Which Type of E-Liquid Do You Need?

The format of e-liquid you buy matters more than most people realise. Get this wrong and you end up with weak flavour, a harsh throat hit, or a flooded coil. Get it right and your device performs exactly as it should.

Here is the short version:

• Pod kit or MTL device (a slim pen-style or pod vape): use 50/50 e-liquid or nic salts. These thinner liquids wick properly through tight coils and deliver the flavour and throat hit MTL vaping is known for.
• Sub-ohm or DTL kit (a box mod with a tank, or a large pod mod): use high-VG e-liquid, typically a shortfill at 70/30 VG/PG. The higher VG content produces the smoother, denser vapour these devices are built for.
• Just switched from a disposable: start with bar-style nic salts at 20mg. They’re the closest match to what you’re used to, both in throat hit and nicotine satisfaction.

Not sure which device type you have? Our e-liquids guide covers this in detail, and our mouth-to-lung vs direct-to-lung article explains the difference between vaping styles.

E-Liquid Types Explained

There are six main formats of E-Liquid. Each one exists for a reason. Here is what each does, what device it suits, and our honest verdict on who should be using it.

50/50 E-Liquid

A 50/50 e-liquid is exactly what it sounds like: half PG, half VG. That balanced ratio makes it thin enough to wick through tight coils, which means it works in almost any device, from basic starter kits to compact pod systems.

The nicotine content in 50/50 liquids typically runs from 0mg up to 18mg, usually as freebase nicotine. Flavour delivery is strong, vapour production is moderate and discreet, and the throat hit is noticeable without being harsh.

Verdict: The most versatile format we stock. If you are new to vaping and not sure where to start, a 50/50 e-liquid is the safest first choice.

Nic Salts

Nic salts use a different form of nicotine that absorbs into the bloodstream faster than freebase. That means you feel the nicotine hit quickly, cravings settle sooner, and you do not need to vape continuously to stay comfortable.

They are smooth even at higher strengths. A 20mg nic salt does not produce the harsh, scratchy throat hit you would expect from 20mg freebase, which makes them genuinely practical for heavy smokers making the switch.

Use nic salts in low-wattage devices: pod kits, starter kits, and MTL setups. They are not suited to high-power sub-ohm devices. More on that distinction in our nic salts vs freebase guide.

Verdict: The best format for switchers and anyone who needs reliable nicotine satisfaction without chaining their vape.

High-VG E-Liquid

High-VG e-liquids typically run at 70% VG or above. The thick consistency produces dense, smooth vapour clouds and a softer, gentler throat hit. Flavour is present but more rounded than a high-PG liquid.

These are built for sub-ohm kits with coils below 1 ohm. They need the higher power output to vaporise properly. Put a high-VG liquid into a pod kit and you will get weak flavour, dry hits, and a coil that burns out faster than it should.

Verdict: The right choice for DTL vapers using sub-ohm hardware who want a smooth, cloud-heavy vape at lower nicotine strengths.

Shortfills

Shortfills are large-format nicotine-free e-liquids, usually 50ml or 100ml, sold in a bottle with space left at the top. That gap exists so you can add a nic shot to bring the nicotine up to your preferred level.

They are sold without nicotine because UK regulations under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) limit nicotine-containing e-liquid to 10ml bottles. Shortfills sidestep that restriction legally by selling the base liquid separately from the nicotine.

The maths: a 50ml shortfill with one 10ml nic shot at 18mg produces roughly 3mg across the full 60ml. Most shortfills run at 70/30 VG/PG, so they’re best used with sub-ohm or DTL devices.

Verdict: The best value format for regular vapers with DTL setups. Running costs drop significantly compared to buying multiple 10ml bottles. Read our shortfills guide for mixing instructions.

Longfills

Longfills take the shortfill concept further. A longfill is a small bottle of concentrated flavouring, typically 10-20ml of flavour inside a 60ml or 100ml bottle, designed to be topped up with both base liquid and nic shots.

This format gives you precise control over your VG/PG ratio and nicotine strength. It also tends to offer better cost-per-ml on flavour. The trade-off is complexity: you are mixing multiple components and need to get the ratios right.

Verdict: A good option for experienced vapers who want to dial in exactly how their liquid performs. Not the right starting point for beginners. See our guide to the difference between longfills and shortfills if you want to compare them properly.

Nic Shots

A nic shot is a small 10ml bottle of pure, unflavoured nicotine liquid. You add it to a nicotine-free shortfill or longfill to reach your target nicotine strength.

They do not change the flavour of your e-liquid in any meaningful way. They exist to put you in control of the nicotine level. If you want 3mg, add one. If you want 6mg in a larger bottle, add two.

Verdict: Not a standalone product, but an essential purchase any time you buy a shortfill or longfill.

Nic Salts vs 50/50, Shortfills vs Longfills, MTL vs DTL

Still weighing up formats? A few quick comparisons help narrow things down. Nic salts vs 50/50: both work in pod kits and MTL devices, but nic salts absorb faster and stay smooth at higher strengths, while 50/50 e-liquids give a slightly stronger throat hit at lower strengths and more flavour variety. Shortfills vs Longfills: shortfills are simpler, ready-mixed with a nic shot, while longfills offer more control over VG/PG ratio and nicotine strength but require more mixing. See our guide to the difference between longfills and shortfills. MTL vs DTL: MTL e-liquids (50/50 or nic salts) suit pod kits and starter kits, while DTL e-liquids (high-VG shortfills) suit sub-ohm tanks. Read our mouth-to-lung vs direct-to-lung article for the full breakdown.