How to Switch from Smoking to Vaping: Starter Kits, Vape Juice Picks & Common Mistakes

5th Dec 2025

There are several reasons why vaping still works as an effective quit smoking tool. Now more than ever, smokers are aware of the continued risks associated with cigarettes. Recent UK reports show that, for the first time, more people now vape than smoke.

Its effectiveness lies in delivering nicotine like smoking, but without tobacco. Because cigarettes also produce carbon monoxide and tar through burning, this is another key reason why people turn to vaping.

Learn how to switch from smoking to vaping with this guide, as we explore the best starter kits, vape juice collections and initial correctable mistakes made by vapers.

Who This Guide is For: This guide is for smokers switching for the first time, those struggling after a failed attempt, and anyone unsure which nicotine strength or kit to choose.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Starter Kit

Switching to vaping is effortless when you choose the right kit. What is good about vaping vs smoking is that there are more choices available to help you cut down on nicotine. Focusing on delivery, ease of use and familiarity, devices are designed to transition effectively. Which one you pick can vary depending on what you prefer. Below are the key devices to choose from:

Cigalikes – The quintessential starter vape kit for quitting smoking. Closest in resemblance to a cigarette, they are shorter in battery capacity due to their size. However, they offer as a compromise the tightest MTL-cigarette-like draw. Examples like the Vsavi Cigalike have helped many smokers switch thanks to the wide range of tobacco and menthol flavours available.
Big Puff Vapes – The next step for many after disposable vapes. From familiar brands such as Pyne Pod, Hayati, Elf Bar and IVG, big puff vapes offer more vape juice per kit and a rechargeable device. Available in 20mg nic salts and sometimes 10mg, this is a smart value option to move on from smoking or disposables. Bear in mind they are prefilled devices, and can be replenished with prefilled packs, but not customised with any vape juice.
Pod Kits – Pod kits are a popular choice with new vapers because they are slim, lightweight, rechargeable and can be refilled or prefilled with a variety of vape juices. Available from anywhere between £5-40, prices vary based on features available, design and brand reliability.
Vape Mods – The last type of device offers complete customisation, from airflow control to enhanced adjustable power. Different options are available with refillable tanks or pods, with screens and adjustable airflow or temperature control.

Top Three Kits to Consider

Vsavi Starter Kit

Why it’s good for smokers – Tobacco and menthol flavoured cartridges combined with an uncanny design that looks just like a cigarette, help to switch habits.
Maintenance cost – Batteries should last months and are replaceable in two sizes, standard and long. Coils are installed inside each cartridge.
Pod/cartridge cost – Cartridges are available at different prices, with savings as you go up in bundle size, starting from £10.75 for a pack of five.
Nicotine strengths available – There are four nicotine strengths available, starting with the highest (1.8%), medium ranges – 1.2% and 0.6% - as well as 0%.

Xeo Void

Why it’s good for smokers – Smokers like devices with options such as the Void. It can help them decide what vape style, cloud production, power output and throat-hit they like.
Maintenance cost – With each kit, you get two coil heads (one 0.6 Ohm and one 1.0 Ohm), so maintenance is kept to a minimum. The device has a rechargeable 1500mAh battery.
Pod/cartridge cost – The Void has a refillable tank built into the top of the battery. Two mouthpieces mean you only need to buy replacement Void coils.
Nicotine strengths available – Because of the two resistance options, there are a variety of nic salts, high PG vape juice or 50/50 options that work with the device, as well as 100% VG.

Pyne Pod Click 50K

Why it’s good for smokers – Those wanting to move on from disposables (which kicked off the fruit rage) or seeking more than just tobacco cigarette flavours love Pyne Pod.
Maintenance cost – These devices are longer-lasting than Pyne Pod disposables, thanks to the rechargeable 750mAh battery.
Pod/cartridge cost – An important aspect of big puff vapes like the Click 50K is replacement pod packs (containing refill containers). This means you can keep the device running as and when you need it.
Nicotine strengths available – With Pyne Pod Click 50K, the flavours are popular with many vapers, but unfortunately, it is only available in 20mg nic salts. Great for heavy smoking habits, but Vsavi Cartridges offer three times more nicotine options and zero nicotine.

Step 2: Picking the Right Nicotine Strength

Match Strength to Your Smoking Habit

Another important step to take is understanding how to choose nicotine strength to match your habits. How many cigarettes did you smoke per day previously? Here is a quick breakdown to help you find your ideal vape strength:

Heavy smokers (20+ per day): 18mg / 20mg
Medium smokers (10–20 per day): 10–12mg
Light/occasional smokers: 3–6mg
Zero nicotine: for habit-only vaping

Freebase vs Nic Salts

Will you go with freebase nicotine vaping or nic salts? The type of vape juice you pick depends on your preference – stronger or smoother throat hit.

A nic salt satisfies nicotine cravings quicker due to entering the bloodstream at a quicker rate. In contrast, freebase is a slower but steadier release of nicotine in the system.

For a stronger throat hit to mimic smoking, pick a freebase vape. If you want a smoother vape that is less intense on the throat, go for a nic salt.

