Short Fill E-Liquids – A Guide to Short Fills & Nicotine Shots

What are Short Fill E-Liquids?

Many of our customers have inquired about Short Fills, prompting us to create a blog to explain all you need to know.

Short Fill eLiquids are large bottles that are nicotine-free, leaving space for you to add your own nicotine shots. They are available in various bottle sizes and a wide array of flavors, gaining popularity across our stores.

This blog will concentrate on the UK-made e-liquid from Sugar Pie Vapes; Sweet Apple Pie. Short Fill E-Liquids are high VG liquids, ideal for sub ohm vaping tanks.

Short Fills are designed for anyone using High VG e-liquid who prefers a larger bottle for convenience. The TPD regulations, effective from May 20, 2017, limit the maximum bottle size of nicotine-containing e-liquid to 10ml. Since Short Fill bottles in the UK do not contain nicotine, they are not subject to these regulations.

What is a Nic Shot?

Nic Shots are 10ml bottles of flavorless VG-based e-liquid containing nicotine, intended to be added to a Short Fill E-Liquid. We’ll focus on the 18mg TABnic Nicotine Booster Shot. These shots are not meant to be vaped independently; they are designed to be mixed into a larger e-liquid bottle that typically has a High VG Base.

When the TPD Regulations imposed a 10ml maximum size for nicotine-containing e-liquid, some expressed concerns about potential price increases and decreased variety, but you can always rely on the vaping industry and community to introduce new and exciting innovations.

For example, if your Nicotine Booster has an 18mg strength, adding one to a 50ml Short Fill bottle will yield 60ml of 3mg nicotine strength e-liquid. Similarly, incorporating two Nic Shots will create 70ml of 6mg e-liquid.

Short Fill Mixing Guide

Determining the right amount of nicotine to use often leads people to abandon the idea of Short Fills, but it’s actually as easy as filling your device.

While you can include as much nicotine as desired, most Short Fills are designed to accommodate a maximum of two Nic Shots (resulting in a maximum strength of 6mg).

Though stronger Nic Shots and Nic Salt Shots are available, the industry standard is an 18mg nicotine shot, which allows you to turn 50ml of nicotine-free liquid into 60ml of 3mg e-liquid.

Confused? We initially felt the same. Here’s a simple diagram illustrating the different bottle sizes and the nicotine strengths achievable.

How do I add Nic Shots to my Short Fill E-Liquids?

The process of adding nicotine to your liquid might seem overwhelming, but it’s truly quite simple. Nic Shots come in bottles similar to your standard 10ml e-liquids, making it easy to pour them in.

This diagram outlines a straightforward three-step process to get you vaping quickly. If you need more detailed instructions, follow these steps:

What does Steeping E-Liquid mean?

After shaking, you can start vaping immediately if you prefer, but there are advantages to waiting as well. It is recommended to ‘steep’ your Short Fill E-Liquids for as long as 24 hours in a cool, dry location. This allows the nicotine to merge with the e-liquid, resulting in a significantly more flavorful vape. Although steeping isn’t necessary, trying it will help you understand why it’s suggested.

Reasons for Purchasing Short Fill E-Liquids

Many individuals switch to Short Fills for various reasons, primarily to save money.

Traveling with them is also much easier (you only have to carry one bottle instead of six), making them perfect for trips. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly. One bottle uses much less packaging and requires less energy to manufacture.

You also have the ability to adjust your nicotine level. Want it to be less than 3mg? Simply use less of the Nic Shot. Is 6mg not potent enough, but 12mg seems excessive? That can be managed too! Just add the nicotine amount you prefer and fully customize your vaping experience.

Short Fills are favored by those who have completely quit nicotine as well. Vaping e-liquid without nicotine is entirely acceptable, and for some individuals, it represents the final step towards quitting nicotine for good.

Useful Tips & Information

1. Find a flavor that you truly enjoy before committing to a Short Fill bottle.
2. Exercise caution when removing the top cap! (Consider purchasing a Shortfill Tool)
3. Handle your Nic Shots carefully; remember to wash your hands after using them!
4. The more Nic Shots you incorporate into the Short Fill, the milder the flavor will become.
5. You may need to increase the power on your device when using higher VG-based e-liquids.
6. Shake thoroughly before use! Without shaking, the liquid and nicotine may separate.
7. Utilize a sub-ohm vape mod (instead of a Vape Pen Style e-cig) with adjustable power output to meet your preferences.

Glossary of Terms

E Liquid – Terms such as eLiquid, e-Liquid, eJuice, e-Juice refer to liquids for vaping.
Sub Ohm – This pertains to devices employing coils with a resistance of less than 1 ohm.
Nic Shot – Also recognized as Nicotine Shot, Nicotine Booster, Booster Shot.
Short Fill – Includes terms like Shake ‘n’ Vape, Short-Fill Juice, Short Fill E-Liquid.
TPD / Tobacco Products Directive – An EU regulation governing various aspects of e-cigarette products.
High VG – A type of E-Liquid with a significant Vegetable Glycerin content for producing larger clouds.