What Do You Put in a Vape Pen? E-Liquids & Hardware Guide

Introduction
Understanding E-Liquid Ingredients
Matching E-Liquid to Your Device Type
Hardware Components: What Makes the Pen Work?
How to Properly Fill a Vape Pen
What You Should NEVER Put in a Vape Pen
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Maintaining Your Vape Pen
The Role of PG/VG Ratios in Your Choice
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

When you first transition to using a vaporizer, the most common question is often the simplest: what do you put in a vape pen? At Vapor Authority, we have spent over a decade helping adults navigate the various components of their devices to ensure a consistent and reliable experience. Understanding the relationship between your hardware and the substances you put inside it is the most important step in maintaining your device and achieving the desired performance. This article provides a comprehensive look at e-liquids, hardware compatibility, and the materials required to keep your vape pen functioning correctly.

Warning: This content is intended for adults of legal vaping age only. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. These products are not intended for use by minors, non-smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma. Consult a physician if you have concerns about whether vaping products are appropriate for you.

The substance used in the vast majority of nicotine-based vape pens is nicotine salt e-liquids, also commonly referred to as e-juice or vape juice. While the terms are interchangeable, the composition of these liquids can vary significantly based on the type of device you are using. To get the best results, you must match the viscosity and nicotine type of your e-liquid to the specific technical requirements of your vape pen’s atomizer and battery output.

Understanding E-Liquid Ingredients

To understand what goes into a vape pen, you must first understand the four primary ingredients found in almost every bottle of e-liquid. At Vapor Authority, we only carry US-made e-liquids that utilize food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. These components work together to create the vapor, flavor, and sensation that adults expect when using these devices. If you want to learn more about the company behind the store, visit About Us.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerin is a thick, sweet liquid derived from plant oils. In the context of a vape pen, VG is responsible for the density and volume of the vapor produced. Because it is highly viscous, e-liquids with a high VG concentration require more power to vaporize and larger "wicking holes" in the atomizer to ensure the liquid reaches the heating element.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol is a much thinner, odorless liquid. Its primary roles are to carry the flavorings effectively and to provide a "throat hit," which is the physical sensation in the back of the throat during inhalation. Because PG is thin, it is easily absorbed by the cotton wicking material inside a vape pen’s coil.

Flavorings

E-liquid flavorings are concentrated, water-soluble liquids. These are combined in various ratios to create the vast array of profiles available today, ranging from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruits, desserts, and beverages. It is important to note that these flavorings are specifically formulated for vaporization; you should never add household food flavorings to a vape pen.

Nicotine

Most adult vapers use e-liquids that contain nicotine. This is available in different formats and strengths, typically measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). The two main types of nicotine used in vape pens are freebase nicotine and nicotine salts, each requiring different hardware configurations.

Matching E-Liquid to Your Device Type

The most critical mistake a beginner can make is putting the wrong type of e-liquid into their specific vape pen. Not all "pens" are created equal, and using an incompatible liquid can lead to leaking, burnt coils, or an unpleasantly harsh experience.

Standard Vape Pens and Pod Systems

Standard vape pens are usually compact, low-output devices designed for a "mouth-to-lung" (MTL) draw. This style of inhalation involves pulling vapor into the mouth first before inhaling it into the lungs. These devices generally have smaller coils and higher electrical resistance (measured in ohms).

For these devices, disposable vapes are one of the related categories adults often compare against reusable setups, and nicotine salt e-liquids are the most common choice. Nicotine salts use a specific chemical formulation (incorporating benzoic or citric acid) that allows for higher nicotine concentrations—typically 25mg to 50mg—without becoming too harsh on the throat. Because these devices produce less vapor, the higher nicotine concentration provides a balanced experience for the user.

Sub-Ohm Vape Pens

Some vape pens are designed for "sub-ohm" vaping. Sub-ohm vaping refers to using an atomizer coil with a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm. These devices operate at higher wattages and produce significantly more vapor. Because of this increased output, they are typically used for "direct-to-lung" (DTL) vaping, where the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs.

If you have a sub-ohm vape pen, you should use freebase nicotine e-liquids with a lower nicotine strength, usually 3mg or 6mg. Putting a high-strength nicotine salt (like 50mg) into a sub-ohm device can result in an excessive intake of nicotine and a very uncomfortable experience. Additionally, sub-ohm tanks perform better with "High VG" liquids (70% VG or higher) because the thicker liquid prevents leaking in the larger airflow channels of sub-ohm tanks.

