E-Liquid

An e-liquid is the flavoured liquid used inside vape kits, pod systems and tanks to produce vapour. When heated by your device's coil, the liquid turns into vapour that's inhaled through the mouthpiece, carrying flavour and, where selected, nicotine.

Key Ingredients in E-Liquid

Most e-liquids are made from a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), combined with food-grade flavourings and, in many cases, nicotine. The PG/VG ratio affects throat hit, flavour intensity and vapour output, which is why different blends suit different devices. Some e-liquids are sold nicotine-free, while others come pre-mixed with nicotine at various strengths, so it's worth checking the label before adding to your basket.

How to Use E-Liquid

Using e-liquid correctly depends on your device type, but the basics stay the same across most pod kits and tanks.

  1. Check compatibility: Confirm your device or pod is refillable and matches the e-liquid's PG/VG ratio.
  2. Fill the tank or pod: Open the fill port and pour slowly to avoid spillage, keeping liquid clear of the central airflow tube.
  3. Prime the coil: Let a new coil sit for a few minutes after filling so the wicking material fully absorbs the liquid before firing.
  4. Set your wattage: Stay within the range printed on your coil or device to avoid a burnt taste.
  5. Store properly: Keep bottles upright, away from direct sunlight and heat, and always out of reach of children and pets.

If you're unsure which bottle suits your setup, our Coils & Pods collection and Prefilled Pods & Pod Kits range are a good starting point for matching hardware to liquid.

Explore Popular UK E-Liquid Brands

Vape Wave stocks a genuinely wide brand line-up, so whether you're loyal to one name or like to flavour-hop, there's plenty to explore.

Hayati

Hayati is one of our best-selling ranges, known for its Pro Max shortfill line in flavours like Pineapple Ice, Watermelon Ice and Triple Mango.

IVG & Elux

IVG and Elux are longstanding favourites for consistent, well-balanced fruit and menthol blends.

SKE & Elf Bar

SKE and Elf Bar bring disposable-inspired flavours to a refillable format.

Bar Juice, Vape Gold & Feoba

Bar Juice, Vape Gold and Feoba offer smooth, fast-absorbing options built for pod kits, 

Hyola, Gigo & Lost Mary

Hyola, Higo and Lost Mary round out our range with their own signature flavour profiles.

Vaporesso, Aspire, Ova, Innokin, Smok & Voopo

If you're building or maintaining hardware alongside your e-liquid order, our Vaporesso, Aspire, Oxva, Innokin, Smok and Voopoo device collections.

Vape Bars & Relx

Vape Bars and Relx pod ranges, are stocked in the same collection.

Choosing the Right Type of E-Liquid  

Not all e-liquids are built the same, and picking the right type makes a real difference to how your device performs.

Nic Salt E-Liquids: These use a modified form of nicotine that's gentler on the throat and absorbed more quickly, which is why they're the go to choice for low wattage pod kits. We've dedicated a full Nic Salt collection to this style if you want a deeper dive into strengths and flavours.

Freebase E-Liquids: These use traditional nicotine and tend to deliver a firmer throat hit, closer to what long-term users are used to. They're typically used at lower strengths in higher-powered devices.

Shortfill E-Liquids: These are large bottles (often 100ml) sold with 0mg nicotine, leaving space to add one or more nic shots to reach your preferred strength. They're popular with sub-ohm and cloud-focused vapers, and most of our Hayati Pro Max range falls into this category.

High-VG Blends: These are formulated for sub-ohm tanks and mesh coils, producing thicker vapour and a softer inhale, while higher-PG mixes suit MTL (mouth-to-lung) pod devices and give a sharper throat sensation.

Why Buy E-Liquids From Vape Wave

  • Genuine stock from established brands including Hayati, IVG, Elux, SKE, and Elf Bar
  • Full range across nic salts, freebase, shortfills, and high-VG blends
  • Clear nicotine strength and bottle size are listed on every product page
  • Competitive pricing with regular multi-buy offers
  • Fast UK dispatch with age verification on every order
  • Straightforward matching between e-liquids and our pod kit, coil and pod, and vape tank ranges
  • UK-based customer support for order and product queries

Browse the full collection above, or head to our Nic Salt range if you're specifically after smooth, pod-friendly strengths. All products are intended for adult vapers aged 18 and over; please vape responsibly and store products securely.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I choose the right nicotine strength?

This depends on your usage habits and device wattage. Lower-powered pod kits generally pair with higher nic salt strengths (10mg or 20mg), while sub-ohm tanks used at higher wattage typically use lower-strength freebase or shortfill liquid.

How long does an e-liquid last once opened?

An unopened bottle stored correctly can remain in good condition for up to two years, but once opened, flavour is best within a few months. Keep bottles tightly capped, upright, and away from heat or direct sunlight to preserve flavour and consistency.

How many puffs will a 10ml bottle give me?

This varies by device and habits, but 10ml of e-liquid can provide roughly 2,500–3,000 (but it depends on Coil, Wattage, Airflow, and user behaviour) puffs on average in a standard pod kit, with sub-ohm setups using liquid faster due to higher vapour output.

How should I store e-liquids safely?

Always store bottles upright in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets. Most bottles use child-resistant caps as standard; press down while twisting anti-clockwise to open.

Are nic salts stronger than freebase e-liquids?

Not necessarily stronger in mg, but nic salts are absorbed faster and feel smoother at higher strengths, which is why they're often available up to 20mg while freebase liquids are typically capped lower for comfort.

Which wattage should I use with my e-liquid?

This depends on your coil's rated range, not just the liquid itself. Coils built for MTL pod kits (usually under 1.2ohm) work best between 10–25W, while sub-ohm coils used with high-VG shortfills often run from 40W upwards.

Running below the recommended range can leave the coil undersaturated, while running above it can scorch the wick and produce a burnt taste. Always check the wattage printed on the coil packaging before you start, and increase gradually rather than jumping straight to the top of the range.

Can I mix different e-liquid brands or flavours in the same tank?

Yes, many vapers combine leftover bottles to create their own blends, though it's worth sticking to similar PG/VG ratios so the mix performs consistently in your device. If you're new to blending, start with small test batches from brands with matching bases, such as pairing two shortfills from the same PG/VG family, before committing a full tank.

Can I travel with vape juice? 

Yes, follow airline rules: usually 100ml bottles in carry-on. But you should check Airline rules before carrying vape juice/e-liquid with you.

What are bar salts?

Bar Salts are a type of nicotine salt e-liquid specifically designed to replicate the flavour and smooth draw of disposable vapes (vape bars) in refillable pod devices. 

Which e-liquid is best for beginners?

Nic salts or starter e-liquids in 10ml bottles are best for beginners.

Can I use any e-liquid in any device?

No. Not every e-liquid is suitable for every vape device. The right e-liquid depends on the type of device, coil resistance, and the VG/PG ratio. 

Are shortfills better value?

Yes, shortfills are often better value than standard e-liquids, especially if you vape frequently and use a refillable sub-ohm device. However, they aren't the best choice for everyone.