Beginners’ Guide to Vaping

August 17, 2025|Joshua Joseph

Everything You Need to Know before start vaping

If you’re thinking about starting vaping or have just quit smoking and want a better option, this guide is for you.When I first started vaping, I made some mistakes. I didn’t know what MTL or DTL meant, and I didn’t know how to choose e‑liquid. This guide will help you understand these things and enjoy your first vaping experience.

Before You Start: Quick Checklist

Choose how much nicotine you need
Plan your budget for a vape kit and e-liquids
Choose how you want to vape — MTL, DTL, or RDL
Choose a flavour you like, such as fruit, mint, dessert, or others
Buy from a vape brand or shop you trust

What is Vaping?

Vaping means using a vape device (also called e‑cigarette) to inhale vapour instead of smoke. The vape heats a liquid called e‑liquid or vape juice, which may have nicotine and flavour. Because there is no burning, vaping produces no tar and feels smoother than smoking. Many people prefer vaping because of more flavour choices and no bad smoke smell on clothes or breath.

A Short History of Vaping

1963: First patent for a “smokeless cigarette” (nicotine-free)
1979: The word “vaping” appears for the first time
2003:China created the first modern e‑cigarette to help people quit smoking.
Today: Many devices and e-liquids to suit all preferences

Why People Choose Vaping

About 95% less harmful than smoking (research shows – see NHS guidance.
Many flavours: fruity, mint, dessert, tobacco, and more
No bad smell on you or your clothes
Costs less than cigarettes over time
You can reduce nicotine slowly until you use none

How Does a Vape Work?

Battery gives power
Coil heats up when you press the button or inhale
Wick soaks e-liquid
Heat turns liquid into vapour
You inhale the vapour through the mouthpiece

Basics of vaping

Vaping is simply heating e-liquid to create vapour, which you inhale. It’s a cleaner, smoke-free alternative to traditional smoking.

Types of Vape Kits: Comparison Table

Vape Kit Type	Description	Pros✓	Cons❌
Disposables	Ready to use, then throw away, Now banned in UK	Very easy, no charging, low upfront cost	Costly long term, wasteful
Prefilled Pod Kits	Rechargeable, pods already filled	Simple, less waste than disposables	Shorter pod life, small battery
Refillable Pod Kits	Add your own e-liquid	More flavours, cheaper long term	Needs light cleaning
Starter Kits	Pen-shaped, simple design for beginners	Good value, adjustable airflow	Less style choices
Advanced Kits	Adjustable settings, big clouds for pros	Customisable, more robust	Expensive, requires knowledge

Main Parts of a Vaping Device

image showing what are main components of vape like mouthpiece, tank, coil and battery

Mouthpiece: Where you inhale vapour
Tank/Pod: Stores the e-liquid until heated
Coil: Warms the e-liquid and turns it into vapour
Battery: Powers the vape device

💡 Tip: Some advanced kits don’t come with a battery or charger. Check before you buy.

Disposable Vapes

illustration-showing-components-of-disposable-vape

Disposables known as single-use vape, are often choice for beginners. With no setup required, they come pre-filled and ready to use straight from the box, offering a quick, convenient, and affordable way to try vaping for the first time.

Prefilled Pod Vape Kits

illustration showing what are components of prefilled pod kit

Prefilled pod vape kits are a great alternative to disposable vapes. They're rechargeable, which means less waste and they'll save you money in the long run. They're also incredibly easy to use. The only thing you need to do is swap out the pod when it's empty, and the battery can be recharged with a simple USB connection. Since the pod has a built-in coil, you don't have to worry about any maintenance.

Refillable Pod Vape Kits

illustration showing what are main components of advanced vape kits

Refillable pod vape kits give you the freedom to pick any e-liquid flavour you like, unlike disposables or prefilled pods. They’re handy, easy to carry, and work well day to day. Some pods come with built-in coils, while others let you swap them out. Removable coils cut down on waste but need a bit more care, so it’s worth thinking about what suits your style best.

Starter Vape Kits

Starter vape kits are a great value and create less waste, while still being simple to use. They typically have a classic pen shape, with an e-liquid tank on top of the battery and a mouthpiece that looks like a cigarette filter. These kits often have adjustable airflow, so you can even try RDL (restricted direct-to-lung) vaping. The only parts you'll need to replace besides the e-liquid are the coils, so you will need to learn how to properly prime them.

Advanced Pod Vape Kits

Advanced pod systems are the most versatile vape kits available. They can handle any vaping style, so you won't need a new kit as you advance. While they look complex, they can be as simple or as complicated as you want. They're equipped with great technology, but you can also just turn them on and vape. You will need to prime your own coils, and some knowledge of wattage, airflow, and coil resistance will help you get the most out of your vape.

Basics of Vape Kits & Vaping Style

When you move from smoking to vaping, your inhale style matters. The three main types — MTL, DTL, and RDL — define how the vapour feels and how much you inhale.

