The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Vaping (2026 Guide)
Beginner’s Guide to Vaping
If you’re new to vaping, this guide explains the basic things to understand before choosing your first device. We cover vape kits, pod systems, e-liquids, nicotine strengths, nic salts, shortfills and common vape terms so you can make a more informed decision when buying your first setup.
What is vaping?
Vaping involves using an electronic device that heats vape liquid to produce vapour. Most devices include a rechargeable battery, a heating coil and a pod or tank that holds the e-liquid. For beginners, simple starter kits or compact pod kits are often the easiest way to begin.
When choosing a vape device, it’s also important to select the right e-liquid with a suitable flavour and nicotine strength.
Which vape kit is best for beginners?
The best beginner vape kits are usually easy to refill, simple to charge and require minimal maintenance. Many new users prefer pod kits because they are small, portable and straightforward to use. Another option is an all-in-one starter kit, which provides everything needed to get started.
Pairing the right device with the right e-liquid can make a big difference to the overall vaping experience.
Understanding puff counts
Puff count is an estimated figure used to indicate how many puffs a vape product may deliver. The actual number can vary depending on factors such as how often the device is used, the length of each puff and the type of device or e-liquid.
Because of this, puff count should be seen as a rough guideline rather than an exact measurement. For new vapers, choosing a reliable device such as a starter kit or a convenient pod kit is often more important than focusing only on puff count.
What are nic salts?
Nicotine salts, often called nic salts, are a type of vape e-liquid designed to deliver nicotine more smoothly. They are commonly used in lower-powered devices such as pod kits and are popular with users who want a stronger nicotine strength without a harsh throat hit.
You can compare nic salts and other vape liquid options in our e-liquids collection.
What are shortfills?
Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free vape liquid that are intentionally under-filled to leave space for a nicotine booster shot. This allows users to add nicotine if they want to create their own preferred strength.
For example, 100ml shortfill e-liquids usually contain around 100ml of liquid with extra room in the bottle for nicotine boosters. Smaller 50ml shortfills work in the same way.
Many vapers add nicotine booster shots to shortfills to increase nicotine strength while keeping the same flavour profile.
What are nic shots?
Nic shots (nicotine booster shots) are small bottles of unflavoured nicotine that can be mixed into shortfill e-liquids. Because shortfill bottles leave space inside, the nic shot can simply be poured in and shaken to mix.
If you prefer a simpler option, ready-to-use e-liquids paired with an easy starter kit can also be a good starting point.
Vape flavours explained
Flavour is one of the biggest factors when choosing a vape liquid. Some vapers prefer fruit flavours, while others enjoy menthol, ice, tobacco or dessert-style blends. Trying a few different flavours can help you find the profile you enjoy most.
Browse our full range of e-liquids to explore available flavour types and bottle sizes.
Nicotine strengths explained
E-liquids come in a variety of nicotine strengths. The best choice depends on personal preference and the type of device being used. Common strengths include 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg, 18mg and 20mg.
Different strengths are designed for different vaping styles, so it’s helpful to match the nicotine level with a suitable device such as a pod kit or starter kit.
How to choose your first vape setup
Choosing your first vape usually comes down to three key factors: selecting the right device, choosing an e-liquid flavour and deciding on a nicotine strength that suits you.
Many beginners start with a simple pod kit or a convenient starter kit, then experiment with different e-liquids until they find the combination they prefer.
Explore beginner vaping products
If you’re ready to get started, you can explore our main beginner categories below:
Understanding vape flavour categories
One of the most enjoyable parts of vaping is the variety of flavours available. Unlike traditional tobacco products, vape e-liquids come in many flavour styles, allowing users to explore different taste profiles until they find one that suits them.
Popular flavour categories include fruit blends, menthol and mint flavours, dessert-inspired profiles and classic tobacco flavours. Each category offers a different experience depending on personal taste preferences.
If you enjoy sweet or fruity flavours, you can explore options such as berry vape flavours or tangy blends like citrus and sour vape flavours.
For a cooler sensation, many vapers prefer refreshing menthol and mint vape flavours. Others prefer traditional profiles such as tobacco vape flavours, which are designed to replicate the familiar taste of tobacco.
Nic salt e-liquids and smooth nicotine delivery
Nic salt e-liquids are one of the most popular choices for modern vape devices. They are designed to deliver nicotine more smoothly compared to traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids.
Nic salts are commonly used with pod systems and lower-powered vape devices, which makes them a popular option for beginners. You can browse a full range of nic salt e-liquids to compare different brands, flavours and nicotine strengths.
Some popular nic salt brands include ELFLIQ nic salts and Elux Legend nic salts, which are known for strong flavour and smooth nicotine delivery.
Nic salts are typically available in strengths such as 10mg nicotine vapes and 20mg nicotine vapes, which are commonly used in pod devices.
Prefilled pod systems and rechargeable vape devices
Many modern vape devices now use prefilled pod systems. These devices are rechargeable and allow users to replace the pod once the e-liquid inside is finished. This makes them more convenient than constantly replacing an entire disposable device.
Prefilled pod devices are designed for ease of use and are often recommended for beginners who want a simple vaping setup. You can explore prefilled replacement pods that are compatible with a variety of popular vape kits.
Some popular prefilled pod systems include Hyola Ultra 30K kits and pods, Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000 kits and pods, and SKE Crystal Plus devices.
These systems are designed to provide consistent flavour while allowing users to replace pods easily when needed.
Popular big puff rechargeable vape devices
In recent years, rechargeable big puff devices have become increasingly popular. These devices combine the convenience of disposables with the practicality of rechargeable batteries and replaceable pods.
Some examples include devices such as the Lost Mary BM6000 and the Pyne Pod 50K, which are designed to provide longer usage compared to standard disposable vapes.
You can also explore a full range of legal big puff rechargeable vapes that offer extended puff capacity while remaining compliant with UK regulations.
Classic disposable-style vape devices
Some vapers still prefer traditional disposable-style devices because they are simple to use and require no maintenance. Devices such as the Elf Bar 600 remain popular due to their compact design and ready-to-use setup.
However, many users now transition to rechargeable pod systems after becoming familiar with vaping, as they can provide a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option over time.
Shortfill e-liquids for larger bottles
Shortfill e-liquids are designed for vapers who prefer larger bottles of vape liquid. These bottles do not contain nicotine but leave space for nicotine shots to be added if desired.
A common example is 100ml shortfill vape e-liquid, which allows users to add nicotine boosters while maintaining the original flavour profile.
Shortfills are typically used with more powerful vape kits and are popular with vapers who prefer larger refill bottles rather than smaller nic salt bottles.
Finding the right vape products for you
Choosing the right vape products often depends on personal preference, nicotine strength and the type of device you prefer to use. Beginners often start with simple pod systems or starter kits and then explore different flavours and e-liquid types as they become more familiar with vaping.
Experimenting with different flavours, nicotine strengths and devices can help you find a setup that suits your preferences and vaping style.