If you are new to vaping, you may have seen bottles called shortfills and wondered what they are. The name itself can be confusing, especially if you are used to regular e-liquids that come ready to vape. So, in this guide, we will break it down in a very simple way. By the end, you will fully understand what shortfill e-liquids are, why people use them, and how you can use them safely. Shortfills have become very popular in the UK, especially among people who enjoy big bottles and more flavour options. They are easy to use once you know the basics.
What Are Shortfill E-liquids?
To put it simply, shortfill e-liquids are large bottles of vape liquid that come with no nicotine. The bottle is not full. A part of it is left empty so you can add your own nice shot. This “short fill” space is where the name comes from.
For example, a common shortfill bottle is 60ml in size but filled with 50ml of e-liquid. The extra 10ml space is for adding a 10ml nicotine shot if you want nicotine in your vape.
The flavour, quality, and cloud production are the same as any premium juice. The only difference is that shortfills give you more control over your nicotine strength.
Why Do Shortfills Exist?
Shortfills became popular in the UK after new rules limited how much nicotine liquid could be sold in a single bottle. Nicotine e-liquids are only allowed to be sold in 10ml bottles. For many vapers, buying lots of small bottles. To solve this, brands started making bigger bottles with zero nicotine. Since they do not contain nicotine, they are not restricted by the size rule. This allowed people to buy 50ml, 100ml or even 200ml bottles again. You then add your nicotine shot yourself. Simple and flexible.
How Do Shortfills Work?
Shortfills are very easy to understand once you see how they work. Here’s the basic idea:
- The bottle is big, 50ml, 100ml, or more.
- The e-liquid inside is less than the bottle size, so there is space left.
- You add nicotine shots to reach the strength you want.
- You shake the bottle to mix everything.
- You fill your vape tank and enjoy.
This makes shortfills perfect for people who want control over their vape or prefer large bottles without paying high prices for multiple small bottles.
What Nicotine Strength Can You Get with Shortfills?
The strength depends on how many Nic shots you add. Here is a simple example of a 50ml shortfill:
- Bottle size: 60ml
- E-liquid inside: 50ml
- Nic shot added: 1 x 10ml (18mg)
After mixing, your final strength will be 3mg. If you use a 100ml shortfill, then you will need two nic shots to make it 3mg. Shortfills are usually best for low-nicotine vapers because once you add too many nic shots, the flavour becomes weaker.
Who Should Use Shortfill E-liquids?
1. Cloud chasers
People who use sub-ohm kits love shortfills. These devices, use more liquid, so large bottles are more cost-effective.
2. Low-nicotine vapers
Shortfills are great if you prefer 0mg or 3mg strength. They give you smooth flavour and thick clouds.
3. People who like lots of flavour options
Most popular flavours come in shortfill form, from fruits and desserts to cool menthols.
4. Anyone wanting better value
Buying a 100ml shortfill with two nic shots is often cheaper than buying many 10ml bottles.
How to Use Shortfill E-liquids?
If shortfills sound complicated, don’t worry. Here is the simplest guide possible:
Step 1: Open the bottle
Your shortfill will have a cap and a nozzle. Remove them carefully.
Step 2: Add your nic shot
Pour the 10ml nic shot directly into the bottle. Some people add two nic shots for larger bottles.
Step 3: Close the bottle tightly
Press the nozzle back, screw the lid on, and make sure nothing leaks.
Step 4: Shake the bottle well
Shake for at least 30 seconds. This helps the nicotine mix properly with the liquid.
Step 5: Leave it to settle
Some vapers prefer to let the bottle sit for a few hours to blend better. This step is not always necessary, but it can improve flavour.
Step 6: Fill your vape tank
Once mixed, the liquid is ready to use.
What Are the Benefits of Shortfill E-liquids?
Shortfills offer many advantages for everyday vaping:
1. Bigger Bottles
Enjoy more liquid without constantly buying new bottles.
2. Custom Nicotine Strength
Add 0mg, 3mg, or even 6mg, depending on your preference.
3. Better Value for Money
Shortfills usually cost less per ml compared to 10ml bottles.
4. Wide Flavour Range
Shortfills come in hundreds of flavours, more than most nic salt ranges.
5. Great for Sub-Ohm Kits
They are designed to produce strong flavour and dense clouds.
Are There Any Downsides?
Shortfills are great, but there are a few things you should know:
- You must mix the nic shot yourself
- Higher strengths like 12mg or 18mg are not possible
- They work best with sub-ohm vapes, not pod kits
- They need a little time to mix properly
These are minor issues, and most vapers get used to the process quickly.
Shortfills vs Nic Salts: What’s the Difference?
Many beginners confuse these two, so let’s clear it up.
Shortfills
- Large bottles (50ml–200ml)
- Low nicotine
- Best for sub-ohm kits
- More clouds and flavour
Nic Salts
- Small 10ml bottles
- Higher nicotine (10mg–20mg)
- Best for pod kits
- Smooth throat hit
If you want strong nicotine, go for salts. If you want flavour and clouds, shortfills are perfect.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly what shortfill e-liquids are and how to use them. They are easy, flexible and great for anyone who prefers low nicotine and big flavour. Shortfills give you the freedom to choose your strength and offer excellent value for money.
If you like long vaping sessions, big clouds, and delicious flavours, shortfills are definitely worth trying. Just add your nic shot, shake well, and enjoy a smooth, personalised vape every time.
