50 Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping & Our Products
This guide answers the questions UK vapers and “People Also Ask” on Google search most often about vaping, e-liquids, disposable vapes, pod kits, coils, nicotine strength, TPD regulations, and vape safety — written in plain English, in line with UK law (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016) and current 2025/2026 UK vaping rules, including the disposable vape ban that took effect on 1 June 2025.
18+ Age Restricted Product. This document is for general information only and is not medical advice. Vaping products are intended for existing adult smokers as a smoking substitute.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour produced by an e-cigarette or vape device, which heats an e-liquid (typically containing propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and often nicotine) into an aerosol. Unlike smoking, vaping does not involve burning tobacco, so it produces no tar or smoke. Public Health England has previously estimated vaping to be around 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
How does a vape work?
A vape works by using a battery to heat a coil inside the device, which vaporises e-liquid stored in a tank or pod. The user inhales this vapour through a mouthpiece. Most devices at The British Vapes are either draw-activated (fire automatically when you inhale) or button-activated (you press a fire button to heat the coil).
Is vaping better than smoking?
Yes, current evidence from Public Health England and the UK’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, mainly because it does not involve combustion or tar. Vaping is not risk-free, but for adult smokers looking to quit, the NHS lists vaping as one of the most effective quitting aids available in the UK.
Can vaping help you quit smoking?
Yes, a 2021 Cochrane Review found nicotine e-cigarettes help more smokers quit than nicotine replacement therapy such as patches or gum. The NHS Stop Smoking Service actively recommends vaping as a quit aid, and many UK smokers switching to The British Vapes products report successfully stopping cigarettes within weeks.
What do I need to start vaping as a beginner?
A beginner typically needs three things: a starter kit (device plus battery), e-liquid in a suitable nicotine strength, and spare coils or pods. The British Vapes recommends new vapers start with a simple pod kit and a 10ml nicotine salt e-liquid around 10–20mg, then adjust strength based on how many cigarettes they previously smoked per day.
What nicotine strength should I choose as a former smoker?
Nicotine strength should roughly match previous smoking habits: light smokers (under 10 cigarettes a day) usually suit 3–6mg, moderate smokers (10–20 a day) suit 10–12mg, and heavy smokers (20+ a day) often need 18–20mg nicotine salts. UK law caps e-liquid nicotine strength at a maximum of 20mg/ml under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
How long does it take to get used to vaping?
Most new vapers adjust within 3–7 days as they learn correct inhaling technique and find the right nicotine strength and flavour. A common early mistake is inhaling too hard or too often; The British Vapes recommends slow, steady draws similar to sipping through a straw rather than deep lung inhales used for cigarettes.
Is vaping legal in the UK?
Yes, vaping is legal in the UK for adults aged 18 and over. All vape products sold in the UK, including everything at The British Vapes, must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), which governs tank size, nicotine strength, packaging, and labelling.
What is the legal age to buy vapes in the UK?
The legal age to buy vapes and e-cigarettes in the UK is 18. It is illegal for retailers, including online stores like The British Vapes, to sell vaping products to anyone under 18, and Challenge 25 ID checks are standard practice at checkout and on delivery.
Are disposable vapes banned in the UK?
Yes, single-use disposable vapes were banned in the UK from 1 June 2025 under regulations introduced to reduce environmental waste and youth vaping. Rechargeable and refillable vape devices, including pod kits and reusable disposables sold by The British Vapes, remain fully legal.
What is the maximum tank size allowed for vapes in the UK?
Under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, the maximum e-liquid tank or pod capacity allowed in the UK is 2ml. This is why UK vape kits typically ship with 2ml pods or tanks, even though the same devices may be sold with larger tanks in other countries.
What is the maximum nicotine strength allowed in UK e-liquids?
UK law limits e-liquid nicotine strength to a maximum of 20mg/ml (2%). This applies to both freebase e-liquids and nicotine salts sold by The British Vapes, and is a legal ceiling set by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, not a brand choice.
What is the maximum e-liquid bottle size sold in the UK?
UK regulations restrict nicotine-containing e-liquid bottles to a maximum size of 10ml. This is why nicotine e-liquids are sold in 10ml bottles, while larger 50ml, 100ml, or 120ml “shortfill” bottles are sold nicotine-free, with nicotine shots added separately by the consumer.
Can you vape indoors in the UK?
There is no nationwide law banning vaping indoors in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland in the way smoking is banned, but individual businesses, workplaces, landlords, and public transport operators can and often do set their own no-vaping policies. Always check venue-specific signage or house rules before vaping indoors.
Can you vape in a car in the UK?
Yes, vaping in your own car is legal in the UK, unlike smoking with a child present, which is banned under the Health Act 2006. However, driving while vaping can still result in a fine if it’s judged to distract you and cause careless driving, so it’s safest to vape only when stationary.
Do you need ID to buy vapes online in the UK?
Yes, reputable UK retailers such as The British Vapes require age verification at checkout and Challenge 25 ID checks on delivery to confirm the buyer is 18 or over, in line with the Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015.
