What Is a 100ml Shortfill? How They Work (and the Best Tobacco Shortfills)

Article author: OB Vape
Article published at: Sep 26, 2026

Quick answer: A shortfill is a large bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid, deliberately under-filled so you can add nicotine yourself. A 100ml shortfill plus two 10ml nic shots gives you roughly 120ml at about 3mg. It's the cheapest way to vape if 3mg suits you.

Why are they called shortfills?

The bottle is "short" of full. A 100ml shortfill usually comes in a bottle with room for about 120ml, and a 50ml usually has room for about 60ml. The empty space is for nic shots: small 10ml bottles of unflavoured nicotine that you pour in.

How much nicotine do I end up with?

Most nic shots are 18mg (check the label). This is what you get:

Bottle Nic shots (18mg) You get about
50ml shortfill 1 60ml at 3mg
100ml shortfill 2 120ml at 3mg
100ml shortfill 1 110ml at about 1.6mg
Any shortfill 0 0mg (nicotine-free)

If you need 6mg or more, shortfills won't get you there. Stick with 10ml e-liquids or nic salts.

Shop nic shots

How to mix a shortfill

  1. Take the nozzle off the shortfill bottle (it usually pops off with a firm pull).
  2. Pour in your nic shot(s).
  3. Put the nozzle back on and shake well for a minute.
  4. Leave it a few hours if you can. It's fine to vape straight away, but the flavour settles.

Why shortfills are cheaper

A 100ml shortfill at €35 works out at about 35c per ml before shots. A 10ml bottle at €6.50 is 65c per ml. If you get through a lot of liquid, that difference adds up fast.

Which kits suit shortfills?

Most shortfills are a higher-VG mix, made for sub-ohm tanks and bigger pod kits that produce more vapour. They can work in smaller pod kits, but a thick liquid in a tight coil can taste burnt. If you're not sure, ask us in the shop or check your kit's page.

Our tobacco shortfills

Tobacco – OB 50ml · €24.50

Our own tobacco in a 50ml. Same balanced flavour as our best-selling 10ml.

Shop OB Tobacco 50ml

Liquideo Classic USA Tobacco 50ml · €30

Smooth American blond tobacco with gently toasted notes.

Shop Liquideo USA 50ml

IMP JAR Cream Tobacco · 50ml €30 / 100ml €35

Roasted tobacco softened with cream and a nutty base.

Shop IMP JAR 100ml

Bar Vape Creamy Tobacco 100ml · €35

A smooth, creamy tobacco in the big bottle.

Shop Bar Vape Creamy Tobacco

Just Juice tobacco range 100ml · €35

Sweet Cubano (cigar-style), Nutty Caramel and Vanilla Toffee. Dessert-style tobaccos for all-day vaping.

Shop Sweet Cubano

Doozy Sweet Tobacco 100ml · €35

Smooth tobacco with a restrained sweet finish. Low stock.

FAQs

Can I add more than two shots to a 100ml?

Only if the bottle has room, and most don't. Two 10ml shots is the usual maximum for a 100ml.

Are shortfills nicotine-free?

Yes, as sold. Nicotine only goes in when you add a shot.

Do shortfills go off?

Once mixed, keep the bottle closed, upright and out of sunlight, and use it within a few months for the best taste.

For adults 18+. Nic shots contain nicotine, which is addictive. Keep all e-liquids away from children and pets. Prices correct at time of writing.

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