Guide to Shortfill E-Liquid & Nic Shot Calculator
If you are new to vaping, you may be wondering "what are shortfills?" and "are big bottles of e liquid a good choice for me?". Here’s our guide to shortfills, together with a shortfill calculator to help you mix the perfect juice every time. Shortfill e-liquid allows vapers in the U.K. and E.U. to buy bigger bottles of e-liquid without violating the TPD bottle size limit.
What are shortfill e liquids?
Shortfills are large bottles of nicotine-free e liquid that are underfilled, leaving space to add your own nicotine shot(s). For instance, a 50ml shortfill is sold in a 60ml bottle containing 50ml of e liquid with room to add one 10ml nicotine shot and a 100ml shortfill is sold in a 120ml bottle, so two 10ml nic shots can be added.
Why were shortfill e liquids introduced?
When the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) came into force, the volume of e liquid bottles containing nicotine was restricted to 10ml. As shortfill e liquids don’t contain nicotine they are not covered by the regulations and so can be sold in larger volumes. You then add the nicotine shots you need to complete the vape juice. In other words, e liquid manufacturers found a great way to get around the new regulations!
What sizes of shortfills are available?
The most common volumes for shortfills are 50ml and 100ml. But you might also see 25ml and 75ml and 80ml options.
How do shortfills work?
To complete your shortfills, you simply add your preferred nicotine shot to the bottle. Here’s how you do it:
Establish how many nicotine shots you need and what strength they should be (see our calculator below).
Remove the cap and nib from your chosen shortfill.
Remove the cap and tamper seal from your nicotine shot. Slowly squeeze the contents of the bottle into your shortfill.
Replace the nib of the shortfill bottle and remove any temporary silicone seals.
Replace the cap of the shortfill bottle.
Shake the bottle for five to ten minutes to thoroughly mix your e liquid with your nicotine shot.
It is fine to use the mixed liquid immediately, but to maximise the flavour you can also leave it to steep for 24 to 48 hours, giving it a good shake once or twice during that period.
How do you achieve the right nicotine strength?
It is important to remember that the nicotine strength of your shot will be diluted when you add it to nicotine-free e liquid. Shortfill bottles generally feature enough room to add one 10ml nicotine shot for each 50ml of e liquid. As the maximum permitted nicotine strength of a shot is 20mg, the maximum strength of your completed juice will be 3.3mg. You can achieve lower strengths by choosing lower-strength shots or adding only a portion of the shot .
10 Easy Steps – Shortfill E liquids
If you’re new to vaping, or just new to shortfill e liquids, you might be wondering what to do with this extra little bottle and all that extra space.
Never fear, our handy guide will give you the rundown in just 10 easy steps!
First things first, you’ll need to get hold of shortfill eliquids and nic shots.
A shortfill bottle has a little extra space in the bottle so you can add in a nic shot or two, because they don’t come with nicotine already in them. There might be a little extra space on top of this to make it easy to shake up too!
You can check out our huge range of shortfills by clicking here.
You’ll need to open the shortfill eliquid bottle if you want to put your nic shot in.
Unscrew the childproof cap and you’ll find the nozzle, you’ll have to pop this off too.
Next up take off the childproof cap of the 10ml nic shot bottle, otherwise you won’t be able to get the liquid out, now will you? Set that to one side ready to put back on after you’re done.
It’s best to leave the nozzle on the nic shot bottle to avoid unnecessary mess, however if you remove the nozzle it does make it quicker and easier to pour the whole amount into your shortfill.
Just squeeze your nic shot into the shortfill eliquids bottle!
You can use it all or just some of it to make varying strengths in the final product.
Check the chart after Step 10 for a handy breakdown of how to mix different strengths!
Just squeeze your nic shot into the shortfill eliquids bottle!
You can use it all or just some of it to make varying strengths in the final product.
Check the chart after Step 10 for a handy breakdown of how to mix different strengths!
Not your shortfill, you’ll need that for vaping, but the empty nic shot bottle (if it is empty, if not just put the cap back on and store it somewhere dark, cool and away from where pets, kids or non-vapers can get it) and any excess packaging you don’t need.
Not your shortfill, you’ll need that for vaping, but the empty nic shot bottle (if it is empty, if not just put the cap back on and store it somewhere dark, cool and away from where pets, kids or non-vapers can get it) and any excess packaging you don’t need.
Not your shortfill, you’ll need that for vaping, but the empty nic shot bottle (if it is empty, if not just put the cap back on and store it somewhere dark, cool and away from where pets, kids or non-vapers can get it) and any excess packaging you don’t need.
Not your shortfill, you’ll need that for vaping, but the empty nic shot bottle (if it is empty, if not just put the cap back on and store it somewhere dark, cool and away from where pets, kids or non-vapers can get it) and any excess packaging you don’t need.
Time to put your juice into your favourite vape tank and enjoy the fantastic flavour and lovely satisfying vapour!
Shortfill Calculator
Will nicotine shots alter the base liquid ratios of your shortfill e liquids?
Most shortfills have 70VG or 80VG bases. This is because they are appealing to sub ohm vapers who vape their way through a lot of juice and require lower nicotine strengths due to the amount of vapour their devices produce. High strengths are impossible to achieve due to the restriction on the strength of nicotine shots. To maintain your base liquid ratio, choose nicotine shots with the same VG/PG ratio. If your e liquid is 70VG, add a 70VG shot.
Which flavours are available in shortfills?
The short answer (forgive the pun) is: every flavour you could wish for. Most e liquid producers offer the majority of their flavours in shortfills and certainly their most popular ones. You can choose from a huge variety of fruit, candy, tobacco, dessert and soda flavours together with unique blends that don’t fall neatly into any flavour category. All the leading brands including offer a wonderful array of shortfills. If the choice is a bit overwhelming, head over to our guide 'Best Shortfill E-liquids Of 2022' for some helpful advice.
Conclusion: Shortfill E-Liquid Is the Best Way to Experience E.U. and U.K. Vape Juice
We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction to shortfill e-liquids. We conclude with the following thoughts:
Buying shortfill e-liquid is the most convenient way to experience the creative new flavors coming out of the United Kingdom and Europe.
If you prefer to use e-liquid with nicotine, you need at least one nicotine shot for every shortfill e-liquid bottle that you buy.
Shake your shortfill e-liquid bottles periodically to ensure that the nicotine remains evenly distributed throughout the bottle.
