In recent years, shortfill e-liquids have taken the vaping industry by storm. Their rise in popularity is not accidental — shortfills offer a practical, customizable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional e-liquid bottles. Whether you’re new to vaping or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding what shortfills are and why they’re worth considering can help you make better choices for your vaping experience.
What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?
Shortfills are large bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid that leave space at the top for users to add their own nicotine shots. For example, a 60ml shortfill bottle typically contains 50ml of nicotine-free vape juice, allowing enough room to add a 10ml nicotine booster. Once mixed, the bottle holds a complete e-liquid solution with the desired nicotine strength.
This format was introduced largely as a response to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in the EU, which limited the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids to 10ml bottles. To meet demand for larger volumes and to reduce waste, shortfills became the go-to solution for vapers who prefer not to purchase multiple small bottles.
The Advantages of Shortfills
1. Custom Nicotine Strength
Shortfill e-liquids give vapers control over their nicotine levels. Whether you’re weaning yourself off nicotine or prefer a particular strength, you can customize each bottle to your liking. This flexibility is ideal for both heavy smokers transitioning to vaping and advanced vapers looking to fine-tune their experience.
2. More Vape Juice for Less Packaging
Buying shortfills means getting more vape juice in a single container. Not only does this reduce the number of bottles you need to carry, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. Less plastic, fewer labels, and reduced packaging waste all contribute to a more sustainable vaping habit.
3. Better Value for Money
Shortfills offer better price-per-milliliter value compared to buying multiple 10ml bottles of pre-mixed e-liquid. Especially for regular vapers, this can lead to significant savings over time. Bulk buying also means fewer trips to the store or online orders, which is both convenient and economical.
4. Wide Variety of Flavours
The shortfill market has exploded with flavor options — from sweet and fruity blends to rich tobacco and complex dessert profiles. Brands have embraced shortfills as a format to deliver high-VG e-liquids that are perfect for sub-ohm vaping, producing big clouds and intense flavor.
5. Compliance Without Compromise
Thanks to the TPD regulations, shortfills were created as a workaround that complies with the law without sacrificing the user experience. By selling nicotine-free liquids in larger bottles, manufacturers can still deliver high-quality products, and consumers remain free to customize them as they see fit.
How to Use Shortfills
Using shortfills is straightforward, even for beginners. Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose Your Shortfill – Pick your desired flavor and VG/PG ratio. Most shortfills come in 50ml or 100ml bottles with space for nicotine shots.
- Add Nicotine Shot – Remove the bottle cap and add a 10ml nic shot (usually 18mg) to achieve 3mg nicotine strength. For 100ml bottles, you’ll need two shots.
- Shake Well – Replace the cap and shake the bottle vigorously for a few minutes to ensure even mixing. Let it steep for a short while if needed.
- Vape and Enjoy – Once everything is properly blended, fill your tank or pod system and enjoy the vape.
Are Shortfills Right for You?
Shortfills are ideal for sub-ohm vapers and those who use devices that consume e-liquid quickly. If you’re vaping heavily throughout the day, 10ml bottles might not last long. With shortfills, you get a larger quantity, which better supports long-term or frequent use.
However, if you’re using compact devices like pod systems or prefer higher nicotine strengths (e.g., 12mg or above), shortfills may not be the best fit. These devices are usually paired with nicotine salts or higher-nic e-liquids that come in small 10ml bottles due to their intended use.
Things to Consider Before Buying Shortfills
Before you stock up on shortfills, consider the following:
- Device Compatibility: Ensure your vape kit supports high VG e-liquids. Using shortfills in low-wattage or mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices may not yield the best results.
- Flavor Profiles: With so many options available, it might take some experimentation to find your perfect flavor. Many brands offer sample packs or small tester sizes.
- Nicotine Calculation: If you’re aiming for a specific nicotine level, make sure to calculate the ratio correctly. Adding too little or too much nic shot can alter your intended strength.
- Storage and Mixing: After adding the nic shot, some shortfills may benefit from a short steeping period. This allows the flavors and nicotine to blend evenly. Store them in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life.
