If you’ve just decided you’re going to stop smoking or simply want to get involved in the growing e-cigarette world, how do you know which liquid to choose for your e-cig? 

With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

To help, we’ve listed the important considerations you’ll need to make below: 

When it comes to your e-cig, the most important thing is the flavour it offers you. Get this wrong and it won’t be a very pleasurable experience for you at all. 

For example, if you’re a non-smoker, a tobacco-flavoured liquid might not taste great at all, while others may find menthol ingredients a little too pungent. 

Consider the type of flavour you’d like by listing your top-tasting ingredients, e.g. fruit, mint, sweets and so on. Then, check you can get the flavour you want from the e-cigarette you’re looking at. 

Another important aspect will be the amount of nicotine in the liquid. These can vary according to the supplier but you’ll no doubt want to try a few different types to see which is best for you.

Non-smokers may find higher percentages too strong and may not need any at all. Just check your required flavour comes in that particular strength. 

Often, at the base of an e-liquid is VG (Vegetable Glycerol) or PG (Propylene Glycol) – or a mixture of the two. VG boasts a sweeter taste and is more viscous, which can mean the flavour is muted a little but it will produce a good amount of vapour. In contrast, PG offers you more flavour but the vapour it produces is much weaker. 

Due to these differences, some manufacturers will combine the two to offer great flavour and vapour. The ratio you’ll often find is 40:60. 

However, some people have noticed that they’re allergic to PG, so if you do find yourself having breathing issues, getting hives or itching after smoking an e-liquid with this in it, stop smoking it immediately and switch to VG-based liquids. 

Ultimately, one of the best ways to find the right e-liquid is to try a few different products by whittling them down to several that you think will work for you. For example, you may find brands flavours vary, even if they are based on the same ingredient, e.g. strawberry. This is also the case with nicotine levels, even though they may be advertised as the same strength. 

A lot of physical stores will allow you to try them while you’re there, while a number of online stores will send you tester packs for you to try. We recommend doing this so you can start to see which strengths, flavours and formulas offer you the best vaping experience.