Hardware Components: What Makes the Pen Work?

While e-liquid is what you put inside the tank or pod, there are several hardware components you must "put into" or attach to the device to make it function.

The Atomizer Coil

The coil is the heart of the vape pen. It consists of a heating element (usually a wire or mesh made of Kanthal, Stainless Steel, or NiChrome) wrapped around a wicking material, typically organic cotton. You must "put" a fresh coil into your device periodically. As you use the pen, the e-liquid leaves behind a residue on the coil, and the cotton eventually degrades. When you notice a loss of flavor or a burnt taste, it is time to replace the atomizer head.

The Battery

Vape pens are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In many pen-style devices, the battery is integrated into the chassis and is not removable. However, some larger vape pens use external batteries, such as the 18650 size. For these devices, you must ensure you are using high-quality, authentic batteries from reputable manufacturers, such as the ones found in the Vaporesso Gen MAX 220W Starter Kit.

Battery Safety and Maintenance

When using any vape pen that involves external batteries or high-powered charging, safety is paramount. Always inspect your battery wraps for any tears or nicks; if the metal casing of the battery is exposed, it must be re-wrapped or replaced immediately.

Use the Right Charger: Only use the charging cable provided with your device or a dedicated external charger for removable batteries.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Never leave your vape pen in a hot car or in direct sunlight, as extreme heat can damage the battery cells.
Storage: If your device uses external batteries, always carry them in a plastic protective case. Never carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag where they could contact metal objects like keys or coins, which can cause a short circuit.
Matched Pairs: If your device requires more than one battery, always use a "married" pair—meaning two batteries of the same brand and model that are charged and discharged together.

How to Properly Fill a Vape Pen

Knowing how to put e-liquid into your pen is just as important as knowing which liquid to choose. Improper filling can lead to "flooding" (where liquid enters the center air tube) or "dry hits" (where the cotton burns because it isn't saturated).

Step 1: Prime the Coil

Before you fill the tank, you should "prime" a new coil. Take your replacement coil and drop 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wicking holes. This ensures that the center of the wick is wet before you even fire the device.

Step 2: Locate the Fill Port

Most modern vape pens use either a top-fill or bottom-fill system.

Top-Fill: These often involve sliding a top cap or unscrewing it to reveal a fill slot.
Bottom-Fill: These require you to unscrew the tank from the battery and then unscrew the base of the tank to access the reservoir.
Pod Systems: These usually have a small silicone plug on the side or bottom of the pod that you pull back to reveal the hole.

Step 3: Fill Carefully

Insert the tip of your e-liquid bottle into the fill port. Squeeze gently, filling the tank to about 90% capacity. Leaving a small air bubble helps create a vacuum seal, which prevents leaking. Avoid getting any liquid into the center chimney, as this is the path for airflow.

Step 4: Wait

Once the tank is filled and closed, let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton. If you fire the device too soon, you will burn the dry cotton, and the coil will be ruined instantly.

What You Should NEVER Put in a Vape Pen

To protect your health and your hardware, there are several substances that should never be placed inside a vape pen.

Water: Adding water to a vape pen will not create "water vapor." Instead, it will thin out your e-liquid, cause massive leaking, and likely result in "spitback," where boiling water pops off the coil and into your mouth.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are not intended for inhalation via vaporization. Vaping oils can lead to serious respiratory issues and will also ruin your device's wicking system.
Kitchen Oils: Vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other food-grade oil from your pantry should never be vaped. These are too thick to vaporize and can be dangerous when heated and inhaled.
Alcohol or Soda: Never attempt to flavor your vape juice with household liquids. The sugars in soda will caramelize on the coil instantly, destroying it, and the alcohol is not safe for inhalation in this manner.
CBD or THC Oils (in Nicotine Devices): While there are specific pens designed for these substances, you should not put thick CBD or THC oil into a standard nicotine vape pen. The coils in nicotine pens are designed for the specific viscosity of PG and VG; thicker oils will not wick correctly and will burn the coil.

Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength

Selecting what nicotine level to put in your vape pen is a personal choice that depends on your previous habits and the power of your device.

