Your Questions Answered: What to Know When You Start Vaping

Making the move from cigarettes to vaping is a big step in the right direction, especially for your health and your wallet.

Smoking has been linked to serious health problems for decades, and let’s face it, with the cost of cigarettes in the UK only going one way (up!), it’s no surprise more people are turning to vaping as a smarter alternative.

But if you're new to vaping, it can feel like you’ve opened a door to a world of confusing jargon, dozens of devices, endless flavours, and lots of opinions. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for when starting out, how to keep your device running smoothly, and how to handle the common hiccups many first-time vapers experience.

Where to Start: Choosing Your First Vape Kit

Most beginners get introduced to vaping through disposable vapes—they’re easy, no-fuss and ready to go. But with disposables set to be banned in the UK from June 2025, it's time to look at better long-term options.

Reusable pod kits are the way to go. They’re simple, reliable and cost-effective. You’ll find them in refillable or prefilled options, and they come in all sorts of styles to suit your vibe.

Here’s what we recommend for first-timers:

• Go refillable: A low-powered refillable pod kit is ideal when you’re starting out. They’re more sustainable than disposables, cheaper in the long run, and let you try different e-liquids without buying a whole new device.
• Keep it simple: Look for draw-activated kits, just inhale and go. These mimic the feel of a traditional cigarette and use a “mouth-to-lung” (MTL) draw, which should feel familiar.
• Pick the right e-liquid: Start with either nic salts or freebase nicotine e-liquids. Nic salts deliver a smoother hit even at higher strengths, which is great if you're used to strong cigarettes. If you’re aiming to reduce your nicotine intake over time, start higher and gradually step down.

Keeping Your Kit in Top Shape

Looking after your vape doesn’t take much effort, but a little maintenance goes a long way.

• Battery care: Don’t let your battery run flat all the time, but avoid leaving it on charge overnight too. Most pod kits fully charge in about 30–60 minutes.
• E-liquid levels: Always make sure there’s enough liquid in your pod, running it dry can burn the coil. But don’t let e-liquid sit in the tank unused for weeks either; it can start to degrade in flavour.
• Storage tips: Like all electronics, keep your vape out of direct sunlight and away from water. And if you’re not using it for a while, store it somewhere cool and dry.

Troubleshooting: Common Vape Questions Answered

Why is my vape spitting or leaking?

You’ve probably overfilled the pod. Try filling just above the coil holes but not all the way to the top. That should stop it leaking into your pocket or giving you a surprise spurt of juice when you take a draw.

Why does it taste burnt?

That burnt taste is usually down to an old coil, not enough e-liquid, or firing the device before the coil has soaked properly (known as “priming”). Always let the coil sit in the liquid for a few minutes before you vape.

Can I fix a burnt coil?

Once a coil is burnt, it’s game over. Swap it out for a new one. Replacement coils are cheap and easy to install—and your tastebuds will thank you.

How many cigarettes is a vape equal to?

As a rough guide, a 2ml pod filled with 20mg nicotine e-liquid is equivalent to a pack of 20 cigarettes, or about 600 puffs.

How many puffs equal one cigarette?

Somewhere between 15–30 puffs on a 20mg vape matches the nicotine of one cigarette. Keep track if you're using vaping to gradually quit, you don’t want to accidentally increase your nicotine intake.

How long does charging take?

Most pod kits are good to go in under an hour, but it depends on battery size and the charger you’re using. Always unplug once it’s fully charged, don’t leave it on overnight.

Why isn’t my vape hitting even though it lights up?

This could be a pod connection issue, low battery, or even a faulty coil. Start by charging it and trying a new pod. If that doesn’t help, check your manual for any light indicator meanings.

How do I open a stubborn vape juice bottle?

Push down and twist, it’s a childproof cap, so it might take a firm grip. If it’s stuck, run it under warm water for a minute to soften the plastic.

Does vape juice go off?

Yes, e-liquids usually last 1 to 2 years. Keep them in a cool, dark place and always check the expiry date before use.

Ready to Start Vaping?

Switching to vaping should feel like an upgrade, not a chore. At Time2Vape, we’re all about helping you make that switch with confidence. Whether you’re after a starter kit, expert advice, or just want to explore new flavours, we’re here to help make your vaping journey smooth and stress-free.