E-Liquid

Your Guide to Choosing E-Liquid

E-liquid, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, is the liquid used inside refillable vape kits, pods and tanks. When heated by the coil inside your device, it produces the vapour you inhale.

Choosing the right e-liquid can make a major difference to the flavour, vapour production and overall performance of your vape. The best option will depend on the type of device you use, your preferred nicotine strength, the amount of vapour you want and the flavours you enjoy.

At E-Cig Clouds, you can explore a huge selection of nicotine salts, freebase nicotine e-liquids, shortfills, bar salts, nicotine shots and nicotine-free vape juice from popular brands.

What Is Inside E-Liquid?

Most e-liquids contain a combination of the following ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol, commonly known as PG
• Vegetable Glycerine, commonly known as VG
• Food-grade flavourings
• Nicotine, unless the liquid is nicotine-free

The balance between PG and VG affects how an e-liquid feels and performs. PG is thinner and carries flavour effectively, while VG is thicker and produces denser vapour.

Some e-liquids use an even 50/50 balance, while others contain a higher percentage of VG for increased vapour production.

What Are the Different Types of E-Liquid?

Understanding the main types of vape juice will help you choose an option that works correctly with your device.

Nicotine Salt E-Liquids

Nicotine salts, often called nic salts, are designed to provide a smoother inhale than traditional freebase nicotine at comparable strengths.

They are commonly available in strengths such as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg and are particularly popular with people moving away from cigarettes or prefilled disposable.

Nic salts work best in lower-powered refillable pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices. They should not normally be used in powerful sub-ohm kits unless the device manufacturer specifically recommends them.

Bar Salt E-Liquids

Bar salts are a style of nicotine salt created to deliver the sweet, concentrated flavours commonly associated with prefilled disposable.

Popular options include fruit, ice, drink, candy and menthol combinations. They are a good choice for customers moving from prefilled disposable to a refillable pod system while wanting to keep a similar flavour experience.

Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in vape juice. It generally provides a more noticeable throat hit than nicotine salt e-liquid.

Freebase liquids are commonly sold in 10ml bottles and are available in a range of strengths. Balanced 50/50 freebase liquids are usually suitable for starter kits, pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices.

Shortfill E-Liquids

Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid that leave space inside the bottle for nicotine shots.

For example, a 60ml bottle may contain 50ml of e-liquid, leaving enough room to add a 10ml nicotine shot. Shortfills are a convenient choice for customers who use larger quantities of vape juice or prefer lower nicotine strengths.

Many shortfills contain a higher VG ratio and are intended for sub-ohm vape kits, although 50/50 shortfills are also available for compatible lower-powered devices.

Nicotine Shots

Nicotine shots, also known as nic shots, are small bottles of nicotine-containing liquid designed to be added to shortfills.

The number and type of nicotine shots required will depend on the shortfill bottle size, available space and desired final nicotine strength. Always follow the instructions supplied with the liquid and check that the nic shot’s PG/VG ratio is suitable for your chosen e-liquid.

Nicotine-Free E-Liquids

Nicotine-free e-liquids contain flavourings, PG and VG without added nicotine. They are suitable for customers who no longer use nicotine or simply want to enjoy the flavour and vaping experience without it.

What Is the Difference Between PG and VG?

PG and VG are the two main base ingredients found in e-liquid.

Higher-PG E-Liquids

Higher-PG liquids are thinner and generally provide:

• A more noticeable throat hit
• Strong flavour delivery
• Less vapour
• Better compatibility with lower-powered devices

They are normally used with mouth-to-lung kits, starter kits and refillable pod systems.

Higher-VG E-Liquids

Higher-VG liquids are thicker and generally provide:

• Denser vapour
• A softer inhale
• Better performance at higher wattages
• Compatibility with larger sub-ohm coils

High-VG liquids are primarily intended for direct-to-lung and sub-ohm vape kits. Using a liquid that is too thick for a small pod or coil can lead to poor wicking, reduced flavour or burnt coils.

50/50 E-Liquids

A 50/50 e-liquid contains an equal balance of PG and VG. These liquids offer a practical combination of flavour, vapour and throat hit.

They are widely used with starter kits, mouth-to-lung devices and refillable pod kits. However, you should always check your device or coil instructions before selecting an e-liquid.

Which E-Liquid Should I Use in My Vape Kit?

Matching the liquid to the device is one of the most important parts of choosing e-liquid.

Refillable Pod Kits

Most refillable pod kits work best with:

• Nicotine salts
• Bar salts
• 50/50 freebase e-liquids
• Lower-viscosity vape juice

These liquids wick efficiently through the smaller coils used inside most pod systems.

Mouth-to-Lung Vape Kits

Mouth-to-lung, or MTL, devices are designed to produce a tighter draw similar to the way a cigarette is inhaled.

They usually work best with:

• Nicotine salts
• 50/50 e-liquids
• Freebase nicotine
• Higher nicotine strengths used at lower power

Sub-Ohm Vape Kits

Sub-ohm kits use lower-resistance coils and higher power to produce more vapour and a more open inhale.

