Switching from smoking to vaping can feel confusing at first — different devices, liquids, nicotine strengths, coils, pods… it’s a lot. The good news? Once you understand the basics, vaping is simple, cheaper than smoking, and far smoother on your throat and lungs.
This guide explains exactly how to start vaping in 2026, step-by-step, using clear advice from real ex-smokers and industry experts.
Why Start Vaping?
Most people start vaping for one of these reasons:
- To quit smoking
- To save money compared to cigarettes
- For smoother nicotine delivery
- For better flavour and less smell
Vaping delivers nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide or thousands of chemicals found in cigarettes — making it one of the most effective ways to quit smoking in the UK.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Vape Device
The biggest mistake beginners make is choosing the wrong device. Here are the three best options for starting in 2026:
1. Prefilled Pod Kits (Easiest Option)
These are perfect for beginners and ex-disposable users. No filling, no coils — just click in a pod and vape.
Best starter option: Easy, clean and low-maintenance.
- Lost Mary BM6000 Prefilled Kit
- SKE Crystal Plus Prefilled Kit
- Vape Lite 6000 Max (10mg or 0mg pods)
2. Refillable Pod Kits (Most Popular)
These offer better value and more flavour options. You refill them yourself and change a pod or coil every few days.
3. Beginner Vape Kits
Starter kits designed for smokers making their first switch.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nicotine Strength
This is the most important part of starting vaping. Choose the wrong strength and you’ll either cough from too much or crave a cigarette from too little.
Use this guide:
- 20mg nic salts – heavy smokers (10–20+ cigarettes/day)
- 10mg nic salts – light to medium smokers (5–15 cigarettes/day)
- 5mg nic salts – very light smokers or people cutting down
- 0mg – for reducing nicotine completely
Most beginners do best with 10mg or 20mg nic salts because they’re smooth and satisfying.
Step 3: Pick the Right Flavour
Flavour matters more than anything when quitting smoking. If you enjoy the flavour, you’re far less likely to go back to cigarettes.
Best flavours for beginners:
- Menthol & Mint (clean and familiar)
- Fruit Ice (smooth and refreshing)
- Tobacco (closest to smoking)
Our most popular beginner flavours:
- Bar Juice Blueberry Sour Raspberry
- SKE Crystal Fresh Mint
- Riot Fresh Mint
- Elux Menthol
Step 4: Learn How to Use Your Vape Properly
Take slow, gentle puffs
Vapes work differently from cigarettes. You need to inhale slowly to warm the coil and create vapour.
Don’t chain vape
Take a break between puffs to avoid overheating the coil.
Keep pods topped up (refillables only)
If cotton dries out, it can burn — keep the e-liquid above the holes.
Charge your device regularly
Low battery = weak flavour and reduced nicotine hit.
Step 5: Avoid the Common Beginner Mistakes
- Choosing the wrong nicotine strength
- Buying a device that's too big or complicated
- Using freebase instead of nic salts
- Taking cigarette-style hard drags
- Letting coils burn out from dry hits
Follow this guide and you’ll avoid 90% of the problems new vapers face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaping cheaper than smoking?
Yes. Most vapers save hundreds per month compared to cigarettes.
Is vaping better than smoking?
According to UK health bodies, vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and is the most effective quit method.
What vape is best for beginners?
A prefilled pod kit or a refillable pod kit with nic salts is the easiest and smoothest way to start.
Final Thoughts
Starting vaping doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right device, the right nicotine strength and a flavour you enjoy, you’ll find the switch from smoking far easier than you expected.
Once you get your setup right, vaping becomes simple, satisfying and far more affordable than cigarettes.