You've probably heard a lot about e-liquids in the past few years. And if you haven't tried them yet, you're probably wondering what all the fuss is about. E-liquids are one of the most important aspects of vaping, but they're also one of the most confusing. There are so many different types, nicotine strengths, and flavours available that it can be tough to know where to start.
If you're new to vaping or want to learn more about e-liquids, this beginner's guide to vaping juice is for you. We'll cover everything from how they work and choosing the right nicotine strength and flavour.
What is an E-Liquid?
E- Liquids are the liquid solution used in electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vaping devices. They come in various nicotine strengths and flavours and can be made with or without nicotine. These are made up of a few different ingredients. The base is usually propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG), and nicotine and flavourings are added. PG and VG are safe to consume and are used in various food and medical products.
E-liquid is vaporized by an e-cigarette, which produces a flavourful and satisfying vapour that mimics the taste and feel of traditional cigarettes. E-liquid is an affordable and convenient way to enjoy smoking without the adverse health effects associated with traditional tobacco products.
How Do E-Liquids Work?
When you add e-liquid to the vape tank, it begins to soak the coil. Then you fire up the battery, and it heats the e-liquid so that it turns into vapour. This vapour is then inhaled, delivering nicotine (if present) and flavour to the user. E liquids are designed to be used with specific vaping devices, which control the temperature and airflow to create the perfect vaping experience.
Ingredients of E-Liquids
There are three main ingredients of e-liquid: VG, PG, and nicotine. VG is vegetable glycerine, which is a thick, sweet liquid that is used to create vapour. PG is propylene glycol, a thin, odourless liquid that carries flavour and nicotine. Nicotine is the active ingredient in cigarettes, which gives smokers their "buzz."
E-liquids can be either pre-mixed, or they can be made at home. Pre-mixed e-liquids are usually sold in small bottles with a needle tip so they can be easily squirted into an atomizer or cartridge. Home-made e-liquids are generally mixed in larger quantities and can be stored in a bottle with a cap.
The ratio of VG to PG in an e-liquid will determine how much vapour is produced and how intense the flavour will be. A higher VG to PG ratio will produce more vapour and a stronger flavour, while a lower ratio will produce less vapour and a more subtle flavour. The ideal ratio of PG to VG depends on personal preference, but most vapours find that a 50/50 mix provides the best balance of flavour and vapour production.
E-liquids are available in various nicotine strengths, from 0mg (nicotine-free) to 36mg (high nicotine). The nicotine strength you choose will depend on your smoking habits.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
Propylene glycol is an organic compound that is a clear liquid without a distinctive smell. The part of the e-liquid carries most of the flavour but does not produce as much vapour as vegetable glycerine.
VG (Vegetable Glycerine)
Vegetable glycerine, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is made from plant oils. The type used in e-liquid is "food-grade" vegetable glycerine and is 99.7% pure. This ingredient produces most of the 'cloud' when vaping.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an alkaloid made from a mixture of plants. By itself, nicotine acts as a stimulant but is not one of the many chemicals in traditional cigarettes that causes cancer.
Flavourings
Flavouring is added to e liquids to give them their distinctive flavours. Thousands of different flavors are available, from fruity to menthol and tobacco to dessert.
Types Of E-Liquids
When it comes to choosing an e-liquid, there are a lot of different options out there. It can be overwhelming for a beginner to try and figure out which kind is right for them.
10ml Starter E-Liquids / 50:50
Starter e-liquids are an excellent choice for beginners because they typically contain lower nicotine levels. It means you'll be able to slowly reduce your nicotine intake as you become more comfortable with vaping. These are available in the most common-size 10ml bottles and with various nicotine strength levels.
Shortfill E-Liquid
Shortfill e-liquids are also a good option for starters, as they can be diluted with water to reduce nicotine concentration. Shortfills are typically sold in larger bottles, and they allow you to add your nicotine shots. These are excellent options for those who want to control their nicotine levels or those who want to save money by buying in bulk.
Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
Another popular type of e-liquid is nicotine salt. Nicotine salt e-liquids provide a smoother nicotine hit, and they're often used in pod kits. If you're looking for a higher nicotine concentration, nicotine salt e-liquids are a great option.
Nic Shots
A nicotine shot is a 10ml bottle of concentrated and unflavored nicotine. These shots are designed to be mixed with other e-liquids to create a custom vape liquid. You cannot use the nic shots without diluting them into more e-liquid. For instance, one nic shot bottle in a 50ml shortfill e-liquid would give you 3mg of nicotine.
Which E-Liquid Should I Choose
The variety of e-liquids available in the market can be overwhelming. And it is important to know how to choose an e-liquid that suits your personal preferences and taste.
There is no single piece of advice for choosing an e-liquid that suits all users, but there are some general guidelines that you should consider. Different people have different preferences when it comes to buying e-liquids. Some prefer intense flavours, while others prefer something that tastes less powerful.
1. Personal Preferences
Your personal preferences play a huge role in what flavour you choose, which can be determined by your taste, how much nicotine you want and your budget.
2. Choosing the right size
It is important to be aware of the size when purchasing e-liquids as it affects not just the price but also how often you will have to purchase. E- Liquids are available in different sizes of bottles. However, if you want a pre-mixed nicotine e-liquid, you can only buy a 10ml bottle.
If you want to use lower nicotine strength, you can find 50ml, 100ml, and 200ml bottles. These e-liquids are known as shortfill e-liquids. Add the nicotine shot as per your requirement into the shortfill and shake it to mix well.
