How to Choose Your First Vape Kit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Choosing your first vape kit can feel overwhelming, especially with the huge range of vape kits, starter kits, pod systems, e-liquids, disposable alternatives and advanced vape devices available today. Whether you're switching from traditional cigarettes or simply exploring vaping as a safer and cleaner alternative, this in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

As one of the leading vape store online UK options, EcoSmok offers a wide variety of beginner-friendly vape kits, vape pods, starter kits, MTL devices, DTL devices and high-quality e-liquids. If you're new to vaping, this guide will help you understand different styles of vaping, how to pick the right device, which e-liquids work best, and what you should consider before making your first purchase.

Understanding the Basics of Vaping

Before choosing your first vape kit, it’s important to understand the difference between key vaping styles. Your preferred vaping method will greatly influence the type of vape device you should buy. At EcoSmok, you can find a full selection of vape kits and starter kits suitable for both new users and experienced vapers.

Mouth to Lung (MTL) Vaping – Ideal for Beginners

Mouth to Lung (MTL) vaping is the most common method used by beginners and former smokers. It closely replicates the sensation of smoking a cigarette. With MTL vaping, you first inhale the vapour into your mouth before drawing it into your lungs. This makes the experience feel familiar, comfortable and intuitive—especially for those transitioning away from cigarettes.

MTL vaping offers several key benefits:

• A similar sensation to cigarette smoking – perfect for new vapers
• Smoother throat hit with balanced vapour intake
• Enhanced flavour because vapour rests in the mouth before inhalation
• Lower e-liquid consumption, helping coils last longer
• Compatible with 50/50 e-liquids and nic salt e-liquids

Most MTL vape kits are compact, lightweight and very easy to use—making them perfect for beginners. Many beginner-friendly devices available at EcoSmok are specifically designed to simplify the transition from smoking to vaping.

Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping – For Bigger Clouds & Stronger Performance

Direct to Lung (DTL) vaping is a different style preferred by more advanced users. Instead of holding vapour in the mouth, you inhale it directly into the lungs—similar to taking a big, deep breath. This allows for much larger vapour clouds and more powerful flavour delivery.

Benefits of DTL vaping include:

• Massive vapour production compared to MTL kits
• Stronger nicotine delivery when using lower-strength e-liquids
• Airier, smoother inhale with less restriction
• Warmer, thicker clouds ideal for cloud chasing

DTL vape kits usually require more power, meaning they tend to be larger and feature high-capacity batteries or multiple lithium-ion cells. These devices are perfect for users who want a more intense, performance-driven vape experience.

If you think DTL vaping suits your preference, you’ll find a wide range of suitable vape kits from EcoSmok.

Choosing Your First Vape Kit – What Beginners Should Know

As a beginner, your primary goal is likely to find a vape kit that is simple, reliable, easy to maintain, and satisfying enough to help you avoid cigarettes. Many users prefer starting with MTL devices before exploring pod kits or advanced sub-ohm systems. One of the most recommended vape kits for beginners is the famous Innokin Endura T18e.

The Best Starter Kit for New Vapers: Innokin Endura T18e

The Innokin Endura T18e Kit has earned a reputation as one of the most user-friendly starter kits ever created. Its pen-style design, long-lasting 1000mAh battery, simple operation and excellent reliability make it perfect for anyone switching from smoking to vaping.

You can buy the Innokin Endura T18e Vape Pen Starter Kit directly from EcoSmok via this link:
Innokin Endura T18e Starter Kit – Shop Now

This vape kit offers exceptional performance with 50/50 e-liquids and is highly recommended for new vapers who need a consistent, cigarette-like experience. It also uses a tank designed specifically for MTL vaping, giving you smooth hits and strong flavour.

Exploring Vape Pod Kits – Modern, Convenient & Beginner-Friendly

Vape pod kits have quickly become one of the most popular choices among both new and experienced vapers. They are lightweight, portable, easy to use and require minimal maintenance. Pod kits are perfect for e-liquids like nic salts and 50/50 blends, offering a smooth, high-nicotine experience without harshness.

