If you have been shopping for vape juice, you will have seen bottles labelled as shortfill. These larger bottles are now one of the most popular ways to buy e liquid, but many new vapers are not sure what they are or how they work. Understanding shortfill e liquid is essential if you want to make the most of your vaping experience, especially if you are looking for value and flexibility.
The background: why shortfills exist
The introduction of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2016 changed the way e liquids could be sold across Europe and the UK. One of the biggest restrictions was that any e liquid containing nicotine could not be sold in bottles larger than 10ml. The idea was to limit risk if nicotine was accidentally ingested, but it created frustration for vapers who had to buy multiple small bottles instead of the larger ones they were used to.
The vaping industry responded with shortfills. These are bottles of nicotine-free e liquid sold in larger sizes, usually 50ml or 100ml. They are deliberately filled short of the top, leaving space to add nicotine shots. This loophole allowed vapers to buy bigger bottles again while still staying within the law, because the shortfill itself does not contain nicotine until the customer adds it.
What makes up a shortfill
A shortfill is simply a bottle of flavoured e liquid without nicotine. It is mixed with the same ingredients as standard vape juice: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), and flavour concentrates. The only difference is that the bottle is not filled all the way to the top, leaving room for nicotine shots.
For example, a 100ml shortfill might be filled with 100ml of liquid but come in a 120ml bottle, giving space for two 10ml nic shots. Once added, the juice is ready to vape with nicotine at your chosen strength.
How to use a shortfill
Using a shortfill is simple and takes just a few steps:
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Remove the cap and nozzle from the bottle.
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Add your nicotine shot or shots, depending on your preferred strength.
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Replace the nozzle and cap securely.
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Shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the nicotine evenly.
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Allow the liquid to sit for a few hours if possible, as this helps flavours blend.
Most vapers use one or two nic shots in a 100ml shortfill. One 18mg nic shot makes the final juice 1.5mg strength, while two shots make it 3mg.
Why vapers choose shortfills
Shortfills have become popular because they are convenient, cost effective, and flexible. Instead of carrying multiple 10ml bottles, you can buy one larger bottle that lasts longer. They also give you the choice of vaping nicotine-free if you prefer, since you can simply use the juice as it is without adding nic shots.
The value is another big benefit. Buying in larger quantities is usually cheaper per ml than smaller bottles. For vapers who go through a lot of juice, shortfills offer significant savings. If you want to explore these options, check out our 100ml vape juice collection where you will find a wide range of flavours.
Common mistakes with shortfills
While shortfills are straightforward, there are a few mistakes to avoid:
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Not shaking the bottle enough after adding nicotine, leading to uneven strength.
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Overfilling the bottle with too many nic shots, which can dilute flavour.
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Forgetting to push the nozzle back in properly, which can cause leaks.
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Adding flavoured nic shots that alter the intended taste.
By keeping these in mind, you can get the best out of your shortfill every time.
Why shortfills are ideal for custom vaping
Shortfills are not just a workaround for TPD rules, they have become a preferred option for many vapers. They let you control nicotine strength, enjoy better value, and experiment with mixing. For those who enjoy tweaking their vape experience, they provide more freedom than pre-mixed 10ml bottles ever could.
If you are new to shortfills and want step by step guidance on how to mix them properly, our 100ml shortfill guide explains everything from nicotine calculation to storage tips.
Our Top Pick: Best Value
SLONK 100ML
£10 With Free Nic Shots Included
If you are looking for the best value in shortfill e liquid, our top recommendation is Slonk by Spartan Juice. Available for just £10 with free nic shots included, it is one of the most affordable options on the market. The Strawberry Laces flavour is a standout, delivering a sweet, nostalgic taste that combines perfectly with smooth vapour production. For vapers who want both quality and savings, this shortfill is hard to beat.
Final thoughts
Shortfill e liquid is a clever solution that emerged from vaping regulations, but it has grown into one of the most popular formats in the industry. By selling larger bottles without nicotine and leaving space for nic shots, shortfills provide flexibility and convenience without breaking the rules.
They are easy to use, more cost effective, and allow vapers to customise their experience. Whether you want nicotine-free vaping or prefer to add your own shots, shortfills make it possible. With so many flavour choices available, they are now the standard for anyone who wants value and control in their vape juice.
After the definition, set your mixing plan with Do You Need Nic Shots with 100ml Vape Juice?. For the legal reason big bottles exist, see Are 100ml Vape Juices Legal in the UK?.