Ultimate Guide to Vaping (Beginners to Advanced)

Vaping means using an electronic device (an e-cigarette or a vape kit) to heat a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) into a breathable aerosol. E-liquids typically contain propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and often nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco, but unlike cigarettes, it’s delivered without tar and many combustion toxins. People start vaping for different reasons. Most commonly, smokers switch to vaping as a smoking cessation aid, to satisfy nicotine cravings while quitting smoking.

Published on June 06, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Vaping

In fact, about 5.6 million UK adults vape, and the majority are ex-smokers. Over half of all recent quitters (roughly 2.7 million people in Britain) report that they used a vape to quit smoking. Other popular reasons include curiosity, flavour variety, or simply wanting a cleaner, more modern alternative to smoking.

This beginner’s guide to vaping gives you a clear-eyed look at how vaping works under the hood, how the industry’s evolved, which devices are worth your time, and which ones aren’t, and how to switch from smoking without falling into the usual traps.

A Brief History of Vaping

The idea of an electric vaporiser dates back as far as 1927. Still, it wasn’t until Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik patented the first commercially successful e-cigarette in 2003 that vaping truly took off, evolving rapidly ever since. Here’s a quick look at how we got from clunky first attempts to sleek, high-performance kits:

  • 2003 – The First Modern E-Cigarette: Invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, this early device used a simple battery-powered heating element to vaporise a nicotine solution. It looked more like a cigarette and was mostly aimed at smokers wanting a cleaner alternative.
  • Late 2000s – First-Gen “Cig-a-Likes”: These small, cigarette-style devices hit Western markets. Disposable or rechargeable, they were basic but accessible, often found behind the counter in petrol stations. Performance was limited, but they introduced the concept.
  • 2010–2013 – Vape Pens and Clearomisers: Longer battery life, better vapour, and refillable tanks marked a big step forward. These pen-style devices were the first to bring adjustable options and proper flavour to everyday users.
  • 2014–2016 – Box Mods and Sub-Ohm Kits: Vapers wanted more power, bigger clouds, and serious customisation. This era saw the rise of box-shaped mods, variable wattage, temperature control, and the now-famous sub-ohm coils.
  • 2017 Onwards – Pod Systems and Nicotine Salts: Compact, low-fuss, and satisfying—pod kits changed everything. Devices like the JUUL kicked off a wave of smaller, more discreet setups using nicotine salt e-liquids for a smoother, stronger hit.
  • Now – Disposables, High-Puff Devices, and Hybrid Kits: Today’s market is flooded with options. Disposable vapes are hugely popular for their convenience, while advanced pod mods combine power, performance, and portability. The tech keeps evolving—and so do the preferences.

It’s been a fast-moving journey, and today’s vapers have more choice, control, and quality than ever before.

How Does A Vape Work

After knowing about “what is vaping” and its brief history, let’s discuss its functionality. A typical vape kit has four main components: the mouthpiece (drip tip), the tank/pod (reservoir for e-liquid), the coil/atomiser (heating element), and the battery (power source). Inside the coil is a wick (cotton) soaked in e-liquid.

When you activate the device, the battery supplies electricity to the coil, heating it up and vaporising the liquid. In effect, the e-liquid is turned into an aerosol you inhale, then exhale. Because there is no combustion, you’re inhaling vapour (a mist of tiny droplets), not smoke.

Modern kits often let you adjust power settings. Higher wattage/voltage produces more heat, creating denser clouds and often a warmer vape. Power controls or “mods” let advanced users fine-tune airflow, wattage, or even temperature for optimal flavour or cloud. (Beginners don’t need this complexity – simple auto-draw or one-button devices work fine with fixed power.)

Most vapes use lithium-ion batteries (often 18650 or built-in cells), with safety circuitry to prevent over-discharge or overheating.

In practice, airflow (how open the holes are) also affects vapour. A tight airflow (closed) yields a cigarette-like draw, while wide-open airflow yields a lung-filling draw with big vapour.

The coil resistance plays a role too: high-resistance coils (above ~0.8–1.0Ω) suit Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) kits, whereas sub-ohm coils (below ~0.6Ω) on high-VG liquid produce huge clouds (Direct-to-Lung).

Vaping Styles: MTL, DTL, RDL

Vaping involves different ways of how you vape or take a draw, which affect the experience and device choice. Here are the three main inhale styles vapers use and what each feels like.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

This mimics smoking a cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs – much like taking a small sip of air, holding it briefly in your mouth, and then filling your lungs.

