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If you’re learning how to vape for the first time, the amount of unfamiliar terminology can make the whole thing seem more complicated than it really is. Pods, coils, wattage, nic salts, PG, VG—it can feel as though you need to revise for an exam before you’re allowed to take a puff.
Thankfully, you don’t. A modern beginner vape can be very simple to use. Choose a suitable device, fill or install the pod, let the coil absorb the e-liquid and inhale gently. Most of the remaining details are simply about finding the combination that feels satisfying to you.
This Vaping 101 guide explains how vaping works, what you need to get started, how to inhale properly and how to deal with the most common beginner problems.
Vaping 101: The Basic Process
Charge your device, fill the pod with suitable e-liquid, wait five to ten minutes, switch the vape on if necessary and take a slow, gentle puff. If you previously smoked, a mouth-to-lung inhale will usually feel the most familiar.
Who Is This Guide For?
Vaping is intended for adults who smoke and want an alternative to cigarettes. It is not risk-free and is not recommended for children, non-smokers or people who have never used nicotine. The NHS advises that vaping is less harmful than smoking, but non-smokers and people under 18 should not vape. Read the NHS guidance on vaping and smoking.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping means using an electronic device to heat a liquid and create an aerosol that you inhale. The liquid is usually called e-liquid or vape juice.
A vape does not burn tobacco. Instead, its battery supplies power to a small heating element called a coil. The coil heats the e-liquid held in an absorbent wick, producing the vapour that you inhale through the mouthpiece.
Most e-liquids contain four main ingredients:
- Propylene glycol (PG): A thin liquid that carries flavour and contributes to the sensation in your throat.
- Vegetable glycerine (VG): A thicker liquid that helps to produce vapour.
- Flavourings: These create tobacco, menthol, fruit, sweet, drink and dessert flavours.
- Nicotine: This is optional. E-liquid is available both with and without nicotine.
What Do You Need to Start Vaping?
For a basic refillable setup, you’ll need:
- A vaping device
- A compatible pod or tank
- A coil, unless one is already built into the pod
- A suitable bottle of e-liquid
- The correct charging cable
Most beginner kits include the device, at least one pod or coil and a charging cable. Bottled e-liquid is normally sold separately.
Beginner Tip
Buy spare pods or coils with your first device. A beginner can accidentally damage a new coil by using it before the wick is fully saturated, and having a spare prevents a small mistake from leaving you without a working vape.
What Type of Vape Is Best for a Beginner?
The UK market has changed considerably in recent years. The sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes has been prohibited since 1 June 2025, although reusable and refillable products remain available. See the UK government guidance on the single-use vape ban.
New vapers now have three main options.
Refillable Pod Kits
You fill the pod with bottled e-liquid and recharge the battery. Pod kits are compact, economical and usually the best all-round choice for a beginner.
Prefilled Reusable Kits
These use replaceable prefilled pods or refill containers. They are convenient and require very little setup, but you are limited to the refills made for that device.
Vape Mods
These larger devices offer adjustable power and greater vapour production. They suit experienced users better and are rarely the simplest place to start.
Refillable Pod Kits
A refillable pod kit is usually the best option if you want a compact device that is easy to use without limiting you to one range of flavours. You can choose your own e-liquid, recharge the battery and replace the pod or coil when it wears out.
Many current pod kits select an appropriate power level automatically. Some are activated simply by inhaling, so there may not be a fire button or menu to worry about. You can explore simple starter devices in our Vape Kits collection.
Prefilled Pod Kits and Big Puff Vapes
Prefilled reusable kits are the closest modern equivalent to an old-style disposable vape. The device contains a rechargeable battery, while the empty e-liquid container can be removed and replaced.
They require less maintenance than refillable pod kits because you do not need to handle bottles of e-liquid. The trade-off is that you can only use compatible refills, so the choice of flavours and nicotine strengths is more limited. Shop our Disposable Vape Alternatives.
Vape Pens and Mods
Vape pens and mods tend to have larger batteries and may allow you to adjust the wattage, airflow and other settings. They can produce warmer vapour and larger clouds, but they also require more knowledge about coils and e-liquid compatibility.
