Make the Switch: Try Vaping
Thinking about switching from smoking to vaping? This beginner-friendly VapeSales guide explains how vapes work, how to choose your first starter vape kit, match your nicotine strength and use simple safety habits, so you can make the switch with confidence.
Quick summary
- No burning, no smoke: vaping heats e-liquid into vapour instead of burning tobacco.
- You control nicotine: start high enough to calm cravings, then gradually step down.
- Pod kits are easiest: small, simple devices ideal for a first beginner vape kit.
- Safe habits matter: prime coils, store liquids safely and charge devices correctly.
Why switch from smoking to vaping?
Vaping is aimed at adult smokers who want a lower-harm alternative to cigarettes. There is no burning tobacco, no ash and no lingering smoke smell on clothes or furniture. You still keep the familiar hand-to-mouth routine, but you choose the flavour and nicotine level that works for you and can reduce it over time.
More control
Pick your preferred strength, switch between flavours and gradually move to lower nicotine when you feel ready.
More convenience
No lighters or ash. Just charge your device, fill a pod and you’re set.
Potential savings
Once you have your kit, ongoing costs are mostly pods, coils and e-liquids – often less than a regular smoking habit.
How vaping works (in plain English)
Every vape has two main parts: a device (battery + chip) and a pod or tank that holds your e-liquid. Inside the pod sits a small coil wrapped in cotton. When you puff, the coil heats up, the soaked cotton turns liquid into vapour and you inhale either mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-to-lung (DTL), depending on your kit.
For a deeper breakdown of devices, coils and terminology, see the Complete Vaping Guide.
Choosing your first starter kit
Prefilled pod kits
The simplest way to start. When a pod is empty, you swap it for a new one – no refilling or messy bottles.
Refillable pod kits
Still very easy to use, but you fill the pod with your chosen nic salt or 50/50 e-liquid. Cheaper to run and more flavour choice.
Open tank & sub-ohm kits
More adjustable power and airflow, designed for bigger clouds and lower nicotine. A good “next step” once you’re comfortable.
Nicotine strengths – start right, then taper down
In the UK, TPD rules limit nicotine e-liquids in 10 ml bottles to 20 mg/ml. The right level depends on how much you used to smoke and which device you’re using. Too low and you may keep craving cigarettes; too high and the throat hit may feel uncomfortable.
| If you previously smoked… | Suggested nic salt (pods / MTL) | Suggested freebase (50/50) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 cigarettes per day | 5–10 mg | 3–6 mg |
| 6–14 cigarettes per day | 10–20 mg | 6–12 mg |
| 15+ cigarettes per day | 18–20 mg | 12–18 mg |
Need more help? Read Choosing the Right E-Liquid Nicotine Strength and explore nicotine salt e-liquids (10 ml).
Choosing e-liquid – flavour, PG/VG & types
E-liquid is a mix of PG (propylene glycol), VG (vegetable glycerine), food-grade flavourings and optional nicotine. The ratio of PG to VG changes how your vape feels:
- 50/50 e-liquid: balanced vapour and flavour with a noticeable throat hit – ideal for pods and MTL kits.
- High-VG shortfills (e.g. 70/30 VG): smoother inhale and bigger clouds – designed for sub-ohm / DTL kits.
- Nic salts: smoother at higher strengths, excellent for new switchers using compact pod systems.
Learn more in E-Liquids Explained – full guide, or browse our e-liquids collection.
MTL vs DTL – which inhale style suits you?
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): draw vapour into your mouth, then breathe it into your lungs – similar to smoking a cigarette. Works best with 50/50 or nic salt e-liquids in pod or low-power kits.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung): inhale directly into the lungs with a looser, airier draw. Used with higher power, open airflow and high-VG liquids, and usually much lower nicotine (0–6 mg).
Curious about clouds and advanced setups? See How to Choose a Sub-Ohm Vape Kit.
Safety and device care
- Prime new coils/pods: add a few drops of e-liquid to visible cotton, fill the pod or tank and wait 5–10 minutes.
- Start low, then increase: if your kit has adjustable wattage, begin at the lower end of the coil’s range and step up slowly.
- Keep e-liquids stored safely: cool, dark, upright, lids tight, and always away from children and pets.
- Charge responsibly: use the recommended cable, avoid overnight charging and keep ports dry and clean.
For more detail, visit Battery & Coil Safety, Store Your E-Liquids Safely and How to Clean Your Vape Kit.
Common beginner mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Using too little nicotine: if you still crave cigarettes, move up a step (e.g. 10 → 20 mg nic salt) rather than puffing endlessly.
- Chain-vaping: taking repeated long drags can overheat coils – take short pauses between pulls and sip water.
- Thick liquid in tiny pods: high-VG juices in small MTL pods can cause dry hits – stick to 50/50 or nic salts.
- Old coils: burnt or dull flavour usually means it’s time to swap the coil or pod (typically every 1–2 weeks).
A simple 30-day plan to switch
- Days 1–3: pick a pod kit and suitable nicotine strength. Keep it with you wherever you’d normally carry cigarettes.
- Days 4–10: replace cigarette breaks with 5–10 gentle puffs. If cravings linger, adjust your strength.
- Days 11–20: try a new flavour, clean your kit and replace coils if flavour falls off.
- Days 21–30: when cravings feel manageable, step down to a lower strength (for example 20 → 10 mg) and review your progress.
Final thoughts – make the switch on your terms
Moving from smoking to vaping is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on three things: a reliable starter vape kit, a nicotine strength that truly keeps cravings away, and a flavour you enjoy. The rest is simply building new habits and keeping your device well maintained.
Ready to start with VapeSales?
Explore beginner-friendly vape starter kits, smooth nic salt e-liquids and our full Complete Vaping Guide for more tips.
Shop starter vape kitsRelated VapeSales products & guides
- Vape kits & starter bundles
- Pod vape kits
- 10 ml and shortfill e-liquids
- E-liquids explained
- Vape juice, nicotine & calories guide
FAQs – making the switch to vaping
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping is non-combustible and does not produce smoke or ash. For adult smokers who switch completely, it is widely considered a lower-harm alternative to cigarettes. Non-smokers and anyone under 18 should not vape.
What’s the best vape kit for beginners?
Low-wattage pod vape kits – especially prefilled or simple refillable pods – are usually the easiest starting point. They are compact, discreet and need very little maintenance.
Should I choose nic salts or freebase e-liquid?
Nic salts (5–20 mg) feel smoother at higher strengths and are ideal for small pod kits. Freebase (3–18 mg) gives a sharper, more “classic” throat hit and suits vapers who prefer lower strengths or a cigarette-like feel.
How do I avoid a burnt taste from my vape?
Always prime new coils, avoid chain-vaping, keep e-liquid above the minimum line and change your coil or pod every 1–2 weeks. Running coils too hot or too dry is the main cause of burnt hits.
Can I reduce my nicotine later on?
Yes. Many people start at a level that completely removes cigarette cravings, then gradually step down (for example 20 → 10 → 5 mg or 6 → 3 → 0 mg). Take your time – comfort and consistency usually work better than rushing.