What Is the Difference Between Nic Salts and Shortfills?
A clear breakdown of how nic salts and shortfills differ in strength, volume and convenience and how to decide which fits your vaping style.
The short answer
Nic salts and shortfills are both 50/50 e-liquids built for pod kits but they serve different purposes. Nic salts are small, premixed, ready to vape bottles available up to 20mg, while shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine free base liquid that you mix yourself with separate nic shots, typically reaching around 3mg.
Browse the Imp Jar Nic Salts range
10ml nic salts in disposable inspired flavours. UK made in Maidstone, Kent.
Why the formats exist side by side
Both formats exist because UK regulation caps any bottle already containing nicotine at 10ml, with a maximum strength of 20mg. Nic salts use that full 10ml allowance to deliver a strong, ready to vape liquid. Shortfills take a different route, selling a nicotine free base in a larger bottle so you can add your own 10ml nic shot separately, landing at a much lower finished strength but a far bigger total volume.
Strength versus volume
This is really the core trade off between the two. Nic salts give you higher strength in a small, simple, convenient bottle. Shortfills give you much more liquid at a lower strength, with the extra step of mixing required before use.
Side by side comparison
| Factor | Nic salts | Shortfills |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle size | 10ml, ready to vape | 50ml or 100ml, requires mixing |
| Typical strength | 10mg or 20mg | Approximately 3mg once mixed |
| Best for | Strong, convenient, smaller volume use | Lower strength, larger volume use |
Many vapers use both, keeping a nic salt on hand for convenience and a shortfill at home for everyday refilling.
Common questions about the difference
Which format is cheaper per millilitre?
Shortfills generally work out cheaper per ml, since you are buying liquid in bulk, while nic salts cost more per ml but require no mixing.
Can I use the same device for both?
Yes, since both formats are typically blended at the same 50/50 ratio, suiting the same pod kits and MTL devices.
Which should I choose if I am new to vaping?
Nic salts are often the simplest starting point, since there is no mixing involved and the strength options closely match common smoking habits.
Part of the Imp Jar Nic Salts guides hub
This page is part of our complete Imp Jar Nic Salts guide series. Return to the Imp Jar Nic Salts Guides Hub for the full topic overview. Browse the related guides below.