Vaping FAQS

Vaping is the act of inhaling flavoured vapour produced when a battery-powered coil heats e-liquid. A vape device turns liquid into an aerosol at low temperature, without burning tobacco. Vaping suits adult smokers moving away from cigarettes, delivers nicotine or 0mg options, and produces vapour that fades faster than cigarette smoke. Our full beginner's guide to vaping walks new switchers through the first week.

A vape works by heating e-liquid into vapour. First, the battery sends power to a coil inside the pod or tank. Second, the coil heats liquid held in the wicking material. Third, you draw on the mouthpiece and inhale the vapour. Airflow and coil resistance shape how warm and how large each draw feels.

Vape e-liquid contains four core ingredients. Propylene glycol (PG) carries flavour and gives the throat sensation. Vegetable glycerin (VG) produces the vapour. Food-grade flavourings set the taste, from fruit to menthol. Nicotine appears at a chosen strength, or at 0mg for nicotine-free liquid. Nic salt liquids add benzoic acid to smooth the nicotine.

The main difference between MTL and DTL vaping is the draw style and the device behind it. MTL holds vapour in the mouth first, then inhales; DTL draws vapour straight to the lungs.

See how the draw styles differ in our MTL vs DTL vaping guide.

Yes, vaping is less harmful than smoking, because a vape heats liquid rather than burning tobacco, so it produces no tar and no carbon monoxide. Vaping is not risk-free, and it suits adult smokers switching away from cigarettes, not non-smokers and not anyone under 18. Nicotine strengths in the UK reach 20mg/ml maximum, per NHS guidance.

The best beginner vapes are simple refillable pod kits. First, a pod kit offers automatic firing and tight MTL draws close to a cigarette. Second, a prefilled pod kit removes refilling for the first weeks. Third, a starter kit bundles the device, coils and charging in one box. Browse beginner-friendly starter vape kits to compare options.

A pod kit is a compact refillable device that pairs a rechargeable battery with a small pod for e-liquid. A pod kit runs low wattage, uses high-resistance coils, and delivers a tight MTL draw suited to nic salts. Explore refillable and prefilled pod kits, and see the mechanism in our how vape kits work guide.

The main difference between prefilled and refillable pod kits is how the pod is filled and replaced.

Value-focused vapers favour refillable pod kits, and our prefilled vs refillable pod kits guide compares running costs in detail.

Big puff vapes are refillable or pod-based devices that deliver thousands of draws from a rechargeable battery and replaceable pods. A big puff kit replaces the banned single-use disposable, keeps the familiar bar-style flavour, and stays legal under UK rules. Many pair with prefilled pods for a fast, no-refill setup.

No, single-use disposable vapes are banned across the UK, in force since 1 June 2025. Retailers cannot sell them, whether nicotine or 0mg. Rechargeable, refillable and pod-based kits remain legal and give the same convenience. Compliant prefilled pod kits are the direct replacement for disposable-style vaping.

A sub-ohm kit is a high-power DTL device built for coils below 1.0Ω and high-VG e-liquid. A sub-ohm kit produces large vapour and bold flavour, runs at higher wattage, and drains battery faster than a pod kit. Compare DTL devices in sub-ohm kits, or learn the power side in our sub-ohm vaping guide.

A quality vape kit lasts one to three years with regular coil changes and correct charging. Battery life within a full charge depends on capacity, from 400mAh in small pods to 3000mAh in larger kits. Coils last one to two weeks, and the pod or tank outlives the coil. Browse full vape kits, and read our how long a vape lasts guide.

E-liquid is the flavoured liquid vaporised by a vape coil, made from PG, VG, flavourings and optional nicotine. E-liquid sells in 10ml nicotine bottles up to 20mg/ml, and in larger nicotine-free shortfills. Ratios set the draw: 50/50 suits MTL pods, high-VG suits sub-ohm kits. Shop every format across e-liquids, or read the complete guide to vape e-liquids.

