Ultimate Beginner Vaping Tips and Problem Solving

Beginner Vaping Basics

New to vaping? This section walks you through the absolute essentials, including what gear you’ll need, how devices work, and the best beginner-friendly options to get started smoothly.

What do I need to start vaping as a beginner?

Beginner vaping starts with choosing the right refillable pod kit and using a high-PG or nicotine salt e-liquid for smoother hits. To avoid burnt coils, let them saturate before use, and fix common issues like leaking or gurgling by checking coil fit, wattage, and airflow.

The click and and play aspect prefilled vape kits makes them a great choice for beginners and disposable users.

Sub-ohm vape kits are great for more experienced vapers who prefer recreational vaping to enjoy flavour and clouds with little to no nicotine content.

How does a vape work?

A vape kit heats e-liquid into a vapour using a battery and a component known as a vape coil - a metal cylinder with wire mesh wrapped in cotton. The coil absorbs vape juice and is heated up when the device is activated. Depending on the coils resistance, a certain amount of power will be let through and this will vapourise the liquid. As you inhale, the vapour is pulled through the central chimney of the coil and into your lungs.

The battery component sends power to the coil causing it to heat up and vapourise the e-liquid.

What’s the easiest type of vape to use for beginners?

Prefilled pod kits are the most beginner friendly vape devices. They require the least amount of setup and maintenance and are intuitive to use. The pods are prefilled with vape juice, so everything is done for you, all you need to do is insert a pod and puff to vape.

Understanding Vape Styles & E-Liquids

Choosing the right vaping style and e-liquid is crucial for a satisfying experience. Here, you'll learn how MTL and DTL differ, what e-liquid ingredients mean, and which nicotine type is best for your needs.

What’s the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?

MTL or Mouth to Lung vaping involves drawing vapour into your mouth before inhaling it into the lungs. This is the same method that you use when smoking a cigarette. The amount of vapour produced is low and it supports the use of high nicotine doses. You use a low powered vape kit that dishes out between 15W-30W of power.

DTL or Direct to Lung vaping employs a high powered vape kit like a box mod to send out 40W to 250W of power. Thicker high VG e-liquid is better as it makes more clouds

What is RDL vaping?

RDL, or Restricted Direct to Lung vaping, is the middle ground between MTL and full DTL styles. It gives you a looser, more powerful inhale than MTL - but without the dense clouds of traditional sub-ohm vaping. Perfect for vapers who want smoother hits with more airflow, RDL lets you DTL vape using higher-PG e-liquids like nicotine salts for a balanced experience.

🔍 What are PG and VG in vape juice?

PG and VG are the two main base ingredients in e-liquids, and they directly affect throat hit, flavour, and vapour production:

• PG (Propylene Glycol): A thin liquid that enhances throat hit and flavour. Common in beginner MTL vape juices.

• VG (Vegetable Glycerine): Thicker, smoother, and produces more vapour. Best suited for DTL and sub-ohm devices.

What is "nicotine salt" and is it better for beginners?

Nicotine salts are created by adding benzoic acid to freebase nicotine. This mellows out the harshness and allows you to vape nicotine at high strengths of 20mg with a smooth throat hit and rich flavour. Nicotine salts are great for beginners, especially smokers as they’re as fast acting as the nicotine found in cigarettes and provide a familiar throat feel.

What’s the best nicotine strength for new vapers?

This depends on what your nicotine requirements are to begin with. To give yourself the best chance of quitting you need to ensure that you are vaping an adequate amount of nicotine.

If you’re a smoker with a heavy pack a day habit then opting for the highest nicotine strength of 20mg is advisable. Whereas an average habit of 10-15 cigarettes would suit a 10mg nicotine strength.

The table below shows common nicotine salt strengths and the smoking habit they’re typically suited to:

Is a high nicotine strength causing my throat to burn?

The only time a high nicotine strength will cause your throat to burn then you are likely using freebase nicotine. Freebase nicotine is much harsher than nic salts and only tolerable for most people at 3mg or 6mg strengths.