What is the difference between a pod kit and a vape mod?
A pod kit is a compact, low-power device using small refillable or replaceable pods, ideal for beginners and MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping. A vape mod is a larger, more powerful device with adjustable wattage or temperature settings, typically paired with sub-ohm tanks for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping and bigger vapour production.
What is a reusable disposable vape?
A reusable disposable vape is a rechargeable device with a replaceable or refillable pod, designed to replicate the simplicity of a single-use disposable while complying with the UK’s June 2025 disposable vape ban. The British Vapes stocks a full range of these compliant reusable devices as direct disposable alternatives.
What is MTL vaping?
MTL stands for mouth-to-lung vaping, where vapour is drawn into the mouth first and then inhaled into the lungs, similar to smoking a cigarette. MTL devices use tighter airflow and higher-resistance coils, and are the most common style for beginners and ex-smokers using nicotine salts.
What is DTL vaping?
DTL stands for direct-to-lung vaping, where vapour is inhaled straight into the lungs in one motion, similar to taking a deep breath. DTL devices use looser airflow, lower-resistance coils, and higher power, producing larger vapour clouds and are typically used with lower-nicotine freebase e-liquids.
What is a pod mod?
A pod mod is a hybrid device combining the compact size and simplicity of a pod system with the higher power and adjustable settings of a mod, often supporting both MTL and DTL coils. Pod mods suit vapers who have outgrown a basic starter kit but don’t want a full-size box mod.
How long does a vape pod or coil last?
A vape coil or pod typically lasts between 5 and 14 days, depending on usage frequency, e-liquid type, and wattage. Signs a coil needs replacing include a burnt taste, reduced vapour, gurgling sounds, or leaking; The British Vapes recommends changing coils at the first sign of a harsher or less flavourful hit.
How often should I clean my vape?
You should wipe down your vape’s mouthpiece and connections weekly, and clean the tank or pod thoroughly every time you change the coil, using warm water and letting it fully air-dry before refilling. Regular cleaning prevents residue buildup, leaking, and off-flavours.
What is sub-ohm vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm, allowing higher power output, bigger clouds, and warmer vapour. It is almost always used with DTL inhaling technique and lower-nicotine e-liquids, since sub-ohm devices deliver much more vapour and nicotine per puff than MTL setups.
What is the difference between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine?
Nicotine salts are a naturally-occurring form of nicotine that is smoother at higher strengths and absorbed faster, making them ideal for MTL pod kits. Freebase nicotine is the traditional processed form used in most e-liquids, offering a stronger throat hit at high strengths and working best in sub-ohm DTL devices at lower nicotine levels.
What are PG and VG in e-liquid?
PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are the two main base liquids in e-liquid. PG carries flavour well and produces a stronger throat hit with less vapour, while VG is thicker, sweeter, and produces denser vapour clouds. Most e-liquids blend both, commonly in ratios like 50/50 for pod kits or 70VG/30PG for sub-ohm devices.
What is a nicotine shot and how do I use it?
A nicotine shot is a small 10ml bottle of concentrated nicotine (usually 18mg/ml) added to a nicotine-free “shortfill” e-liquid bottle to bring it to your desired strength. For example, adding one 10ml nicotine shot to a 50ml shortfill produces roughly 60ml of e-liquid at approximately 3mg/ml nicotine strength.
What is a shortfill e-liquid?
A shortfill is a larger e-liquid bottle (such as 50ml or 100ml) sold nicotine-free but deliberately “short filled” to leave room for one or more nicotine shots to be added by the customer, working around the UK’s 10ml limit on nicotine-containing bottles under TPD regulations.
How long does an opened bottle of e-liquid last?
An opened bottle of e-liquid is generally best used within 6 months to retain optimal flavour and nicotine potency, though it typically remains safe to use for up to a year if stored correctly. E-liquid should be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Does e-liquid expire?
Yes, e-liquid does have a shelf life, generally 1–2 years unopened, printed as a best-before date on UK-regulated bottles. Nicotine degrades gradually over time and flavourings can fade or change, so The British Vapes recommends checking the printed date and storing bottles away from heat and light.
Can I mix different e-liquid flavours together?
Yes, you can mix compatible e-liquids of similar PG/VG ratios and nicotine strengths to create custom flavour blends, and many vapers do this to personalise their vape. However, mixing is done at your own discretion and The British Vapes recommends testing small amounts first to check taste and consistency.
What does 0mg nicotine e-liquid mean?
0mg e-liquid, sometimes called “nic-free” or “nicotine-free,” contains no nicotine at all and is used purely for the flavour and vaping sensation. It’s popular with vapers who have already weaned off nicotine or those vaping for enjoyment rather than as a smoking substitute.
Is vaping safe?
No vaping product is completely risk-free, but Public Health England and the UK’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have consistently found vaping to be significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco, since it avoids the combustion process that creates tar and most carcinogens. Vaping is intended for adult smokers and ex-smokers, not for non-smokers or under-18s.