The VG/PG ratio is the balance of vegetable glycerin to propylene glycol in an e-liquid, written VG first. A 50/50 blend gives a firm throat hit and clear flavour for pod kits. A 70/30 or higher-VG blend gives thicker vapour for sub-ohm kits. Match a balanced 50/50 e-liquid to any MTL device, and our VG and PG ratios guide explains which blend suits each device.

A shortfill e-liquid is a larger nicotine-free bottle part-filled to leave room for nicotine shots. A 100ml shortfill holds 100ml of 0mg liquid in a bottle sized for two 10ml nic shots, reaching 3mg once mixed. Shortfills carry high-VG ratios for DTL vaping. Browse shortfill e-liquid in fruit, dessert and menthol.

A nic shot is a 10ml bottle of nicotine at 18mg/ml or 20mg/ml, added to a shortfill to set the final strength. One 10ml shot in a 50ml shortfill gives roughly 3mg. Nic shots stay unflavoured, so they change strength without changing taste. Follow our how to add nic shots guide to mix a shortfill correctly.

Opened e-liquid lasts around one year when stored well, and up to two years unopened. Every bottle carries a batch code and a best-before date. Flavour fades and colour darkens with age, though the liquid stays usable. Keep bottles sealed between refills to slow oxidation and protect the taste.

To store e-liquid well, keep it cool, dark and sealed. First, stand bottles upright in a cupboard away from sunlight. Second, keep them below room temperature, never on a warm windowsill. Third, store every bottle out of reach of children and pets behind the child-resistant cap. Correct storage protects flavour, colour and nicotine strength.

UK nicotine strengths run in five common steps: 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg and 20mg per ml. Light 3mg and 6mg suit shortfill and DTL setups. Stronger 10mg and 20mg nic salts suit MTL pod kits and heavier ex-smokers. The legal maximum is 20mg/ml, set by TRPR for nicotine-containing e-liquid.

Choose your nicotine strength from your previous smoking habit. Light smokers on 1 to 5 a day suit 6mg to 10mg. Moderate smokers on 5 to 15 a day suit 10mg to 12mg. Heavy smokers on 15 or more a day suit 20mg nic salts in a pod kit. See recommended levels in our best nic salt strength guide.

The maximum nicotine strength in the UK is 20mg/ml, set by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. The same rules cap tank and pod capacity at 2ml, and nicotine bottle size at 10ml. Any nicotine e-liquid stronger than 20mg/ml is illegal to sell in the UK, per GOV.UK.

0mg e-liquid is nicotine-free vape liquid, made from PG, VG and flavourings with no nicotine added. A 0mg bottle suits vapers reducing nicotine and those who enjoy flavour without it. Every shortfill starts at 0mg before a nic shot. The 2026 vape tax applies to 0mg liquid at the same rate as nicotine liquid.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco, though it is not the main cause of smoking-related harm. Burning tobacco produces tar and carbon monoxide, which drive most smoking disease. Nicotine keeps a habit going and is not risk-free. Vaping delivers nicotine without combustion, which is why it suits adult smokers switching away from cigarettes.

Nic salts are a smoother form of nicotine, made by adding benzoic acid to freebase nicotine to lower the pH. Nic salts absorb quickly and feel gentle at high strengths, which suits 10mg and 20mg pod vaping. Blended at 50/50 in 10ml bottles, they pair with MTL kits. Shop nic salts from ELFLIQ, IVG and Riot Squad.

The main difference between nic salts and freebase nicotine is the throat feel at higher strengths.

Our nic salt vs freebase nicotine guide covers throat hit and absorption.

No, bar salts are not a different nicotine, they are nic salts tuned for flavour. Both use a 50/50 base at 10mg or 20mg and suit low-watt MTL pod kits. The difference is flavour style, not strength: bar salts copy the sweeter, cooler taste of disposable-style devices. Browse disposable-inspired bar salts for that familiar profile.

No, nic salts suit MTL pod kits only, not sub-ohm devices. Coil resistance between 1.0Ω and 1.8Ω and low wattage of 8W to 15W deliver the smooth, high-nicotine draw nic salts are designed for. Sub-ohm coils below 1.0Ω would overheat a 20mg nic salt and give too harsh a hit.