It usually delivers a stronger throat “kick.” If you were a smoker, MTL would feel most natural. Most starter kits, pod kits and vape pens are designed for MTL use.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL)

This is like a deep breathing action: you inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one smooth breath, with no pause. It feels very different – more like smoking shisha or taking a big gulp of air.

DTL delivers large clouds and intense flavour, with a much lighter throat hit. It requires open airflow, high power, sub-ohm coils and usually high-VG e-liquid.

Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL)

A hybrid of the two. RDL uses wider airflow than MTL but is not fully open like DTL. It gives more vapour than MTL, but still has some restrictions.

Think of it as an “airy MTL”: you still draw vapour into your mouth and lungs, but the airflow is looser, so it’s smoother than strict MTL. RDL gives a balance of flavour and clouds.

Which style you prefer depends on your device and goals. If you want a cigarette-like experience (tight draw, stronger throat hit, higher nicotine), go MTL. If you love big clouds and smooth hits (usually with lower nicotine), go DTL. RDL sits in between – some ex-smokers end up here as their tastes evolve. Experiment a little: try different airflow settings and coil resistances to discover what feels best. Wanna know more about MTL or DTL styles, give a read to our guide!

Types of Vape Kits

Vaping involves different ways of how you vape or take a draw, which affect the experience and device choice. Here are the main types of vape kits available and what each offers.

Disposable Vapes

These are single-use, all-in-one devices pre-charged and pre-filled with e-liquid. No maintenance is required—once the battery or juice is gone, you throw it away. They’re cheap and come in many flavours (e.g., fruit, menthol, sweets). Disposables are tempting for beginners, but remember they’re not reusable, and the UK will ban single-use disposables from June 2025.

Pre-filled Pod Systems

Compact rechargeable devices that use replaceable pods pre-filled with nicotine salts or freebase liquid. You replace the pod/cartridge when empty. They are user-friendly with MTL draw and moderate vapour, ideal for new vapers and smokers.

Refillable Pod/Tank Kits

Similar in size to pod systems, reusable vapes use refillable pods or tanks. Pod-style kits like the Uwell Caliburn X let you fill with any e-liquid. Refillable tanks attach to a battery or mod (e.g., the Innokin Endura T22E kit) and can hold more liquid. They offer flexibility, better longevity, and allow for your choice of liquid and flavour.

Starter Kits (Plug-and-Play Mods)

Starter kits are designed for first-timers or switchers. They include a mod/battery and a simple tank. For example, a stainless Innokin Endura kit T18e or a small box-mod kit. Easy to use like pods but still refillable. Many have a simple single-button operation or auto-draw. They often feature MTL coils for that familiar cigarette feel. If you’re new, our starter kit offer everything you need to get going – device, tank, coils, charger, and a bottle of e-liquid, all in one box.

Advanced Box Mods/Pod Mods

For hobbyists. Advanced kits are high-powered devices (often box-shaped) with more features: adjustable wattage/temperature, larger batteries, and sub-ohm tanks. Brands like GeekVape Aegis X, Vaporesso Gen series, or Smok R-Kiss fall here. They produce big clouds and deep flavour but require more knowledge (coil changing, battery swapping). Unless you’re specifically aiming for large vapour or tuning flavour, you don’t need this complexity as a beginner.

Each category has its place. As a rule of thumb for choosing: MTL-style kits (pods or starter vape pens) suit smokers and newcomers seeking a cigarette-like draw.  Sub-ohm mods suit cloud-chasers and flavour fiends. Think about your lifestyle: if portability matters, a small pod kit or disposable is handy; if you vape all day, a larger kit with long battery life is better.  Explore our starter kit bundles to find a tried-and-tested beginner setup. Ultimately, pick something that feels comfortable in your hand and satisfies your throat hit.

What Is In A Vape

Every vape has these key parts that work together to deliver your hit.

Mouthpiece (Drip Tip)

The part you put your lips on, usually plastic or metal, channels the vapour from the tank to your mouth. It can be integrated into the pod or be removable (in the case of tanks). Some are narrow for a tighter draw (MTL), while others are wider for airy draws (DTL).

Pod/Tank (Reservoir)

Holds the e-liquid. Pods are usually plastic cartridges, either prefilled or refillable (which come with built-in or replaceable coils). Tanks are glass or metal (a clearomizer), mostly refillable and suited for sub-ohm vaping. For further information on these accessories, take a look at our guide on vape pods and our guide on vape tanks.

