Can you use any e-juice in your vape? Here's what you should know
The short answer is no. Not all e-juices are suitable for all vape devices. Which e-liquid works best depends on several factors, including the device's design, the coil's resistance, the recommended power and the e-juice's composition.
No, not all e-juices are suitable for all vapes. Which e-liquid works depends on the device's design, the coil's resistance, power range and VG/PG ratio.
Many people who are new to vaping assume that all vape liquids work in the same way. In practice, however, there are major differences between different types of e-juice, and the wrong combination can affect the flavour, performance and lifespan of the coil or pod.
Why aren't all e-juices suitable for all vapes?
A vape works by having a coil heat the e-liquid that is transported through cotton or another absorbent material. For this to work, the liquid needs to have the right properties for the particular device being used.
Different vape devices are designed for different types of vape juice. A smaller pod has different requirements than a larger sub-ohm tank, which means that the same e-juice may work excellently in one device but less well in another.
VG and PG affect compatibility
One of the most important factors is the ratio between VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol). If you want to learn more about how these ingredients affect flavour, vapour production and the consistency of the liquid, you can read our guide on VG/PG ratios.
VG is thicker and more viscous, while PG is thinner and flows more easily through the cotton in the coil.
- 50/50 e-liquid: common in pod systems and MTL vapes.
- 60/40 e-juice: works in many modern pod systems.
- 70/30 e-juice: often used in sub-ohm devices.
- Max VG: mainly used in more powerful devices with higher wattage.
If an e-liquid is too thick for the device, the coil may have difficulty absorbing the liquid quickly enough. If the liquid is too thin, it may instead increase the risk of leaking or gurgling sounds.
Pod systems often require different e-liquids
Pod systems have become one of the most common types of vape devices. They are often smaller, use lower power and are designed to provide a more cigarette-like inhalation.
Modern pod systems are often designed for thinner e-liquids and nicotine salt.
For this reason, pod systems usually work best with thinner e-liquids, often with a VG/PG ratio of around 50/50.
If a very thick vape juice is used in a pod system, the liquid supply may become insufficient. This can result in the coil not receiving enough liquid between puffs.
Sub-ohm vapes are built for thicker e-juice
Sub-ohm devices use coils with lower resistance and are often operated at higher wattage. These devices vaporise larger amounts of e-liquid and are usually designed for higher VG concentrations.
Therefore, e-juice with 70 percent VG or more is often used in this type of vape.
If a very thin e-liquid is used in a sub-ohm tank, the liquid may move through the system faster than it is designed for, which in some cases can contribute to leaking or condensation forming.
Can you use nic salt in all vapes?
Nicotine salt, often called nic salt, is a type of nicotine that is usually used in smaller pod systems. You can read more about the differences between different types of nicotine in our article about nic salt and freebase nicotine.
For those who use pod systems, there is a wide range of nic salt e-juice available in different strengths and flavours.
Although it is technically possible to use nic salt in certain other devices, it is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations. The nicotine strength, wattage and intended use should always match the vape device in question.
Can you use freebase nicotine in pod systems?
Freebase nicotine is found in many different types of e-juice and is available in several strengths. Many pod systems work with freebase liquids, particularly at lower or moderate nicotine strengths.
What matters most is not whether the liquid contains freebase or nic salt, but that the e-liquid's composition and strength are suitable for the device in question.
Can you use shortfill in all vapes?
Shortfills are nicotine-free e-liquids sold in larger bottles and often used together with nic shots. If you want to learn more about how these products work, you can read our guide to shortfill e-juice.
Many more powerful vape devices are used with shortfill e-juice because these often have a higher VG content.
This means that not all shortfills are necessarily suitable for all pod systems. Before using a shortfill in a smaller vape, you should check the VG/PG ratio of the liquid.
What happens if you use the wrong e-juice?
Using an e-liquid that is not suited to the device does not always mean that something will break immediately, but it can affect how the vape works.
- Burnt taste from the coil.
- Shorter lifespan of the pod or coil.
- Leaking from the tank or pod.
- Gurgling sounds.
- Poorer flavour reproduction.
- Uneven vapour production.
These problems are not always caused by the e-juice, but the choice of e-liquid is one factor that can affect the result.
How do you know which e-juice is suitable?
The easiest way is to read the manufacturer's recommendations for your vape or coil. Many manufacturers specify which type of e-liquid is best suited to each product.
It can also be helpful to check:
- The coil's resistance.
- The recommended wattage range.
- Whether the device is intended for MTL or DTL.
- The VG/PG ratio of the e-liquid.
- Which type of nicotine the liquid contains.
Which e-juice is suitable for my vape?
If you are unsure which e-juice is suitable for your vape, you can often start by considering which type of device you use.
| Type of vape | Common e-liquid | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Pod system | 50/50 e-liquid or nic salt | Lower power and MTL inhalation |
| MTL devices | 50/50 freebase or nic salt | Cigarette-like inhalation |
| Sub-ohm vapes | 70/30 or higher VG content | Higher power and greater vapour production |
If you use a pod system, nic salt is often a common choice. For more powerful vape devices, shortfill e-juice with a higher VG content is often used.
Things to remember
Not all e-juices are suitable for all vapes. Differences in VG/PG ratio, nicotine type and the design of the devices mean that some vape liquids work better in certain types of devices than others.
By choosing an e-juice that is suited to your vape, you reduce the risk of leaking, burnt taste and unnecessary wear on the coil or pod. If you are unsure, the manufacturer's recommendations are always the best starting point.
