Shortfill vs. Longfill E-Liquids: Which One Should You Choose and Why?

Among the choices available, shortfill and longfill e-liquids have gained significant attention. But what exactly are these terms, and how do they differ? In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of shortfill and longfill e-liquids, exploring their characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

What are Shortfill E-liquids?

A shortfill is a compact 50ml e-liquid bottle designed for vaping purposes. It offers the flexibility of being enjoyed as a nicotine-free option at 0mg or can be easily transformed into a 3mg nicotine strength by adding a 10ml nicotine shot. It's important to thoroughly shake the bottle after adding the nicotine shot to ensure proper blending with the flavour. Shortfills are particularly well-suited for cloud-chasing devices, which are known for producing denser clouds, greater vapour volume, and enhanced flavour delivery. These e-liquids mainly contain a higher proportion of VG (vegetable glycerin) and consistently adhere to a 60/40 VG/PG ratio.

What are Longfill E-liquids?

Longfill e-liquids are a versatile option for vapers seeking complete control over their vaping experience. These delightful concoctions come in a 60ml bottle, with 20ml reserved for the flavouring. The remaining space allows you to customise the nicotine strength and PG/VG ratio. Unlike shortfills, which max out at 3mg nicotine strength, longfills offer a broader range of options, including 3mg, 6mg, 9mg, and 12mg.

To prepare your longfill e-liquid, start by removing the top cap of the bottle. This step allows you to add your desired number of nicotine shots to achieve the desired nicotine strength. Then, fill the remaining space with the appropriate amount of PG/VG to reach your preferred ratio. Finally, remember to give the bottle a good shake to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Once shaken, your longfill e-liquid is ready to be enjoyed.

Are There Any Commonalities Between Shortfill and Longfill E-Liquids?

Shortfill and longfill e-liquids, popular choices for vapers in the UK, share several commonalities. Both types offer the flexibility of customisation, allowing users to adjust nicotine strength according to their preferences. They come in larger bottle sizes, providing ample room for customisation. Additionally, mixing involves shaking the bottle after adding nicotine shots to ensure proper blending. Both shortfill and longfill e-liquids, commonly referred to as shortfills UK, offer a wide range of flavours and are particularly sought after by cloud chasers due to their higher VG content. This higher VG ratio results in thicker clouds and enhanced vapour production, making them a favourite among vaping enthusiasts.

While there are commonalities between the two, there are also some key differences.

How Do They Differ?

A. Nicotine Content

Shortfills come without nicotine, allowing vapers to add nicotine shots to achieve their desired nicotine strength. This allows for customisation and flexibility.

Longfills are pre-mixed e-liquids that already contain nicotine. They come in various nicotine strengths, catering to different vapers' preferences. This eliminates the need for additional nicotine shots.

B. Bottling and Mixing

Shortfills are typically packaged in larger 50ml bottles, leaving room for vapers to add nicotine shots. Once the nicotine shot is added, the bottle must be shaken thoroughly to ensure proper mixing of the nicotine and flavour.

Longfills are often available in smaller bottles, already mixed with nicotine. They are ready to be used without any additional mixing or shaking.

C. Convenience and Portability

Shortfills offer convenience in terms of portability. Since the nicotine shots are separate, vapers can carry multiple shortfill bottles with different flavours and nicotine shots, allowing them to switch flavours and nicotine strengths on the go.

Longfills are more convenient for vapers who prefer a hassle-free experience. With the nicotine already incorporated into the e-liquid, carrying additional bottles or worrying about mixing is unnecessary.

Understanding these key differences between shortfill and longfill e-liquids can help vapers make an informed decision based on their individual preferences, vaping style, and convenience requirements. Whether you value the ability to customise nicotine strength or prioritise convenience, both options have advantages and cater to different vaping preferences.

Which Do You Need?

Choosing between shortfill and longfill e-liquids is straightforward. If you prefer a higher ratio of VG and want to indulge in cloud-chasing with powerful devices, shortfills are ideal as they are limited to 3mg nicotine strength. On the other hand, longfills offer more versatility, catering to a broader range of preferences. For example, they can provide a higher VG ratio for dripping devices and offer options like 50/50 e-liquids in higher nicotine strengths, such as 12mg.

Final Point to Make

There isn't any definitive answer that suits every vaper. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences, vaping experience, and goals. Remember, the landscape of vaping is vast, and experimenting with different options can lead to finding your perfect vape.