Vaping FAQs | Bargain Vape Shop UK Guide
Bargain Vape Shop has created this beginner-friendly guide to answer the most common questions about switching to vaping in the UK. Whether you are new to e-cigarettes or need a refresher, these FAQs cover everything from devices to e-liquids.
What is a vape (e-cigarette)?
A vape is an electronic device that heats e-liquid to create vapour you inhale as a cigarette alternative. UK vapers can choose from simple Pre-filled Kits, Refillable Kits, pod kits, or advanced mods depending on experience and budget.
Why switch from smoking to vaping?
Traditional cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals including tar, carcinogens, and toxins that vaping eliminates. Vapes produce no ash, minimal odour, and are widely accepted as a less harmful option for adult smokers.
What is an atomiser or coil?
The coil (or atomiser) is the heating element inside your vape tank or pod. It has cotton wicking soaked in e-liquid that turns to vapour when heated by the battery. Lower resistance coils (sub-ohm) create more vapour but use more juice and battery.
What is sub-ohm vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping uses coils below 1.0Ω resistance for bigger clouds and warmer vapour. It's popular with experienced vapers using higher wattage (40W+) but requires more powerful devices and high-VG e-liquids.
When should I replace my coil?
Replace coils when you notice a burnt taste, reduced flavour, or poor vapour. Lifespan varies from 1-3 weeks depending on usage, wattage, and e-liquid sweetness. Always prime new coils by dripping juice on the cotton and waiting 5 minutes.
- Drip e-liquid generously onto all cotton wicking holes until saturated.
- Install coil, fill tank/pod, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Take a few dry pulls (device off), then start at low wattage before increasing power gradually.
- MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Draw into mouth first, then lungs. Tight draw like
cigarettes. Best for beginners, higher nicotine (up to 20mg), 50/50 PG/VG
liquids. - DTL (Direct-to-Lung): like deep breathing. Loose draw, big clouds, lower
nicotine (3mg or less), high VG liquids.
E-liquids contain PG (propylene glycol), VG (vegetable glycerine), flavourings, and optional nicotine. Both PG and VG are food-grade and safe for inhalation.
- PG: Thinner, carries flavour better, stronger throat hit. Good for MTL/higher nicotine.
- VG: Thicker, produces more vapour/clouds. Smoother for DTL/sub-ohm vaping.
- Most beginners start with 50/50 PG/VG blends.
UK TPD limits nicotine to 20mg/ml max. Use this guide based on your smoking:
- 20+ regular cigarettes daily: 18mg to 20mg
- 10 light cigarettes: 10mg
- Occasional smoker: 0-3mg
Nic salts give smoother throat hit than freebase nicotine.
Keep e-liquids in a cool, dark place away from children. High nicotine bottles have child-resistant caps per UK regulations. Check individual flavour pages for PG/VG ratios.
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More questions? Use our enquiry form or read our full guides on coil priming, battery safety, and TPD regulations.