Low Power / Pod Systems: These are usually paired with 25mg to 50mg nicotine salts. If you prefer a milder experience, many brands now offer 10mg or 20mg salts as well.
High Power / Sub-Ohm Pens: These should almost always be used with 3mg or 6mg freebase nicotine. Some enthusiasts use 0mg (nicotine-free) e-liquids solely for the flavor and cloud production.
Mid-Range Devices: If you are using a device that sits between a pod and a high-power mod, you might find that 12mg freebase nicotine provides the right balance of throat hit and satisfaction.

At Vapor Authority, we carry a vast selection of these strengths across various flavor profiles, ensuring that every adult vaper can find the specific combination that suits their preferences. All our e-liquids are tested by our team to ensure they meet our standards for quality and flavor accuracy before they are added to our inventory.

Maintaining Your Vape Pen

Putting the right things in your vape pen is the first step, but maintaining the device is what ensures it lasts. E-liquid can be messy, and over time, residue can build up.

Clean the Connections: Use a cotton swab with a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol to clean the "510 threading" or the pod contact points. If e-liquid leaks onto these contacts, it can prevent the battery from communicating with the coil.
Wash the Tank: When you change flavors, you can rinse your tank (not the coil!) with warm water to remove the old flavor. Ensure it is completely dry before reassembling.
Storage: Keep your e-liquids in a cool, dark place. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the nicotine to oxidize, which changes the color of the liquid and can make the flavor peppery or harsh. Always keep e-liquids out of reach of children and pets.

The Role of PG/VG Ratios in Your Choice

When looking at a bottle of e-liquid, you will often see a ratio like 70/30 or 50/50. This refers to the VG/PG percentage.

50/50 Ratios: These are most common in nicotine salts. The thinner consistency is perfect for the small wicking ports found in vape pens and pod systems.
70/30 or 80/20 Ratios: These are standard for freebase nicotine e-liquids used in sub-ohm pens. The higher VG content makes the liquid thicker, which handles the high heat of sub-ohm coils without thinning out too much and causing leaks.

If you put a 50/50 liquid into a large sub-ohm tank, it may be too thin, leading to leaking through the airflow holes. Conversely, if you put a Max VG liquid into a small pod pen, the liquid may be too thick to enter the coil fast enough, leading to "dry hits."

Conclusion

Determining what to put in your vape pen is a matter of matching the right e-liquid to your specific hardware. By understanding the roles of PG, VG, and nicotine types, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your device performs exactly as intended. Remember to always:

Match nicotine salts with low-power pens and freebase nicotine with sub-ohm devices.
Check your PG/VG ratios to ensure compatibility with your coil’s wicking ability.
Replace your coils regularly and practice proper battery safety.
Only use authentic e-liquids and hardware from trusted sources like Vapor Authority.

We invite you to shop our extensive collection of US-made e-liquids and authentic hardware to find the perfect setup for your needs. Whether you are looking for a starter kit or a classic vape pen, our team is here to provide the quality products and support you deserve.

FAQ

Can I put regular e-liquid in a pod-style vape pen?

Yes, you can use regular "freebase" e-liquid in a pod system, provided the PG/VG ratio is appropriate (usually 50/50 or 60/40). However, most people prefer nicotine salts in these devices because they provide a smoother experience at the lower power levels that pod pens operate at.

What happens if I put water in my vape pen?

You should never put water in a vape pen. Water has a much lower boiling point than PG or VG and does not have the same viscosity; this will cause the tank to leak severely and can cause hot water to pop out of the mouthpiece, potentially causing burns to your mouth or throat.

How do I know if my vape pen is sub-ohm?

You can determine if your vape pen is sub-ohm by checking the resistance rating printed on the side of the replacement coil. If the number is followed by "Ω" and is less than 1.0 (such as 0.2Ω or 0.4Ω), it is a sub-ohm device and should generally be used with lower-nicotine, higher-VG e-liquids.

Can I mix different flavors of e-liquid in my tank?

Yes, you can mix different flavors of e-liquid as long as they are the same type (e.g., mixing two freebase liquids or two nicotine salts). This is a common way for vapers to create custom flavor profiles, though you should ensure the nicotine strengths and PG/VG ratios remain compatible with your device.