The best nic salt strength for switching is 10mg or 20mg, chosen by cigarette count. Heavy smokers on 15 or more a day suit 20mg. Lighter smokers on 5 to 10 a day suit 10mg. A 20mg nic salt in a pod kit answers cravings quickly, then you step down as your habit settles.

A vape coil is the heating element inside a pod or tank, made from wire wrapped around absorbent wicking. A coil carries a resistance in ohms that sets the draw: high resistance for MTL, sub-ohm for DTL. Coils wear out and need replacing every one to two weeks. Browse replacement vape coils, and our what is a vape coil guide explains coil types.

Ohm (Ω) is the measure of resistance in a vape coil, and it sets the draw style. High resistance above 1.0Ω gives a tight MTL draw at low wattage. Sub-ohm resistance below 1.0Ω gives an airy DTL draw at high wattage. Lower resistance means more power, more vapour and faster battery drain. Our what do ohms mean guide explains resistance in plain terms.

Replace a vape coil every 7 to 14 days with regular use. A burnt taste, weak flavour, reduced vapour or a gurgling pod signal a spent coil. Darker and sweeter e-liquids gunk coils faster, shortening their life. Change the coil sooner if the flavour turns muted before two weeks pass.

To prime a new coil, soak the wick first. First, drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed cotton of the coil. Second, fit the coil and fill the pod or tank. Third, leave it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes before the first draw. Follow our how to prime a vape coil guide step by step.

To extend coil life, vape at the right power. First, keep wattage inside the coil's printed range. Second, prime every new coil and never chain-vape a dry wick. Third, choose lighter, less sugary flavours that gunk the coil slowly. Fourth, keep the pod topped up so the wick stays wet. Our vape coil lifespan guide covers this in full.

To clean a refillable pod, rinse and dry it. First, empty any old e-liquid and remove the coil if it detaches. Second, rinse the pod under warm water, then leave it to air-dry fully. Third, refit a fresh coil and re-prime before use. Keep spare replacement pods for a quick swap, and follow our how to clean vape pods guide.

mAh is the milliamp-hour capacity of a vape battery, showing how much charge it holds. A higher mAh runs longer between charges: a 400mAh pod lasts part of a day, while a 3000mAh kit lasts a full day or more. External 18650 and 21700 cells power sub-ohm kits. Browse vape batteries, and compare cells in our vape batteries explained guide.

A vape battery lasts 300 to 500 charge cycles, roughly one to two years of daily use. Within a single charge, run time depends on capacity and wattage. A small pod at 400mAh clears part of a day, while a 3000mAh kit reaches a full day. Capacity fades gradually as the cell ages.

No, charging a vape overnight is best avoided. Modern kits stop at full charge, though leaving a device unattended on charge for hours adds risk. Charge while you are awake and nearby, on a flat, non-flammable surface. Unplug once the light shows a full charge to protect the cell and prolong its life.

To charge a vape safely, use the correct cable. First, connect the supplied USB-C lead to a low-output plug or computer port. Second, charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from bedding. Third, unplug at full charge and never leave it unattended for long. External cells belong in dedicated vape battery chargers.

Replace a vape battery when it charges slowly or drains fast. Warning signs include a cell that no longer holds charge, gets warm in use, or shows torn wrap on external 18650s. Damaged or swollen batteries need immediate replacement. A pod kit with a failing built-in battery reaches the end of its service life.

A vape leaks because of an overfilled or loose pod. Excess e-liquid floods the coil, and a cross-threaded pod lets liquid escape. Fix it by filling to the marked line, leaving the central airway clear, and seating the pod firmly. Our why vape pods leak guide lists every cause and fix.

A vape gurgles because e-liquid pools in the coil. Flooding follows overfilling, hard draws, or a coil past its life. Clear it by taking slow, steady draws, tipping out excess liquid, and fitting a fresh coil if the sound persists. A gentle blow through the mouthpiece onto a tissue clears trapped liquid.

