The Ultimate Guide to Shortfill Vape Juice
The world of vaping evolves constantly, but one innovation has stood the test of time: the shortfill e-liquid. Originally introduced as a workaround to UK and EU regulations, shortfills have grown into a category of their own, loved by both new and experienced vapers.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what shortfills are, how they work, and why they’ve become a go-to for so many vapers. We’ll also answer the most common questions around devices, nicotine mixing, and flavour options, while showing you how to get the best value from your vape spend.
Whether you’re a cloud-chasing hobbyist or someone looking for a smarter alternative to endless 10 ml bottles, this is your definitive resource on shortfill vape juice.
What Is a Shortfill E-Liquid?
A shortfill is a bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid that is filled short of its capacity - leaving space for one or more nicotine shots (nic shots) to be added.
- 100 ml shortfills are supplied in 120 ml bottles, leaving
enough room for two nic shots.
This design arose from the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which capped nicotine-containing e-liquids at 10 ml per bottle. Shortfills gave vapers a legal way to buy bigger bottles, while still having the flexibility to customise nicotine strength themselves.
Pro Tip: Look for shortfills from brands that test every batch for consistency and compliance, like LiQuid, to ensure safety and flavour accuracy.
Why Choose Shortfills?
1.Cost-Effective Vaping
A 100 ml shortfill (plus 2 nic shots) gives you around 120 ml of vape juice for £10–£12. To get the same from 10 ml bottles, you could pay more than double. For heavy or regular vapers, this adds up to significant savings every month.
2. Less Plastic Waste
With fewer bottles required, shortfills are also better for the environment—a bonus for eco-conscious vapers.
3. Flexible Nicotine Control
You’re in charge of your strength:
- Add one nic shot for ~1.5 mg.
- Add two shots for ~3 mg.
This flexibility makes shortfills a great choice if you’re reducing your nicotine intake gradually.
4. Big Clouds, Big Flavour
High VG shortfills (70/30 blends) produce thick clouds and a mild throat hit. For MTL (mouth-to-lung) fans, 50/50 Bar
Salt shortfills deliver almost no throat hit and faster nicotine satisfaction.
Shortfill Types Explained
- Maximum value option for cloud-chasers.
- Bigger bottles = fewer refills.
- Designed for high-powered sub-ohm devices.
100 ml Bar Salt Shortfills (50/50)
- Perfect for MTL vaping with smaller pod kits.
- Smoother inhale with nicotine salt compatibility.
- Ideal if you enjoy disposable-style flavours but want longer-lasting bottles.
How to Use a Shortfill with Nic Shots
For more detailed guidance, check out our shortfill blogs:
What Vape Kits Work Best with Shortfills?
For High VG (70/30) Shortfills:
- Use sub-ohm devices with low-resistance coils (≤0.6 Ω).
- Examples: Voopoo Drag E60, GeekVape Z Sub-Ohm Kit.
For 50/50 Bar Salt Shortfills:
- Use MTL pod systems with coils ≥0.7 Ω.
- Examples: Aspire Gotek X, Voopoo Argus P2.
Choosing the wrong device can result in harsh hits, burnt coils, or muted flavour. Always match your VG/PG ratio to your device or vape coil.
Popular Shortfill Flavours
For more inspiration, explore our top 10 shortfill flavours to try in 2025!
Are Shortfills Right for You?
Best For:
- Vapers at 0–6 mg strengths.
- Heavy vapers looking for value and volume.
- Cloud-chasers using sub-ohm kits.
- Anyone cutting down nicotine gradually.
Not Ideal If:
- You need higher strengths (12 mg+).
- You want maximum convenience (no mixing).
- You only use small starter devices (10 ml e-liquids may suit better).
Conclusion
Shortfills combine value, flexibility, and flavour variety into one convenient format. They’re the perfect solution if you want to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy a tailored nicotine experience.
Whether you’re exploring 100 ml High VG bottles for cloud chasing or 50/50 Bar Salt shortfills for MTL pod kits, shortfills are a smarter choice for today’s vapers.
Ready to try shortfills? Explore our Shortfill Collection and Nic Shots to create your perfect blend today.