What Is A Shortfill Vape Liquid?
A clear UK guide to shortfill e-liquid, why the bottles arrive partially full and how to add nicotine to make them ready to vape.
Shortfills are nicotine free e-liquid bottles with extra empty space at the top for adding a nic shot.
UK law caps nicotine bottles at 10ml. Shortfills work around this by selling larger bottles of nicotine free e-liquid with space to add a separate nic shot at home. The most common UK shortfill is 50ml in a 60ml bottle, with 10ml left empty for a nic shot.
Shortfills are the dominant format for UK sub ohm vapers. They sit between 10ml prefilled bottles and longfill concentrates in terms of complexity. Most UK vape shops have larger shortfill ranges than any other format. Understanding how they work makes choosing and using them straightforward.
Why shortfills exist
Four reasons drove the development of the UK shortfill format. The grid below covers each.
TPD compliance
UK law caps nicotine bottles at 10ml. Shortfills bypass this by being nicotine free.
✓ Legal solutionCost effective
Larger volumes work out cheaper per ml than buying multiple 10ml bottles.
✓ Saves moneySub ohm friendly
Most shortfills are 70/30 VG/PG which suits sub ohm devices that need thick liquid.
✓ Device matchFlavour focus
Without nicotine in the bottle, manufacturers can include more complex flavour profiles.
✓ Better flavourCommon UK shortfill sizes
The table below covers the standard shortfill sizes you will see in UK vape shops.
| Shortfill size | Final volume after nic shot |
|---|---|
| 50ml in 60ml bottle | 60ml at 3mg with one 18mg shot |
| 100ml in 120ml bottle | 120ml at 3mg with two 18mg shots |
| 100ml in 140ml bottle | 140ml at 5.1mg with four 18mg shots |
| 200ml in 240ml bottle | 240ml at 3mg with four 18mg shots |
How to use a shortfill
The process is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. Open the shortfill bottle. Pour in the nic shot through the dropper opening. Replace the cap. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Fill your tank as normal. Some shortfills benefit from steeping for 24 hours after mixing for best flavour but most are fine to vape immediately.
Shortfills with no nic shot added can be used as zero nicotine e-liquid. Many UK vapers reducing nicotine over time use shortfills directly without adding shots. The bottle is already useable as nicotine free vape juice. This makes shortfills the most flexible format for UK vapers managing their nicotine reduction journey.
How to pick the right shortfill
The checklist below covers what UK vape shop staff most often recommend.
Shortfill selection checklist
Use four or more of these for the right pick.
- Match VG/PG ratio to your device, 70/30 for sub ohm
- Try a 10ml version of the flavour first if available
- Buy from established UK brands with consistent quality
- Calculate final strength after adding planned number of nic shots
- Check the steep recommendation on the bottle
- Store opened bottles cool and dark for up to 12 months
Shortfills versus other formats
Shortfills sit between 10ml prefilled bottles and longfills. They cost more per ml than longfills but require less mixing. They cost less per ml than 10ml bottles but require nic shots to add nicotine. For most UK sub ohm vapers, shortfills hit the sweet spot of price, convenience and flavour quality. Light vapers and pod system users often prefer 10ml bottles. Heavy regular vapers often prefer longfills for cost savings.
Shortfills work alongside other formats, which our our guide on what is a longfill vape liquid covers, plus our article on what are nic shots explains the base ratios most shortfills use.
Frequently asked questions
Why are shortfills nicotine free?
UK law caps nicotine bottles at 10ml. Shortfills are larger so they must be nicotine free.
Can I vape a shortfill without adding a nic shot?
Yes. The bottle works as zero nicotine e-liquid without any modification.
How long do shortfills last?
Sealed shortfills last 18 to 24 months. Opened, around 12 months in cool dark storage.
Do I need to steep shortfills?
Most are fine immediately. Some benefit from 24 hour steeping for fuller flavour.
Why do shortfills come in 60ml bottles for 50ml of liquid?
The extra 10ml space is for adding a 10ml nic shot.
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