Here are three popular V2 Cigs UK flavours that new switchers often start with:

SHOP FREEBASE

SHOP NIC SALTS

Step 3: Choose Vape Juice Flavours That Help You Transition

Just as important as finding the nicotine strength and type for the perfect vape is the flavour profile. There are hundreds of flavour combinations to explore, whether that is tobacco with fruit, your favourite dessert or menthol selection.

For classic vaping, consider tobacco blends, which range from red tobacco to sweeter variants that combine tobacco with vanilla or caramel notes.

Or do you prefer a vape with a cooling experience? Those who love the inhalation and exhalation of menthol vape juice. Particularly those who used to smoke menthol cigarettes. This is sometimes a key reason why some smokers can quit and move to vaping.

In more recent times, we have seen the rise of simple fruit vape flavours, such as lemon lime or strawberry watermelon. Combinations that offer a sweet alternative to tobacco cigarettes. To regain the sense of taste and reduce nicotine intake.

Step 4: Set Realistic Expectations (What the First Week Looks Like)

Vaping nicotine is not recommended for anyone who does not smoke. The first week of vaping will feel different to smoking, which can be influenced by the setup. Due to the nature of vaping, initially, you may feel:

A cough during the first few days
Dry mouth
Dehydration
Craving spikes

All of this is normal and can be managed by less frequent puffs, with enough space in between each vape as and when needed, with plenty of water too to help with any feeling of dry mouth.

Extra tips include:

Always keep a spare pod/cartridge.
Start with higher nicotine and step down later.
Avoid chasing big clouds — stick to MTL kits first.

Common Mistakes New Vapers Make

Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Device

A common issue with new vapers who have switched from smoking but struggled on the first attempt was picking the wrong device. It can go one of two ways. Selecting a technologically advanced device with too many features may overwhelm or confuse.

At the other end of the spectrum, some vapers need a higher strength of nicotine and power but don’t find it working right with their first kit, which can lead to dual use.

The key is finding the balance and choosing the device that works for you to prevent a smoking relapse.

Mistake 2: Picking Nicotine Strength That’s Too Low

It is important to match the nicotine strength with your previous smoking habits. This not only helps to keep cravings at bay but also ensures no relapse due to a strength that is too low.

Mistake 3: Buying Flavours You Don’t Like

Flavour variation is a key decision for smokers who want not only to stop inhaling tobacco but also to experience different flavours. Therefore, choosing the right flavour is vital. Reading reviews to understand flavours from different vape brands can help you whittle down to find your favourite and avoid flavours you don’t like, whether that is dessert, fruit or tobacco blends with sweeter notes.

Mistake 4: Not Replacing Coils/Pods Soon Enough

One of the most frustrating pain points for new vapers is discovering that burnt taste when puffing on your favourite flavour. This happens when the pod or coil is not swapped soon enough. To always keep consistently good flavour, coils need to be replaced once the flavour starts to diminish. Doing so early maintains the device and keeps the flavour at an optimum level, preventing a smoking relapse.

Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes for Early Problems

Vape leaking? There can be several causes for leaking vapes, from old coils and bad priming of vapes before using to overfilled pods and tanks. To fix, blow out any excess vape juice, keep all parts screw tight, use the correct vape juice for your tank and change the coils regularly.
Not getting enough throat hit? You may not be vaping at the correct nicotine strength. Or it could be that you have only used nic salts previously. Try freebase classic nicotine instead, which gives a stronger throat hit. Vsavi Platinum is an excellent example of higher PG freebase vaping, available in strengths as high as 18mg.
Still craving cigarettes? Use the highest strength of nicotine salts at 20mg if you were a heavy smoker, or opt for a tighter MTL draw vape kit, from a cigalike or a narrow mouthpiece vape pen.

Final Tips: How to Stay Smoke-Free

Keep your vape charged
Have backup pods
Try gradual nicotine reduction after 4–6 weeks
Join UK vaping communities for support, reading in Reddit vape forums, as well as the latest news and reviews from our blogs.

Conclusion

Giving up smoking with a successful switch to vaping is no easy feat. It can take trial and error alongside patience to find the right setup that works. The goal is to reduce your nicotine levels so you can gradually give up the addictive habit.

Vaping offers one of the smoothest transitional tools to put down cigarettes. With the best vape kits for smokers to match smoking habits, vape juice at the right strength and flavour, in addition to support from your network and community, vaping can help you lead a tobacco-free life.

It is a cost-effective and customisable approach to smoke-free living each day. If you’re unsure where to start, our team can recommend the best vape kit or vape juice based on your smoking habits — visit our contact us page.

FAQs

How long does it take to switch fully?

This varies between individuals. Some can quit smoking instantly with a quick switch because they naturally find the right device and vape juice to match. Others can take months or a few relapses before switching fully. Read this NHS guide for further information and tips to help you quit smoking for good.

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

For those who smoke on a regular basis, vaping helps to save significantly, as well as remove tobacco inhalation from their lives. On average, a pack of 20 cigarettes cost between £15 and £17, depending on the brand, which is only increasing after the latest Budget announcement.

With vaping, you can buy a starter kit including a pack of cartridges or a vape juice for as low as £19.99, which will last considerably longer.

Should I use nic salts or standard vape juice?

For a smoother vape or a maximum 20mg strength, you will want a nic salt vape juice. In contrast, if you like a traditional cigarette draw that is tighter with a stronger throat hit, a classic MTL vape juice with freebase nicotine is the preferred option.