Common Vaping FAQs
Vaping FAQs
Straight answers to the UK’s most-asked vaping questions — devices, e-liquids, nicotine strengths, the law, troubleshooting and choosing the right product for you.
Adults only (18+)
Vaping is intended for adult smokers and existing nicotine users only. It is not for children, non-smokers or anyone who does not already use nicotine. If you’re unsure which product is right for you, contact our team before ordering.
Vaping basics
The essentials, explained simply — what vaping is and how it works.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the use of a device that heats e-liquid into an inhalable vapour. Unlike cigarettes, there is no burning tobacco and no smoke. E-liquids can contain nicotine or be nicotine-free, and come in a wide range of flavours. Most adult smokers vape as an alternative to smoking.
What am I actually inhaling when I vape?
You’re inhaling vapour produced by gently heating e-liquid. UK-compliant e-liquid is made from a small number of ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), food-grade flavourings and, in nicotine products, nicotine. There is no tar and no combustion, which is the key difference from cigarette smoke.
What is the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) is a tighter draw that feels like pulling on a cigarette — vapour is held in the mouth first, then inhaled. It suits pod kits, starter kits and higher-strength nic salts, and is the best starting point for most people switching from smoking.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL) is a looser, deeper inhale straight into the lungs that produces much more vapour. It’s used with higher-powered sub-ohm kits and lower nicotine strengths.
What is an ohm (Ω) and what does coil resistance mean?
An ohm (Ω) measures the electrical resistance of a vape coil. In simple terms, lower-resistance coils (sub-ohm, below 1.0Ω) are built for higher power and bigger vapour, while higher-resistance coils (above 1.0Ω) run at lower power for a tighter, cigarette-like MTL draw. Always use your coil within the wattage range printed on it.
What is the difference between nic salts and freebase e-liquid?
Nicotine salts are smoother on the throat at higher strengths, absorb quickly, and are ideal in pod kits and lower-powered devices — the go-to choice for smokers switching over. Browse nic salt e-liquids.
Freebase nicotine gives a stronger throat hit and is typically used in more powerful devices at lower strengths, often for bigger clouds and DTL vaping.
What does vaping taste like?
Vape flavours span fruit, menthol, drink-inspired, dessert and tobacco styles. If you’re moving off cigarettes, some people start on tobacco or menthol to stay familiar, while others switch straight to fruit or sweet flavours — both are fine. Explore the full e-liquid range to find your flavour.
Finding the right vape
Devices, nicotine strengths, the disposable ban and what to buy instead.
What is the best vape for a beginner or someone quitting smoking?
For most people switching from cigarettes, a refillable pod kit paired with nicotine salt e-liquid is the best starting point — it’s compact, simple to use, gives an MTL (cigarette-like) draw and needs very little setup.
- Want the easiest option? A pod kit or simple starter device.
- Switching from smoking? Nic salts for a smoother draw and faster satisfaction.
- Comfortable with coils and wattage? Consider a more advanced kit.
Not sure? Contact us before ordering and we’ll help you choose.
What nicotine strength should I choose?
In the UK the maximum legal strength is 20mg/ml (2%). As a rough guide based on how much you smoke:
Higher strengths work best in low-powered pod kits; if you’re getting too much of a throat hit, step down a level. If you’re unsure, ask our team.
What is the strongest legal e-liquid in the UK?
The strongest e-liquid you can legally buy in the UK is 20mg/ml (2%). Nicotine-containing bottles are limited to 10ml, and tanks to 2ml, under UK regulations (TRPR/TPD). Any UK-facing seller advertising 35mg or 50mg e-liquid is offering an unregulated product — we only sell compliant, legal-limit e-liquids.
Are disposable vapes banned in the UK? What can I use instead?
Yes. Since 1 June 2025 it has been illegal for any UK retailer to sell or supply single-use (disposable) vapes, including nicotine-free ones. The ban was introduced to reduce youth vaping and single-use waste.
The good news is the replacements are better value and perform just as well. If you used disposables, look at:
- Disposable vape alternatives — the closest like-for-like swaps.
- Big puff vapes and prefilled pod kits — rechargeable bodies with replaceable prefilled pods.
- Refillable pod kits — the cheapest long-term option, refilled with your choice of e-liquid.
Is vaping cheaper than smoking?
For most people, yes — especially with a refillable pod kit rather than continually buying cigarettes or prefilled pods. A refillable setup with nic salt e-liquid is usually the most cost-effective way to vape. Note that a new Vaping Products Duty of 22p per ml applies to all e-liquid from 1 October 2026, which will add a little to running costs, but vaping is still generally cheaper than smoking.
How do I know which pod or coil I need?
Pods and coils are not universal — they must match your exact device or the compatible range listed on the product page. Before ordering, check:
- Your device name and model
- The compatible pod or coil range
- The recommended wattage or resistance (Ω) where relevant
Browse replacement pods and coils, or contact us if you’re unsure.
How long does a coil or pod last?
Most coils and pods last around 1 to 2 weeks with regular use, though this varies with how much you vape, your wattage, and the e-liquid (dark, sweet dessert flavours wear coils faster). Signs it’s time to change: a drop in flavour, less vapour, or a burnt taste. Always prime a new coil by letting fresh e-liquid soak in for a few minutes before use.
