My First Vape: Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Device

Starting with my first vape can be a bit confusing, especially when you're faced with different types, brands, and features. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many beginners feel overwhelmed at first. This blog is here to help you understand what vaping is, how to choose the right device, and how to begin your vaping journey with confidence.

What Is a Vape?

A vape, also known as a vaping device or e-cigarette, is an electronic tool designed to turn a liquid into vapour that you inhale. This liquid, commonly known as e-liquid or vape juice, often contains nicotine, flavourings, and a combination of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). When heated by a small coil inside the device, this liquid becomes vapour that mimics the sensation of smoking.

The idea combines vaping is to offer a less harmful alternative to smoking traditional tobacco. Vaping doesn’t involve burning tobacco or inhaling tar and many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. This makes it an appealing choice for smokers looking to quit or reduce harm. That’s one reason many people consider my first vape a smarter switch than lighting up a cigarette.

Things to Know Before Buying Your First Vape

Before making a purchase, take a few moments to think about why you want to start vaping. Are you trying to quit smoking? Are you just curious about vaping culture? Do you want to control your nicotine intake or simply enjoy flavoured vapour? Your answer will help guide you toward the best device for your needs.

It’s also important to do a little research before jumping in. Understanding the different types of devices, how nicotine strength works, and what kind of maintenance your vape might need can make your experience much smoother. Picking up a device without knowing how it works could lead to frustration or a bad first impression, especially when it comes to my first vape decision.

Know Why You’re Vaping

Everyone starts vaping for different reasons. Some people switch to vaping to quit smoking, while others are looking for a cleaner way to enjoy nicotine. If you’re a heavy smoker, for example, you’ll need a vape that delivers a strong nicotine hit to satisfy your cravings. On the other hand, if you’re only smoking occasionally or socially, a lighter vape may be a better fit.

By knowing your reason for vaping, you can avoid spending money on the wrong type of device or nicotine strength. You’ll also be able to choose flavours and styles that suit your lifestyle better. Understanding this made it much easier for me when choosing my first vape and it’ll help you too.

Understand the Types of Vapes

There are several types of vapes available on the market, and for first-timers, this can get confusing. Each one has its own features and is designed for different types of users. Here's a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your first vape:

Prefilled Pod Kits

These are the easiest and most beginner-friendly devices. Prefilled Pod Kits come pre-filled with e-liquid and have a built-in battery. Once they’re finished, you simply throw them away. There’s no need to charge, refill, or replace any parts. If you're looking for a no-hassle way to start vaping, prefilled pod kits are a good choice, just like I chose one for my first vape.

Pod Kits

Pod kits offer a balance between ease and customisation. They usually come with replaceable pods that can be pre-filled or refillable. Pod systems are compact, stylish, and easy to use. They’re great if you’re ready to move beyond disposables but still want something simple. Most come with draw-activated firing, which means no buttons to press, just inhale and go.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are slightly larger and offer more power than pod kits or prefilled pod kits. These are ideal if you’re planning to stick with vaping longer term and want a device with a bit more control. Most vape pens are refillable, rechargeable, and have adjustable settings to fine-tune your experience.

Best Vape Type for Beginners

For many people trying their first vape, prefilled devices are often the most convenient starting point. They require no setup, are widely available, and are often very affordable. If you're not sure whether vaping is right for you, starting with a prefilled pod kit allows you to test the waters without committing to a full device setup, just like I did with my first vape.

However, if you're already certain that vaping is your long-term solution to quitting smoking, then a pod kit might be the better choice. It’s more economical in the long run, especially since you’ll only need to replace pods or coils rather than entire devices. Pod kits also allow you to experiment with different flavours and nicotine levels, giving you a more personalised experience.

What’s Inside a Vape?

Most vaping devices, regardless of type, share similar components. Understanding these parts can help you get comfortable with how your device works:

● Battery: Powers the device. Prefilled pod kits come with pre-charged batteries, while pod kits and pens have rechargeable ones.

● Coil: A small heating element that turns the e-liquid into vapour. Coils eventually wear out and need replacing in refillable devices.

● Pod or Tank: This holds the e-liquid. In prefilled kits, this is sealed. In pod kits or vape pens, it can often be refilled or replaced.

● E-Liquid: Contains nicotine (or not), flavouring, and a mix of PG/VG. This is what you’re inhaling as vapour.

Learning this gave me the confidence to understand how my first vape worked and what I was actually inhaling.

Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength

Nicotine strength is a key part of your vaping experience, especially if you're trying to match the satisfaction you get from cigarettes. Choosing a nicotine level that’s too low may not satisfy your cravings, while too high could make you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

Here’s a simple guide:

If you’re using prefilled pod kits, most of them come with 20mg (2%) nicotine salts, which are smoother and more suitable for new users. That’s what I chose when I was deciding on my first vape, and it helped with cravings while feeling gentle on the throat.

What Flavours Should You Try?

Flavours can make a big difference when vaping. Unlike cigarettes, which offer limited flavour profiles, vapes come in thousands of delicious options. If you’re trying to move away from tobacco, experimenting with flavours can make the switch easier and more enjoyable.

Some popular flavour categories include:

● Fruit flavours: Mango, Watermelon, Apple, Blueberry

● Menthol/Ice flavours: Mint, Ice Berry, Spearmint

● Tobacco flavours: A familiar taste for ex-smokers

● Dessert and Sweet flavours: Vanilla custard, Lemon tart, Bubblegum

Trying fruity and icy flavours made vaping much more enjoyable when I was using my first vape and it might work for you too.

Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Starting with your first vape doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few mistakes new vapers often make:

● Going too advanced too soon: Avoid buying complex vape mods with advanced settings. Stick to beginner devices.

● Wrong nicotine level: Too much nicotine can cause dizziness, too little may not satisfy your cravings.

● Chain vaping: Taking too many puffs in a row can cause throat irritation.

● Poor quality products: Always buy from trusted brands and retailers to ensure safety.

● Not staying hydrated: Vaping can dry your mouth or throat and drink plenty of water.

Avoiding these mistakes made a huge difference for me when I was learning to use my first vape. You should also study vaping vs smoking before buying your first vape for better understanding.

What to Expect from the First Few Days of Vaping

Your body might take a bit of time to adjust to vaping, especially if you’ve recently stopped smoking. It’s normal to experience mild coughing or dry throat during the first few days. These effects usually go away as your body adapts.

You might also notice improvements in your sense of taste and smell. Many vapers report better breathing and overall wellness after switching from cigarettes. The most important thing is consistency, give it at least a week or two before making any judgments. That’s what helped me stick with my first vape even when it felt slightly odd in the beginning.

Where Can You Buy Your First Vape?

When it’s time to buy your first vape, make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy source. Vape shops, both in-store and online, usually carry genuine products that follow UK safety standards.

One reliable place to explore beginner-friendly options is Vape Deliver offering a wide range of prefilled pod kits, pods and e-liquids, all compliant with UK laws and MHRA guidelines.

Always check product reviews, nicotine levels, and whether a vape is TPD-compliant before purchasing.

Conclusion

Choosing my first vape was one of the best decisions I made when switching from cigarettes. It helped me cut down smoking, enjoy new flavours, and feel more in control of my nicotine intake. For anyone starting their vaping journey, the key is to start simple, stay informed, and be patient with the process.

Whether you go for a disposable vape or a pod kit, remember that every vaper starts somewhere and now you’re ready to begin with confidence.