They generally work best with:

• High-VG shortfills
• Lower nicotine strengths
• Nicotine-free e-liquids
• Liquids specifically labelled for sub-ohm use

High-strength nicotine salts and freebase liquids should usually be avoided in powerful sub-ohm devices because the amount of vapour produced can result in excessive nicotine intake.

How Do I Choose a Nicotine Strength?

The right nicotine strength depends on your previous nicotine use, how frequently you vape and the type of device you use.

As a general starting point:

• Lower strengths may suit occasional smokers or customers using powerful devices
• Medium strengths may suit regular smokers using pod or mouth-to-lung kits
• Higher strengths may suit heavier smokers using low-powered pod systems

Nicotine salts can feel smoother than freebase nicotine, even at higher strengths. Freebase nicotine usually provides a stronger throat hit.

There is no single strength that works for everyone. If the strength feels too harsh, causes discomfort or feels stronger than expected, stop using it and move to a lower option. If cravings remain strong, a different strength or device setup may be more suitable.

Which E-Liquid Flavour Should I Choose?

Flavour is a personal choice, and experimenting with different profiles is often the best way to discover what you enjoy.

Popular e-liquid flavour categories include:

Fruit E-Liquids

Fruit flavours range from simple options such as apple, mango, grape and strawberry to mixed-fruit and tropical blends.

Ice and Menthol E-Liquids

Ice e-liquids combine flavour with a cooling finish, while menthol liquids provide a fresher and more traditional mint-style experience.

Tobacco E-Liquids

Tobacco flavours are commonly chosen by people moving away from cigarettes who prefer a familiar flavour rather than something sweet or fruity.

Dessert and Bakery E-Liquids

Dessert flavours include custard, cake, biscuit, cream, doughnut and pastry-inspired blends. These are often richer and sweeter than fruit or menthol liquids.

Sweet and Candy E-Liquids

Sweet flavours include bubblegum, candy, sherbet, gummy and fizzy combinations. Bar salt ranges often contain stronger versions of these profiles.

Drink-Inspired E-Liquids

Drink flavours can include cola, lemonade, energy drink, coffee, milkshake and cocktail-inspired blends.

If you’re unsure where to begin, browse our bestselling e-liquids or start with a flavour family you already enjoy.

Switching from Prefilled Disposable

If you previously used prefilled disposable, a refillable pod kit paired with bar salt or nicotine salt e-liquid will usually provide the closest alternative.

Bar salt liquids recreate many of the fruit, sweet and ice combinations associated with disposable products, while refillable devices allow you to replace the liquid and pod rather than disposing of the entire device.

When switching, check:

• The recommended e-liquid ratio for your pod
• The coil resistance
• Your preferred nicotine strength
• Whether you prefer a tight or airy draw
• How sweet or cool you want the flavour to be

How Should E-Liquid Be Stored?

Keep e-liquid in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Ensure the cap is closed securely when the bottle is not being used.

E-liquids should always be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use a bottle if the packaging is damaged, leaking or appears to have been tampered with.

E-Liquid Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Any E-Liquid in Any Vape?

No. Different devices require different liquid thicknesses and nicotine strengths. Small pod kits usually work best with 50/50 liquids, nic salts and freebase e-liquids, while sub-ohm devices generally require high-VG vape juice.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your kit, pod or coil.

What Is the Best E-Liquid for a Pod Kit?

Most refillable pod kits work well with nicotine salts, bar salts and balanced 50/50 freebase e-liquids. The correct choice will depend on the pod resistance and recommended wattage.

What Is the Best E-Liquid for a Sub-Ohm Kit?

High-VG shortfills are normally the most suitable option for sub-ohm vaping. These liquids are designed to work with larger coils and higher wattages.

Why Does My Coil Taste Burnt?

A burnt taste can occur when the coil is old, the pod is running low, the e-liquid is too thick for the coil or the liquid has not had enough time to soak into a new coil.

After filling a new pod or tank, allow the liquid several minutes to absorb before vaping.

Can I Mix E-Liquid Flavours?

Different flavours can be mixed, although the final taste may not always work as expected. Avoid mixing liquids with significantly different nicotine strengths or PG/VG ratios unless you understand how this will affect the final mixture.

Why Are Nicotine E-Liquids Sold in 10ml Bottles?

UK rules restrict nicotine-containing e-liquids to bottles with a maximum capacity of 10ml and nicotine concentrations to no more than 20mg per ml. Larger shortfill bottles are therefore normally sold without nicotine.

How Long Does E-Liquid Last?

How long a bottle lasts depends on the bottle size, device power, coil resistance and how frequently you vape. Higher-powered devices generally use liquid more quickly than lower-powered pod kits.

Shop E-Liquids at E-Cig Clouds

Explore one of the UK’s largest selections of vape juice, including nicotine salts, bar salts, 10ml freebase e-liquids, shortfills, nicotine shots and nicotine-free options.

Shop by brand, flavour, nicotine strength, bottle size or e-liquid type to find the right liquid for your vape kit. All vaping products sold by E-Cig Clouds are intended for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is an addictive substance.