A vape tastes burnt because the wick has run dry. A spent coil, an empty pod, or an unprimed new coil each cause a dry hit. Fix it by keeping the pod filled, priming every new coil for 5 to 10 minutes, and lowering the wattage. Our why pods taste burnt guide explains dry hits.

No vapour points to a flat battery or connection fault. Check the charge first, then confirm the coil sits fully in the pod. A blocked airflow, a wet sensor, or a worn coil each cut vapour. Clean the contacts, refit a primed coil, and confirm the device is switched on with five clicks.

E-liquid reaches your mouth from spitback or overfilling. Flooded coils and hard, fast draws push liquid up the airway. Reduce it with slower, softer draws, filling below the max line, and priming correctly. Flicking excess liquid from the pod and fitting a fresh coil stops persistent spitback.

Flavour fades from vaper's tongue or a tired coil. Vaping one flavour for days dulls your taste receptors, and a gunked coil mutes the taste. Refresh it by switching flavour, drinking water, and fitting a new coil. Menthol resets the palate quickly, and lighter flavours keep coils cleaner for longer.

Current UK vaping regulations set three core limits under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Nicotine strength is capped at 20mg/ml. Tank and pod capacity is capped at 2ml. Nicotine e-liquid bottles are capped at 10ml. Every nicotine vape must be MHRA-notified, child-resistant and correctly labelled before sale. Our vaping laws UK guide sets out the current rules in full.

Yes, single-use disposable vapes are banned across the UK, in force since 1 June 2025. The ban covers nicotine and 0mg single-use devices, driven by environmental and youth-access concerns. Rechargeable, refillable and pod-based kits stay legal and give the same convenience. Follow the latest in our disposable vape ban news.

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is the new UK tobacco law, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. The Act creates a generational tobacco sales ban and gives ministers powers over vape flavours, packaging, displays and advertising. Most vaping powers need further consultation before they take effect. Track changes through our UK vape laws and regulations news.

No, vape flavours are still legal in the UK in 2026. Fruit, dessert, candy, menthol and tobacco flavours all remain on sale. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 gives ministers the power to restrict flavours in future, though no ban is in force and any change would follow public consultation first.

The generational tobacco sale ban stops future tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. Introduced by the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, it takes effect from 1 January 2027 and applies to cigarettes, tobacco and cigarette papers. The rolling age line means the legal tobacco age rises each year.

You must be 18 or over to buy a vape in the UK. Selling nicotine and 0mg vaping products to under-18s is illegal. Royal Vapery runs age verification at checkout to confirm every customer is of legal age before an order ships.

Vape advertising faces incoming restrictions under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which gives ministers power to ban vape advertising and sponsorship. A ban on free samples takes effect on 29 October 2026. Wider advertising and display rules follow through consultation, so parts remain pending rather than fully in force in 2026.

The Vaping Products Duty is a new UK excise tax on vaping liquid, introduced by HMRC. It applies a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml, regardless of nicotine strength, so 0mg and 20mg liquid pay the same per ml. VAT is charged on top. The duty aims to reduce vaping uptake among young people and non-smokers.

The UK vape tax starts on 1 October 2026. From that date, all e-liquid produced in or imported into the UK carries the £2.20 per 10ml duty. Registrations for businesses opened on 1 April 2026. Existing pre-duty stock may be sold through until the end of March 2027, per HMRC. Follow pricing updates in our vape tax and pricing news.

The vape tax is £2.20 per 10ml of liquid, before VAT. A 2ml prefilled pod carries about 44p. A 50ml shortfill carries £11, and a 100ml shortfill carries £22, before nic shots. With 20% VAT on top, the real increase reaches roughly £2.64 per 10ml. Stock up ahead on 100ml shortfill e-liquid.

Yes, the vape tax applies to nicotine-free 0mg liquid. The Vaping Products Duty is a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml charged on all vaping liquid, whatever the nicotine content. A 0mg shortfill pays the same per-ml rate as a 20mg nic salt, because the duty is based on volume, not strength.

