Vape Starter Kits

What E-Liquid Do You Need?

Getting the e-liquid right matters as much as the kit itself. Use the wrong liquid in the wrong device and you’ll get dry hits, burnt coils, or a vape that just doesn’t feel right.

For MTL starter kits, use 50/50 or high-PG e-liquid. These thinner liquids wick easily through smaller coils, which is exactly what MTL devices are built around. High-PG liquids also deliver a stronger throat hit, which ex-smokers tend to prefer. Our 50/50 e-liquids range is a solid starting point.

Avoid high-VG liquids in starter kits. High-VG (70/30 or above) liquids are thick. They’re designed for sub-ohm coils with wider wicking ports. Running them through a standard MTL coil leads to dry hits and burnt taste. Save them for when you move to a more powerful setup.

Nic salts vs. freebase nicotine: this is the most common question new vapers ask. Nic salts use a lower pH formulation that allows higher nicotine concentrations to be absorbed more quickly and with less throat irritation. If you’re a heavy smoker or were getting through multiple disposables a day, nic salts at 10 or 20 mg/ml are likely the better choice. Freebase nicotine works well at lower strengths (3-6 mg/ml) and suits people with lighter habits or those who prefer a stronger throat hit at moderate nicotine levels. All nicotine-containing e-liquids we sell comply with UK TPD regulations and contain a maximum of 20 mg/ml. Browse our nic salts range or read our full nic salts vs freebase guide if you want more detail.

On nicotine strength: a rough guide is 20 mg/ml for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes a day), 10-20 mg/ml for moderate smokers, and 3-6 mg/ml freebase for light smokers or those stepping down. Our nicotine strength guide covers this in more depth if you’re unsure.

What Does It Cost to Run a Starter Kit?

This is the question competitors never answer, so we will.

A moderate vaper typically gets through around 2-3 ml of e-liquid per day. At that rate, a 10 ml bottle lasts roughly three to five days, and a 10-pack of 10 ml bottles costs around £10-£15. That puts weekly e-liquid costs at roughly £2-£5 for most people.

Coils are the other ongoing cost. On a standard MTL pod kit running 50/50 liquid at low to moderate power, a coil typically lasts 7-14 days. Some last longer if you prime them properly and keep the pod topped up. A pack of five replacement coils usually costs £8-£12, so the weekly coil cost works out at roughly £1-£2.

Total weekly running cost: approximately £3-£7 for a typical MTL setup. Compare that to a 20-a-day cigarette habit at around £15-£18 per day and the saving is significant. Our can vaping save you money article breaks this down further if you want the full picture.

Your First Order Checklist

Before you check out, run through this list:

• The kit itself – choose based on the framework above
• E-liquid – correct PG/VG ratio for your device (50/50 or high-PG for most starter kits)
• Correct nicotine strength – match it to your current smoking or vaping habit
• A spare coil – most kits include one coil fitted; grab a second so you’re not caught short mid-week
• USB charging cable – most kits include one, but check before assuming

That’s it. You don’t need anything else to get started.

Common Beginner Mistakes

A few small missteps account for most of the frustration new vapers run into. Watch out for these:

• Wrong nicotine strength – too low and cravings persist, too high and it feels harsh
• Wrong VG/PG ratio – high-VG liquid in a small MTL coil causes dry hits and poor wicking
• Not priming coils – skipping this step before first use often leads to an immediate burnt taste
• Buying sub-ohm too early – powerful direct-to-lung kits are not designed for beginners or switchers
• Forgetting spare coils – running out mid-week leaves you without a working device