Why many beginners choose pod kits from EcoSmok:

• Simple plug-and-play design
• Compact size for easy pocket carrying
• Low e-liquid consumption
• Suitable for higher nicotine strengths
• Ideal as disposable vape alternatives

To browse high-quality, reliable pod kits, visit:
Vape Kits & Pod Kits – EcoSmok Collection

Popular Pod Systems – Drag S & Drag X

The Voopoo Drag series includes two popular pod kits that are excellent for beginners and intermediate vapers:

• Voopoo Drag S – 5–60W output, built-in battery, bottom-filled pods
• Voopoo Drag X – 5–80W, bottom-filled pods, replaceable 18650 battery

Both are excellent for users who want performance, flavour and ease of use in one compact pod-style vape kit. These pod kits pair exceptionally well with nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids.

Which E-Liquid Should You Choose for Your First Vape Kit?

Your vape kit will determine which type of e-liquid you should use. Choosing the wrong e-liquid ratio can affect flavour, cloud production, coil lifespan and overall vaping satisfaction.

50/50 E-Liquids – The Best Choice for Beginners

If you're using an MTL vape kit or pod system, 50/50 e-liquids are the perfect choice. They provide:

• Balanced vapour production
• Smooth and satisfying throat hit
• Better coil longevity
• Excellent flavour clarity

Browse premium-quality 50/50 e-liquids from EcoSmok here:
Shop 50/50 E-Liquids

Nic Salt E-Liquids – Smooth & High Nicotine

Nicotine salt e-liquids, commonly known as nic salts, offer a smoother inhale even at higher nicotine strengths. They are perfect for former smokers who want a fast, satisfying nicotine hit without harshness.

Benefits of nic salts:

• Smoother throat feel at high nicotine levels
• Faster nicotine absorption
• Perfect for pod systems & MTL devices

Shop nic salts here:
Nic Salt E-Liquids – EcoSmok

How to Match Your E-Liquid to Your Vape Kit

Pairing your vape kit with the correct e-liquid is essential for the best vaping experience. New vapers often make the mistake of choosing the wrong liquid, which leads to burnt coils, weak flavour or harsh throat hits. Here’s how to choose correctly:

• MTL kits + 50/50 e-liquids – best flavour and a familiar cigarette-like experience
• Pod kits + nic salts – smooth and satisfying hits for heavy smokers
• DTL kits + high-VG e-liquids – large clouds and richer vapour

When you shop at EcoSmok, each product includes guidance on which e-liquids match the device, making it easier to find the perfect starter setup.

Disposable Alternatives – Why Switching to a Starter Kit Is Better

Many beginners start with disposable vapes due to convenience, but they soon discover that disposable vapes are costly, wasteful and limited in flavour selection. Switching to a proper vape kit—such as a pod system or starter kit—is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Benefits of switching from disposables to a refillable vape kit:

• Much cheaper long-term
• Better flavour options
• Reusable and eco-friendly
• More consistent performance
• Customisable nicotine strengths

Many new users choose pod kits from EcoSmok as a reliable, affordable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable vapes.

Battery Life, Safety & Durability – What Beginners Should Consider

When buying your first vape kit, battery life and safety are important factors. Beginner-friendly vape kits are specifically designed to be safe, simple and durable. Most include built-in safety protections such as:

• Short-circuit protection
• Low-voltage protection
• Overcharge protection
• Automatic shut-off

All devices sold by EcoSmok meet TPD and UK safety regulations, ensuring a reliable and safe vaping experience.

Maintenance Tips for New Vapers

To keep your vape kit working smoothly, follow these beginner-friendly maintenance tips:

• Prime your coil before first use
• Use the correct e-liquid ratio for your device
• Avoid chain-vaping to prevent coil burnout
• Charge your device using the recommended cable
• Clean your tank or pod regularly

The team at EcoSmok is always available to help you find the right coils, tanks or e-liquids for your device.

Final Thoughts – Choosing the Best Vape Kit for Your Needs

Switching to vaping for the first time can feel complicated, but once you understand the basics, choosing the right vape kit becomes much easier. Whether you prefer MTL, DTL or pod-style vaping, EcoSmok offers a full range of beginner-friendly vape kits, starter kits, pod devices and high-quality e-liquids to ensure your transition is smooth and satisfying.

If you're looking for a dependable first device, the Innokin Endura T18e remains one of the most recommended options for new vapers.
Click here to buy the Innokin T18e from EcoSmok

Whether you need vape kits, pod kits, starter kits, 50/50 e-liquids, nic salt e-liquids or disposable vape alternatives, EcoSmok has everything you need to begin your vaping journey with confidence.