How to Choose Nicotine Strength for Former Tobacco or Menthol Smokers
Making the switch from cigarettes to vaping involves more than choosing a vape kit. One of the biggest decisions is selecting the right nicotine strength. Choosing a strength that is too low can leave cravings unsatisfied, while choosing one that is unnecessarily high may result in an uncomfortable vaping experience.
Former tobacco and menthol smokers often have different smoking habits depending on how many cigarettes they smoked each day, how deeply they inhaled, and which cigarette brands they preferred. The right nicotine strength should reflect those habits rather than simply following a general recommendation.
This guide explains how to choose the most suitable nicotine strength after giving up tobacco or menthol cigarettes. It also compares some of the leading UK vape retailers that offer beginner-friendly devices, nicotine salt e-liquids and expert advice for smokers making the switch.
Compare the Best UK Vape Retailers for New Vapers
|
Rank |
Retailer |
Best For |
Nicotine Strength Options |
|
1 |
Washington Vapes |
Expert advice and beginner-friendly products |
5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
|
2 |
Vape Club |
Extensive nicotine salt range |
5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
|
3 |
Vape Superstore |
Wide device selection |
3mg to 20mg |
|
4 |
Vape UK |
Premium e-liquid brands |
5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
|
5 |
Vaping 101 |
Competitive prices |
5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
|
6 |
Totally Wicked |
Established UK retailer |
Various nicotine strengths |
1. Washington Vapes
Washington Vapes offers a wide selection of nicotine salt e-liquids and beginner vape kits designed for smokers moving away from traditional cigarettes. Whether you previously smoked tobacco or menthol cigarettes, the retailer stocks strengths suitable for light, moderate and heavy smokers.
The team also carries refillable pod kits that perform particularly well with nicotine salts, helping new vapers achieve a satisfying throat hit while maintaining excellent flavour.
Key Services
- Beginner vape kits
- Nicotine salt e-liquids
- Freebase nicotine e-liquids
- Replacement pods and coils
- Vape accessories
Why Choose Them
Washington Vapes makes it easy to match your previous smoking habits with an appropriate nicotine strength. Combined with a wide range of beginner-friendly devices and trusted brands, it provides an excellent starting point for anyone switching from cigarettes.
2. Vape Club
Vape Club stocks an extensive range of nicotine salt e-liquids in several strengths, making it easy for new vapers to adjust their nicotine intake over time. The retailer also carries refillable pod systems suited to smokers moving away from cigarettes.
Key Services
Nicotine salts, starter kits, refillable pod systems, replacement pods and vape accessories.
Why Choose Them
Its large product catalogue gives customers plenty of flexibility when experimenting with different nicotine strengths.
3. Vape Superstore
Vape Superstore offers a broad selection of nicotine salt and freebase e-liquids alongside beginner vape kits from leading manufacturers. Customers can choose from several nicotine strengths depending on their previous smoking habits.
Key Services
Starter kits, nicotine salts, freebase e-liquids, replacement coils and vape accessories.
Why Choose Them
A wide selection of devices and e-liquids makes it easy to find compatible products in one place.
4. Vape UK
Vape UK offers premium e-liquid brands in multiple nicotine strengths alongside a varied range of refillable pod systems. It is well suited to smokers looking for recognised manufacturers.
Key Services
Starter kits, nicotine salts, replacement pods, vape accessories and e-liquids.
Why Choose Them
The retailer combines quality brands with a broad choice of nicotine strengths suitable for beginners.
5. Vaping 101
Vaping 101 provides competitively priced nicotine salts and beginner vape kits from many leading manufacturers. Customers can choose from a variety of nicotine strengths without stretching their budget.
Key Services
Starter kits, nicotine salts, replacement coils, pod systems and accessories.
Why Choose Them
Regular promotions and competitive pricing make it appealing for cost-conscious shoppers.
6. Totally Wicked
Totally Wicked has supported UK smokers making the switch to vaping for many years. The retailer offers its own e-liquid range alongside beginner-friendly devices suitable for different nicotine strengths.
Key Services
Starter kits, e-liquids, replacement coils, vape accessories and pod systems.
Why Choose Them
A long-established retailer with products aimed at both new and experienced vapers.
How to Match Nicotine Strength to Your Smoking Habits
The best nicotine strength usually depends on how many cigarettes you previously smoked each day rather than the brand alone.
Someone who smoked fewer than ten cigarettes daily will often find that a 5mg or 10mg nicotine salt provides enough satisfaction. Smokers who averaged between ten and twenty cigarettes per day generally prefer 10mg or 20mg nicotine salts, while people who smoked more than a pack each day often begin with 20mg before gradually reducing their nicotine level over time.
Former menthol smokers frequently choose menthol or mint nicotine salt e-liquids because the familiar cooling sensation can make the transition feel more natural. Tobacco smokers often begin with tobacco-flavoured e-liquids before gradually trying fruit, dessert or beverage flavours once they become comfortable with vaping.
It is also worth remembering that nicotine salts deliver nicotine more smoothly than traditional freebase nicotine. This allows higher strengths to feel less harsh, making them particularly suitable for recent ex-smokers using pod systems.
Can You Reduce Your Nicotine Strength Over Time?
Many vapers gradually lower their nicotine strength after they have successfully stopped smoking. There is no fixed timetable, and some people remain comfortable using the same strength for several years.
Reducing nicotine should only happen when cravings remain under control. Dropping too quickly can increase the temptation to return to cigarettes. A gradual reduction, such as moving from 20mg to 10mg before eventually trying 5mg, is often easier than making large changes all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 20mg nicotine too strong for most smokers?
Not necessarily. Heavy smokers often find 20mg nicotine salts provide the satisfaction needed when first switching to vaping.
Should former menthol smokers choose menthol vape juice?
Many do because the familiar cooling sensation can make the transition feel more comfortable, although flavour preference is entirely personal.
Can I mix different nicotine strengths?
Some experienced vapers do, although beginners usually achieve more consistent results by using one strength until they know whether it satisfies their cravings.
Is nicotine salt better than freebase nicotine for beginners?
Nicotine salts are commonly recommended because they provide a smoother throat hit at higher strengths and work particularly well with refillable pod kits.
How quickly can I reduce my nicotine strength?
There is no universal schedule. Many former smokers reduce gradually once they feel comfortable and no longer experience strong cravings.