Unless you already know that you want a direct-to-lung device, a small mouth-to-lung pod kit will generally provide a simpler introduction.
Understanding the Parts of a Vape
| Part | What It Does | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Supplies power to the coil. | Recharge it using the correct cable and a suitable power source. |
| Pod or tank | Holds the e-liquid. | Refill it before the liquid falls below the coil’s wick openings. |
| Coil | Heats the e-liquid to create vapour. | It is disposable and must eventually be replaced. |
| Wick | Absorbs e-liquid and carries it to the coil. | It must be fully saturated before you vape. |
| Mouthpiece | Directs the vapour into your mouth. | Keep it clean and free from dust or pocket fluff. |
| Airflow | Controls how much air enters when you inhale. | Less airflow gives a tighter draw; more airflow creates a looser draw. |
How to Choose Vape Juice
If you choose a refillable device, the next step is finding an e-liquid that suits the kit and gives you enough nicotine to manage your cravings.
There are three main things to consider: the type of nicotine, the nicotine strength and the ratio of PG to VG.
Nicotine Salts vs Freebase E-Liquid
Nicotine salt e-liquid, commonly called nic salts, is designed to feel smooth at strengths such as 10mg and 20mg. It works particularly well in small, low-powered pod kits and is a popular starting point for people moving away from cigarettes.
Freebase e-liquid produces a more noticeable throat hit as the nicotine strength increases. Traditional 50/50 freebase liquids can work well in beginner kits, while low-strength 3mg liquids are commonly paired with powerful sub-ohm devices.
Choosing a Nicotine Strength
The right nicotine strength should reduce your urge to smoke without making the experience feel unpleasant. These are broad starting points rather than rigid rules:
| Strength | Often Chosen By | Typical Device |
|---|---|---|
| 20mg | Heavier smokers or people experiencing strong cravings | Small, low-powered MTL pod kit |
| 10mg | Lighter smokers or people who find 20mg too intense | Low-powered MTL pod kit |
| 3mg–6mg | People using larger devices that produce more vapour | RDL or DTL kit |
| 0mg | People who do not want nicotine | Compatible refillable device |
If you continue to experience strong cigarette cravings, your nicotine strength may be too low. If vaping makes you feel light-headed, nauseous or uncomfortable, stop and consider a lower strength.
The NHS recommends choosing enough nicotine to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. A specialist vape shop or local Stop Smoking Service can help if you are unsure about the right strength.
Choosing the Right PG/VG Ratio
PG is thinner, while VG is thicker. This matters because small coils have narrow liquid openings and may struggle to absorb very thick vape juice.
- 50/50 e-liquid: Usually the best choice for small pod kits and other beginner-friendly devices.
- High-VG e-liquid: Normally intended for powerful sub-ohm devices with larger coils.
- High-PG e-liquid: Produces a stronger throat sensation and thinner vapour.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing from our Vape Juice range. Using e-liquid that is too thick for your coil can cause weak flavour and dry hits, while liquid that is too thin may contribute to leaking.
How to Vape: Step-by-Step Instructions
Device designs vary, so always read the supplied instructions as well. The following process applies to most refillable pod kits.
- Charge the battery. Connect the device using the recommended cable. An indicator light or screen should confirm when charging is complete.
- Install the coil if required. Some pods have a built-in coil. Others require you to push or screw a separate coil into the base of the pod.
- Open the correct filling port. Look for a rubber plug, sliding top section or clearly marked filling hole. Do not pour e-liquid into the central airflow tube.
- Fill the pod. Leave a small air gap rather than filling it completely to the top, then close the filling port securely.
- Wait five to ten minutes. This allows the wick inside the coil to absorb the e-liquid. Skipping this step can burn the coil immediately.
- Install the pod. Push it firmly into the device. Magnets or clips will usually hold it in position.
- Switch the vape on if necessary. Many button-operated devices turn on when you press the fire button five times quickly. Draw-activated devices may be ready as soon as the pod is inserted.
- Check the power setting. If the wattage is adjustable, begin near the lower end of the range printed on the coil.
- Take a slow, gentle puff. Do not suck sharply as you would through a blocked straw. A relaxed inhale generally produces better vapour and is less likely to cause leaking.
