A Guide About Shortfills

What are shortfills and how do you use them?

Shortfills have become a popular solution for vapers who want more flexibility with their e-liquids and nicotine strengths. In this guide, we answer common questions about shortfills, how to use them, and what you need to know to get the most out of them.

What is a shortfill?

A shortfill is a bottle of e-liquid that comes with extra space for adding nicotine, usually without any nicotine included initially. The name “shortfill” refers to the fact that the bottle is not filled to the top, leaving room for a nicotine shot. This makes shortfills a popular choice for vapers who want to customize their nicotine strength.

Example: A 60 ml shortfill bottle often contains 50 ml of nicotine-free e-liquid, leaving space for a 10 ml nicotine shot.

Why use shortfills?

Shortfills are mainly used because of TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) regulations in the EU, which restrict the sale of e-liquids containing nicotine to bottles of no more than 10 ml. By selling larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, manufacturers and vapers can work around these limitations and add nicotine separately via a nicotine shot.

Benefits of shortfills:

• Flexible nicotine strength: Choose exactly how much nicotine to add, or keep your e-liquid nicotine-free.
• Larger e-liquid volume: Shortfills allow you to buy more e-liquid per bottle than standard 10 ml nicotine bottles.

How do you add a nicotine shot to a shortfill?

Adding a nicotine shot to a shortfill is easy and can be done in just a few steps:

1. Open your shortfill bottle: Remove the cap and, if necessary, the plastic insert inside the bottle.
2. Pour in the nicotine shot: If you have a 60 ml bottle with 50 ml of e-liquid, add a 10 ml nicotine shot.
3. Shake the bottle thoroughly: After adding the nicotine shot, replace the cap and shake the bottle well for at least 1–2 minutes to ensure the nicotine mixes evenly.
4. Let the e-liquid steep (optional): Some vapers prefer to let the shortfill sit for 24–48 hours after adding nicotine to allow the flavors to develop. This isn’t always necessary but can sometimes improve taste.

How much nicotine will I get if I add a nicotine shot?

The nicotine strength depends on how many shots you add and their concentration. Here’s an example:

• A standard nicotine shot of 10 ml usually contains 18 mg of nicotine per ml.
• If you add one 18 mg nicotine shot to 50 ml of nicotine-free e-liquid in a 60 ml bottle, you’ll end up with approximately 3 mg/ml nicotine strength.

Want a higher strength? You can add more shots if the bottle allows or choose a stronger nicotine shot if available.

Can you use shortfills without nicotine?

Yes, shortfills can be used without nicotine if you prefer. Many vapers choose not to add nicotine at all and simply enjoy the flavors. This is especially useful for those who vape for taste or have reduced their nicotine dependence.

What type of nicotine is used in shortfills?

Shortfills themselves are nicotine-free, but you can choose between two types of nicotine when adding a shot:

• Freebase nicotine: The more traditional form, which provides a stronger “throat hit” at higher strengths.
• Nicotine salt (nicsalt): A newer form that absorbs faster and gives a smoother experience, even at higher strengths. Popular among users who want a stronger effect without harshness.

How much e-liquid is in a shortfill bottle?

Shortfill bottles typically come in 60 ml, 100 ml, or 120 ml sizes, but they are never filled to the top. They always leave room for one or more nicotine shots. Here are some common formats:

• 60 ml bottle: Contains 50 ml of e-liquid, space for 1 × 10 ml shot.
• 120 ml bottle: Contains 100 ml of e-liquid, space for 2 × 10 ml shots.

What are the benefits of shortfills compared to regular 10 ml bottles?

Shortfills offer several advantages over smaller 10 ml nicotine-containing bottles:

• More e-liquid: You get a larger amount per bottle, which means fewer refills and fewer bottles to carry.
• Less plastic waste: Using fewer bottles helps reduce plastic use over time.
• Nicotine flexibility: You can easily adjust your nicotine level by adding the amount you prefer.

Are shortfills safe to use?

Yes, shortfills are safe to use as long as they come from trusted and certified manufacturers. As with any e-liquid, be sure to purchase from reputable sellers who guarantee product quality. When handling nicotine shots, be careful and avoid skin contact with pure nicotine, as it can be absorbed through the skin and cause discomfort.