Shortfills are the most cost-effective way to vape in the UK. Instead of buying lots of 10ml bottles, you buy one large bottle of flavoured e-liquid, add a nicotine shot, and get 60ml to 120ml of ready-to-vape juice for a fraction of the price per ml. This guide covers the best shortfill ranges we stock, what VG/PG ratios mean, which kits suit shortfills, and how to mix them properly.
What is a shortfill?
UK rules (the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations) limit nicotine-containing e-liquid to 10ml bottles. Shortfills get around the bottle-size limit legally by being sold nicotine free, in a bottle with space left at the top. You add a 10ml nicotine shot (a “nic shot”) yourself, which turns, for example, 50ml of flavour into 60ml of e-liquid at around 3mg.
The bottle is “short filled”, which is where the name comes from. A 100ml shortfill usually comes in a 120ml bottle so there is space for two shots.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read How to Add a Nic Shot to a Shortfill.
VG/PG ratios explained
Every e-liquid is mostly two bases: vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG).
- VG is thicker and produces more vapour, with a smoother feel.
- PG is thinner, carries flavour well and gives more throat hit.
The ratio matters because it decides which kit the liquid suits:
| Ratio | Feel | Best in |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30 (high VG) | Big clouds, smooth | Sub-ohm tanks and higher-power pod mods (direct lung) |
| 50/50 | Balanced flavour and throat hit | Most pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices |
If your kit has a higher-resistance coil (around 0.8 ohm and above), a 50/50 liquid usually works best. High-VG liquid can be too thick for small coils and may cause dry hits. More on this in MTL vs DTL Vaping Explained.
The best shortfill ranges we stock
Kingston Sweets
Kingston Sweets is a 70/30 shortfill range built entirely around sweet shop flavours, from fizzy chews to classic boiled sweets. At £5.99 it is one of the best-value ranges available, and the sweet profile holds up well in sub-ohm kits.
Kingston Pod Juice
Kingston Pod Juice is made for pod kits. It is a 50/50 blend, which wicks properly in smaller coils, and comes in a 100ml bottle. It is a good choice if you love Kingston flavours but use a pod kit rather than a tank.
Kingston Candy Floss and Cola ranges
Kingston also makes themed ranges like Candy Floss, which blends fairground candy floss with fruit, and the Cola Range, which comes as 100ml in a 120ml bottle. Both are aimed at people who like dessert and soft-drink flavours. Browse the full Kingston range.
Doozy
Doozy is an award-winning UK e-liquid brand established in 2015. Its Doozy shortfills are 70/30, made for cloud-friendly tanks and higher-power kits. The Doozy Legends range includes favourites such as Berry Blast.
Seriously Pod Fill
Seriously Pod Fill is a Doozy sub-brand made for pod kits: 50/50, with more than 60 flavours to choose from. If you use a refillable pod kit and want lots of variety, this is one of the best ranges to start with. See the full Doozy range.
Best shortfills by vaping style
| You use | Choose |
|---|---|
| A refillable pod kit (Xros, Xlim, Argus P3) | Kingston Pod Juice or Seriously Pod Fill (50/50) |
| A sub-ohm tank or pod mod (Argus Pro 2, G4) | Kingston Sweets or Doozy (70/30) |
| You love sweets | Kingston Sweets or Candy Floss |
| You want variety | Seriously Pod Fill |
How much nicotine will you get?
Most nic shots are 10ml at 18mg. The final strength depends on how much liquid is in the bottle:
- 50ml shortfill + one 10ml shot = 60ml at about 3mg.
- 100ml shortfill + two 10ml shots = 120ml at about 3mg.
- 100ml shortfill + one 10ml shot = 110ml at about 1.6mg.
Freebase shortfill strengths of around 3mg suit direct-lung vaping. If you are used to higher strengths, such as 20mg nic salts in a pre-filled kit, 3mg will feel very different. Read Nic Salt Strength: 10mg or 20mg? to understand the difference.
Is a shortfill cheaper?
Usually, yes, by a long way. A 10ml bottle of e-liquid typically costs a few pounds, so 100ml of 10ml bottles adds up quickly. A 100ml shortfill plus two nic shots usually works out much cheaper per ml. The new UK vaping duty adds tax to nicotine-containing liquid, which makes the price gap worth checking. See UK Vape Tax Explained.