If you need to vape higher than 6mg then switch to nic salts for a smoother experience. There are a couple of other factors that could be causing a burning sensation when you vape:

• A dry hit occurs when the cotton wick of the coil is not adequately soaked and you end up inhaling burnt cotton instead. If this occurs, we highly recommend replacing the coil as the flavour will be impaired.

• Burnt coils will not vape efficiently and will affect the flavour of the liquid, which may cause a scratching feeling when you vape.

E-Liquid Tips & Flavours

The flavour and quality of your e-liquid can make or break your vaping journey. This section helps you pick the right taste, spot common issues like darkening juice, and avoid problems before they start.

How to choose the right e-liquid flavour

One of the best things about vaping is the variety of flavours on offer. But the huge range of options can be off putting especially if you’re not a fan of sweet flavours. When you’re first starting out on your vaping journey, it can be wise to stick to what you know.

If you’re a smoker, then a tobacco or menthol flavour is a good place to start. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you may wish to try a fruit, and in that instance opting for a fruit you enjoy eating is a safe bet.

There are hundreds of combinations out there and it's definitely worth experimenting with something new once you’re vaping comfortably.

Why is my vape juice turning dark?

If you’re vape juice is turning dark it could be for one or more of the following reasons:

• Dessert flavours - very sweet vape juices are naturally darker and can darken once oxidation begins to occur when you open the bottle. If the liquid still tastes good and is within its BBE date then you should be fine.

• Burnt coils - if your e-liquid is clear when you top up, but turns dark after a few hits, then it could be your coil. If your cotton is burnt or the coil is not heating up evenly, it can discolour the liquid.

• Overheating - overuse of the coil will cause it to become hot and this can cause discolouration. Take frequent breaks between vaping.

• Old coil - If your coil is nearing the end of its lifespan it can start heating unevenly which may spoil the vape juice in your pod or tank.You should replace your coil every 1-2 weeks.

• Store e-liquid correctly - keep your vape juice bottles out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

• Incorrect ratio - ensure that the e-liquid you use is suitable for your vape kit. Some thicker high VG e-liquids need more powerful devices and will gunk up the coil of a low powered device.

Best beginner vape kits 2025

Not sure which vape kit to buy? We’ve highlighted the most beginner-friendly devices of 2025, comparing features, ease of use, and value to help you make a confident choice.

Discreet and Quiet Vape Options

If you’re after a more subtle vaping experience, this section covers the quietest and most discreet vape kits available - perfect for vaping on the go or in shared spaces.

What are the quietest or most discreet vapes?

If you need to be stealthy, go with a low-powered MTL pod kit. Look for:

• A prefilled pod kit like the Snowplus Swift.

• A refillable MTL pod kit with an airflow slider and a higher resistance coil.
  Closing off the airflow and keeping wattage low will minimise noise and vapour. The Aspire GoTek Pro does this really well.

What’s the ideal wattage for beginner vapers?

✅ Start low and work your way up.

✅ Most MTL pod kits run between 15W - 30W, perfect for beginners transitioning from cigarettes.

🚀 Above 30W takes you into sub-ohm or DTL territory, which produces bigger clouds and requires lower (3mg) nicotine strengths.

Troubleshooting Common Vape Problems

Even the best vapes sometimes act up. Here you’ll find practical fixes for common issues like gurgling, weak hits, burnt coils, and more - so you can keep vaping without frustration.

How to Fix a Vape That Won’t Hit

1. Clean: Remove the pod/tank and wipe contacts with a dry kitchen towel.

2. Charge: Ensure the battery is fully charged (30 minutes on the charger is usually enough).

3. Coil: Replace the coil or pod - make sure it’s clicked in properly.

4. E-liquid: Use the correct liquid for your device (high PG for MTL pods).

5. Buttons: Some devices require you to press a fire button - check yours.

6. Airflow: Open any airflow sliders fully, then adjust down to preference.

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?

Typically 1-2 weeks, depending on usage, e-liquid sweetness, and wattage. Replace sooner if flavour degrades or you experience a burnt taste. Learn more about when to change a vape coil.

How Do I Stop My Vape from Spitting E-Liquid?

• Lower wattage: Too much heat can flood the coil with e-liquid.

• Use thicker e-liquid: High VG (>70 %) resists spitting in sub-ohm setups.

