If you use a prefilled pod kit, you may have noticed that Vape Desires also sells much larger bottles of e-liquid labelled as shortfills, and wondered what they are and whether they are relevant to you. The short answer depends entirely on what type of device you vape with. For pod kit users, shortfills are generally not what you need. For vapers using sub-ohm tanks, box mods, or high-power refillable devices, shortfills are the dominant liquid format in the UK and the most cost-effective way to buy quality e-liquid.
This guide explains what shortfills are, why they exist, how to use the m correctly, and how to choose the right one for your device and vaping style.
What Is a Shortfill E-Liquid?
A shortfill is a bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid that is deliberately underfilled. A 100ml shortfill bottle, for example, is typically filled to approximately 80ml, leaving 20ml of empty space at the top. A 50ml shortfill is usually filled to around 40 to 45ml. A 120ml bottle is filled to approximately 100ml.
That empty space is intentional and serves a specific purpose: it leaves room for you to add nicotine shots to the bottle and mix them in. The resulting liquid is then the strength you need for your device and vaping style.
Why Do Shortfills Exist?
Shortfills exist as a direct response to UK TPD regulations, specifically the rule that any e-liquid bottle containing nicotine cannot exceed 10ml in volume. This means a 100ml bottle of nicotine-containing liquid cannot legally be sold in the UK.
A 100ml bottle of liquid containing zero nicotine, however, is completely legal, because the restriction applies to nicotine content rather than volume. Shortfills exploit this distinction. The base liquid contains no nicotine. The consumer adds a separately purchased nicotine shot, which is sold in legal 10ml bottles, to achieve their desired nicotine concentration.
This is not a regulatory loophole in any negative sense. The MHRA has published guidance on this practice, and shortfills with separately sold nicotine shots represent a compliant approach to providing vapers with larger-volume options that would otherwise be unavailable under TPD rules. For more information on the TPD framework and how it applies to e-liquids, GOV.UK publishes the full regulatory guidance.
What Is a Nicotine Shot and How Do You Use One?
A nicotine shot is a 10ml bottle of freebase nicotine at 18mg concentration. It is TPD compliant and sold separately from the shortfill base liquid. To use one:
- Open both the shortfill bottle and the nicotine shot bottle
- Squeeze the entire nicotine shot into the shortfill bottle through the empty space at the top
- Replace the shortfill cap firmly
- Shake the bottle vigorously for 60 seconds to thoroughly mix the liquids
- Leave to stand for 30 minutes if possible before using, allowing even distribution
The resulting nicotine concentration depends on the ratio of nicotine shot to base liquid. One 10ml shot of 18mg nicotine added to an 80ml shortfill (total 90ml) produces approximately 2mg of nicotine per ml. Two shots added to the same bottle produce approximately 3mg per ml. This is appropriate for sub-ohm and direct-to-lung devices where the high vapour volume compensates for the lower per-ml nicotine content.
Understanding VG/PG Ratios
Every shortfill e-liquid has a VG to PG ratio printed on the label. VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin and PG stands for Propylene Glycol. Both are food-safe carrier liquids that form the base of the e-liquid, and their ratio has a significant effect on how the liquid behaves in use.
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70/30 (70% VG, 30% PG)
This is the standard ratio for sub-ohm shortfills designed for high-power direct-to-lung devices. The higher VG content produces thicker, more voluminous vapour clouds. The 30% PG provides flavour clarity and throat hit. The thicker consistency of 70/30 means it flows best through the larger wicking channels of sub-ohm tanks and rebuildable atomisers.
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50/50 (50% VG, 50% PG)
This ratio is thinner and flows more easily through narrower wicking channels, making it suitable for some refillable pod devices. The higher PG content means more flavour intensity per unit of vapour and a slightly stronger throat hit sensation. Doozy's Infinity Pod Fill range, available at Vape Desires in a 50/50 formulation, is specifically designed for pod fill use in refillable pod devices.
