What Is Shortfill Vape Juice? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever browsed e-liquids and spotted bottles marked “shortfill”, you’re not alone in wondering what they are. For many new and experienced vapers in the UK, shortfill vape juice has become the go-to format for flavour, flexibility, and value. But what exactly does “shortfill” mean, and why do so many vapers prefer it?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from how shortfills came about to how to use them properly. By the end, you’ll know whether shortfills are right for you and how DRZL’s UK-made range can help you get started.

What Does “Shortfill” Mean?

The name gives it away: a shortfill is a bottle of e-liquid that’s been filled slightly short of the top. Typically, you’ll find 50ml of flavoured, nicotine-free liquid in a 60ml bottle, leaving space to add a 10ml nicotine shot if you want.

That small gap is what makes shortfills so versatile. You can choose whether to vape them nicotine-free or add nic shots to create a mix that suits your strength preference. For instance, adding one standard 10ml shot of 18mg nicotine to a 50ml shortfill produces 60ml of liquid at roughly 3mg strength, perfect for sub-ohm vaping.

This simple design lets vapers enjoy large bottles, rich flavours, and full control over nicotine levels, without being limited by pre-mixed options.

The Legal Background – Why Shortfills Exist

To understand why shortfills were created, we have to go back to 2016, when the EU introduced the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). These regulations restricted the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids to bottles no larger than 10ml. The intention was to ensure safety, traceability, and consistency across the vaping industry.

While the rules made sense from a safety standpoint, they created a practical problem for vapers. Those who used sub-ohm devices and vaped larger volumes suddenly found themselves needing several small bottles to get through a week, inconvenient, wasteful, and more expensive.

Manufacturers responded with an elegant solution: nicotine-free shortfill e-liquids. Because these contain no nicotine, they fall outside the 10ml restriction. Vapers can then add their own nic shots at home, staying within the law while enjoying the convenience of larger bottles. It’s a simple workaround that keeps vaping practical without compromising on safety.

How to Use Shortfill Vape Juice

Mixing a shortfill might sound daunting at first, but it’s very straightforward once you’ve done it once. Start by choosing your favourite flavour and bottle size. DRZL shortfills are available in both 50ml and 100ml formats, giving you the flexibility to experiment.

If you want to add nicotine, remove the cap and squeeze in your nic shot. One 10ml bottle of 18mg nicotine added to a 50ml shortfill creates a 3mg mix, while two shots added to a 100ml bottle will produce the same strength across a larger volume.

Once you’ve added your nicotine, replace the cap securely and give the bottle a good shake for about a minute. This ensures the nicotine blends evenly throughout the liquid. Many vapers like to leave their shortfill to “steep” for a few days, especially with dessert or custard flavours, as this allows the flavour to settle and deepen.

Finally, make sure to label your bottle if you’ve added nicotine, and store it somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Keeping your e-liquids out of direct sunlight helps preserve flavour and quality over time.

Who Are Shortfills Best For?

Shortfills are designed primarily for sub-ohm or direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers, those who use more powerful devices, inhale directly, and prefer large clouds and bold flavours. They’re ideal for vapers who want to customise their nicotine strength, reduce their cost per millilitre, and enjoy smoother, high-VG juices that produce thick vapour.

If you’re a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaper who prefers stronger nicotine and tighter draws, shortfills might not be the best fit. Their thicker consistency (usually around 70% VG) can be too heavy for smaller pod or pen-style devices. But for anyone using a sub-ohm setup, shortfills offer exactly the kind of flavour performance and flexibility you’re looking for.

The Pros and Cons of Shortfills

The main appeal of shortfills is freedom. They give you full control over your nicotine strength and flavour mix, while delivering more juice for your money. Larger bottles also mean fewer refills and less plastic waste, a small but appreciated bonus for regular vapers.

However, shortfills do require a bit of effort. You’ll need to add your own nicotine and shake the bottle properly before vaping, which can get messy if you rush it. And because the liquid is thicker, it’s not ideal for every type of device. Still, for most sub-ohm users, those small trade-offs are well worth the benefits.

Common Mistakes When Using Shortfills

The process of mixing shortfills is easy to master, but a few common mistakes can spoil the experience. The most frequent issue is failing to shake the bottle enough after adding nicotine, which can lead to uneven strength and flavour. Giving it a solid shake for at least 30 seconds ensures the blend is consistent.

Another mistake is using the wrong amount of nicotine. Adding too much will dilute the flavour and increase the throat hit, while too little might not satisfy your cravings. For sub-ohm vaping, 3mg is generally the sweet spot.

Many vapers also overlook steeping, but it can make a big difference, especially for creamy or dessert-inspired juices. A few days of patience can turn a decent flavour into a great one. Finally, don’t forget about storage; sunlight, heat, and air exposure can degrade both nicotine and flavour, so keeping your shortfills sealed and out of light is essential.

Why Choose DRZL Shortfills?

DRZL’s shortfill range brings everything vapers love about this format into one place: bold flavour, reliable quality, and unbeatable value. Every bottle is manufactured in the UK, crafted with care under strict quality controls, and designed for the best possible sub-ohm experience.

Each DRZL shortfill is available in 50ml or 100ml formats, allowing you to mix your nicotine exactly as you like it. The collection covers a broad range of flavour profiles, from sharp, tangy fruits to rich desserts, each one balanced for smoothness and consistency. DRZL bottles are filled short; you can easily add nic shots without wasting space or losing flavour intensity. Discover our DRZL Classics or Premium E-liquid range.

For those who vape regularly, DRZL’s multi-pack bundles offer outstanding value, giving you more of your favourite flavours for less. Whether you’re a long-time sub-ohm vaper or just making the move from pre-mixed liquids, DRZL shortfills deliver premium performance without the premium price tag.