What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?

February 23, 2026

Shortfill e-liquids are 50ml or 100ml e-juices that have blank space for nicotine shots, thus allowing UK vapers to buy flavourful products at a pocket-friendly price and have a choice of nicotine level.

Understanding Shortfill E-Liquids

A shortfill e-liquid is a bottle of vape juice that arrives mostly filled with flavoured liquid but intentionally leaves a gap at the top. This clever design allows users to add nicotine shots, creating their perfect vaping experience. The liquid inside typically contains no nicotine, offering vapers complete control over their nicotine levels.

Key Features of Shortfill E-Liquids

Large bottle sizes ranging from 50ml to 200ml capacity
Intentional headspace designed for nic shot additions
Zero nicotine content in the base liquid
Premium flavour blends and quality ingredients
Compatible with most vaping devices and tanks
Cost-effective compared to pre-made nicotine liquids
Customisable nicotine strength options
Longer shelf life in unopened condition

Why Choose Shortfill Over Other Options

Shortfill e-liquids provide excellent value for money compared to pre-made nicotine liquids. You receive more liquid per bottle while paying less. For those using sub ohm kits or cloud production devices, shortfill formulations work exceptionally well due to their higher vegetable glycerin content and superior flavour depth.

Unlike ready-made bottles, shortfill vaping allows you to adjust your nicotine intake whenever needed. This flexibility makes them ideal for vapers transitioning away from traditional smoking or those who prefer experimenting with different nicotine strengths.

Shortfill E-Liquid Sizes and VG/PG Ratios

Common Shortfill Sizes Explained

Bottle Size	Liquid Capacity	Headspace for Nic Shots	Best For
50ml Shortfill	40ml liquid	10ml space	Occasional vapers, travel use
100ml Shortfill	80ml liquid	20ml space	Regular daily vapers
200ml Shortfill	160ml liquid	40ml space	Heavy users, bulk buyers

How to Add Nic Shots to Shortfill

Nic Shot Mixing Ratios Explained

Adding nicotine shots to your shortfill requires simple maths. One 10ml nic shot added to a 50ml shortfill creates roughly 3mg nicotine strength. Two nic shots produce approximately 6mg strength. For a 100ml shortfill, adding two 10ml nic shots delivers around 3mg strength, while four shots reach 6mg. The calculation depends on your desired nicotine strength and initial bottle size.

h2 title="How to Add Nic Shots to Shortfill">How to Add Nic Shots to Shortfill

Nic Shot Mixing Ratios Explained

Adding nicotine shots to your shortfill requires simple maths. The following table shows common mixing scenarios for achieving your desired nicotine strength.

Shortfill Size	Nic Shots Added	Nic Shot Strength	Final Nicotine Strength
50ml Shortfill	1 x 10ml	18mg	Approximately 3mg
50ml Shortfill	2 x 10ml	18mg	Approximately 6mg
100ml Shortfill	2 x 10ml	18mg	Approximately 3mg
100ml Shortfill	4 x 10ml	18mg	Approximately 6mg
100ml Shortfill	6 x 10ml	18mg	Approximately 9mg

Step-by-Step Shortfill Mixing Guide

Gather your shortfill bottle, nic shots, and clean workspace
Unscrew your shortfill bottle cap carefully and set aside
Remove the cap from your nic shot bottle
Insert the nic shot bottle nozzle into the headspace at the shortfill top
Squeeze or pour the entire nic shot contents into the shortfill bottle
Replace the shortfill cap securely
Shake the bottle vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds
Allow the mixed liquid to rest for 24 hours minimum
Shake again before first use
Fill your device tank and enjoy your custom vape juice

Important: Always allow your freshly mixed shortfill and nic shot combination at least 24 hours settling time. This ensures complete integration and optimal flavour development before vaping.

Shortfill Nicotine Strength Options

Shortfill nicotine shots come in various strengths, typically 18mg, 20mg, or even higher concentration options. These work with traditional freebase nicotine found in standard e-liquid bottles. Alternatively, some vapers prefer nic salt additions, which provide a smoother throat hit at higher strengths and suit lower wattage devices better than freebase nicotine.

