In the dynamic world of vaping, choosing the best e-liquid is as crucial as selecting the right device. The e-liquid, or vape juice, determines not only the flavor and vapor production, but also your overall satisfaction with the vaping experience. Whether you're a former smoker seeking a satisfying nicotine hit or a flavor enthusiast exploring sweet, dessert-inspired clouds, your choice of e-liquid can make or break your vape session.

With countless flavors, nicotine strengths, VG/PG ratios, and brands on the market, making the right choice can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about e-liquids—from what they’re made of to how to choose the best one for your needs.

What is E-Liquid?

E-juice is vape juice or vape liquid. It contains three main ingredients: vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and flavorings. Some types contain nicotine, though nicotine-free options are widely available.

Types of E-liquid in Decoding the PG/VG Balancing Act

Every e-juice juggles two things: PG and VG. PG is thinner and provides a throat hit similar to cigarettes, while VG is thicker and creates larger vapor clouds. Understanding their ratio is crucial:

• High VG: These clouds-on-demand e-liquids (80% VG or more) create impressive vapor, deliver a strong throat hit, and require powerful devices.
• High PG: These throat-hit champions (70% PG or more) offer a sensation familiar to smokers and produce smaller clouds.
• Balanced: A 50/50 PG/VG blend is a safe bet for most devices, offering a moderate throat hit and decent vapor production.

Recommended E-Liquid Brands

Here are a few top-rated e-liquids to consider:

• Naked 100 – Lava Flow (Tropical blend, 70VG/30PG)

• Dinner Lady – Lemon Tart (Dessert classic, 70VG/30PG)

• Nasty Juice – Slow Blow (Pineapple lemonade, 70VG/30PG)

• IVG Salts – Blue Raspberry Ice (Salt Nic, perfect for pods)

• Twelve Monkeys – Kanzi (Fruity explosion, high VG)

• Riot Squad – Pure Minted (Icy, sharp, ideal for ex-smokers)

 Specifications of E-Liquid

Here are the core specifications to understand when evaluating or purchasing an e-liquid:

1. VG/PG Ratio (Vegetable Glycerin / Propylene Glycol)

• High VG (70VG/30PG or 80VG/20PG): Thicker juice, more vapor, smoother inhale, less throat hit. Great for sub-ohm and cloud chasing.

• High PG (50PG/50VG or 70PG/30VG): Stronger flavor and throat hit, thinner juice. Ideal for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping and beginners.

2. Nicotine Strength

• 0mg – For non-nicotine vapers

• 3mg–6mg – Low to moderate nicotine, ideal for DTL (direct-to-lung) vapers

• 12mg–18mg+ – High nicotine, best for ex-smokers and MTL vapes

• Salt Nicotine – Smoother throat hit even at high strengths (20mg+), faster absorption

3. Bottle Size

• Ranges from 10ml (TDP compliant in UK/EU) to 60ml, 100ml, 120ml for larger shortfills

• Shortfills: Large bottles with no nicotine; user adds nicotine shots manually

4. Flavor Profiles

• Fruity: Mango, strawberry, watermelon

• Dessert: Vanilla custard, donut, cheesecake

• Menthol/Ice: Cool hit with or without mint

• Tobacco: Classic flavor for ex-smokers

• Drink-Inspired: Cola, coffee, energy drink

Why Choose the Best E-Liquid

Choosing the right e-liquid affects every part of your vaping experience. Here’s why it matters:

• Flavor Satisfaction: A high-quality e-liquid delivers rich, consistent flavor without artificial aftertaste.

• Nicotine Control: Lets you taper off nicotine or stay at a comfortable level.

• Device Longevity: Poor-quality e-liquids can gunk up coils and reduce your vape’s lifespan.

• Smooth Inhale: Well-balanced PG/VG ensures no harshness or throat burn.

• Value for Money: Premium e-liquids may cost more but last longer and reduce device wear.

How to Use E-Liquid

Using e-liquid properly ensures better flavor and coil life. Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Usage:

1. Check your device type – MTL or DTL? Choose suitable VG/PG ratio accordingly.

2. Fill your tank or pod – Open the fill port and pour slowly. Avoid overfilling.

3. Prime your coil – For new coils, drop a few drops of e-liquid directly on the coil cotton and wait 5–10 minutes after filling.

4. Set wattage appropriately – Match it to your coil resistance for optimal vapor and taste.

5. Inhale gently – Especially with salt nic or high PG juices, a slow, mouth-to-lung puff is ideal.

Buying Tips for E-Liquid

When shopping for your ideal vape juice, keep these points in mind:

✅ Brand Reputation

• Choose from well-known brands like Naked 100, Dinner Lady, Nasty Juice, IVG, Riot Squad, Pacha Mama, or Twelve Monkeys for reliability and safety.

✅ Check Ingredients

• Look for USP-grade VG/PG and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine. Avoid juices with unknown sweeteners or oils.

✅ Read Reviews

• User feedback can reveal hidden pros and cons, like if a flavor burns coils quickly or tastes different over time.

✅ Start Small

• Buy 10ml testers before committing to 60ml or larger bottles.

✅ Match to Device

• Don’t use high-VG liquids in pod systems—they may struggle to wick and burn the coil.

Pros of High-Quality E-Liquids

• ✅ Smooth and consistent flavor

• ✅ Balanced throat hit

• ✅ High vapor production (with VG-heavy juices)

• ✅ Cleaner burning—less coil gunk

• ✅ Wide range of flavors and strengths

• ✅ Better satisfaction per puff

• ✅ Often compliant with safety standards (TPD or FDA where applicable)

Cons of E-Liquids

• ❌ Premium brands can be pricey

• ❌ Trial and error required to find the perfect flavor

• ❌ Some dessert flavors can gunk coils faster

• ❌ Limited availability of certain flavors in regulated countries

• ❌ Salt nicotine can be too strong for new users if misused

FAQ – Best E-Liquid Guide

Q1: What’s the best e-liquid for quitting smoking?

A: Start with a tobacco or menthol flavor in 12–18mg nicotine or salt nic (20mg). Look for brands like JUUL, RELX, or Vuse.

Q2: Can I mix different e-liquids?

A: Yes, but stick to similar VG/PG ratios and flavors. Don’t mix freebase with salt nicotine.

Q3: How long does a bottle of e-liquid last?

A: A 10ml bottle may last 1–3 days for moderate users. A 60ml bottle can last up to 2 weeks depending on usage.

Q4: Can e-liquid expire?

A: Yes. Most have a shelf life of 1–2 years. Check for changes in color, smell, or separation before using.

Q5: Is high VG better than high PG?

A: Not necessarily. High VG gives more vapor, while high PG offers stronger flavor and throat hit. Match it to your preference and device.

Conclusion

Choosing the best e-liquid isn’t just about flavor—it’s about enhancing your entire vaping experience. A good e-liquid offers consistent taste, smooth throat hit, suitable nicotine levels, and compatibility with your device. Whether you’re a cloud chaser or looking to quit cigarettes, the right e-liquid makes all the difference.

Start small, experiment wisely, and invest in reputable brands to ensure satisfaction and safety. Remember, a top-notch device is only as good as the juice you put in it.