechargeable vape batteries, there’s no risk of running out of battery power before the cartridge is completely vaporized. Plus, the lower initial cost is extremely attractive to consumers. 

In today’s world where convenience is king, disposable vape batteries offer consumers the simplest and easiest-to-use experience.   

Cons Of Disposable Vape Batteries 

While the initial cost of a disposable vape is lower than purchasing a rechargeable battery and cartridge, frequently buying disposable vaporizers will cost more money in the long run, making them less economical for consumers who regularly vape cannabis. Plus, most disposable vape batteries likely won’t have features more experienced consumers look for in a battery like variable voltage, and they tend to underperform compared to rechargeable options.

Disposable vape batteries also produce more waste, making them the less eco-friendly of the two options. While rechargeable vape batteries do have a limited life span and will eventually end up in a landfill as well, they do still significantly limit the amount of waste created compared to disposable batteries. 

Which Is The Best Vape Battery?

Rechargeable and disposable vape batteries have appealing qualities that make them attractive to both brands and consumers. Ultimately, neither option is empirically better than the other.

If your brand wants to target entry-level cannabis vape users or casual vapers, disposable vape batteries may be the best way to go. The products’ convenience and low upfront costs draw in novice vapors who will become more aware of your brand. 

If your brand prefers to cater to more experienced cannabis consumers who make more frequent purchases at the dispensary, you may want to forgo the battery and just offer cartridges instead. This allows users who’ve already purchased a battery that fits their unique wants and needs to still use your product.