If you're getting into vaping, then you will have encountered shortfill e-liquid. It's a very popular option in the UK, particularly for vapers who prefer to have flexibility, larger bottles, and cost-effective options.
In this article, all this is broken down into simple and easy-to-process words so you can better understand how shortfills work and how to use them properly.
What is a Shortfill E-Liquid?
Shortfill e-liquid is a vape juice with no nicotine, sold in a bottle larger than the amount of liquid. This is to allow you to add a nicotine shot (nic shot).
Example:
For example, a 60ml bottle will only contain 50ml of e-liquid, leaving 10ml for nicotine.
This method complies with the UK TPD rules that limit the sale of e-liquids containing nicotine to 10ml bottles.
Why Are Shortfills So Popular?
Many vapers prefer shortfills because they:
- Better value for money (bigger bottles, lower cost per ml)
- Nicotine control (add as much or as little as you want)
- Lots of flavours (fruit, dessert, menthol, tobacco)
- Great for sub-ohm vaping (great flavour and clouds)
Ingredients in a Shortfill
Shortfill e-liquids contain:
- VG (Vegetable Glycerin) - thick clouds
- PG (Propylene Glycol) - for flavour and throat hit
- Flavourings – food-grade ingredients
- No nicotine (add nic shots as needed)
Shortfills tend to be high VG (70VG/30PG), and work well with strong kits.
How Many Nic Shots to Add?
Here's a quick reference table to illustrate the relationship between shortfills, bottle sizes, and nic shots:
| Shortfill | Bottle | Nic Shots to Add | Final Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml | 60ml | 1 | 60ml |
| 100ml | 120ml | 2 | 120ml |
| 200ml | 240ml | 4 | 240ml |
Nic shots are typically around 10ml, and you get about 3mg of nicotine when you add one (depending on what you are using).
How to Use a Shortfill E-Liquid
It's easy to use a shortfill:
- Open the bottle
- Take off the nozzle (if needed)
- Add your nic shot
- Close tightly
- Shake for 1-2 minutes
- Let it sit for a little while for mixing
You're done, now you can vape.
Common Shortfill Sizes
You'll usually find:
- 50ml shortfill (in 60ml bottle)
- 100ml shortfill (in 120ml bottle)
- 200ml shortfill (in 240ml bottle)
The additional space is always meant for nicotine shots.
Shortfill vs Other E-Liquids
| Feature | Shortfill | Nic Salts | 10ml Freebase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicotine shots | Optional | Included | Included |
| Bottle Size | Large | Small | Small |
| Best For | Sub-ohm | MTL kits | General use |
| Clouds | High | Low | Medium |
| Flexibility | High | Low | Low |
Who Should Use Shortfills?
Shortfills are suitable for:
- Sub-ohm vape users
- Low nicotine users (0mg-3mg)
- Cloud chasers
- Flavour-focused vapers
- People looking for better value
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not ideal for basic pod devices
- Needs nicotine added
- High VG may not work in small coils
Final Thoughts
Shortfill e-liquids are one of the most versatile and affordable e-liquid options in the UK. They allow you to choose your own nicotine level, and come in larger volumes with superior flavour.
If you have a sub-ohm device and enjoy a smooth, cloudy inhale, shortfills will work for you.
FAQs
How Do I Get The Right Nicotine Level In A Short Fill?
You can achieve the desired strength by adding nic shots. For instance, if you add one 10ml nic shot to a 50ml shortfill, you will end up with a 3mg strength. For stronger nicotine, you may need a different type of setup or smaller bottles.
How Do Nic Shots Work?
Nic shots are small 10ml bottles of unflavoured e-liquid that contain nicotine (usually 18mg or 20mg). These are added to a shortfill and mixed in to make your chosen nicotine concentration.
What VG/PG ratio are shortfills?
Shortfills are typically made with a 70VG/30PG ratio for sub-ohm vaping. This creates larger clouds, smoother draws and more flavour, but can be unsuitable for low-powered pod devices.