Choosing flavours: a quick guide
With hundreds of shortfill flavours on the market, choosing can feel overwhelming. Most flavours fall into five broad families, and knowing which one you like makes the choice much easier.
- Fruit: strawberry, mango, berries, watermelon. The most popular family, and easy to vape all day.
- Sweets and candy: fizzy chews, gummy bears, bubblegum, candy floss. Kingston Sweets is built around this family.
- Ice and menthol: fruit flavours with a cooling finish, or pure mint and menthol. A good choice if you like a fresh feel.
- Drinks: cola, lemonade, energy drink. Kingston’s Cola Range sits here.
- Desserts and tobacco: custards, bakery and tobacco blends. Richer and heavier, often preferred in the evening.
A practical tip: buy one shortfill from a family you know you like and one from a family you have never tried. Large bottles last a while, so having two flavours to switch between helps avoid “flavour fatigue”, where your favourite liquid starts to taste flat.
Mixing tips for the best result
- Squeeze, do not pour, the nic shot into the shortfill bottle. Most bottles have a removable nozzle so you can add it cleanly.
- Replace the cap and shake well for at least 30 seconds. Nicotine is denser than flavoured liquid and needs mixing properly.
- Leave it to settle for a few hours if you can. Many people find the flavour is fuller the next day.
- Label the bottle with the strength if you mix different strengths at home.
- Keep bottles locked away from children and pets. Nicotine liquid is dangerous if swallowed.
Kits that pair well with shortfills
To use shortfills, you need a refillable kit. For 50/50 pod liquids, refillable pod kits like the Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini or the Voopoo Argus P3 are popular choices. For 70/30 cloud liquids, a more powerful kit like the Voopoo Argus Pro 2 with a lower-resistance pod works better. If you are new to filling pods, read How to Fill a Pod Kit first: it is easy once you know how, and avoiding overfilling stops most leaks.
Shortfill mistakes to avoid
- Using high-VG liquid in a small coil. It is too thick to wick quickly, which causes dry hits and burnt tastes.
- Forgetting to shake after adding the shot. The first few fills can be much stronger than the rest.
- Filling then vaping straight away. Leave a new or refilled pod for a few minutes so the cotton can soak.
- Storing bottles in sunlight. Heat and light break down flavour and nicotine over time.
Shortfills vs 10ml e-liquids vs pre-filled pods
| Shortfill + nic shot | 10ml e-liquid | Pre-filled pods | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per ml | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Effort | Mix once, then refill | Refill only | Click in and go |
| Nicotine options | Around 0 to 3mg | Freebase or nic salt up to 20mg | Usually 20mg nic salt |
| Best for | Regular vapers on a budget | Pod kit users wanting higher strengths | Convenience above all |
Many vapers use more than one. A common setup is a shortfill in a refillable kit at home, with a pre-filled kit as a backup for days out. If convenience matters most, see Best Pre-Filled Pod Kits UK; if you are new to vaping, start with Best Vape Kits for Beginners UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I vape a shortfill without adding nicotine?
Yes. A shortfill is nicotine free, so you can vape it as it is, at 0mg. Some people do this to cut down.
Can I use a shortfill in a pod kit?
Yes, if it is a 50/50 liquid and your kit is refillable. Choose pod-specific ranges like Kingston Pod Juice or Seriously Pod Fill.
Do shortfills work in pre-filled kits?
No. Pre-filled pods are sealed and come already full. You need a refillable kit. See Pre-Filled Pod Kits vs Refillable Vape Kits.
How long does a shortfill last once mixed?
Store it with the lid on, away from heat and sunlight, and it will stay good for many months.
Is a 70/30 or 50/50 shortfill better?
Neither is better overall; it depends on your kit. Use 50/50 in pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices with higher-resistance coils, and 70/30 in sub-ohm tanks and powerful pod mods built for bigger clouds. If your kit’s packaging lists a coil resistance below about 0.6 ohm, it will usually handle 70/30 well.
Can I mix two shortfill flavours together?
Yes, as long as they share the same VG/PG ratio. Mixing flavours is a popular way to create your own blend, such as a fruit with a menthol.
The bottom line
Shortfills are the cheapest way to vape in the UK. Match the ratio to your kit: 50/50 for pod kits, 70/30 for sub-ohm tanks. Then pick flavours you love. Browse all our Shortfill E-Liquids.
Vaping products and nicotine pouches contain nicotine and are for adults aged 18 and over only.
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