How to Vape

If you’re new to vaping, knowing where to start can be confusing. With so many devices, e-liquids and techniques, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But vaping is straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you're switching from smoking or starting fresh with a vaping device, learning how to vape properly will improve your experience, help you avoid mistakes and make the transition smoother.

Choosing the Right Device

The first step in learning how to vape is choosing the right type of device. Beginners often start with a simple pod system or a disposable vape because they are easy to use and require little setup. These options are compact, pre-filled or refillable, and often activated simply by inhaling. More advanced users might prefer a vape pen or mod kit, which offers customisable features such as adjustable airflow, power settings and replaceable coils.

Your choice of device depends on what you're looking for. If you want something discreet and low-maintenance, a pod kit or disposable is ideal. If you're after stronger flavour or more vapour production, a more powerful device with adjustable settings might suit you better.

Selecting the Right E-Liquid

E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, flavours and base formulas. For those coming from cigarettes, the nicotine level you choose is important. High-strength nicotine salts are often better for heavy smokers, offering a smoother throat hit with a fast nicotine delivery. Lower strengths may work well for light smokers or those looking to gradually reduce their intake.

You’ll also need to choose the right ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG). A higher PG liquid gives a stronger throat hit and works well in smaller devices, while a higher VG liquid produces thicker vapour and suits more powerful setups. Flavour is entirely down to preference, with thousands available ranging from fruits and desserts to tobacco and menthol profiles.

How to Inhale Correctly

Inhaling technique is one of the most important parts of vaping. There are two main styles: mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung. Mouth-to-lung, or MTL, involves drawing the vapour into your mouth first, then inhaling it into your lungs. This method feels more like smoking a cigarette and works best with smaller devices and higher-nicotine liquids. Direct-to-lung, or DTL, means inhaling the vapour straight into your lungs in one motion. It produces more vapour and suits low-nicotine e-liquids and high-powered devices.

If you’re unsure which to use, start with mouth-to-lung. It’s more familiar for most new vapers and typically requires less vapour, which helps avoid coughing or irritation early on.

How to Use Your Vape Device

Using your vape device depends on its type. Many beginner vapes are draw-activated, which means you just inhale to activate the vapour. Others use a fire button that you press while inhaling. Always start by checking the device is fully charged and filled with e-liquid if it’s not a pre-filled option. For refillable devices, make sure the coil is properly primed by letting the liquid soak for a few minutes before use.

Take slow, steady puffs rather than sharp drags. Vaping works differently to smoking, and trying to inhale too quickly can cause discomfort. Between puffs, give the coil a second to cool down to avoid overheating or burning the liquid.

Managing Your Nicotine and Usage

One of the advantages of vaping is that it gives you control over how much nicotine you consume. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, it may be a sign that you’re vaping too frequently or using too high a strength. You can adjust this by taking longer breaks between puffs or choosing a lower-nicotine e-liquid. If cravings aren’t being satisfied, a stronger option might be better.

Vaping is designed to be flexible, so take your time and find the rhythm that works for you. Some users vape occasionally, while others use it more regularly throughout the day. The key is to avoid overuse and to listen to how your body responds.

Taking Care of Your Device

Looking after your vape device is essential for a smooth experience. Keep it clean by wiping down the mouthpiece and checking for leaks. Replace coils or pods regularly, especially if you notice a burnt taste or reduced flavour. Charge your device using the correct cable and avoid overcharging. If you're using a refillable device, always store e-liquid bottles out of direct sunlight and keep lids tightly closed to maintain freshness.

Proper maintenance ensures better flavour, longer device life and fewer issues over time. It also reduces the risk of leaks, battery problems or weak performance.

Understanding Throat Hit and Vapour Production

New vapers often notice the sensation called a throat hit, which is the feeling you get when vapour hits the back of your throat. This sensation can be strong or smooth depending on the nicotine strength, e-liquid composition and the device’s power. A higher PG ratio and stronger nicotine will deliver a sharper throat hit, while high VG liquids feel softer and produce thicker clouds. Some users like the punch of a strong throat hit because it mimics smoking, while others prefer a smoother inhale. Adjusting your e-liquid blend and device settings can help you find the balance that feels right.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes among new vapers is taking short, sharp drags like they would with a cigarette. Vaping works differently. The coil needs time to heat and vapourise the liquid, so slow, steady puffs work better. Another mistake is chain vaping—taking multiple hits in a row without letting the device rest. This can cause the coil to overheat or burn out, which affects the taste and can shorten the life of your device.