- Pause and assess. Give yourself a moment to decide whether the draw, nicotine strength and vapour temperature feel comfortable.
Don’t Rush the First Puff
The waiting period after filling a new pod is one of the most important steps in this entire Vaping 101 guide. Once a wick has been badly scorched, refilling the pod will not remove the burnt taste.
How to Inhale a Vape Correctly
There are two main ways to inhale a vape: mouth to lung and direct to lung. Some devices also support a middle ground called restricted direct to lung.
Mouth-to-Lung Vaping
Mouth-to-lung vaping, usually shortened to MTL, feels most similar to smoking a cigarette. It is normally the easiest inhaling style for a beginner.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips.
- Draw the vapour slowly into your mouth for around two to four seconds.
- Remove the vape from your lips.
- Inhale the vapour from your mouth into your lungs.
- Exhale normally.
A vape generally needs a longer and gentler draw than a cigarette. Pulling too hard can draw excess e-liquid into the coil, causing gurgling, leaking or droplets of liquid in the mouth.
Direct-to-Lung Vaping
Direct-to-lung vaping, or DTL, means inhaling the vapour directly into your lungs in one slow breath. It is used with powerful devices that have open airflow and produce large vapour clouds.
DTL devices require low-strength e-liquid because each puff produces much more vapour. They are not usually the best choice for someone learning how to vape for the first time.
Restricted Direct-to-Lung Vaping
Restricted direct to lung, shortened to RDL, sits between MTL and DTL. The draw is airier than a cigarette-style inhale but more restricted than a full sub-ohm vape.
There is no prize for learning every inhaling style. Use the one that feels comfortable and suits your device.
How Often Should You Vape?
Vaping does not need to follow the same pattern as smoking a cigarette from beginning to end. Many people take a few puffs when a craving appears and then put the device down.
If you are switching from smoking, the NHS advises using your vape as much as needed to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The aim is to prevent a return to cigarettes, not to hit an arbitrary daily puff count.
However, take a short pause if you feel light-headed, nauseous, shaky or uncomfortable. Those signs may mean that your nicotine strength is too high or that you have taken too many puffs in a short period.
Common Beginner Vaping Problems
My Vape Makes Me Cough
Coughing is fairly common when learning how to vape because vapour feels different from cigarette smoke. Try taking a slower, gentler puff and avoid inhaling a large amount of vapour at once.
If the sensation remains too strong, check the nicotine strength and airflow. A high nicotine level, excessive wattage or very tight airflow can all make a puff feel harsher.
My Vape Doesn’t Feel Satisfying
If you still want a cigarette immediately after vaping, your nicotine strength may be too low. The device may also be producing too little vapour because the battery is low, the coil is worn or the airflow is excessively restricted.
Try charging the device and checking the pod before changing liquids. If the vape works correctly but cravings remain strong, consider a higher nicotine strength or ask a Stop Smoking Service for advice.
My Vape Tastes Burnt
A burnt taste normally means that the wick is too dry or has already been scorched. Stop vaping, check the e-liquid level and allow the device to stand upright for several minutes.
If the burnt flavour remains, replace the pod or coil. Continuing to vape will not repair burnt cotton.
My Vape Is Gurgling or Leaking
Gurgling usually means that too much e-liquid has entered the centre of the coil. This can happen if you overfill the pod, draw too forcefully or accidentally pour liquid into the airflow tube.
Remove the pod and wipe away visible condensation with a tissue. Check that the filling plug is closed and use a gentler inhale when you try again.
My Vape Isn’t Producing Vapour
Check the following:
- Is the battery charged?
- Is the device switched on?
- Is the pod inserted fully?
- Does the pod contain e-liquid?
- Is there a sticker covering the bottom of a new prefilled pod?
- Are the metal contacts clean and dry?
- Is the device displaying an error or flashing light?
If the device still does not work, try a new pod or coil. Consult the instruction manual to identify the meaning of any flashing-light pattern.
E-Liquid Is Spitting into My Mouth
Small popping sounds are normal, but hot droplets of liquid suggest that the coil is flooded. Use a tissue to clean the mouthpiece and central airway, then take a few gentle puffs.