Coil/Atomiser

The metal unit with a heating coil and cotton wick inside (sometimes called a “head”). It heats the e-liquid into vapour. Vape coils have a resistance (ohms) printed on them and come in types like wire, mesh, and ceramic coils. Coils may be built-in or replaceable. If you'd like to learn more about these atomisers, check out our in-depth guide on vape coils.

Battery/Power Unit

This powers the device. It can be either an integrated battery or a removable one (usually 18650 or 20700 lithium-ion cells). Integrated batteries charge via USB, while removable ones can be charged in the device or with an external charger.

Common Vape Accessories

While the main vape components of an electronic cigarette do the heavy lifting, having the right accessories on hand can make a real difference to the quality of the vaping experience. Here are the essential ones:

  • Replacement coils
  • USB charging cables
  • Spare batteries (for removable types)
  • Carry cases
  • Replacement glass for tanks

Want to know more about the vape accessories? Give a read to our detailed guide on vaping accessories.

Rebuildable Vaping Devices

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might encounter rebuildable devices. These are used by more experienced vapers who want to build their own coils and fine-tune their vape's performance. These aren’t plug-and-play like pods you buy from a vape shop; they need some setup and maintenance, but the upside is that they offer full control over flavour, vapour, and airflow.

RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser)

There are no tanks involved here, just a coil and cotton. You drip e-liquid directly onto the wick every few puffs. It is great for flavour testing or short, powerful sessions.

RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomiser)

It's similar to a tank, but you install your own coil. It holds e-liquid like a normal tank, so you don’t need to drip constantly.

RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomiser)

It's a mix of the two. It involves drip-style coil placement with a small tank underneath that feeds the wick.

Benefits of Vaping

With the basics of vaping covered, it helps to look at why so many smokers turn to it as an alternative. Vaping impacts the cigarette industry as people are more heavily influenced, offering multiple advantages. Beyond just switching devices, vaping can bring real, noticeable changes. Here’s what sets vaping apart from smoking:

Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. E-cigarette aerosol generally contains far fewer harmful chemicals.

Improved Respiratory Health

Switching from smoking to vaping has been associated with improvements in respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

Control Over Nicotine Intake

Vaping allows users to adjust nicotine levels to suit their preferences, which can aid in smoking cessation efforts. There are many nicotine-containing and zero-nicotine vapes out there in the market; choose the one according to your cravings.

No Lingering Odour

Unlike cigarette smoke, e-cigarette vapour dissipates quickly and doesn't leave a lingering smell on clothes or in the environment.

Variety of Flavours

Vaping offers a wide range of flavours, providing a personalisable experience that can make the transition from smoking more enjoyable.

Potential Cost Savings

Over time, vaping can be more cost-effective than smoking, especially with the availability of refillable devices and bulk e-liquid purchases. To help you estimate your savings, try using our vape cost calculator to compare the costs of vaping versus smoking.

Less Social Stigma

Vaping is increasingly accepted in social settings, with fewer restrictions than smoking, though local regulations may vary. Regarding this, people are asking, "Can you vape indoors?" So, the answer is pretty much simple! As compared to smoking, vaping is allowed by most restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in the UK. It always depends on the owner whether he is allowed to vape indoors or not.

Vape Kit Maintenance: Tips and Tricks

Routine upkeep is key to good flavour and long-lasting equipment. Here are practical tips for the care and maintenance of a vape:

  • Priming a New Coil: Always put a few drops of e-liquid on the cotton of a new coil before using it. Then fill the tank and wait a few minutes. This lets the wick fully soak, so you won’t get any burnt taste on the first puffs.
  • Replacing Coils: When flavour is muted or you get a burnt taste, it’s time to swap the coil. Coils can clog with residue from sweet flavours or from heavy use. Heavy daily vapers might replace coils weekly; light users can stretch to two weeks. Don’t push it – vaping on an old coil can make harsh vapour and ruin the cotton permanently.
  • Cleaning the Tank: Every week or so, empty the tank and rinse it with warm water. Let it air-dry fully before refilling. This removes built-up liquid residue and avoids cross-flavouring when you switch flavours. Also, unscrew and check that the o-rings are intact to keep it leak-free.
  • Check Airflow and Threads: If your airflow slots or connections get gunked up, the draw and power transfer suffer. Gently blow out any e-liquid in the airflow holes, and clean the 510 (device-to-tank) connection with a cotton bud if liquid is present.
  • Battery and Charger Safety: Don’t ever leave a charging mod or battery unattended, and don’t charge them overnight. Use the correct cable/charger (fast chargers can sometimes heat the battery too much). If your device has removable batteries, periodically check them for any dents or peeling of their wraps, as damaged cells must be replaced.
  • Avoid Dry Puffs: Never fire your vape pen when the tank is empty or below the coil’s wick holes. Always have enough e-liquid in the tank to cover the coil’s wicking holes. Dry hits (burnt cotton taste) are a clear sign the coil wasn’t primed or went dry.

