Buying Your First Vape? Here’s a Checklist Compiled By Our Experts…
Buying your first ever vape can be tricky – there’s just so much to choose from. That’s why we put together this handy checklist for first time buyers…

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How To Buy Your First Vape – An Expert’s Guide + Checklist

Vapes come in all kinds of styles and setups. You’ve got pod systems, vape tanks, disposable vapes, and even advanced mods for the more experienced crowd. With so many options out there, picking your first vape can feel like a maze of choices.
For beginners, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer variety.
Should you go for a simple pod system, a disposable for convenience, or maybe a vape kit to give you more flexibility? How much should you spend? What brands are reliable? Yeah, we know – the questions can pile up fast.
For the absolute beginner, I’d recommend this vape – it is brilliant. The pods last for weeks at a time, the flavor is badass, and it is insanely simple to use.
It’s also the only pod I’ve used as my daily-driver for the past 9 months. Yeah, it’s THAT good.
- First things first: if you’re completely new to vaping and want to dive into the basics, check out this guide: Vaping 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide.
- But if you’re ready to pull the trigger on your first vape and just want to know which ones are worth your money right now, take a look at our guide: The Best Vapes for 2024.
If you’re still unsure, checkout the checklist below, answer the questions. By the end, you’ll know which kind of vape is right for you.
Here’s The “How To Buy Your First Vape” Checklist
For more information, check out our guides on best vape mods, best pod vapes, and best disposable vapes.
- 🔥 Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Cigarette-like experience, tight draw, less vapor.
- 💨 Direct-to-Lung (DTL): More vapor production, smoother airflow.
- 🛠 Pod System: Beginner-friendly, portable, low maintenance.
- 🔧 Vape Pen: Simple, versatile, better vapor control.
- 🛡 Box Mod: Advanced features, customizable, high power.
- 🔋 Internal or replaceable battery?
- 📏 Higher capacity (㎡) means longer sessions.
- 🧹 Simple filling and cleaning.
Read more about the best vape juices to find flavors and types that suit your preference.
- 🔌 12-20mg: High strength for heavy smokers.
- 🔥 3-6mg: Lower strength for light smokers or DTL vapers.
- 💦 Freebase Nicotine: Stronger throat hit.
- 🌚 Nicotine Salts: Smoother, higher nicotine levels.
- 🍫 Tobacco or menthol for familiarity.
- 🍉 Fruit, dessert, or beverage for variety.
- 🌧 Higher VG: More vapor, smoother hit.
- 🍊 Higher PG: Stronger throat hit, better flavor.
To get a better idea of vape tanks, check out our guide on best vape tanks.
- ➕ Extra coils/pods
- 🔌 Charging cable
- ⚡ External battery and charger (if applicable)
- 🏵 Spare tank or pod for different flavors
🧼 Maintenance Items
Keeping your vape clean and maintained is important for safety and flavor. This section lists the supplies you’ll need for regular upkeep.
- 🧰 Cotton swabs & microfiber cloths
- 🔧 Small screwdriver for disassembly
- 🕵 Remove excess e-liquid & maintain performance.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Vaping safety is very important to avoid accidents or injuries. Make sure your device has the necessary safety features, and learn proper battery and e-liquid storage practices.
- 🛡 Short-circuit & overcharge protection.
- 🔒 Always store batteries in cases, avoid shorts.
- 🏰 Keep away from children & pets.
If you need more help, visit our guides on using disposable vapes, vape mods, and pod vapes.
- 📖 Learn proper operation for your device.
- 🔊 Avoid overfilling or leaks.
- 🤖 Prime before use to avoid burnt hits.
- ⏳ When flavor decreases or burnt taste appears.
💸 Budgeting
Vaping involves ongoing costs for coils, e-liquids, and maintenance. Be prepared for these costs to make sure you always have what you need.
- ⏩ Replacement coils/pods
- 💧 E-liquid refills
- 👥 Accessories & replacements
Vaping FAQs
When you’re getting started with vaping, you’ll have lots and lots of questions and gaps in your knowledge. Even the basics might seem a little advanced to begin with. That’s why I’ve put together this vape FAQ section – it covers (and answers) all the most common questions newbie users tend to have.