A pod that repeatedly spits or leaks may be damaged and should be replaced.
How to Look After Your Vape
Keep the Pod Topped Up
Do not wait until the pod is completely empty. Refill while the liquid still covers the small inlet holes around the coil. This keeps the wick saturated and helps to prevent burnt hits.
Replace the Pod or Coil When Needed
A coil is a consumable component. Replace it when:
- The flavour becomes persistently burnt
- The vapour tastes dull or unpleasant
- Vapour production falls noticeably
- The device begins leaking repeatedly
- The e-liquid becomes unusually dark around the coil
There is no fixed replacement schedule that applies to everyone. Coil life depends on the device, power level, e-liquid and how frequently you vape.
Clean the Contacts
Condensation can collect beneath the pod. Remove it occasionally and wipe the pod base and device contacts with a dry tissue. Clean contacts help the device detect and power the coil correctly.
Charge the Battery Safely
Use the supplied or recommended charging cable and avoid leaving the device charging unattended or overnight. Stop using a device if the battery becomes damaged, unusually hot or swollen.
Store E-Liquid Safely
Keep e-liquid bottles closed and store them out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid leaving your vape or e-liquid in direct sunlight, a hot vehicle or other areas exposed to extreme temperatures.
Your First-Vape Checklist
- Choose a simple MTL pod kit.
- Buy compatible 50/50 e-liquid.
- Select enough nicotine to manage your cravings.
- Charge the device before using it.
- Fill the pod through the correct opening.
- Wait five to ten minutes before the first puff.
- Start with slow, gentle mouth-to-lung inhales.
- Keep the pod topped up.
- Carry a spare pod or coil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you vape for the first time?
Charge the device, fill the pod or install a prefilled pod and wait for the coil to become saturated. Switch the device on if necessary and take a slow, gentle puff. A mouth-to-lung inhale will usually feel most natural if you previously smoked.
Do you inhale a vape?
Yes. With mouth-to-lung vaping, you draw the vapour into your mouth and then inhale it. With direct-to-lung vaping, you inhale it directly into your lungs. Beginners generally find the mouth-to-lung method easier.
How long should you inhale a vape?
A slow puff lasting around two to four seconds works well with many beginner pod kits. The exact duration depends on the device and your comfort. Stop sooner if the vapour becomes too warm or intense.
Do you need to hold vape vapour in your lungs?
No. There is no need to hold the vapour in your lungs for an extended period. Inhale comfortably and exhale normally.
Why do I feel dizzy after vaping?
You may be using too much nicotine or taking too many puffs close together. Stop vaping until the feeling passes and consider using a lower nicotine strength. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning.
Can I use any e-liquid in any vape?
No. Small pod kits usually work best with thinner 50/50 e-liquids, while powerful sub-ohm devices are designed for thicker high-VG liquids. You must also match the nicotine strength to the amount of vapour the device produces.
How do I know when my vape is empty?
With a refillable pod, check the visible e-liquid level and refill before it falls below the coil openings. A prefilled pod may begin producing weaker flavour or vapour when it is empty. Stop using it if the flavour becomes dry or burnt.
How many puffs should a beginner take?
There is no universal number. Take a few puffs, put the device down and consider whether your craving has passed. Use it again when needed, but pause if the nicotine begins to feel too strong.
What is the easiest vape to use?
A draw-activated pod kit is one of the easiest options because it has no fire button and may set the power automatically. Prefilled reusable kits require even less filling and maintenance but offer fewer choices of flavour and nicotine strength.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to vape is mostly a matter of getting the basics right. Choose a simple device, pair it with appropriate e-liquid, allow a new coil to soak and use a slow, relaxed inhale.
Your first combination of device, flavour and nicotine strength may not be perfect. That is normal. Small adjustments can make an enormous difference, so do not assume that vaping simply does not suit you because your first puff feels weak, harsh or unfamiliar.
Once you have a suitable setup, the daily routine is straightforward: keep the battery charged, refill before the pod is empty and replace the coil when the flavour begins to deteriorate. That is Vaping 101 completed—no exam required.