The Best Vape Kits for Heavy Smokers

Our expert guide to the kits and e-liquids best suited for vapers who prefer high-nicotine strengths. 

For an adult vaper with a history of heavy smoking, finding a device that provides the right level of nicotine satisfaction is the most important first step. With so many devices available, it’s easy to make a mistake and choose a kit that doesn't deliver the experience you’re looking for. 

This guide will explain the three key components to look for: the right kit, the right e-liquid, and the right nicotine strength. Understanding this combination is the key to a satisfying vaping experience. 

Please Note: This guide is for informational purposes for adult smokers. Vaping products are nicotine-containing products and are not licensed as cessation tools in the UK. We make no health or quit-smoking claims. 

Key Takeaways 

• The best pairing is a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Pod Kit and a high-nicotine e-liquid. 
• For smooth, fast satisfaction, choose 20mg Nicotine Salts. 
• For a balanced experience, choose 12mg or 18mg 50/50 E-Liquids. 
• For a tactile "throat hit" (most similar to smoking), choose 12mg or 18mg High-PG E-Liquids. 
• Avoid Sub-Ohm ("cloud-chasing") kits, as they are not designed for high-nicotine e-liquids and will be unpleasantly harsh. 

The Kit: Why You Need a "Mouth-to-Lung" (MTL) Device

The first and most important choice is the device itself. You must choose a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) kit.

MTL is a style of inhaling where you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This is the same way one smokes a cigarette and is the ideal starting point. MTL kits are low-powered and use coils with a higher resistance (e.g., 0.8ohm or 1.2ohm).

Crucially, this low-power design is made to work perfectly with the high-nicotine e-liquids that provide a satisfying experience. The best and simplest MTL devices are Pod Vape Kits. We recommend simple, beginner-friendly Starter Vape Kits that have no complicated settings. 

The E-Liquid: Your Three Main Choices for Satisfaction

Once you have your MTL kit, you need to choose the e-liquid. Your choice of e-liquid will define the sensation of your vape. 

Option 1: Nicotine Salts (20mg)

The Sensation: Smooth, fast-acting satisfaction with a minimal throat hit. 

Who it's for: This is the most popular choice for new users. Nicotine Salts are absorbed by the body quickly, providing immediate satisfaction, and the 20mg strength (the UK legal limit) is smooth and not harsh. This is the same type of e-liquid used in Prefilled Pod Kits. 

Shop Here: Nic Salts E-Liquid 

Option 2: 50/50 E-Liquids (12mg - 18mg) 

The Sensation: A balanced "best of both worlds" approach. You get good flavour, discreet vapour, and a mild throat hit. 

Who it's for: A perfect starting point if you're unsure what sensation you'll prefer. A 12mg or 18mg 50/50 e-liquid offers a noticeable, but not intense, physical sensation on the inhale. 

Shop Here: 50/50 E-Liquids 

Option 3: High-PG E-Liquids (12mg - 18mg) 

The Sensation: A sharp, crisp, and pronounced "throat hit" that most closely mimics the tactile sensation of smoking. 

Who it's for: Users who find Nicotine Salts "too smooth" or unsatisfying. If you are looking for a robust, physical sensation with each puff, a high-PG (Propylene Glycol) e-liquid is the ideal choice. 

Shop Here: High-PG E-Liquids 

What to Avoid: Sub-Ohm ("Cloud") Kits

This is the number one mistake new users make. It is tempting to buy a large, powerful "Sub-Ohm" or "DTL" (Direct-to-Lung) kit that produces big clouds. 

These kits are not suitable for high-nicotine e-liquids. They are designed to be used with thick, High-VG E-Liquid (usually Shortfills) at a very low nicotine strength (typically 3mg). 

If you use 18mg or 20mg e-liquid in a high-wattage sub-ohm kit, the experience will be overwhelmingly harsh and unpleasant. For high-nicotine satisfaction, you must stick with a low-powered MTL pod kit.