I’ve lost count of how many times someone’s walked into the shop, looked at the wall of kits and bottles, and said, “I just want something that works – where do I start?” Honestly, I don’t blame them. If you’re buying your first vape kit, the choice out there can feel overwhelming.
So here’s the good news: you really don’t need to spend a fortune, and you don’t need to know your coils from your cotton right away either. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what you actually need (and what you can skip) to get started with vaping - and hopefully save you time, money, and a few rookie mistakes.
Start With Your Goal
Before we even talk about kits, ask yourself: why are you vaping?
- Are you switching from smoking?
- Trying to quit nicotine entirely over time?
- Or just looking for a less harmful alternative?
Your goal helps shape your setup. Most new vapers I speak to are trying to quit smoking, so they need something with a decent nicotine hit and a familiar feel. That usually means a mouth-to-lung (MTL) pod kit, which mimics the draw of a cigarette.
What You Actually Need in Your First Vape Kit
Let’s break it down. Here’s what I’d put in your starter bundle if you came into my shop today:
1. A Refillable Pod Kit (MTL)
This is the core of your setup. Forget the big chunky mods with all the flashing lights—what you want is:
- Compact and easy to carry
- Buttonless or single-button operation
- Reliable flavour
- Affordable coil or pod replacements
Top picks for beginners (as of 2025):
- Uwell Caliburn G3 – Sleek, reliable, great flavour.
-
Vaporesso XROS 4 – Adjustable airflow, excellent battery life.
Prices typically range from £15–£30.
When I switched off disposables, I tried the Caliburn and never looked back. Still recommend it to this day.
2. E-Liquid (Usually Nic Salts)
Now for the fuel. If you’re new to vaping, I always suggest nicotine salts because:
- They give a smooth throat hit
- Absorb into the bloodstream faster (great for cravings)
- Come in higher strengths (10mg or 20mg)
Best to look for:
- 50/50 VG/PG ratio
- Flavours you enjoy (tobacco, menthol, fruit, dessert—you name it)
- Reputable UK brands like Bar Juice, Riot Squad, or Elfliq
You’ll want at least 2–3 bottles to start. These usually cost £3–£5 each, and we offer multibuy deals like 4 for £10.
3. A Spare Pod or Coil
Trust me - you don’t want to be caught out when your coil burns out (and yes, it always happens at the worst time). Having a spare on hand means you can swap and go.
- Some kits come with 2 pods - bonus!
- Otherwise, pick up a pack of coils or pods for around £5–£10
I’ve had regulars come back red-faced saying, “I thought it was broken, but it was just the coil!” – it happens to us all.
4. A Charging Cable (Usually Included)
Most vape kits come with a USB-C cable, but if not, pick one up. Always use a reliable one—cheap knock-offs can charge too slowly or damage the device.
Pro tip: Charge via a wall plug, not a laptop. Safer and faster.
What You Don’t Need (Yet)
There’s a lot of stuff you’ll see on vape sites and shelves—but you probably don’t need any of this as a first-timer:
- Big sub-ohm mods – These are more for hobbyists and cloud chasers.
- High VG e-liquid – Too thick for MTL pods and won’t give you the nicotine hit you need.
- Build-your-own coils – Cool… but save that for later, if ever.
- Loads of different flavours right away – Start simple. You can always experiment once you know what you like.
How Much Does a Beginner Setup Cost?
Here’s a rough breakdown (as of 2025):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pod Kit | £15–£30 |
| 3 x 10ml E-liquids | £10–£12 |
| Spare Pods/Coils | £5–£10 |
| Total (Startup) | £30–£50 |
Compare that to £5–£7 per disposable, and you’ll be saving money within a week or two - plus you're not chucking batteries and plastic in the bin every few days.
Bonus: In-Store vs Online?
I always recommend popping into your local vape shop if you can. You’ll get:
- Hands-on advice
- Help setting up your kit
- Tips on flavours and coil types
- Plus, we love a chat!
But if you’re shopping online, make sure the retailer is UK-based and TPD-compliant, like us!
Final Tips for First-Time Vapers
- Prime your coil: Always let your e-liquid soak in for a few minutes before vaping. Avoids burning the coil straight away.
- Don’t overcharge: Most kits only take an hour or two—unplug once full.
- Stay stocked: Keep a spare bottle of juice and pod in your bag. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Stick with it: The first few days are the hardest—but it gets easier. I’ve had customers come back a year later saying, “Best thing I ever did.”
If you’re standing at the start of your vaping journey - first off, welcome. Whether you’re quitting smoking, cutting down, or just curious, I promise it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Start simple, stick with it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what we're here for.
And if you’ve got questions I haven’t covered here, pop in, drop me a message, or leave a comment. I love hearing from new vapers and helping them find their feet.