Shortfill, Longfill, and 10ml: E-Liquid Formats Compared
Anyone getting into vaping will quickly encounter various terms when choosing the right liquid for their e-cigarette. Besides the flavor, the different e-liquid formats play a crucial role in everyday handling. In this article, we examine the characteristics of ready-to-use 10ml liquids, shortfills, and longfills, and explain how to use them correctly.
Ready-to-use 10ml liquids: The direct route
The classic 10ml liquid is the most straightforward method for filling an e-cigarette tank. These bottles are pre-mixed, containing the flavoring, the base liquid, and, if desired, a precisely dosed amount of nicotine. Because they are ready for immediate use, they are particularly suitable for beginners or vapers who prefer not to mix their own. Furthermore, legal regulations in many countries mandate that nicotine-containing liquids may only be sold in bottles with a maximum volume of 10 milliliters, making this format the standard for ready-to-use nicotine liquids.
What is a shortfill liquid?
To offer larger quantities of liquid in a single bottle, the so-called shake and vape principle has been established. But what exactly is a shortfill liquid? It is a larger bottle that is not filled to the brim. A typical example is a 60ml bottle containing 50ml of nicotine-free, yet slightly over-flavored liquid. The empty space in the bottle is intentionally left to provide room for a nicotine shot.
When you add a nicotine shot, the slightly concentrated flavor is diluted to the perfect level. Afterward, the bottle is shaken vigorously (shake), and the liquid is generally ready to be vaped immediately (vape). Those who want to avoid nicotine entirely simply fill the space with pure, nicotine-free base to achieve the optimal flavor intensity.
Longfill liquids: Flexibility and steeping time
Those desiring even more control over their liquid opt for a longfill. A longfill typically consists of a large bottle (often 60ml or 120ml) containing only a small amount of highly concentrated longfill flavor – usually between 10ml and 20ml. Popular examples of such flavors include Antimatter Black Hole or Antimatter Neutrino.
How do you mix longfill liquids? First, you fill the bottle with the desired amount of nicotine shots. Then, you fill the remaining space with your preferred base liquid. Here, you can determine the ratio of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) yourself. VG produces denser vapor, while PG acts as a flavor carrier and promotes liquid flow.
Unlike shake-and-vape systems, longfills require a bit of patience after mixing. The molecular structure of the pure flavoring needs time to fully bond with the more viscous base. This so-called steeping time is essential for full flavor development and varies depending on the variety, usually taking anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
The difference between shortfill and longfill at a glance
The main difference between shortfill and longfill lies in their composition at the time of purchase. The following table summarizes the characteristics:
| Characteristic | Shortfill (Shake and Vape) | Longfill |
|---|---|---|
| Content before mixing | Almost full, over-flavored liquid | Only pure flavor (usually 10-20ml) |
| What needs to be added? | Nicotine shot or pure base (small amount) | Nicotine shots and a lot of base liquid |
| Flexibility with VG/PG ratio | Low (predetermined by the liquid) | High (you choose the base yourself) |
| Steeping time | None or very short (ready to vape immediately) | Yes (often 3 to 14 days) |
Which format is suitable for whom?
Which liquid format you choose depends heavily on your preferences and the hardware used. Users of uncomplicated pod systems or classic reusable e-cigarettes who prefer a tight draw (MTL) frequently opt for 10ml liquids or longfills, as they can adjust the VG/PG ratio to thinner consistencies. Sub-ohm vapers (DL) who consume large quantities of liquid often prefer shortfills because they are affordably available in large volumes and usually already have a high VG content for dense vapor.
Conclusion
Whether it is a ready-to-use 10ml liquid, a practical shortfill, or a customizable longfill – every system has its merits. 10ml liquids offer maximum convenience, shortfills are ideal for quickly utilizing larger quantities, and longfills give the user complete control over the composition of the base and the nicotine strength. The mixing process itself is straightforward for all formats, though longfills require a certain waiting period before the optimal flavor experience is achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between shortfill and longfill?
A shortfill already contains almost the entire amount of liquid (including the base) and only provides space for one or two shots. A longfill, on the other hand, contains exclusively a small amount of pure flavor in a large bottle. With a longfill, you must fill the entire rest of the bottle yourself with base liquid and nicotine shots.
How does the shake and vape principle work?
This principle is used for shortfills. Since the bottle already contains the finished (slightly over-flavored) liquid, you simply add a 10ml nicotine shot or nicotine-free base, close the bottle, and shake it vigorously (shake). The liquid is then immediately ready to be filled into the e-cigarette (vape).
How many nicotine shots are needed for the desired strength in a shortfill?
This depends on the bottle size. For a classic 50ml shortfill in a 60ml bottle, you add a 10ml nicotine shot (with 18 mg/ml nicotine) to ultimately obtain 60ml of liquid with a strength of 3 mg/ml. For 6 mg/ml, you usually need a 120ml bottle containing 100ml, into which you add two shots at 18 mg/ml each.
Why do longfill liquids often require a certain steeping time?
The longfill contains pure flavor concentrate, which inherently is not suitable for vaping straight. After the base liquid (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) has been added, the flavor molecules need time to distribute evenly throughout the viscous liquid. Only through this resting phase can the flavor optimally develop in the tank of the e-cigarette.