• Puff gently: Aggressive inhales can draw liquid into the mouthpiece.

Learn more about how to prevent vapes from leaking.

How to Refill a Vape Pod or Tank

1. Pop or slide off the pod/tank from the device.

2. Open the fill port (usually a rubber plug or mouthpiece).

3. Squirt e-liquid along the side, not into the central airflow tube.

4. Close the port, let the coil saturate for 5 minutes, then vape.

How Often Should I Vape as a Beginner?

Vape when you have cravings - take a few puffs until you feel satisfied, then set it aside. There’s no strict schedule; just avoid chain-vaping to reduce coil burn.

MTL vs DTL vaping explained

• MTL (Mouth to Lung): Seal lips around the mouthpiece, draw vapour into your mouth, then inhale into your lungs.

• DTL (Direct to Lung): Place lips on the mouthpiece and inhale straight into your lungs in one smooth motion.

How Do I Clean My Vape Device?

Once a month:

• Wipe down the exterior with a dry kitchen towel.

• Use cotton buds to clean inside the pod/tank connection points.

• Remove any e-liquid residue to prevent leaks and ensure good contact.

FAQs About Beginner Vaping

What’s the difference between vape juice and e-liquid?

Vape juice and e-liquid are two terms for the same thing: the flavoured liquid used in vape devices. “E-liquid” is more commonly used in Europe, while “vape juice” is popular in North America.

Can you vape without nicotine as a beginner?

Yes, beginners can vape without nicotine using zero-nicotine e-liquids. These are ideal if you want the flavour and ritual of vaping without developing or maintaining a nicotine dependency. However, they won’t help curb cigarette cravings.

Should I use nicotine salts or regular e-liquid as a former smoker?

Former smokers often prefer nicotine salts for their smoother hit at higher strengths, closely mimicking the nicotine delivery of cigarettes. Regular freebase vape juice is harsh at strengths exceeding 6mg.

How long does it take a vape to charge?

Most beginner vape kits will reach full charge in about 30 minutes. This can vary based on the capacity (mAh) of your battery - larger batteries will take longer to charge. Ideally, you don’t want to charge your battery to maximum capacity every time as this can have a negative impact on its lifespan.

Do beginner vapers need to worry about battery safety?

Yes, battery safety is important for beginner vapers. Always avoid overcharging, use protective cases when transporting, and never expose devices to heat or moisture. Follow manufacturer guidance and never leave devices charging unattended to prevent risk.

How to properly store vape juice

Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Seal caps tightly to minimise oxidation and flavour changes. Properly stored vape juice can last between 1-2 years, and preserves taste quality. Explore How to Store E-Liquids Correctly in greater detail.

Can I travel with my vape?

Yes, you can travel with your vape on most domestic flights by packing it in your carry-on. International rules vary, so check airline and country regulations. Store e-liquids in bottles under 100ml and keep your device turned off during transit. Read more about flying with vapes.

Why does my vape taste burnt?

A burnt vape taste usually means the coil is dry or damaged. Always let new coils soak for 5 minutes before vaping and use the correct wattage. Replace burnt coils promptly to restore flavour and avoid inhaling burnt cotton. Learn more about fixing burn’t vape coils.

Why does my vape make a gurgling sound?

Gurgling sounds happen when excess e-liquid pools around the coil. Remove the pod and gently puff without activating the device to clear it. Puff more gently, and check that your e-liquid isn't too thin or flooding the coil.

Why is my vape leaking?

Vape leaks are often caused by overfilling, loose seals, cracked pods, or incompatible e-liquid. Always secure parts tightly, fill within the max line, and use the correct liquid for your device. Check for damage or worn seals regularly.

What’s a good maintenance routine for my vape device?

• Daily: Wipe mouthpiece and connection points.

• Weekly: Inspect pod/coil for signs of burning or wear, clean contact points.

• Monthly: Deep-clean the exterior and airflow passages, replace coils/pods as needed.

• As needed: Charge battery fully, swap out old or burnt coils.
  
  

Whether you're fixing your first burnt coil or still choosing your perfect starter kit, you're not alone.

💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments - we’re here to help!

🔍 Or explore our easy to use prefilled pod kits and take the next step with confidence.

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