Nicotine Strength Selection Guide

1mg to 3mg: Light vapers or those who have already quit smoking
3mg to 6mg: Regular vapers seeking moderate nicotine intake
6mg to 9mg: Heavy smokers transitioning to vaping
9mg plus: Former heavy smokers or high-nicotine preference users
Mouth to Lung vapers: Typically prefer 6mg to 12mg for satisfying throat hits
Direct to Lung vapers: Usually select 1mg to 3mg due to higher vapour and nicotine absorption

Premium Shortfill Brands Available

Pancake Man serves up a variety of rich dessert flavours, drawing their inspiration from the classic American pancakes and sweet breakfast treats. The smooth, indulgent flavour profiles offer high performance of coil friendly basically strong, ideal for satisfying your vaping needs throughout the day. The product is dessert lovers' dream who are looking for premium shortfill experiences.

Cloud Nurdz specialises in candy inspired blends that are mainly known for their bright fruit pairings and balanced sweetness. These shortfills are very popular for their flavour complexity that is layered and for consistent vapour production, and they operate exceptionally across various device types and vaping preferences.

Twist E-Liquids come up with a bold give fruit and beverage in general mixes with a signature flavour twist that is unique to their range. Clean taste and smooth inhale characteristics make these shortfills the perfect everyday vaping companions and a great choice for inpired flavour lovers.

Love Slush specialises in fruit slush flavours with a chilly icy taste finishing. Created for freshening up the day while vaping, the strong flavour clarity of these shortfills allows you to fully enjoy the super refreshing vaping experiences just like being hydrated that is definitely something perfect for a hot day.

Just JuiceConcentrates on fruit flavored recipes, with outstanding tropical and citrus blends featured throughout the range of their shortfills. Their e-liquids are well-known for their vibrant taste and dependable quality, and they consistently provide a flavour intensity along with authentic fruit profiles that vapers really enjoy.

Cuttwood produces premium dessert and cream based flavours with a long standing reputation in the vaping community. Their smooth texture with rich, layered profiles makes these shortfills perfect for vapers seeking sophisticated dessert experiences and premium quality.

Shortfill vs Nic Salt Comparison

Both shortfill e-liquids and nicotine salt options serve different vaping styles. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right product for your needs.

Feature	Shortfill with Freebase	Nic Salt E-Liquid
Nicotine Type	Freebase nicotine	Nicotine salt
Nicotine Strength	3mg to 6mg typical	10mg to 20mg common
Throat Hit	Harsh at high strength	Smooth at high strength
Cloud Production	Excellent	Lower
Device Type	Sub Ohm, High Wattage	Pod Kit, Low Wattage
Price	Very affordable	Moderate cost
Customisation	Full control with nic shots	Fixed strength
Flavour Intensity	Rich and complex	Muted at high strength

Shortfill Vaping Tips for Success

Begin with lower nicotine strengths if new to vaping, gradually increasing if needed. Allow freshly mixed batches 24 hours settling time before vaping for superior flavour blending. Shake bottles regularly to maintain consistency, especially if storing longer than a few months. Replace coils regularly to prevent burnt tastes and maintain flavour purity when using shortfill juices.

For direct to lung vaping, select higher VG ratios and lower nicotine strengths. Mouth to lung enthusiasts should choose balanced or PG-forward ratios with stronger nicotine levels for satisfying hits.

Shortfill vs Pre-filled Pod Kits

Pre-filled pods offer ultimate convenience, arriving ready to vape without mixing requirements. However, shortfill e-liquids provide superior flexibility and value for regular vapers. Pre-filled kits suit occasional vapers or those prioritising simplicity, while shortfill bottles appeal to enthusiasts seeking customisation and cost efficiency.

Getting Started With Shortfill E-Liquids

Purchase your chosen shortfill e-liquid from reputable UK suppliers. Acquire appropriate nic shots matching your desired nicotine strength. Select your vaping device whether a pod kit or sub ohm setup. Follow mixing instructions precisely, shake thoroughly, and allow settling time. Within hours, you will enjoy custom-created vape juice perfectly suited to your preferences and device requirements.

Ensure your device contains fresh coils and is properly maintained for the best shortfill vaping experience. Regular cleaning and coil replacement ensures consistent flavour quality and prevents liquid contamination.

Conclusion

Shortfill e-liquids represent an excellent choice for UK vapers seeking affordability, flexibility, and superior flavour experiences. Whether you prefer cloud production or nicotine satisfaction, shortfill options cater to every vaping style and preference. By understanding nic shot mixing ratios, VG/PG selections, and proper storage methods, you can maximise your shortfill investment while enjoying premium vaping experiences consistently. Start your shortfill journey today and discover why countless UK vapers have made the switch to this flexible, cost-effective approach to quality vaping.