Elf Bar AF5000 Vs Instafill 3500
Elf Bar AF5000 Vs Instafill 3500 Comparison Review
Over the past couple of months, we’ve witnessed the emergence of a brand new type of vape kit hitting the market— the rechargeable disposable vape. This new technology allows users to enjoy the same convenience as a regular disposable vape but with the added benefit of a massively increased puff count.
It should come as no surprise that disposable vape giant Elf Bar is among the first on the scene. Their new rechargeable vape, the Elf Bar AF5000, offers a staggering puff count and is already becoming an instant hit among disposable fans. But Elf Bar isn’t the only brand trying their hand at this new technology.
Instafill has just made its debut with the Instafill 3500. This rechargeable vape works in a similar way to the AF5000 to offer a lifespan that’s far longer than your average disposable vape. But which rechargeable vape is better? Well, that’s what I’m here to find out.
I’ve got my hands on both the Elf Bar AF5000 and Instafill 3500 and I’m ready to put them to the test. In this review, I’ll compare each device side by side, exploring their features, design, performance and taste to decide which rechargeable vape is the best. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Features Comparison
Elf Bar AF5000: Features
- Puff Count: 5000
- Battery Size: 650mAh
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg
- Pod Capacity: 2ml
- E-Liquid Capacity: 10ml
- Coil Type: QUAQ Mesh
Instafill 3500: Features
- Puff Count: 3500
- Battery Size: 500mAh
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg
- Pod Capacity: 2ml
- E-Liquid Capacity: 10ml
- Coil Type: Mesh
As both of these devices are rechargeable vapes, they share many of the same core features. For example, both the Elf Bar vape and Instafill 3500 feature a 2ml pod capacity as well as a 10ml refill container, providing the same e-liquid content.
However, the AF5000 does boast a larger battery capacity of 650mAh, compared to the 500mAh battery powering the Instafill vape, which meant I found myself needing to recharge the Instafill more often. Also, while the AF5000 includes a handy LED battery life indicator, I was disappointed to find that the Instafill lacks this feature altogether.
But the real differences begin to emerge upon testing. For starters, the mouth-feel and draw of these two vapes couldn’t be more different. The AF5000 provided a warm and slightly restricted draw while the feel of the Instafill was far looser and more airy.
As I’m not a huge fan of a restricted sensation when vaping, I prefer the overall mouth-feel that the Instafill 3500 disposable vape provides, but those who like a more cigarette-like experience may prefer the Elf Bar AF5000. The vapour produced by both of these devices was moderate— think slightly denser than the vapour production of a typical disposable vape.
Although they contain the same e-liquid content, these disposable vapes boast entirely different puff counts. The Elf Bar AF5000 disposable vape promises up to 5000 puffs whereas the Instafill quotes 3500, which I found to be fairly accurate. The Instafill lasted for around 5 days of use whereas I was able to use my AF5000 for around a week before its refill container ran dry. I’m not sure if it was the Elf Bar’s QUAQ mesh coil or more restricted draw that contributed to this increased lifespan, but I’m grateful for it nonetheless.
Features Comparison
Elf Bar AF5000: Features
- Puff Count: 5000
- Battery Size: 650mAh
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg
- Pod Capacity: 2ml
- E-Liquid Capacity: 10ml
- Coil Type: QUAQ Mesh
Instafill 3500: Features
- Puff Count: 3500
- Battery Size: 500mAh
- Nicotine Strength: 20mg
- Pod Capacity: 2ml
- E-Liquid Capacity: 10ml
- Coil Type: Mesh
As both of these devices are rechargeable vapes, they share many of the same core features. For example, both the Elf Bar vape and Instafill 3500 feature a 2ml pod capacity as well as a 10ml refill container, providing the same e-liquid content.
However, the AF5000 does boast a larger battery capacity of 650mAh, compared to the 500mAh battery powering the Instafill vape, which meant I found myself needing to recharge the Instafill more often. Also, while the AF5000 includes a handy LED battery life indicator, I was disappointed to find that the Instafill lacks this feature altogether.
But the real differences begin to emerge upon testing. For starters, the mouth-feel and draw of these two vapes couldn’t be more different. The AF5000 provided a warm and slightly restricted draw while the feel of the Instafill was far looser and more airy.
As I’m not a huge fan of a restricted sensation when vaping, I prefer the overall mouth-feel that the Instafill 3500 disposable vape provides, but those who like a more cigarette-like experience may prefer the Elf Bar AF5000. The vapour produced by both of these devices was moderate— think slightly denser than the vapour production of a typical disposable vape.
Although they contain the same e-liquid content, these disposable vapes boast entirely different puff counts. The Elf Bar AF5000 disposable vape promises up to 5000 puffs whereas the Instafill quotes 3500, which I found to be fairly accurate. The Instafill lasted for around 5 days of use whereas I was able to use my AF5000 for around a week before its refill container ran dry. I’m not sure if it was the Elf Bar’s QUAQ mesh coil or more restricted draw that contributed to this increased lifespan, but I’m grateful for it nonetheless.