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Using the Wrong Ratio
Using a 70/30 shortfill in a low-power pod device is one of the most common mistakes in vaping. The thick liquid cannot flow through the narrow wicking channels of pod devices fast enough to keep the coil saturated, which results in persistent dry hits and a very short coil life. If your device's manual specifies a maximum VG content or says it is not suitable for high-VG liquids, follow that guidance.
Which Shortfills Does Vape Desires Stock?
Our e-liquid range covers 50ml, 100ml, and 120ml shortfills across a wide range of brands and flavour profiles. The Doozy Vape range is our most consistently popular. The Seriously Fruity, Seriously Slushy, Seriously Donuts, Seriously Fusionz, and Seriously Nice variants all deliver flavour quality that is notably above the average for shortfills in the same price bracket. Doozy also produces the Infinity range, available in both 70/30 and the 50/50 Pod Fill formulation.
Nasty Juice is another standout. The Ballin Series, Berry Series, and Cush Man Series all have strong flavour profiles with a complexity that casual shortfills often lack. The brand has a serious following among experienced vapers and their quality is consistent across batches.
Kingston produces a range of 120ml shortfills including the Get Fruity, Chilly Willies, and Sweets ranges that offer excellent value at their price point, particularly for vapers who go through liquid at high volume.
For dessert vapers, The Custard Company Dubai Chocolate variant is one of the most unusual and well-executed dessert shortfills we stock, and worth trying for anyone who enjoys complex, layered flavour profiles.
Is a Shortfill Right for You?
Shortfills are the right format if you use a high-power device that produces significant vapour volume per draw, you are comfortable mixing nicotine shots into your liquid, and you want the cost efficiency of a larger liquid volume.
Shortfills are not the right format if you use a prefilled pod kit or small pod mod. For those devices, nic salts in 10ml bottles are the correct choice. The nicotine concentration, viscosity, and absorption characteristics of nicotine salt liquids are specifically suited to low-power, mouth-to-lung devices, while shortfills with added nic shots are designed for sub-ohm and direct-to-lung use.
If you are not sure which format your device is designed for, check the manufacturer specification or get in touch with us at Vape Desires. Using the wrong liquid type in your device costs you money in wasted pods and coils and rarely produces the satisfying vaping experience you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to add a nicotine shot to a shortfill?
No. Shortfills are sold at 0mg and are perfectly usable without adding a nicotine shot if you do not want or need nicotine in your liquid. Some experienced vapers use 0mg shortfills to reduce their nicotine intake gradually. The option to add a nicotine shot simply exists for those who want nicotine content in a large-volume format.
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How much nicotine does one nic shot add to a 100ml shortfill?
One 10ml nicotine shot at 18mg concentration added to 80ml of base liquid (total 90ml) produces approximately 2mg per ml, or 0.2% nicotine. Two shots to the same bottle produce approximately 3mg per ml. For a 50ml shortfill (typically 40ml base plus 10ml space), one 18mg nic shot produces approximately 3mg per ml.
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Are shortfill e-liquids safe to use?
Shortfill e-liquids from reputable UK manufacturers use food-safe ingredients and must comply with MHRA notification requirements. The NHS recognises that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking, though not risk-free. Always buy from verified UK retailers to ensure the products you receive meet the safety and labelling standards required by UK law.
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Can I use shortfill e-liquid in my prefilled pod kit?
No. Prefilled pod kits use sealed, factory-filled pods that cannot be refilled. Shortfill e-liquids are for use in devices with refillable tanks or pods. If you use a prefilled pod kit, you replace the whole pod when it runs out rather than refilling it with liquid.
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Why does my shortfill taste burnt after adding a nicotine shot?
If your liquid tastes burnt after mixing, the most likely cause is inadequate mixing before use. After adding a nicotine shot, the bottle needs to be shaken vigorously for at least 60 seconds and then left to stand for 30 minutes. Insufficient mixing can leave pockets of undiluted nicotine shot near the coil, which can produce a sharp or harsh flavour. Always mix thoroughly before filling your tank.