3. Choosing Nicotine Strength
As for the strengths of e-liquids, it depends on what you prefer in your vaping experience. It ranges from the mildest 3mg/ml to 24mg/ml for those who enjoy intense vaping.
If you're a heavy smoker or trying to quit smoking, you'll probably want to start with higher nicotine strength. This will help satisfy your nicotine cravings and make the transition to vaping easier. The lower nicotine strength will be acceptable if you don't smoke or only occasionally. You can always increase the nicotine strength if you find you need more, but it's better to start low and try fixing your nicotine intake.
Second, check the ingredients list. Make sure the e-liquid you're buying contains only PG, VG, flavourings, and nicotine (if desired). Avoid e liquids that contain anything else, as these ingredients can be harmful.
Finally, take a look at the price. However, be wary of e liquids that are too cheap, as they might be of poor quality. Now that you know what to look for, it's time to start shopping for e-liquids. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll find a quality e-liquid perfect for you.
How Do I Choose An E-Liquid Flavour?
When it comes to choosing flavours, the sky's the limit. You can find practically any flavour you can imagine, from fruity to coffee to candy flavours. It all comes down to what you like.
The choices can be a little overwhelming when you're looking to purchase your first bottle of e-liquid. There are so many different flavours and brands to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?
First, it's important to understand the different flavours of e-liquids:
Tobacco: These replicate the taste of traditional cigarettes and are an excellent choice for smokers looking to switch to vaping.
Fruity: These are sweet and refreshing and are a great choice for anyone who wants a flavourful vaping experience.
Menthol: These are perfect for people who want an icy refreshing taste without the sweetness of fruit flavours.
Dessert: These are perfect for people who want something sweet and indulgent without the calories.
Within each of these categories, there are a variety of flavours to choose from. So how do you decide which one is right for you? The best way is to try out a few different ones and see which ones you like best.
Tips for Choosing the Best E-Liquid Flavour
Here are a few tips for choosing the best flavours of e-liquid:
1. Start with flavours that you already know you like. For example, if you're a fan of tobacco flavours, then start with those. This will make the transition to vaping more effortless and enjoyable.
2. Experiment with different flavours. There are many different flavours to choose from, so it's worth trying a few to see what you like. You might find that you love fruity flavours or prefer something more dessert-like.
3. Consider your taste buds. Not all flavours are going to be suitable for everyone, so it's essential to think about what your taste preferences are. If you don't like sweet flavours, for example, you might want to avoid e liquids with lots of added sugar.
4. Ask for recommendations from other vapers. They'll probably have some great ideas about flavours that you'll love.
5. Read reviews online before making a purchase. This can help give you a better idea of what the flavour is like and whether or not it's something you'll enjoy.
Compatible E- Liquids with Different Vape Kits
When it comes to choosing the right e-liquid for your vape kit, it's essential to consider the ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG). This ratio will determine the thickness of the vapour and the overall flavour of your vape. Different vape kits require different ratios, so choosing an e-liquid that is compatible with your kit is important.
Cig-a-likes typically use a higher PG ratio, which produces a thinner vapour and a more intense flavour.
Pod kits usually use a 50:50 VG:PG ratio, which produces a more moderate vapour and flavour. Recommended to use with nic salt e-liquid for stronger throat hit and more ssatisfying experience.
Vape Pens that use sub-ohm coils use a higher VG ratio, which produces a thicker vapour. However, you can use 50:50 and nic salt e-liquid with MTL Vape Pens.
Sub-Ohm Vape Kits produce more vapour, So if you prefer a mild throat hit and intensive vapour, just have a look at the sub-ohm vape kit. These kits are compatible with a higher VG e-liquid.
No matter what kind of vape kit you have, there is an e-liquid out there that is compatible with it. So don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect e-liquid for your vaping needs!
Resistance and Ratios - Explained
Pods and coils are available in a huge range of different resistances - measured in Ohms (Ω). The resistance of the vape coil or vape pod is what determines how much electricity can pass through it, and as a result, how powerful it is. The resistance, or power of the pod/coil is also the deciding factor on which vape style and e-liquid type it's best suited to. See below for a table on the different resistances and which vaping style and e-liquid they're most compatible with.
Vaping Style |
Coil/Pod Resistance |
E-Liquid Ratio/Type |
| Mouth to Lung (MTL) (Starter Vape Kits) |
0.8Ω |
50/50 VG/PG or High PG Examples: Nicotine Salts Bar Salts |
| Restricted Direct to Lung (RDTL) (Advanced Vape Kits) |
0.5Ω |
50/50 VG/PG Approx. Examples: Nicotine Salts 50/50 Shortfills |
| Direct to Lung (DTL) (Sub-Ohm Vapes) |
0.15Ω 0.2Ω 0.3Ω 0.4Ω |
70/30 VG/PG or High VG Examples: High VG Vape Juices Shortfill E-Liquids |
Vape E-Liquids at Grey Haze UK
At Grey Haze UK, we pride ourselves on only sourcing the highest-quality e-liquids from brands in the UK and worldwide. All of our e-liquid products are TPD-compliant, and MHRA approved, so you can be confident that you're vaping safely and legally. We have a wide range of products, so you're sure to find the perfect flavour for your taste.
Our competitive prices make us the best choice when you're looking for high-quality vape liquid. Thanks to our money-saving multi-buy discounts, free tracked delivery over £20, and price match guarantee, we offer great value for money on all of our products.
Conclusion
Whether you're new to vaping or just want to learn more about e-liquids, if you follow this guide to e-liquid, you will be in a better position when choosing a new e-liquid of your choice. Still have a Question? Get in touch with our professional team so we can guide you further.
