50ml vs 100ml E-Liquid: Which Bottle Size Actually Wins?

If you’ve been vaping for more than five minutes, you’ve probably noticed that the shelves of your local vape shop (or the digital pages of our store) are dominated by two main characters: the 50ml and the 100ml shortfill.

Gone are the days when we were all lugging around tiny 10ml bottles, constantly faffing with child-proof caps every time we hit a red light. While those TPD-compliant 10ml bottles still have their place-especially for high-strength salt nicotine-the “shortfill” revolution changed everything for sub-ohm vapers in the UK.

But when you’re staring at two bottles of the same flavour, one double the size of the other, which one should you actually click ‘buy’ on? Is it just a case of “bigger is better,” or is there more to the math than meets the eye?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the 50ml vs 100ml debate and figure out which one belongs in your pocket.

What Exactly is a Shortfill Anyway?

Before we compare sizes, a quick refresher for anyone moving up from compact vape devices or pre-filled pod kits.

In the UK, TPD regulations mean any e-liquid containing nicotine cannot be sold in a bottle larger than 10ml. To get around this, manufacturers sell larger bottles of nicotine-free juice, leaving a bit of “short-filled” space at the top. You then buy a 10ml nicotine shot (usually 18mg), pour it in, shake it like a cocktail, and-voila-you’ve got a big bottle of low-strength nicotine juice.

The 50ml Shortfill: The Versatile Middle Ground

The 50ml e-liquid bottle is arguably the most popular size in the UK. It usually comes in a 60ml bottle, leaving exactly 10ml of space for one nicotine shot.

Why go for a 50ml?

1. Portability is Key Let’s be honest, 100ml bottles can be chunky. If you’re wearing skinny jeans or a slim-fit jacket, a 100ml bottle feels like you’re carrying a brick. A 50ml bottle is much more pocket-friendly. It’s the perfect “out and about” size.

2. Flavour Commitment Issues We’ve all been there. You try a new “Zesty Lemon Tart” in the shop, think it’s the best thing since sliced bread, and by day three, you’re sick of the sight of it. Choosing a 50ml bottle allows you to rotate your flavours more often without having half-finished 100ml bottles cluttering up your desk.

3. Better for Testing New Brands If you’re eyeing up a premium brand for the first time, a 50ml bottle is a lower-risk investment. If it turns out the “Cool Blue Slush” tastes like cough medicine, you’ve only wasted half the amount of money and liquid.

4. The Nicotine Sweet Spot Adding one 10ml (18mg) nic shot to a 50ml bottle gives you exactly 3mg of nicotine. This is the “gold standard” for most sub-ohm vapers. It’s easy, no measuring required, just pour and go.

The 100ml Shortfill: The Value King

Then we have the big boys. The 100ml e-liquid bottles usually come in a 120ml container, leaving room for two nicotine shots.

Why go for a 100ml?

1. Unbeatable Value for Money This is the big one. If you look at the price per ml, 100ml bottles almost always win. Usually, a 100ml bottle isn’t double the price of a 50ml; it’s often only a few pounds more. If you’re on a budget or you’re a “heavy” vaper who goes through juice like a steam train, 100ml is the only way to fly.

2. Less Admin, More Vaping There is nothing more annoying than running out of juice halfway through a Sunday afternoon with no shops open. With 100ml, you’ve got a serious supply. It’s one less thing to worry about on your weekly shop.

3. Ideal for High-Wattage Setups If you’re rocking a beefy dual-coil RDA or a sub-ohm tank at 80W+, you know how fast that juice disappears. A 50ml bottle can vanish in two days if you’re cloud-chasing. For the high-power hobbyists, 100ml is practically a necessity.

Comparing the Cost: A Real-World Look

Let’s look at the “Vape Tax” (not the literal one, just the cost of convenience).

• 50ml Bottle: Let’s say it costs £10. You buy one nic shot for £1. Total: £11 for 60ml. (approx 18.3p per ml)
• 100ml Bottle: Let’s say it costs £14. You buy two nic shots for £2. Total: £16 for 120ml. (approx 13.3p per ml)

Over a month, those pennies really start to add up. If you vape 120ml a month, switching from 50ml bottles to 100ml bottles could save you enough for a new pack of coils or a fancy drip tip every single month.

The Nicotine Math: 50ml vs 100ml

This is where some people get a bit tripped up.

• To get 3mg in a 50ml bottle: Add one 18mg nic shot.
• To get 3mg in a 100ml bottle: Add two 18mg nic shots.

But what if you want 6mg? This is where 50ml bottles actually have a slight advantage. In a 50ml bottle, you can usually squeeze in two nic shots if you’re careful (though it might dilute the flavour a bit). In a 100ml bottle, trying to get to 6mg requires four nic shots, which usually won’t fit in the 120ml bottle.

If you’re a 6mg vaper, you might find that 50ml bottles-or even sticking to 10ml TPD bottles-gives you a better flavour-to-nicotine balance.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you’ve recently moved away from rechargeable alternatives or basic pod kits and you’re just starting your sub-ohm journey, I’d always suggest starting with 50ml bottles.

Why? Because your palate is still changing. When you first stop smoking or move away from high-strength salts, your taste buds are in a state of flux. What you like today might taste completely different in two weeks. Buying 100ml of a flavour you might grow to dislike is a common “rookie mistake.” Start small, find your “all-day vape” (ADV), and then commit to the 100ml vat once you’re sure.

Storage and Longevity

One thing people forget is that e-liquid does have a shelf life. Heat and light are the enemies of flavour.

If you buy a massive 100ml bottle but only vape 2ml a day, that bottle is going to be sitting around for nearly two months. Every time you open it, you’re letting in oxygen (oxidation), which can eventually make the nicotine taste peppery and the flavour go dull.

If you’re a “light” vaper, 50ml is actually “fresher.” You’ll finish the bottle while the flavour is still at its peak. If you’re a “heavy” vaper, this obviously isn’t an issue because the 100ml bottle won’t survive long enough to go stale!

Practical Tips for Shortfill Users

• The Shake is Vital: When you add your nic shots to either size, shake it like it owes you money. Because the liquid is thick (usually 70% VG), the nicotine can sit at the top. If you don’t mix it well, your first few puffs will be harsh, and the rest of the bottle will be weak.
• Pop the Cap: Invest in a “shortfill cap remover” tool. They cost a couple of quid and save you from breaking your fingernails or using a butter knife (which is a recipe for a trip to A&E).
• Steeping: Sometimes, after adding a nic shot, the flavour needs a day or two to “marry” back together. If it tastes a bit muted right after mixing, leave it in a dark cupboard for 48 hours.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose 50ml if:

• You like to change flavours every few days.
• You need something that fits comfortably in a pocket.
• You’re trying a brand or flavour for the first time.
• You vape at lower wattages and don’t go through juice quickly.

Choose 100ml if:

• You’ve found your “All Day Vape” and you want to save money.
• You use a high-powered sub-ohm tank that guzzles liquid.
• You want the best value per millilitre.
• You hate having to re-order every few days.

At the end of the day, both sizes serve a purpose. Most of us UK vapers end up with a cupboard that’s a mix of both-100ml bottles of our “old reliables” and a few 50ml bottles of experimental new flavours to keep things interesting.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re buying quality juice from a reputable source. There’s nothing worse than 100ml of “mystery liquid” that ruins your coils in ten minutes!

Ready to stock up? Check out our full range of 50ml shortfills for variety, or dive into our 100ml collection to get the most bang for your buck. Happy vaping!