Ergonomics & Design
Elf Bar AF5000: Design
- Shiny metallic exterior
- Size: 40mm x 93mm x 20mm
- Rectangular bar shape
- Large duckbill mouthpiece
- Semi-opaque refill container
- Automatic refilling
Instafill 3500: Design
- Shiny metallic exterior
- Size: 43mm x 90mm x 23mm
- Rectangular bar shape
- Small tapered mouthpiece
- Transparent refill container
- Button-operated refilling
Although these big puff vapes share many of the same internal features, the design features of the AF5000 and Instafill are very different, as each brand has opted for a totally different style.
The Elf Bar 5000 sports a bar shape with a wide duckbill mouthpiece which reminds me of a larger Lost Mary QM600. While I like the overall shape and style of this Elf Bar vape, I don’t love every design aspect.
The refill container is semi-opaque, which made it difficult to know when the pod chamber was full and keeping an eye on my remaining e-liquid level was almost impossible. Fortunately, both the pod and refill chamber on the Instafill disposable vape are entirely transparent, which made for seamless refilling every time and allowed me to know exactly how much e-liquid was remaining at all times.
When it comes to refilling, I much prefer the approach that Instafill takes. The Instafill 3500 features a large gold button next to the mouthpiece which can be pressed while tilting the device downwards to refill the pod, which gave me ultimate control. On the other hand, the AF5000 uses an automatic refill method where the pod automatically refills any time the device is placed on its side or tilted downwards. As the device features a curved base, it’s conveniently always refilling when not in use, but this also meant that it’s unable to stand upright, which I found quite annoying.
Ergonomics & Design
Elf Bar AF5000: Design
- Shiny metallic exterior
- Size: 40mm x 93mm x 20mm
- Rectangular bar shape
- Large duckbill mouthpiece
- Semi-opaque refill container
- Automatic refilling
Instafill 3500: Design
- Shiny metallic exterior
- Size: 43mm x 90mm x 23mm
- Rectangular bar shape
- Small tapered mouthpiece
- Transparent refill container
- Button-operated refilling
Although these big puff vapes share many of the same internal features, the design features of the AF5000 and Instafill are very different, as each brand has opted for a totally different style.
The Elf Bar 5000 sports a bar shape with a wide duckbill mouthpiece which reminds me of a larger Lost Mary QM600. While I like the overall shape and style of this Elf Bar vape, I don’t love every design aspect.
The refill container is semi-opaque, which made it difficult to know when the pod chamber was full and keeping an eye on my remaining e-liquid level was almost impossible. Fortunately, both the pod and refill chamber on the Instafill disposable vape are entirely transparent, which made for seamless refilling every time and allowed me to know exactly how much e-liquid was remaining at all times.
When it comes to refilling, I much prefer the approach that Instafill takes. The Instafill 3500 features a large gold button next to the mouthpiece which can be pressed while tilting the device downwards to refill the pod, which gave me ultimate control. On the other hand, the AF5000 uses an automatic refill method where the pod automatically refills any time the device is placed on its side or tilted downwards. As the device features a curved base, it’s conveniently always refilling when not in use, but this also meant that it’s unable to stand upright, which I found quite annoying.
Flavours Comparison
Now it’s time to talk about one of the most important aspects of any disposable vape— flavour. Surprisingly, both Elf Bar and Instafill have released almost the exact same number of blends in their rechargeable vape collection, with Elf Bar offering 15 flavour profiles, and Instafill following closely behind with 14.
Elf Bar vape is well known for their ability to craft fan-favourite blends, so I was excited to see what they had in store. Their AF5000 collection features an array of popular Elf Bar flavours, covering fruity favourites and sparkling soft drinks. I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of a Tobacco blend, as these classic profiles are often overlooked in disposable vape collections.
Unfortunately, upon testing, this Tobacco blend didn’t live up to my expectations. The flavour itself tasted stale and unpleasant, which could have been improved if it included some sweeter notes. Nevertheless, I also tried out their Watermelon Ice flavour, which was far more tasty and reminded me of a regular Elf Bar disposable vape.
When it comes to Instafill, I couldn’t fault the flavour at all. The taste was incredibly potent and their Watermelon Candy Ice blend in particular has already become a new favourite of mine. As Instafill is a new brand, I was dubious about how good these vapes would taste, but I needn’t have been! So, when it comes down to flavour, the Instafull 3500 is the surefire winner for me.
Flavours Comparison
Elf Bar AF5000: Flavours
- Blue Razz Lemonade
- Pineapple Ice
- Triple Mango
- Pink Lemonade
- Tobacco
Instafill 3500: Flavours
- Banana Ice Cream
- Watermelon Candy Ice
- Blackcurrant Apple
- Fizzy Cherry
- Mint Mojito
Now it’s time to talk about one of the most important aspects of any disposable vape— flavour. Surprisingly, both Elf Bar and Instafill have released almost the exact same number of blends in their rechargeable vape collection, with Elf Bar offering 15 flavour profiles, and Instafill following closely behind with 14.
