Shortfills (0mg): What They Are & How They Work
Shortfill e-liquids are nicotine-free vape juice bottles that are intentionally filled below their maximum capacity to allow space for nicotine shots (boosters) to be added. They are commonly referred to as “0mg shortfills” because they contain no nicotine at the point of purchase.
This guide explains what shortfills are, how they work, how they are used in DIY mixing, and the key factors users typically consider when exploring nicotine-free e-liquid formats.
What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?
Shortfill e-liquids are larger bottles of nicotine-free vape liquid that are partially filled to leave room for nicotine shots if desired. They are designed as part of a flexible e-liquid system that allows users to customise nicotine strength.
They are commonly used for:
- DIY nicotine mixing
- Nicotine-free vaping
- Custom nicotine strength adjustment
- Large-volume e-liquid usage
Shortfills typically come in larger bottle sizes such as 50ml, 100ml, or more, with extra space left for nicotine additions.
How Shortfills Work
Shortfills are designed to be combined with nicotine shots to create a finished e-liquid.
Basic process:
- Start with a 0mg shortfill bottle
- Add nicotine shots (freebase or salt)
- Close the bottle securely
- Shake thoroughly to mix
- The liquid is then ready for use
The final nicotine strength depends on how many nicotine shots are added.
Why Shortfills Are Used
Shortfills exist to provide flexibility in nicotine strength while simplifying e-liquid purchasing and mixing.
Key advantages:
- No nicotine included initially
- Easy nicotine customization
- Larger volume e-liquid options
- Reduced need for multiple small bottles
- Simple DIY mixing process
They are widely used in modern e-liquid systems.
Types of Shortfills
Shortfills can be grouped by size, formulation, and intended use.
1. Standard Shortfills
These are the most common shortfill formats.
Features:
- Pre-filled with 0mg e-liquid
- Space for nicotine shots
- Available in multiple sizes (e.g., 50ml, 100ml)
- Ready for DIY nicotine mixing
Best For:
- General users who want flexibility
- Everyday e-liquid use
2. High VG Shortfills
These are designed for sub-ohm vaping systems.
Features:
- Higher VG content
- Thick liquid consistency
- Large vapour production
- Smooth inhale profile
Best For:
- Sub-ohm devices
- Direct-to-lung vaping setups
3. Balanced Shortfills
These use more balanced VG/PG ratios.
Features:
- More even flavour and vapour balance
- Thinner than high VG blends
- Better flavour clarity
- More versatile device compatibility
Best For:
- Mixed device usage
- Users wanting balanced performance
4. Flavoured Shortfills
These shortfills are pre-flavoured and require only nicotine addition.
Features:
- Fully developed flavour profiles
- No additional flavouring needed
- Ready-to-mix formulation
- Wide variety of flavour categories
Best For:
- Users who want simple DIY nicotine addition
- Pre-flavoured convenience mixing
Key Features of Shortfills
Shortfill e-liquids are typically characterized by:
Nicotine-Free Base
Sold as 0mg to allow customisation.
Pre-Flavoured Formulation
Designed with complete flavour profiles.
DIY Flexibility
Compatible with nicotine shots for adjustment.
Large Volume Bottles
More liquid per container compared to standard e-liquids.
How Shortfills Are Used in DIY Mixing
Shortfills are a core part of modern DIY nicotine e-liquid systems.
Common use cases:
- Adding nicotine shots to achieve desired strength
- Mixing freebase or nicotine salt boosters
- Customising VG/PG balance (in some formulations)
- Creating larger volume e-liquid batches
They simplify the process of nicotine adjustment compared to traditional small-bottle systems.
Nicotine Strength Calculation in Shortfills
Nicotine strength depends on dilution.
Key factors:
- Size of shortfill bottle
- Strength and volume of nicotine shots
- Number of boosters added
Accurate mixing ensures consistent nicotine levels across batches.
Storage & Handling
Proper storage helps maintain e-liquid quality:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat
- Keep bottles tightly sealed
- Store away from children and pets
- Shake well after adding nicotine
Safety & Usage Considerations
When working with shortfills:
- Do not consume nicotine shots undiluted
- Always mix thoroughly before use
- Use appropriate measuring tools
- Avoid contamination during mixing
- Follow standard DIY e-liquid safety practices
Considerations Before Using Shortfills
When exploring shortfill e-liquids, users typically consider:
- Desired nicotine strength
- Type of nicotine shot used (freebase or salt)
- VG/PG ratio preference
- Device compatibility
- Bottle size requirements
- Flavour intensity and style
Final Thoughts on Shortfills (0mg)
Shortfill e-liquids are a flexible and widely used format in modern vaping, offering nicotine-free base liquids designed for easy customisation with nicotine shots. Available in different VG/PG ratios and flavour styles, they provide a simple way to create tailored nicotine strengths while maintaining larger volume e-liquid options.
Understanding how shortfills work, how nicotine is added, and how ratios affect performance helps users make more informed decisions when building customised e-liquid mixes.
