You fill up your vape kit with your favourite e-liquid and take a quick puff, expecting the smoothest, most tasteful hit. Apart from the specific vape juice flavour used, there are a few other variables that affect how a puff ends up tasting and feeling.
E-liquids differ in the type of nicotine used, their strength, and the relative ratios of VG and PG. Get any of these wrong, and your vape ends up tasting anything but what you were expecting. If you are an ex-smoker using your first vape kit, understanding these differences in e-liquids and proper vape maintenance will mean vaping satisfaction and comfort.
In this e-liquid guide, you take a look at the different types of nicotine, the ideal mix of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol, and how these components affect the final sensation and throat hit you get from e-liquids.
Freebase vs Nicotine Salt
The fundamental difference between a cigarette and a vape is that the former burns tobacco, while the latter vaporizes vape fluid. This liquid is called e-liquid and is available in two forms: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. While both are forms of nicotine, they behave differently when you vape them.
Freebase Nicotine
This is what most traditional e-liquids use. It’s potent and is known for giving a firmer sensation on the throat as you inhale. If you have experienced a “kick” when you vape higher strengths, that’s more likely freebase nicotine at work. It can be used in both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vape devices.
Nicotine Salt
Nic salts are a newer option and currently the most popular. These are created by pairing the nicotine with a weak acid, which changes how it feels on your throat. So, even at higher strengths, it does not feel as harsh. New vapers prefer nic salts for use in pod systems and starter kits. These are more suitable for low-power kits and give a much quicker relief from nicotine cravings than freebase e-liquids. Read our vaping 101 guide to get the most out of your pod kits and nic salts.
Think of it this way: if you want a smooth, cigarette-like feel and higher nicotine without bite, salts tend to deliver. If you chase flavour depth, bigger clouds, and a more traditional hit, freebase is usually the go-to.
VG and PG
While most vape fluids contain nicotine, you can get nicotine-free vape juices as well. But almost all e-liquids contain a mix of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). Their relative ratios affect the final feel and taste of your vape.
VG
VG is the thicker and sweeter component. It is what creates those vapour clouds, and it also softens the hit on your throat a bit. This is why blends high in VG, like 70/30 or 80/20, are used in sub-ohm kits to produce massive clouds.
PG
PG is thinner and used to carry flavour. It gives more of a sharp, defined sensation on the inhale. Pod kits and other low-power vaping devices often use higher PG mixes like 50/50 or even 60/40. As it is easier to wick than PG, it delivers flavour cleanly.
When deciding on an e-liquid, a good rule of thumb is to pick a high VG e-liquid for large vapour and a high PG e-liquid for punchy flavour or use in a low-power vape kit. It is not advisable to use high VG e-liquids in pod kits, as they tend to gunk up their coils faster.
Which E-liquid Flavour to Choose
When electronic cigarettes first appeared on the scene, they were mainly limited to the classic flavours like tobacco and mint. But now, the number of vape flavours ranges in the hundreds, with vaping brands coming up with novel blends. So, you can pick from:
- Fruity blends that hit bright and clean.
- Desserts and sweets with rich, creamy profiles.
- Tobacco and menthol for a familiar, grounding taste.
- Beverage-inspired e-liquids, like coffee or soda style.
The same e-liquid can come through differently depending on the device being used, as well as its nicotine type. Generally speaking, high-VG, freebase e-liquids often open up layered notes in complex profiles. While high-PG, salt-based liquids give a rather punchy, upfront flavour without harshness.
Finding the Right Strength
For someone transitioning from cigarettes to vapes, TPD regulations cap nicotine strength at 20mg/ml.
Freebase e-liquids usually come in lower strengths like 3 mg, 6 mg, or 12 mg. Going much higher in freebase can get unpleasant on the throat, especially if you’re new to vaping. Salt nicotine labels often show 10 mg or 20 mg. Because salts are smoother, these higher strengths don’t feel harsh and can match stronger cravings without irritation.
As a general rule:
- If you smoked a lot and need strong satisfaction, start with a higher nic salt.
- If you smoked less or want a softer nicotine hit with fuller flavour, try a mid-range freebase.
- If nicotine isn’t what you’re after, zero-nicotine e-liquids let you focus on flavour alone.
Find Your Favourite E-Liquid
There’s no single “right” e-liquid. Your device, taste, and reasons for vaping all come together when deciding on the best vape juice. If you use pods or starter kits, they perform best with nic salts and balanced VG/PG. If you are a vaping enthusiast using box mods, choose high-VG freebase juices with lower nicotine. You can browse through the large selection of e-liquids on our online vape store in the UK and find one with just the right flavour, VG/PG mix, and nicotine strength.