Illustration showing how are is Mouth to lung(MTL), Direct to lung(DTL) and_Restricted direct lung(RDL) vaping system wroks

MTL, DTL and RDL Explained: Comparison Chart

Style	How You Inhale	Best For	Nicotine Level	Coil Resistance
MTL (Mouth to Lung)	Vapour into mouth first, then lungs	New vapers, smokers switching	Higher nicotine (up to 20mg)	Above 1.0Ω
DTL (Direct to Lung)	Vapour straight to lungs	Experienced vapers	Low nicotine (under 6mg)	Below 1.0Ω (sub-ohm)
RDL (Restricted Direct Lung)	Between MTL and DTL	Intermediate vapers	Medium nicotine	Around 0.5–1.0Ω

How to Properly Maintain Your Vape

Change the coil every 1–3 weeks
Clean the tank when switching flavours
Wipe the mouthpiece regularly
Avoid overcharging the battery
Store e-liquids in a cool, dry place

Choosing Your First Vape Kit

Ask yourself:

Want it to feel like smoking? → MTL starter kit
Want big clouds? → DTL sub-ohm kit
Want simple, no mess? → Closed pod system
Want more flavour options? → Open pod kit or starter kit

What is E-Liquids

E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-juice, are the liquids used in e-cigarettes and vapes to create vapour and flavour. They usually contain a mix of four: Nicotine, Flavours,PG/VG.

E-Liquid Basics: Ingredients and VG/PG Ratio Chart

E-liquid contains four main parts:

Propylene Glycol (PG): Strong flavour, throat hit
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Bigger clouds, smoother feel
Nicotine (optional): For cravings
Flavourings: Fruit, dessert, mint, tobacco, etc.

Read more in our Beginner’s Guide to E-Liquid

VG/PG Ratio	Best For	Nicotine Level	Vaping Style
50/50	Balanced flavour & throat hit	6–20mg	MTL
70/30 VG	Bigger clouds, smoother hit	0–6mg	DTL
60/40	Slightly smoother with good hit	3–12mg	RDL

Types of E-Liquid

Type	Description	Best For
Nicotine Salts	Smooth, quick nicotine hit	New vapers needing high nicotine
Freebase Nicotine	Classic juice, stronger throat hit	Transitioning smokers
Shortfill	Large bottles, nicotine-free, add nic shots	Advanced vapers adding nicotine

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Starting with too much nicotine — can cause dizziness
Not priming coils before use — leads to burnt taste (see our Coil Priming Guide)
Using the wrong e-liquid ratio for your kit
Overcharging or completely draining the battery
Neglecting regular cleaning of your device

Safety Tips for Vaping

Always buy from trusted brands and retailers
Keep e-liquids away from children and pets
Use nicotine carefully — too much can cause dizziness
Never use damaged or old batteries
Avoid extreme heat or moisture
Carry spare batteries in a protective case
Dispose of batteries and e-liquids safely (see How to Recycle Vapes )
Follow the legal age and regulations in your country

How to Recycle Your Vape

Don’t just toss your vape in the bin. Seriously, it’s got batteries, bits of metal, and plastic that can mess up the planet if they end up in the wrong place. Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to getting rid of it the right way.

Take it apart – If the battery comes out, pop it out carefully. Not sure how? Check the little booklet it came with or just ask the shop where you bought it.
Battery first – This is the big one. Batteries go to a battery recycling point or a vape shop that takes them back. Never chuck them in the kitchen bin.
Clean it – Empty whatever’s left in the tank, give the mouthpiece a quick wash. If you can pull the plastic and metal apart, do it. Makes life easier for the recycling folks.
Find a spot – Councils, vape shops, recycling centres… lots of places take old vapes now. Some even let you swap your old one when you buy a new one.
For disposables – If your brand has a return scheme, use it. If not, same deal as the battery: drop it off where they handle it safely.

Why bother?

Keeps nasty stuff out of soil and water
Saves materials that can be reused

Stops batteries from starting fires in the bin

FAQ – Common New Vaper Questions

Is vaping better than smoking?

Yes — it’s about 95% less harmful because it doesn’t burn tobacco, but it still has some risks.

How to dispose of vapes?

Recycle vapes in the UK at WEEE bins, vape shops, or electronics stores — never in normal rubbish. Remove batteries and recycle them separately.

Can you take vapes on a plane?

Yes — but only in your hand luggage, as lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags. E-liquids must be 100 ml or less, and you can’t use your vape on the plane.

Can vaping help me quit smoking?

Yes — it can. Vaping gives nicotine without burning tobacco, lowering harm and helping many smokers quit. Use it to gradually cut down nicotine until you stop completely.

How long does a coil last?

Usually 1–3 weeks, depending on use and e-liquid. Replace it when the flavour tastes burnt or weak.

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

Vaping usually costs less over time. The first kit may be pricey, but e-liquids and coils are much cheaper than buying cigarettes.

Final Word

Vaping can be a helpful step if you want to stop smoking. The right kit and e-liquid make a big difference. For beginners, simpler is better — you can always upgrade later.
When I quit smoking, I started with a small MTL pod kit and 50/50 e-liquid at 12mg nicotine. It gave me the flavour and satisfaction I needed without going back to cigarettes. Take your time, try different flavours, and always choose safe, quality products.

For more advice and beginner tips, see our Beginner’s Guide Section.