If you follow these care steps, you’ll usually prevent the most common annoyances. Regular maintenance not only preserves flavour but also ensures safety. Think of it like changing spark plugs and oil in a car – it keeps everything running smoothly.

Understanding E-Liquids: PG/VG, Nic Salts vs Freebase, Strengths, Flavours

E-liquids are the fuel of your vape and vary widely. Here’s what to know about vape juices:

PG (Propylene Glycol) & VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

PG and VG are the clear bases for e-liquids.

PG is thinner, carries flavour well, and gives a stronger throat hit (like a cigarette).

VG is thicker, produces more vapour (clouds) and has a smoother throat feel.

For example, a 50/50 PG/VG mix is common for MTL pods, while 70%+ VG is typical for sub-ohm cloud kits.

Nicotine – Salts & Freebase

Freebase Nicotine is used in traditional e-liquids and gives the characteristic “bite” in the throat.

Nicotine salts (often labelled “Nic Salt”) are a different chemical form that vapes more smoothly at the same strength.

Salts are great for faster nicotine delivery and a gentle hit – ideal for low-power MTL kits and those transitioning from cigarettes.

Flavourings

There are thousands of vape flavours. Major categories include tobacco, menthol/mint, fruit, sweets/desserts, drinks, and hybrids. Tobacco/menthol blends mimic cigarettes; fruit and sweet flavours are popular for variety; menthol gives a cooling effect. Flavours can be single-note (just strawberry, or just mint) or complex blends (e.g. “Purple Dream”). If you’re quitting smoking, many smokers find a tobacco or menthol flavour satisfying at first.

While you can pick up ready-made e-liquid, there are ways to tailor your vape juice to your liking, including the strength and VG/PG ratio.

Shortfills

Shortfills are bigger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid (usually 50ml) with extra space for adding nicotine shots. They give you flexibility to adjust strength as you prefer.

Nicotine Shots

Nic shots are small, high-strength nicotine bottles added to shortfills. Typically, 18–20mg, they’re what turns a shortfill into a nicotine vape.

For further information, check out our comprehensive guide on e-liquids, in which you will learn what e-liquid is, what nicotine strengths are available, and more.

Choosing Your First Vape Kit & How To Use A Vape

Start Simple: For most smokers and new vapers, a pod kit or starter pen is the best vape. These are easy to use and often MTL-style. For example, many smokers do well with a small pod device (like the Vaporesso Xros or Innokin Endura) paired with a nicotine salt e-liquid. These mimic a cigarette draw and deliver satisfying nicotine quickly. We generally recommend beginning with a medium-to-high nicotine salt (10–20 mg) if you smoked a pack a day; if you’re lighter, a moderate freebase (6–12 mg) works too. You can gradually taper down your nicotine levels until you switch to a nicotine-free vape.

Match Your Habits: Think about your smoking routine. A compact device with pass-through charging is handy if you vape throughout the day (desk job or always near an outlet). If you’re on the go or outdoors often, a sturdy all-day device with a big battery (or spare batteries) is better. Also consider discreetness: small pod kits or disposable-style devices are subtle, while big mods draw attention.

Nicotine & E-liquid: We touched on nicotine above. For liquid choice, start with a flavour you already like (tobacco flavour if you loved cigarettes, or maybe a fruit menthol if you tried vaping before). Choose a PG/VG ratio suitable for your kit (most small devices use 50/50 or high-PG salts). Remember, if you vape a lot, you may need to refill often – some find low-nic high-VG for clouds, but newbies usually have better success with salts and MTL draws.

Ease of Use: Opt for kits with fewer settings. Many starter kits are draw-activated (inhale to fire), so there are no buttons. That’s “plug-and-play.” A shopkeeper tip: the less you think about fiddling with it, the better it is to stick with vaping at first. You can always upgrade later.