No, the vape tax applies to liquid only, not hardware. Vape kits, coils, empty pods, tanks and batteries stay on standard 20% VAT and carry no duty. The Vaping Products Duty covers e-liquid and the liquid inside prefilled pods, so device and accessory prices are unaffected by the duty itself.

A vaping duty stamp is a secure packaging label confirming the duty is paid, like tobacco and alcohol stamps. Stamps appear on products from 1 October 2026. Retailers may sell older unstamped stock until the end of March 2027, and selling unstamped stock becomes a criminal offence from 1 April 2027. Watch clearance vape deals for pre-duty stock.

Passive vaping carries far lower exposure than second-hand cigarette smoke, though it is not proven risk-free. Vapour contains no tar or carbon monoxide and disperses quickly. Courtesy matters, so vape away from children, non-vapers and enclosed shared spaces. Evidence on long-term bystander effects continues to develop, which supports a cautious approach indoors.

Vaping is a popular switching tool among UK adult smokers, because it delivers nicotine without burning tobacco. Public health bodies support vaping as a less harmful alternative for smokers, though Royal Vapery makes no medical or cessation guarantee. Our vaping vs smoking guide compares the two side by side.

Yes, vaping stays cheaper than smoking for most UK vapers, even after the 2026 duty. A refillable pod kit with 10ml nic salts costs far less per week than a daily cigarette habit. The Vaping Products Duty narrows the gap from 1 October 2026. Our vape cost guide breaks down weekly spend.

Pregnant women should speak to a midwife or GP before vaping. Nicotine is not advised during pregnancy, and stopping nicotine entirely is the safest option. Where a pregnant smoker cannot quit with support alone, NHS guidance treats vaping as less harmful than continuing to smoke. Personal medical advice from a professional comes first.

Vaping leaves little lasting smell compared with cigarette smoke. Vapour fades within minutes and does not soak into hair, clothes or furnishings the way stale smoke does. A faint scent of the e-liquid flavour may linger briefly. Fruit and dessert flavours smell sweet, while tobacco and menthol stay subtle.

Yes, nicotine is an addictive substance found in tobacco and most e-liquids. It creates dependence and drives cravings, which is why quitting nicotine takes effort. Nicotine strengths in the UK reach 20mg/ml maximum, and 0mg options exist for vapers reducing intake. Our vaping myths and facts guide separates evidence from claims.

Yes, you can take a vape on a plane in your cabin bag, not the hold. Airlines require vape devices and spare batteries in carry-on, because loose lithium cells are banned from checked luggage. Vaping on board is prohibited on every airline. Carry e-liquid within the 100ml liquid limit through security.

Vaping indoors depends on the venue's own policy. The smoking ban does not cover vaping by law, so pubs, cafes, shops and workplaces set their own rules, and most restrict it. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 gives ministers power to extend vape-free areas outdoors, subject to consultation. Our vaping in public guide covers venue rules.

Vaping in a car with others is legal but discouraged, especially with children present. No specific law bans vaping while driving, though a clouded windscreen that obscures your view can bring a careless-driving charge. Keep vapour minimal, open a window, and avoid vaping near children altogether out of courtesy and caution.

Yes, every Royal Vapery product is genuine and TRPR-compliant. Stock is sourced from authorised UK distributors, MHRA-notified, and within the 20mg/ml, 2ml and 10ml limits. Nicotine liquids carry child-resistant caps and correct labelling. Learn more about Royal Vapery and its sourcing standards.

Royal Vapery offers fast UK delivery by Royal Mail and DPD. Orders placed before 12pm dispatch the same working day, subject to age verification and stock. Delivery is free on orders over £49.99, with tracked options at checkout. See timings on our delivery information page.

Yes, you can return a faulty vape item within the 14-day faulty returns window. Report the fault with your order number, and Royal Vapery arranges a replacement or refund on confirmed faults. For hygiene and safety, opened e-liquids and used coils are non-returnable unless faulty. Read the terms on our refund and return policy page.