Before you try vaping or spend any money on a kit, you need to know what style of vape you want - it will save you a lot of time and hassle. This quick guide will help you pick out your first vape kit and has an FAQ section that will answer all the vaping questions that you never seem to get a straight answer for.
Most smokers will need an MTL style vape with a beginner reusable vape device, but there are other options out there that offer a bit more wiggle room and may appeal to you.
Table of contents
What is vaping and how does it work?
Vaping uses a battery powered device to heat a liquid into a vapour that you inhale. The liquid is known as vape juice or e-liquid and can contain nicotine or can be nicotine free. Vape kits use pods that are prefilled with e-liquid or ones that you can fill up with bottles yourself. Vape juice comes in flavoured options that range from fruits, sodas and desserts to tobaccos, menthols and coffees.
Some vapes mimic the same draw mechanic that you use when you smoke a cigarette, these are known as mouth to lung or MTL style vapes. Others are much cloudier and use a deep inhale method known as direct lung or DTL vaping, although these are better suited to recreational purposes. A popular in-between method called restricted direct lung or RDL vaping combines a mixture of the two main styles.
Lets go through the basics of vaping and get you started on the right foot.
Step 1: Deciding your vaping style
After you've settled on a vaping style, it's time to choose which type of vape kit you want. The most popular vape kits support MTL & RDL vaping only, as the most common reason people vape is to quit smoking and these vaping styles support that.
Other more complex designs only support powerful DTL vaping and there are a few all-in-one vapes that offer a versatile experience. The key differences lie in the cost, setup and upkeep of each type of vape kit. Let's break this down:
Step 2: What are the types of vape kits?
Vaping 101: FAQs
These are some of the most common questions asked by people who've never tried vaping before. Here, we offer an unbiased answer about what to expect.
If you have any questions we haven't covered here, you can also check out our Ultimate Guide to Vaping which will take you for a deep dive through all things vaping related.
Who invented vaping and why?
Two people are credited with inventing the modern e-cigarette, although people were trying to find a way to vapourise medicines going back to the 1920's. Herman A. Gilbert was granted a patent for his 'smokeless cigarette' which produced flavoured steam, his design closely resembles modern day vapes, but received little attention at the time and was never built.
In 2001 Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik made the first working e-cigarette called the Ruyan. The death of his father from smoking related lung cancer motivated him to find a safer alternative.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping is a harm reduction tool that is widely recognised as being much safer than smoking. A study carried out by the government in England in 2022 said, “the most recent evidence suggests that while vaping is not risk-free, it poses only a small fraction of the health risks of smoking.” and that “smokers who switch to vaping products experience significant reductions in harmful substances associated with cancer, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions."(1)
Public Health England has also consistently stated that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.
While vaping isn't completely safe, it's much safer than the alternative. Think of it like this; if you had two planes flying to Spain and one was 95% safer than the other, which one would you get in?
“the most recent evidence suggests that while vaping is not risk-free, it poses only a small fraction of the health risks of smoking.” - UK Government Study
What's in vape juice?
Vaping has four main ingredients:
-
Propylene Glycol (PG) - Thin consistency, flavour carrier.
-
Vegetable Glycerine (VG) - Thick consistency, cloud maker.
-
Flavourings - can be natural or artificial, can include tobacco, menthol or sweet flavours.
-
Nicotine - extracted from tobacco or synthesised in a laboratory.
How old do you have to be to vape?
In the UK you need to be 18 years of age to buy and use a vape. It is also illegal to sell a vape device or e-liquid to anyone under the age of 18, or for adults to purchase vapes for anyone under 18.
What type of nicotine is in a vape?
Vaping offes two nicotine options; freebase and nicotine salts. The choice will affect what type of experience you have and what type of vape device you use.
Freebase nicotine is the purest form, created by mixing nicotine with ammonia to remove impurities. It has a higher pH level, resulting in a strong throat hit and slower absorption into the bloodstream. It mimics the sensation of smoking, making it suitable for ex-smokers. However, high strengths (12mg & 18mg) can be too harsh, so most vapers can only use 3mg-6mg of freebase.
Nicotine salts are made by adding benzoic acid to freebase nicotine, reducing the pH for a smoother hit. This allows for higher nicotine strengths (5mg-20mg) without losing flavour. Nic salts absorb faster, making them ideal for people who need a stronger nicotine fix.
What's the best nicotine strength for quitting smoking?
A 20mg nicotine strength is the best choice for heavy smokers of 15 or more cigarettes a day. If you smoke fewer than 15 then try a 10mg nicotine strength and if you have a social smoking habit then switching to a 3mg to 5mg strength will work.
What is the cheapest vaping option?
Right now, refillable vapes are the cheapest option. However, once e-liquids get taxed in October 2026, prefilled pod vapes will work out much better for your wallet.
Can you bring a vape on a plane?
Yes you can bring vapes on a plane but there are a few requirements you need to consider, like the type of vape you have and where you store it. We cover this topic in greater detail in our Flying with Vapes blog, check it out!
Are vapes getting banned?
Not all vapes are getting outlawed, only single use vapes will be banned for sale in the UK on 1st June 2025. Read this blog if you want to know what vapes you can use after the disposable vape ban.
How long does a vape coil last?
Most vape coils use mesh wire which lasts up to about 2 weeks. Some, like Vaporesso's Corex 2.0 coils found in the XROS series of pod vapes have been known to last 3 weeks and beyond. You can maximise your coils lifespan by obeying these golden rules:
1. Use the correct vape juice
Make sure that your e-liquid consistency is meant for the resistance of your coil.
-
50PG/50VG juice for >0.6Ω
-
30PG/70VG juice for <0.5Ω.
Above 0.6Ω (higher resistance) = Usually for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, lower wattage, and tighter draw.
Below 0.6Ω (lower resistance) = Usually for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, higher wattage, and bigger clouds.
2. Prime your coil
Soak a new coil in e-liquid for at least 5 minutes before using it. This will ensure that all the cotton is properly saturated and it will prevent any initial dry hits and burning.
3. Don’t chain vape
Coils are meant to heat up, but if you over use them they can overheat and burn the cotton or your e-liquid, which means you have to start again with a fresh coil and more vape juice. Save yourself the frustration by taking frequent breaks between vaping.
4. Keep topped up
Check your e-liquid levels and make sure that the visible cotton of your coil is always saturated. You'll enjoy the best flavour and get the most out of your coils if you regularly top up your pod or tank.
Summary
Getting started with vaping can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics makes the transition easier. The key to a satisfying experience lies in choosing the right vaping style - whether it's Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) for a cigarette-like feel, Direct-to-Lung (DTL) for larger clouds, or Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL) for a balance of both.
Proper maintenance is important for keeping your device in top shape. Regularly changing coils, cleaning your tank, and using high-quality e-liquids will help maintain performance and flavour. Additionally, battery safety should never be overlooked—always use the correct charger and avoid exposing your device to extreme temperatures.
Finally, choosing trusted e-liquid brands ensures a smoother and safer vaping experience. Look for reputable suppliers and check nicotine strength options that match your needs.
Still unsure? Browse our starter kits or reach out for expert advice at Vape Superstore!
Sources
(1) gov.co.uk - Nicotine vaping in England: 2022 evidence update
www.vapesuperstore.co.uk contains general information about vaping and vapour products. The information provided is not medical advice, and should not be relied upon unless explicity cited. We do not make any warranties surrounding the health benefits, reliability and accuracy of written copy across all pages on our website, including blog content and content posted on social media.