Elf Bar vape is well known for their ability to craft fan-favourite blends, so I was excited to see what they had in store. Their AF5000 collection features an array of popular Elf Bar flavours, covering fruity favourites and sparkling soft drinks. I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of a Tobacco blend, as these classic profiles are often overlooked in disposable vape collections.
Unfortunately, upon testing, this Tobacco blend didn’t live up to my expectations. The flavour itself tasted stale and unpleasant, which could have been improved if it included some sweeter notes. Nevertheless, I also tried out their Watermelon Ice flavour, which was far more tasty and reminded me of a regular Elf Bar disposable vape.
When it comes to Instafill, I couldn’t fault the flavour at all. The taste was incredibly potent and their Watermelon Candy Ice blend in particular has already become a new favourite of mine. As Instafill is a new brand, I was dubious about how good these vapes would taste, but I needn’t have been! So, when it comes down to flavour, the Instafull 3500 is the surefire winner for me.
Elf Bar AF5000 Vs Instafill 3500: Ranges
Elf Bar, a pioneer in the vaping industry, achieved global success early on. It's no wonder then, that the Elf Bar AF5000 range is far from their only disposable vape collection. Over time, Elf Bar has explored various devices, but the enduring favourite remains the iconic Elf Bar 600 and its latest upgrade, the Elf Bar 600 V2.
Though the Elf Bar 600 was groundbreaking upon its debut and continues to be cherished by fans, the launch of the AF5000 signifies a new chapter for Elf Bar. Being their first ever rechargeable disposable, it marks the dawn of an exciting era for the brand.
As Instafill is still in its infancy, the 3500 rechargeable vape is the only device they offer at the time of writing. But given the popularity of this device already, I’m sure we’ll see more from this brand in the near future.
What our customers think.....
Rob H, United Kingdom
Tried the Elf bar mate with P1 pods and it just didn't "Hit" like a disposable...this little beauty on the other hand is perfect and hits the spot just right. BRAVO ELF BAR BRAVO
Carlo Bosani, United Kingdom
First experience with mycigara and I’m very happy about everything ! Service is top as well as communication, prices are competitive, delivery time okay. Goods with a good packaging. I’ll continue with my orders. Thank you very much guys!
Lesley L, United Kingdom
Excellent choice, good offers and plenty of information on products
Yvonne, United Kingdom
Good quick service postage free when shop are open staff friendly and informative only shop I will use for my vapes
Elf Bar AF5000 Vs Instafill 3500: Verdict
After putting both the Elf Bar AF5000 and the Instafill 3500 through their paces, I've reached a verdict.
When it comes to the core features, Elf Bar appears to be the clear winner. Not only does it boast a larger battery capacity than the Instafill and provide a far longer lifespan, but it also allows me to keep tabs on my power level thanks to the LED battery life indicator.
But what the Instafill lacks in features, it certainly makes up for in design and performance. The mouth-feel and draw of the Instafill vape were right up my street, providing a looser and airier experience compared to the more restricted sensation of the Elf Bar AF5000. I’m also a huge fan of the transparent refill container on the Instafill and wish Elf Bar would have incorporated this same design on their device.
Flavour-wise, while both brands offer a variety of blends, I found the Instafill flavours to be more potent and satisfying overall. The Elf Bar's Tobacco blend, in particular, fell short of expectations. In contrast, I was completely blown away by the taste of these Instafill vapes, with the Watermelon Candy Ice blend being a standout favourite.
While both devices have their merits, the clear winner for me is the Instafill 3500, with its transparent design and potent flavours swinging my verdict. However, those who enjoy a more restricted draw and fans of Elf Bar blends may find the AF5000 to be more to their taste.
Elf Bar and Instafill at myCigara
At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that offering our customers an alternative in the form of vape kits, such as a rechargeable disposable vape from Elf Bar or Instafill brings us that much closer to achieving our goal.
Want to find out more about each of these devices? Head over to my Elf Bar AF5000 Review where I tell all and provide a list of all 15 Elf Bar flavours available. Alternatively, my Instafill 3500 Review dives into the ins and outs of this flagship device along with a full flavours list.
We want all of our customers to have the best possible first vaping experience, so please contact us if you have any questions. Or, head down to your local myCigara vape shop, where our knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to help you.
Jemma Wolfe
Lead Content Writer @myCigara
I'm Jemma, a writer and ex-smoker with a passion for vaping. Since ditching the cigs over a year ago, I've used a whole host of vaping products to help me stay smoke-free and live a healthier lifestyle.
Now, my goal is to help others along their quit smoking journey by writing expert reviews and providing vaping guidance. When I’m not writing, you can find me curled up with a good book, hanging out with my cats or watching live music.