Overfilling a tank, not priming a coil properly, or using the wrong e-liquid for your device can also lead to leaking or spitting. These issues are easily avoided by following manufacturer guidance and giving your coil enough time to soak when using a new one.

Getting the Most Out of Flavour

Flavour is one of the biggest attractions of vaping. To get the best taste, make sure you're using the right coil and settings for your e-liquid. Coils with a higher resistance tend to deliver better flavour in mouth-to-lung devices, while sub-ohm coils with lower resistance work best in direct-to-lung kits with high VG liquids. Keeping your tank clean and changing coils regularly also helps preserve the full taste of your e-liquid. Over time, residue builds up and dulls the flavour, so routine cleaning can make a noticeable difference.

Vaping Etiquette in Public

Vaping is more socially acceptable than smoking in many settings, but it’s still important to be considerate. Not everyone wants to be around vapour clouds, even if they’re harmless. Always check the rules in public places, transport and work environments before vaping. Indoors, ask for permission or step outside if you’re unsure. Being respectful of others helps normalise vaping as a responsible choice, rather than a nuisance.

Customising Your Experience

Once you're comfortable with basic vaping, you might want to explore customisation. Advanced devices let you control wattage, airflow and even temperature, giving you more precision over your vaping style. You can tailor everything from cloud density to draw tightness and vapour warmth. This makes vaping a more personal experience compared to the fixed nature of cigarettes. For many, this customisation is part of what helps them stick with vaping over the long term.

The Learning Curve Is Normal

Most people don’t get vaping right straight away. It’s normal to cough the first few times, feel unsure about which strength to use, or experience a learning curve with your device. Coughing often happens because vapour feels different from smoke—it's warmer, thicker, and inhaled at a slower pace. This usually settles quickly as your lungs adjust and your technique improves. It’s important to reassure new users that these teething issues are part of the process and not a sign that vaping isn’t for them.

Hydration Matters

Vaping, especially with higher PG liquids, can cause a dry mouth or throat because the vapour absorbs moisture. This isn’t harmful but can feel uncomfortable if you’re not expecting it. Encouraging users to drink more water can prevent dehydration and keep the throat from getting irritated. It’s a simple but often overlooked tip that makes a big difference, particularly for people switching from smoking.

Transition Time From Smoking

Switching from smoking to vaping isn’t always instant. Some people stop cigarettes immediately once they start vaping, but others take a gradual approach—cutting down slowly or using both for a short period. This is perfectly normal. The key message is that progress is still progress, even if the transition isn’t overnight. The more someone understands how to vape correctly and how it helps control cravings, the easier it is to fully let go of cigarettes.

Coil Lifespan and Flavour Burnout

Coils don’t last forever. Depending on your usage, a coil might last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Signs you need a new coil include a burnt taste, reduced vapour or poor flavour. Flavour burnout—where liquids start to taste muted—can also occur if you're using the same flavour constantly. Switching up your flavour occasionally and maintaining your coil will help keep things fresh and enjoyable.

Legal Age and Responsibility

In the UK, you must be 18 or over to buy or use vaping products. This isn’t just a legal rule—it reflects the fact that vaping is intended as a tool for adult smokers, not a product for underage use. Retailers and guidance pages have a responsibility to reinforce this clearly. Encouraging responsible vaping also means guiding users toward safe storage of liquids and devices, especially around children or pets.

Summary

Learning how to vape the right way is all about understanding your device, choosing the right liquid, and developing the right technique. Start with simple, easy-to-use kits, find a nicotine strength that suits your needs and take slow, controlled puffs. As you become more confident, you can explore different styles, flavours and setups. With a little care and knowledge, vaping can become a satisfying and effective alternative to smoking.