Solving Beginner Vaping Issues and Questions
Switching from smoking tobacco to vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health. The health impacts of smoking have been known for decades, and in the UK, it’s also an incredibly expensive habit.
As more and more people switch to vaping for health and cost reasons, some people can find the sheer range of brands, device types, vaping styles, flavours and strengths daunting. Also, vapers can encounter a range of issues that, although easy to avoid or fix, can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing.
This blog outlines what to look out for when you first start vaping, what devices to consider, how to maintain them, and how to solve some common vaping issues. Read more to ensure a successful, hassle-free vaping journey and a smoke-free future.
Getting Started in Vaping
Many people start vaping with disposables, and while they’re a great choice, they’re being banned in the UK in June 2025. Instead, you should choose a reusable device, such as a pod vape kit, which can be prefilled or refillable.
Pod vape kits, in particular, are super easy to use and are available in a huge range of designs and flavours. Here are recommendations for what to look for in your first vape:
oChoose a low-powered refillable pod vape kit. These are affordable, and because you can refill the pods and recharge the device, there’s minimal waste. Top-filling pods are easy to refill and use nic salt e-liquids that are available in a huge variety of flavours, so you can find what you love.
oSkip the screens and buttons. The simplest pod vape kits are draw-activated and deliver a mouth-to-lung vaping style. That is, when you take a draw, the coil heats up automatically, and once the vapour is in your mouth, you then inhale it into your lungs. It’s the closest thing to smoking you’ll find.
oChoose freebase or nic salt e-liquids. These are the closest in nicotine strength to regular cigarettes. If you aim to taper down and eventually quit altogether, start with a higher strength.
The Importance of Vape Maintenance
Properly setting up and maintaining your vape should ensure you don’t encounter any issues. Luckily, it’s all really simple. To keep the battery in good condition, we recommend keeping your vape charged but not overcharging it (like leaving it plugged in overnight).
Similarly, don’t let the liquid in the pod run down to empty, or you risk burning the coil. At the same time, don’t leave vape juice sitting in the tank for days or weeks at a time because it will start to discolour and lose flavour. If you don’t vape very often, consider only half-filling the tank.
As with all electrical items, keep your vape out of direct sunlight and ensure it doesn’t suffer water damage. By staying on top of maintenance, you’ll keep your vape in much better condition for longer.
Even so, it’s best to know how to deal with problems if they arise. Let's take a look at some common issues for first-time vapers.
Solving Common Vaping Problems
Why is my vape spitting?
This is usually a sign that the pod has been overfilled and the e-liquid is leaking. In general, it’s best to fill your pods until the liquid is above the coil wicking but below full capacity. This depends on your pod, but you should get better with it over time. This should also ensure that they don’t leak in your bag, pocket, etc.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
A harsh burning taste when vaping can be caused by several things. It may be that the coil is old and burnt out. It could also be that there’s not enough liquid in the pod or that the coil hasn’t been primed (allowed to soak in the e-liquid for a few minutes) before use. Finally, it could also be caused by using the wrong liquid or having the power setting too high.
How do you fix a burnt vape?
Unfortunately, burnt coils are done for and need to be replaced. Once the wicking material around the coil has been burned, you won’t be able to get rid of the taste. Fortunately, new coils are cheap and simple to replace, but if you want to try and give the coil another go, just ensure you’ve set up your vape correctly and primed it well.
How many cigarettes are in one vape?
It varies depending on the type and the size of your vape and liquid. However, 20mg disposables and 2ml pod vapes are roughly equivalent to one pack of cigarettes, around 600 puffs of vape.
How many puffs of a 20mg vape is equal to a cigarette?
A normal cigarette is about the same as 15-30 puffs of a 20mg vape. If you’re looking to quit or taper down, it’s important to try and keep track of how much you’re vaping - you don’t want to accidentally increase your nicotine consumption.
How long does a vape need to charge?
Regular pod vape kits will reach a full charge between 30 minutes to an hour, but it’s impossible to say because it depends on the capacity of the battery (mAh), the power of the charger you’re using and the amount of charge already in there. Either way, you need to keep an eye on your vape while it’s charging. Don’t leave it on charge unattended, and take it off when it reaches 100% to prevent overcharging.
Why is my vape lighting up but not hitting?
It’s hard to say. It could be due to a faulty battery, connection issues with the pod or simply a low charge. Try charging it first and then using a different pod to see if this fixes it. If not, check the manual to see if the light signifies a fault. If it does, you might need a new battery.
How to open a vape juice bottle?
Vape juice bottles have childproof caps to keep children from getting access to harmful substances. To open a vape juice bottle, you have to push down on the cap and then twist it to open, just like some medicine bottles.
How do you open a vape juice bottle that won't open?
If you can’t get your vape juice bottle open, try running it under warm water or holding it in your hand to make the plastic more flexible. This usually does the trick.
Does vape juice expire?
Vape juice bottles do expire, but if you store them out of sunlight and in a cool place, they should last 1 to 2 years. If you’re not sure, check the use-by date on the label.
What’s Next for Beginner Vapers?
For more help, check out our extensive beginner's guide and helpful blogs. If you need some expert advice, get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.