Health, safety & stopping smoking
Honest, measured answers about vaping and switching from cigarettes.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping is not risk-free, but UK public health bodies including the NHS state that it is substantially less harmful than smoking, because there’s no burning tobacco, tar or smoke. Vaping is intended as an alternative for adult smokers — it is not for children, non-smokers or people who don’t already use nicotine.
Can vaping help me stop smoking?
Many adult smokers use vaping to move away from cigarettes, and it is one of the most popular quitting aids in the UK. Getting the right device and nicotine strength makes a big difference. If you’re switching and need help choosing a setup, contact our team — or find your nearest shop with our store locator for in-person advice.
Is second-hand vapour harmful?
Vaping doesn’t produce smoke, and current evidence suggests the risk to bystanders is far lower than second-hand cigarette smoke. Even so, it’s sensible to avoid vaping around children, pregnant people or anyone sensitive to vapour, and not to vape in enclosed shared spaces unless permitted.
Does vaping produce a smell?
Yes, vaping can produce a noticeable scent from the flavouring, but it’s usually lighter and far less persistent than cigarette smoke and tends to fade quickly. Please be considerate when vaping around other people, particularly indoors.
How often can I vape?
Usage varies from person to person depending on nicotine strength, device type and habits. If you’re using vaping instead of cigarettes, many people start by vaping whenever they’d normally have smoked, then adjust to suit them. If you find you’re vaping far more than you smoked, consider a slightly higher nicotine strength so you feel satisfied sooner.
Rules & regulations
Age rules, the disposable ban, the 2026 vape tax, indoor vaping and travel.
How old do I need to be to buy vaping products?
You must be 18 or over to buy vaping products in the UK. Online orders may be subject to age-verification checks, and valid photo ID may be requested for in-store purchases. We operate a strict Challenge 25 approach.
What is the UK vape tax (Vaping Products Duty)?
From 1 October 2026, the UK introduces a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) of a flat 22p per ml on all vaping liquid — nicotine and nicotine-free alike. That’s about £2.20 on a 10ml bottle, on top of the retail price, with VAT still applying. It affects every UK vape retailer equally.
Is it legal to vape indoors?
There’s no blanket UK ban on indoor vaping like there is for smoking, but it comes down to the venue. Most workplaces, shops, pubs, restaurants, hospitals, trains and public transport treat vaping the same as smoking and don’t allow it inside. Always follow the rules of the place you’re in.
Can I take my vape on a plane?
Rules vary by airline and country, so always check before you travel. As a general rule:
- Keep vape devices and spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag, never in hold luggage.
- Do not vape on the aircraft — it’s prohibited on all flights.
- Empty or nearly empty your tank/pod before flying, as cabin pressure changes can cause leaking.
How do I know your products are genuine? Do you sell clones or fakes?
No — we never sell cloned or counterfeit products. Everything we stock is sourced through official distributors and legitimate trade channels and must meet UK requirements. Many brands carry scratch-off verification codes you can check directly with the manufacturer; not every product has one, but all are supplied genuinely.
Fixing common issues
Quick fixes for burnt taste, leaks, charging and devices that won’t fire.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
A burnt taste almost always means the coil or pod is dry, worn out or wasn’t primed. Common causes:
- Using a new coil before the e-liquid has soaked in
- Low e-liquid level in the tank or pod
- Wattage set too high for the coil
- An old, worn-out coil or pod
Fit a fresh coil or pod, let the e-liquid soak in for a few minutes, and stay within the coil’s wattage range.
Why is my vape leaking?
Light condensation is normal, but heavier leaking is usually caused by:
- Overfilling the pod or tank
- A loose or incorrectly fitted coil
- Damaged or worn seals
- Using the wrong e-liquid type (e.g. high-VG in an MTL pod)
- Leaving the device on its side for long periods
Cleaning the device, checking the seals and replacing the pod or coil usually solves it.
Why is e-liquid coming into my mouth?
This happens when a coil or pod is flooded or over-saturated — often from overfilling, drawing too hard, an incorrectly fitted coil, or the device standing for a long time. Stop using it, wipe away excess liquid, clean the mouthpiece, and take slower, gentler draws. If it persists, fit a fresh pod or coil.
Why is my vape not charging?
If your device won’t charge, try:
- A different USB charging cable
- A different plug or power source (avoid high-power fast chargers)
- Checking the charging port for dust, lint or damage
- Leaving it on charge for a little while before retrying
If it still won’t charge, contact us with your order number and details.
Why is my vape not working?
If your vape isn’t firing properly, first check:
- The battery is charged
- The pod or coil is fitted correctly
- The pod or coil is compatible with the device
- The device is turned on or unlocked (often 5 clicks)
- The coil or pod isn’t old or burnt out
If the issue continues, stop using the product and contact us for support.
Still not sure? We’re here to help
If you can’t find the answer or need help choosing the right product, our team will point you in the right direction. Email support@theecig.co.uk (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4:00pm).

