How to Choose Your First Starter Kit (Beginner’s Guide)

Here is a beginners guide to choosing your first vape. This blog post will help you choose which type of vape suits your smoking habits. It covers device types, draw styles, battery life, and more. 

Why Choosing the Right Kit Matters

Choosing vaping can be a life-changing step for current smokers trying to quit, but starting with the wrong information can lead to frustration or even failure. There are many different types of devices, liquids and without guidance can make people feel confused, overwhelmed and stressed. 

Your choice of vape kit should reflect your smoking habits, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you’re aiming to reduce cigarette intake or quit completely, selecting the right kit can make the process smoother and more successful. 

What Type of Smoker Are You?



Understanding your smoking pattern can help determine which type of vape starter kit will best suit your nicotine needs and usage habits. 



Light Smokers (1–5 Cigarettes a Day)

• Recommendation: Low-powered pod systems or vape pens with nic salt e-liquids (0mg-3mg) 
• Why: These deliver a smoother throat hit with low vapor production, ideal for casual smokers. 



Moderate Smokers (6–15 Cigarettes a Day)

• Recommendation: Pod systems or refillable pen-style kits with medium nicotine strength (6mg–12mg) 
• Why: Provides satisfying nicotine delivery with enough vapour for a similar feel to smoking. 



Heavy Smokers (16+ Cigarettes a Day)

• Recommendation: High-capacity all-in-one (AIO) kits or pod systems compatible with high-strength nic salts (18–20mg)
• Why: These deliver strong throat hits and can keep up with frequent usage. 

Types of Vape Starter Kits Explained

Vape starter kits come in three main styles, each suited to different preferences and experience levels. 



Pod Systems

• Pros: Compact, easy to use, minimal maintenance 
• Cons: Smaller battery, limited adjustability 



Vape Pens

• Pros: Pen-shaped design, decent battery life, simple refilling 
• Cons: Bulkier than pods, may require more maintenance 

Understanding MTL vs. DTL Vaping

What is Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)?


MTL vaping involves drawing vapour into your mouth first, then inhaling into the lungs—just like smoking a cigarette. It’s the most natural choice for beginners and ex-smokers. 


What is Direct-to-Lung (DTL)?


DTL vaping involves inhaling vapour straight into the lungs. It creates bigger clouds and is better suited for experienced vapers using low-nicotine, high-VG liquids. 


Which is Better for Beginners?


MTL is highly recommended for beginners. It mimics the feeling of smoking and works well with higher nicotine levels.

Battery Life and Charging: What to Know

A vape’s battery determines how long it will last between charges.

Typical Battery Sizes

• Pod systems: 800–1500mAh (full-day use) 
• Vape pens: 1000–1500mAh (full-day use) 

How long a battery lasts, depends heavily on the usage. While for some people, a smaller, 800mAh battery will last the whole day, heavier users might find that they need to charge it more often. 


USB-C vs Micro USB Charging

Modern vapes now include USB-C ports for faster, more efficient charging. It’s worth choosing a kit that supports this. 


Charging Safety Tips

• Use the cable that comes with the device 
• Don’t leave devices charging overnight 
• Avoid charging in extremely hot or cold environments 

E-Liquid Compatibility

Different vape kits work best with specific e-liquid types: 

• Nicotine salts (nic salts): Ideal for pod systems and MTL vaping. Provide a smoother hit and faster nicotine absorption. 
• Freebase nicotine: Suitable for MTL or DTL kits. Offers a stronger throat hit. 



💡 Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth guide to e-liquid types and how to choose the right one.

Budget-Friendly Kits vs Feature-Rich Models



Budget-Friendly Starter Kits (£10–£25)

• Simple pod systems or vape pens 
• Pre-filled or easy-refill pods 
• Great for testing if vaping suits you 



Feature-Rich Kits (£25–£50+)

• Adjustable airflow and wattage 
• Longer lasting battery and multiple coil options 
• More Customisable for personal vaping style 



When to Upgrade

Once you’re comfortable with basic vaping and want longer battery life, bigger clouds, or cost savings, consider upgrading to a refillable, feature-rich device. 

