Switching from Smoking to Vaping: Buying Guide
New to vaping? This guide helps smokers choose the right vape kit, liquid and nicotine strength, using guidance from the NHS. No jargon, just what you need to make the switch.
Age-restricted: 18+ only. Nicotine is addictive. Vapes are for adult smokers, not non-smokers.
Why switch to vaping?
Vaping isn’t risk-free, but the NHS says it carries a small fraction of the risk of smoking. Vapes contain no tobacco and produce no tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful parts of cigarette smoke.
According to the NHS, almost two-thirds of people who use a vape with support from a local Stop Smoking Service manage to quit smoking. To get the full benefit, you need to stop smoking cigarettes completely.
How much do you smoke?
The right nicotine strength stops cravings without being too harsh. Start with the strength that matches how much you smoke now. You can go up or down later.
| Cigarettes per day | Suggested strength | Good starting option |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 (light) | 6 mg/ml | Freebase e-liquid, or 10 mg nic salts |
| 5–15 (regular) | 10 mg/ml | 10 mg nic salts in a pod system |
| 15–20 (heavy) | 16–18 mg/ml | 18 mg e-liquid, or 20 mg nic salts |
| 20+ (very heavy) | 18–20 mg/ml | 20 mg nic salts, plus speak to a Stop Smoking Service about adding a patch |
Strength guide based on NHS Swap 2 Stop and NCSCT guidance. Everyone is different: if you still get cravings, try a higher strength; if it feels too harsh, go lower. 20 mg/ml is the UK legal maximum.
Nic salts or e-liquid?
Nic salts
Smoother at higher strengths, so they are popular with heavier smokers. Sold in 10 mg and 20 mg. Use them in pod systems.
Freebase e-liquid
The classic liquid, with a wider range of strengths (3–18 mg). Use it mainly in tank kits.
Which vape kit? Pod system or tank
Pod system (best for most new switchers): small, simple and discreet. Fill or click in a pod and vape. Works best with nic salts and gives a smooth, cigarette-like draw (mouth-to-lung). Recommended if you are new to vaping.
Tank kit: bigger battery, refillable tank and adjustable settings. More set-up, but it delivers nicotine very effectively and is cheaper to run over time. Better once you are used to vaping.
Disposable vapes are now banned in the UK. All our kits are reusable and refillable. Browse our vape kits.
Your starter checklist
1. A vape kit: a pod system if you are new. See our vape kits.
2. Liquid at your strength: use the table above to pick your mg/ml.
3. Spare pods or coils: most last about a week, depending on use. Shop pods.
4. The right charger: use the one made for your kit.
Not sure? Pick 2–3 flavours. The NHS says finding the right device and flavour can take a little time, so stick with it.
Tips for your first weeks
- Vape as often as you need to. The NHS says vaping more often than you smoked is normal.
- Take slow, gentle puffs. Vaping works best with small, regular puffs through the day, not a few big ones.
- Use it every day. Carry a charged vape so you never reach for a cigarette.
- Very heavy smoker? A nicotine patch plus a vape for sudden cravings can help.
- Dry mouth or a tickly cough? That is common at first. Drink more water.
- Get free support from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
- Safety: keep liquids away from children and pets, and never leave a vape charging overnight or unattended.
Quick comparison table
| Option | Best for | Strength | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pod system + nic salts | New switchers, heavier smokers | 10–20 mg | Very easy |
| Tank kit + e-liquid | Experienced vapers, lower running cost | 3–18 mg | More hands-on |
| Replacement pods | Topping up an existing pod kit | Varies | Check compatibility |
Buying guide questions and answers
Match it to how much you smoke (see the strength table above). Most regular smokers start between 10 and 20 mg.
The NHS says vaping carries a small fraction of the risk of smoking, but it is not risk-free. Vapes are for adult smokers only.
No. Use nic salts in pod systems and freebase e-liquid in tanks, and always check the product page.
Usually about a week, depending on how much you vape.
UK law limits nicotine e-liquid bottles to 10 ml.
Yes. Your local NHS Stop Smoking Service is free, and some offer a free vape starter kit.
Yes. You must be 18 or over, and we verify age on orders.
Contact our team and we will help match your kit, pods and liquid.