What are the side effects of vaping?
Common short-term side effects reported when starting vaping include mild throat or mouth irritation, dry mouth, coughing, and headaches, usually caused by too-high nicotine strength, dehydration, or adjusting to inhaling technique. These effects typically settle within days; if symptoms persist, the NHS advises lowering nicotine strength or consulting a GP.
Can vaping cause popcorn lung?
Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) has been linked to diacetyl, a flavouring chemical historically used in some e-liquids. UK-regulated e-liquids, including all products sold by The British Vapes, are banned from containing diacetyl under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, making this risk significantly lower for products bought from compliant UK retailers.
How do I charge my vape battery safely?
Always charge your vape using the cable supplied or a certified replacement, avoid leaving it charging unattended overnight, don’t charge it in direct sunlight or hot conditions, and stop use immediately if the battery swells, overheats, or is damaged. Using only manufacturer-approved chargers significantly reduces the (rare) risk of battery malfunction.
Why is my vape leaking?
Vape leaking is usually caused by an overfilled tank, a worn-out coil, a cracked seal, excessive air pressure changes (such as during flights), or storing the device on its side. Checking the coil is properly screwed in, not overfilling past the max fill line, and replacing worn O-rings usually resolves it.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
A burnt taste almost always means the coil has reached the end of its life or the wicking material has dried out, often from chain vaping, running the tank low on e-liquid, or using too high a wattage for the coil’s rating. Replacing the coil and priming it correctly (letting it soak in e-liquid for 5–10 minutes before first use) usually fixes this.
Can you take vapes on a plane?
Yes, you can bring vapes and e-liquids in hand luggage on UK flights, but e-liquid must comply with the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage. Vapes and spare batteries must never be packed in checked luggage due to fire risk, and devices should be switched off or locked during the flight, per UK Civil Aviation Authority and airline guidance.
Why is my vape not producing vapour?
No vapour usually points to a dead battery, a disconnected or faulty coil, an empty tank, or a blocked airflow path. Try charging the device fully, checking the coil is seated correctly and not dry, and confirming the airflow vents aren’t obstructed before assuming the device is faulty.
What products does The British Vapes sell?
The British Vapes sells a full range of UK TPD-compliant vaping products, including reusable disposable-style vapes, MTL pod kits, sub-ohm mods and tanks, nicotine salt and freebase e-liquids, shortfills, nicotine shots, replacement coils, and vape accessories, all sourced to meet UK regulatory standards.
Does The British Vapes deliver across the UK?
Yes, The British Vapes delivers to addresses across the United Kingdom, with age verification required at checkout and Challenge 25 ID checks carried out on delivery to confirm the recipient is 18 or over, in compliance with UK age-of-sale laws.
How do I know my order from The British Vapes is age-verified?
The British Vapes uses checkout age verification and requires photo ID showing proof of age (18+) on delivery for every order, in line with the Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015. Orders cannot be left without a successful ID check.
Are all products sold by The British Vapes TPD compliant?
Yes, every vape device, e-liquid, and pod sold by The British Vapes complies with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TPD), meaning 2ml maximum tank capacity, 10ml maximum nicotine e-liquid bottles, a 20mg/ml nicotine cap, child-resistant packaging, and full UK-compliant health warnings.
What should I do if my vape from The British Vapes arrives faulty?
If a device arrives faulty, contact The British Vapes customer support with your order number and a description (or photo/video) of the fault within the return window stated on the website; UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections mean faulty goods are eligible for a repair, replacement, or refund.
Can I return an e-liquid or vape kit to The British Vapes if I change my mind?
Under UK distance selling rules, opened consumable items like e-liquid generally cannot be returned once the seal is broken for hygiene and safety reasons, but unopened, unused devices and accessories can usually be returned within the timeframe set out in The British Vapes’ returns policy. Always check the specific returns policy before ordering.
How do I choose the right starter kit from The British Vapes?
Choose based on how you’ll vape: pick an MTL pod kit with nicotine salts if you want a cigarette-like draw and are new to vaping or a light-to-moderate smoker, or a sub-ohm kit with freebase e-liquid if you want bigger clouds and smoother, lower-nicotine hits; The British Vapes’ product pages list the recommended e-liquid type and nicotine range for each kit.
Does The British Vapes offer nicotine-free vaping options?
Yes, The British Vapes stocks 0mg nicotine-free e-liquids and shortfills for customers who want the vaping experience and flavour without any nicotine, alongside its full range of nicotine salt and freebase options from 3mg up to the UK legal maximum of 20mg.
How can I track my order from The British Vapes?
Once your order from The British Vapes has been dispatched, you’ll receive a confirmation email or SMS containing a tracking number and courier link, allowing you to follow your parcel’s progress in real time until it’s delivered and age-verified at the door.
What payment methods does The British Vapes accept?
The British Vapes accepts standard UK payment methods including major debit and credit cards, and other secure checkout options shown at checkout; all payments are processed through encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways to protect customer data.