Vaping FAQs
Look, if you’re a beginner or just getting started with vaping, you probably have a million and one questions.
How do I know?
Because I get emails from readers every day!
Here’s some of the most common questions those new to vaping have, complete with a simple and straightforward answer…
What’s The Best Vape For First-Timers?
If you’re new to vaping, it’s all about keeping things simple. The best bet? A pod system or a vape pen. These bad boys are compact, low-maintenance, and offer a smooth, cigarette-like experience. If you want zero fuss, a disposable vape could be your perfect match – just unwrap it and puff away, no setup needed.
Got Your First Vape? Here’s What To Do Next…
First thing’s first, read the damn manual! Sounds obvious, but it’ll save you from rookie mistakes. Once you’re clued up, charge that device fully before taking your first puff. If you’ve got a refillable vape, load up the tank or pod with e-liquid. Using a device with replaceable coils? Don’t forget to prime that coil – add a few drops of juice to the pod or tank, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before hitting it. Trust us, you don’t want to burn out a fresh coil on day one.
What To Expect When You First Vape?
Vaping for the first time is kinda like your first smoke – expect a throat hit and a little nicotine buzz. If you’ve never smoked before, don’t be surprised if you feel a bit dizzy or cough a little. That’s normal. Any throat irritation or dizziness should fade as you get used to the whole thing.
How Should A Beginner Vape?
Take it easy – seriously. Slow and steady puffs are the way to go, especially at the start. Don’t pull too hard, or you’ll end up in a coughing fit. If you’re using an MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) device, take the vapor into your mouth first, then inhale, like you would with a cig. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) devices? You can inhale straight into your lungs. Start with low nicotine and dial it up if you need to.
Is The First Day Of Quitting Vaping The Toughest?
Yeah, it’s no walk in the park. The first day without vaping can be a struggle, especially if you’re used to a nicotine fix. Cravings, irritability, and restlessness will probably hit hard for the first few days. But hang in there – most people start feeling better after the first 3-4 days.
How Many Hits Should You Vape A Day?
It all depends on your nicotine needs and what your body’s telling you. If you’re fresh to vaping, start slow and see how you feel. Heavy smokers making the switch might need more frequent hits, but don’t overdo it – too much nicotine can leave you with a headache or nausea.
What’s The Best Vape For Beginners?
Pod systems and vape pens are the go-to for newbies. They’re easy to use, maintain, and won’t overwhelm you with options. Vape pens give you a little more control, while disposables are perfect if you want a zero-hassle start.
Why Does Vaping Feel Harsh At First?
If your first hit feels like a punch to the throat, it’s probably down to high nicotine levels or sucking too hard. Start with lower nicotine and take it slow – you’ll get the hang of it. Switching to e-liquids with a higher VG (Vegetable Glycerin) content can also make your vape smoother. If you’re after the best experience possible, check out our Best Vape Juice Guide.
Why Does Vaping Hurt My Throat?
A sore throat when you first start vaping? Totally normal. It could be the high nicotine content or just the fact that your body isn’t used to vapor yet. Start low with the nicotine, take gentler puffs, and if you’re a smoker switching over, stick to Mouth-to-Lung devices for an easier transition.
What’s It Like Hitting A Vape For The First Time?
Your first hit might catch you off guard. Expect a throat hit and maybe a little head rush if the nicotine’s high. You might cough, but don’t worry – it’ll pass. Once you’ve adjusted, the flavor and vapor production are where the fun really begins.
Meet Drake, the dude behind VapeBeat
If it vapes, I’ve probably used it or tested it. I’ve spent the past decade balls-deep in the vaporization business, covering everything from weed vapes to pod vapes and disposable vapes.
I’ve been to all the main conventions, talked at events, and even been on a few press trips. I like cannabis, I like CBD, I like vaping nicotine and I know what’s good and what’s not – mostly because I’ve been around for so bloody long.
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Drake Equation is the founder of VapeBeat. He’s been covering vaporization technology since 2014.
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