Budget: Disposable vapes have a low upfront cost but a high long-term cost. A decent starter kit (mod + tank) might be £20–40 and lasts months. We encourage new vapers to invest in a starter kit bundle – it’s cheaper per vape, and you get guidance on use.

In short: focus on a rechargeable vape that feels comfortable, matches your smoking level, and keeps things simple. Whether it’s a small pod you can pocket or a pen-style vape pen, the best vape kit is the one you’ll actually carry and use. Ever wondered how much nicotine is in a vape and how much is perfect for you? Many of our customers begin with a tried-and-true MTL pod kit and a 10–18mg nicotine salt. As you get used to vaping, you can tweak and try other styles. Remember – there’s no permanent commitment. If something doesn’t suit you, switch kit or nicotine, and see what clicks.

Switching from Smoking: Mindset and Practical Tips

Quitting cigarettes is as much mental as physical. Vaping can help with both, but give yourself time to adapt. Here’s what to expect and how to manage the transition:

Mindset

Recognise that vaping is a different sensation. It’s okay if at first it doesn’t feel exactly like smoking. Some ex-smokers have said their first puffs felt odd or “too smooth.” Persist through the first week: it often takes a little time for the brain and body to adjust. Treat the vape as a tool, not an exact copy of a cigarette. Over time, your reward will be fresh air, better taste, and easier breathing. With time, you will know how to vape, which kit you should use and how to maximise your vaping experience.

Taming Cravings

You might find you vape more often than you smoked. Since a vape hit delivers less concentrated nicotine than a cigarette puff, your body asks for more frequent puffs. That’s normal. Keep your vaporiser handy (in pocket or bag) so you reach for the vape instead of a cigarette. If you still feel the urge to smoke after vaping for a while, you could try a slightly stronger nicotine level or try a different flavour that satisfies you more.

Common Hiccups When Switching to Vaping

Coughing or Irritation:

This is common when you first switch. Your lungs might be clearing out smoke, or your vape might be too harsh. Lower the power, try nic salts and take shorter puffs.

Dry Mouth or Throat:

Vapour pulls moisture from your mouth and throat. Sip water regularly and consider a high VG e-liquid, which feels smoother. Spacing out your puffs can also help.

Nicotine Headache or Nausea:

This usually means you got too much nicotine (common if you chain-vape at high strength). Try lowering your mg or quitting sooner between draws.

Sticky Hands/Habit:

Keep your hands busy with something else if needed (like chewing gum). The hand-to-mouth motion is an old habit, so replace it with vaping.

Persistence

Expect possible slip-ups. If you have a cigarette, don’t despair – learn what triggered it and try different settings or flavours next time. Remember that even partial switching (cutting one pack down to half with a vape) is progress. Over weeks, work towards fully dropping tobacco. Many vapers find that the variety of e-liquid flavours and the noticeable health improvements they can see keep them motivated.

Use Support

If you’re also seeing a stop-smoking service or using NHS resources, let them know you’re vaping. There’s growing evidence (and the NHS acknowledges) that vaping doubles quit success. Think of vaping as your smoking replacement tool.

By keeping a flexible, patient mindset, you’ll navigate the hiccups. Celebrate small victories (first smoke-free day, first 24 hours) and remember, nearly 3 million Brits have successfully quit smoking with a vape in recent years. Many find that after a few weeks of consistent vaping and no cigarettes, the cigarette smell and craving fade away.

Troubleshooting Common Vaping Problems

Even experienced vapers run into issues from time to time. Here are some quick fixes for frequent problems:

Why Is My Vape Leaking?

If you notice e-liquid leaking out of your tank or pod, it’s usually due to overfilling or a faulty seal. Always leave a small air gap when filling (don’t jam it to the brim). Make sure the coil is screwed in snugly (but not overtightened), and that all o-rings and seals are intact. If a coil is old or cracked, replace it. Wipe off any spilt liquid and check that your airflow control is positioned correctly (open when vaping, closed when refilling).

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

A burnt taste means the cotton wick in the coil has overheated. It could be caused by vaping too soon after refilling (unprimed coil) or chain vaping on a nearly-empty tank, or simply an old coil. The simple fix is not to take a puff until the coil is well-saturated (as noted, prime new coils with drops of liquid and wait). Also, take gentle, moderate puffs rather than long, hard pulls. At the first hint of burn, change the coil – it’s likely spent.

Why Is My Vape Not Producing Much Vapour or Flavour?