Recommended Starter Kits for Beginners

Key Features to Look for in a Beginner Vape


When selecting your first starter kit, look for these beginner-friendly features that simplify your experience and reduce the chance of frustration: 



Adjustable Airflow

Allows you to control how tight or loose the draw feels. A tighter airflow suits MTL vaping, mimicking the sensation of smoking, while a looser airflow is better for DTL vaping. 



Draw Activation vs Button-Fire

• Draw-activated devices: Simply inhale to activate—ideal for simplicity. 
• Button-fired devices: Press a button to vape—offers more control, often preferred by those with a bit more experience. 



Refillable Pods/Tanks 

Choose kits that use refillable pods or tanks rather than pre-filled ones. These are more economical over time and allow you to experiment with different e-liquids and nicotine strengths.

Refill vs Pre-filled: What’s Better to Start With?

Pre-filled 

• Pros: Easy, low maintenance, no refilling 
• Cons: Expensive over time, not eco-friendly 



Best for: Smokers who want to test vaping without committing. 



Refillable Kits

• Pros: Lower long-term costs, eco-friendly, better flavour 
• Cons: Slight learning curve 



Best for: Smokers ready to quit and save money while gaining flexibility. 

How to Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes


Many beginners face early challenges that can easily be avoided with a little knowledge. 

• Overfilling pods: Always follow the fill line to avoid leaking. 
• Using the wrong e-liquid: Match your e-liquid to your device’s coil resistance (MTL kits = 50/50 VG/PG; DTL kits = 70/30 VG/PG). 
• Ignoring coil priming: Let the e-liquid soak into the coil for 5–10 minutes before vaping to prevent burning it. 
• Spending extra money on kits that aren’t suitable for what you’re trying to achieve: Just because it costs a lot of money, doesn’t make it premium quality or better for giving up smoking. Most people achieve more by choosing a device that is more budget friendly, leaving the expensive kits to hobbyists who have long given up smoking and are using it for more of a habit than relying on nicotine.

Vape Maintenance Tips for Beginners


Keeping your vape clean and functional will improve its performance and extend its life. 


Cleaning Tips

• Wipe connections weekly with a dry cloth 
• Clean tanks or pods with warm water (never submerge the battery) 



When to Change Coils

• Every 1–2 weeks depending on usage 
• Signs of when to change: burnt taste, reduced vapour, spitting or gurgling 



Storage Practices

• Store upright to prevent leaks 
• Keep away from extreme heat or direct sunlight 

Where to Get Help and Learn More



You’re not alone—there’s a wide network of support in the UK for smokers transitioning to vaping. 



Vape Shop Advice



Staff in reputable vape shops, like Vapourium, are trained to help beginners find the right device and e-liquid match. 



NHS Quit Smoking Services



Many NHS services across the UK now recommend vaping as a tool for smoking cessation and even provide free starter kits in certain regions. Visit the NHS Smokefree site for support. 

FAQs About Choosing a Vape Starter Kit



1. What’s the easiest vape for a beginner to use?



Pod systems like the OXVA Xlim or Vaporesso XROS are easy to use and perfect for beginners. 



2. Should I choose a device with adjustable settings?



Not initially. It’s best to start with a simple device, and once you feel confident, explore adjustable features like wattage or airflow. 



3. How much should I spend on a starter kit?



£10–£30 is a good range for a beginner kit. This usually includes everything you need to get started, except e-liquid. 



4. Is it okay to vape indoors?



While legal, always check local policies and be considerate of others. Some venues may restrict vaping. 



5. Do all vapes work with the same e-liquids?



No. MTL devices need 50/50 blends, while DTL vapes require high VG e-liquids like 70/30 blends. 



6. How often do I need to charge my vape?



It depends on battery size and usage. Small pods may need charging once or twice a day, while larger kits can potentially last longer. 

Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice with Confidence



Choosing your first vape starter kit can feel daunting—but with the right information, it becomes an exciting first step toward quitting smoking and improving your health. Start by identifying your smoking habits, then match a device type that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions in vape shops, read reviews, and explore different devices. The right vape kit can make the difference between sticking with your quit journey or slipping back into old habits. 

Make your first-choice count—your journey to becoming smoke-free starts here.