This could indicate a worn-out coil (flavour diminishes when coils age). Or it could mean your wattage/power setting is too low for that coil. Check that the battery level is full and the airflow is appropriate (not too wide open, which can dilute flavour). If using a low-nic high-VG e-liquid on a small pod kit, you might get less “punch” – consider using a higher nicotine strength or richer flavour. And yes, if the coil is past its prime, pop in a new one for a flavour boost.

Why Is My Vape Not Firing/Turning On?

First, check if the battery is charged and the device is powered on. (Some vaping kits require five quick clicks to unlock.) Check that the coil is correctly installed and that all parts are threaded together. A misaligned tank/coil or an “airlock” (liquid inside the coil ports) can prevent firing. Try removing and reinstalling the coil or tank. Also, inspect if the device has a safety lock or child lock engaged. If it still won’t fire, test the battery with a different coil/tank if possible – if one coil fires and another doesn’t, the problematic coil is bad.

Why Does Vaping Make Me Cough?

If vaping feels irritating, you might be using a strength that’s too high for your throat, or inhaling that is too hot. Go down a step in the nicotine level. You can also try smoother nic salts (which give less raw burn) or add a tiny splash of VG juice to dilute the hit. Also, ensure you’re breathing vapour into your lungs fully; shallow puffs can make it harsher.

Why Isn’t My Vape Charging Properly?

If the puff bar won’t charge or charges erratically, check the cable, the port (for debris), and the outlet. Sometimes, chargers wear out. Always use the manufacturer-approved charger. For removable cells, ensure the battery is inserted in the correct orientation (positive/negative).

Most problems are solved by replacing coils regularly, keeping parts clean, and not over-driving the device. If all else fails, consult your vape shop or the manufacturer’s guide.

Vaping in the Real World

Vaping might be less restrictive than smoking, but common courtesy and how to vape safely matter. Here’s some practical vaping etiquette:

Public Use:

There is no single UK law banning vaping in public, but the trend is clear: most indoor smoke-free areas (pubs, restaurants, trains, buses, workplaces) ask you not to vape either. Always look for signs or ask permission. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t smoke somewhere, don’t vape there. Be especially mindful at schools, hospitals and near children, as minors should never vape (UK law prohibits sales under 18).

Odour:

Unlike tobacco smoke, e-cig vapour mostly smells of the flavour (fruit, mint, etc.) and disappears within seconds. However, some people are sensitive. Don’t “blow smoke” in someone’s face or in tight indoor spaces. If you share an enclosed vehicle or room with non-vapers, mention that your vape smells like a particular flavour and ask if it’s okay. Often it’s not an issue, but always be ready to step outside if asked.

Sharing Gear:

While friends might cheekily offer each other a puff, sharing mouthpieces or coils is not hygienic or recommended. Personal bacteria can be transferred, and it can be unpleasant. If someone asks for a hit, the best practice is to clean the drip tip with a tissue or disinfectant wipe first. Sharing entire devices is discouraged; instead, keep extra pods or coils on hand for guests.

General Respect:

Just like with smoking cessation, people around you should not feel pressured to vape. If someone says, “I’m not interested,” simply stop. And always dispose of your waste properly: used coils, empty liquid bottles, and disposable vapes should go in the bin (never litter).

Charging Safety:

Always charge your vape pen responsibly. Use the cable and adapter provided by the manufacturer. Do not charge on soft furniture or leave it charging unattended (especially overnight). Treat lithium batteries with care: if a battery is damaged (bulging wrap, dents), dispose of it safely and never use it.

Wrapping It Up

Hopefully, this guide has helped you cut through some of the noise around vaping and get a clearer picture of how vaping actually works and how to make it work for you. Whether you're just starting out or fine-tuning your setup, the key is staying curious, asking the right questions, and choosing gear that suits your day-to-day life.

If you’re looking to explore more or want a closer look at what’s out there, you’ll find a full range of quality kits, liquids, and accessories at our online and local vape shop. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to get in touch, as the right advice can make all the difference. You can reach us at support@alectrofag.co.uk.

Azim Aleem is the Head of Digital Marketing at Alectrofag, with a strong background in the vaping industry. A former smoker, Azim personally understands the life-changing benefits of switching to vaping, a perspective that brings authenticity and depth to his work. He began his career as a vape shop assistant, gaining valuable, hands-on insight into customer needs and industry trends. Today, he combines that practical knowledge with strategic digital expertise to highlight the positive impact of vaping and support others on their journey to quit smoking for good.