HOW TO SMOKE E CIGARETTES - YOUR FIRST VAPING GUIDE

Key Takeaways

• Start simple — Choose an easy-to-use starter kit or pod system for a smooth introduction to vaping.

• Pick the right nicotine strength — Match your e-liquid to your smoking habits to avoid cravings or harshness.

• Use proper technique — Take slow, steady puffs rather than sharp drags to enjoy flavour, vapour, and a better overall experience.

So, you've searched for "how to smoke e cigarettes" and landed here. That's a great first step, and it tells me you're curious about making a change from traditional tobacco.

First things first, let's clear up one crucial point: with e-cigarettes, you don't actually smoke anything. You vape. It might seem like a small difference in wording, but it’s a world away from what happens when you light a cigarette. Vaping gets rid of the combustion, and with it, the thousands of chemicals that come from burning tobacco.

Making the Switch From Smoker to Vaper

Moving from cigarettes to an e-cigarette can feel like a big deal, but trust me, it’s a journey that millions of people across the UK have already made successfully (1). The real beauty of a device like the SMOKO E-Cigarette is its simplicity and familiarity. We designed them to mimic the feel of smoking, so the transition feels less like learning something new and more like a natural next step. Both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance, but E-Cigarettes significantly reduce the health risks by removing the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke.

Forget about those complex vape mods you see with all the buttons and settings. An e-cigarette is refreshingly straightforward. You have a rechargeable battery and a pre-filled refill that screws into place. Inside that refill is our UK-made e-liquid carrying the all-important nicotine.

There’s no fire, no ash, no smoke. Instead, a small, battery-powered atomiser gently heats the liquid into a vapour, which you then inhale. It’s a clean and simple process that delivers the nicotine you’re used to, but without the tar and carbon monoxide that come with smoking.

Why This Change Matters

Let’s be honest, the biggest reason to make this switch is for your health. Public health organisations have been very clear about the advantages of leaving combustible tobacco behind. Smoking is a leading cause of cancer because tobacco smoke many harmful substances, including over 50 carcinogens. Switching over to vaping reduces your exposure to these harmful substances and lowers your risk of developing cancer.

The NHS is a strong supporter of using E-Cigarettes to stop smoking (2). They’ve stated that e-cigarettes are far less harmful than traditional cigarettes and can be a really effective way to help you stop for good. While they aren’t completely risk-free, the risk is just a tiny fraction of that posed by smoking.

For any big habit change, it helps to be prepared. Developing essential coping skills for managing substance use habits can make a huge difference in handling cravings and sticking to your new routine.

Building Confidence in Your Decision

This isn’t just about swapping one habit for another; it’s about taking a massive step towards a healthier you. By choosing to vape instead of smoke, you’re taking back control and drastically cutting your exposure to the nastiest parts of tobacco.

The goal here is to make this change feel both doable and empowering. Many people use e-cigarettes as a tool for smoking cessation, finding them helpful in their journey to quit smoking. If you want to dive a bit deeper, have a look at our guide on how E-Cigarettes work and using them to stop smoking.

Choosing the Right E-Cigarette Starter Kit

Making the switch from tobacco is a big step, and your first decision—choosing an E-Cigarette—is probably the most important one you’ll make. There are various vaping devices available, including vape pens, pod systems, and cigalikes, each catering to different preferences and experience levels. Get it right, and the transition feels natural and satisfying. Get it wrong, and you could end up frustrated and reaching for a traditional cigarette again.

The key is to find a kit that genuinely matches your old smoking habits. This ensures you get the nicotine satisfaction you’re used to, which is absolutely crucial for staying off cigarettes for good.

Most people looking into how to use e-cigarettes just want something that works without any fuss. That’s why we focus on two brilliantly simple and effective options: the SMOKO E-Cigarette and the SMOKO VAPE POD. They’re designed for slightly different types of users, and figuring out which one is for you is the first step to success.

The SMOKO E-Cigarette is what many call a “cigalike,” and for good reason—it looks and feels very much like a regular cigarette. This sense of familiarity makes it a perfect starting point for smokers. It’s light, discreet, and couldn’t be easier to use.

Then there’s the SMOKO VAPE POD. It packs a bit more of a punch with a slightly more powerful battery. The VAPE POD refills and hold twice the amount of e-liquid compared with the SMOKO E-Cigarette, which makes it a solid choice for heavier smokers who need something that will keep up with them all day.

Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Smoking Habit

One of the most common pitfalls for new vapers is picking a nicotine strength that’s too low. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, so choosing the right strength is crucial for managing nicotine cravings and avoiding relapse. E-cigarettes use nicotine liquid, which is heated and vaporised for inhalation, to deliver nicotine and satisfy cravings. If you were a heavy smoker, a weak e-liquid will leave your cravings completely unchecked, making it far too easy to go back to smoking. You have to match the strength to what your body is accustomed to.

A widespread misconception still holds many smokers back. According to Action on Smoking and Health, an astonishing four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as bad or worse than smoking (3). This misunderstanding often stops them from trying a far less harmful alternative that even the NHS recommends for quitting.

If you were smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day, you should really start with our highest nicotine strength (2.0%). This will help you get a handle on those intense initial cravings. For those who were in the 10-15 a day range, a medium strength will probably be the sweet spot. Lighter, more social smokers will likely find our lower strengths are more than enough.

To help you decide, we’ve put together a full guide on how to choose the right vape starter kit.

Finding Your Perfect Flavour

Leaving tobacco behind is also a chance to find flavours you actually enjoy. E-liquids contain various flavourings to enhance the taste and provide a wide range of options for vapers. This is a huge part of making the switch feel like an upgrade, not a sacrifice.

Discovering a flavour you love is one of the best motivators for sticking with vaping. We offer authentic tobacco and menthol flavours for those who’ll miss that classic taste, but we also have a great range of fruit flavour options to explore.

SMOKO Starter Kit Comparison

Finding the best starter kit really depends on your previous smoking habits and what you’re looking for in a vape. This table breaks down our two main options to help you see which one fits you best.

Both the E-Cigarette and VAPE POD starter kits are excellent choices for MTL vaping, which closely mimics the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes and is especially suitable for beginners. The E-Cigarette is perfect if you value familiarity, while the VAPE POD is ideal if you need a bit more power to keep you going. Ultimately, both kits are designed to make your transition as smooth as possible.

How to Use Your First E-Cigarette Correctly

Alright, you’ve picked out your starter kit and now for the good bit - your first vape. Getting started with a SMOKO device is about as straightforward as it gets, but knowing a few little tricks can make all the difference. Let’s walk through how to get your E-Cig ready and take that first satisfying puff.

The whole process is refreshingly simple. You’ll have two main parts: a rechargeable battery and a pre-filled refill. The refill contains e-liquid, which includes nicotine and other chemical ingredients that are vaporised for inhalation. Before you do anything else, pop the battery on charge. Just screw it into the USB charger that comes with the E-Cigarette starter kit and plug it in, or for the VAPE POD and the SMOKO VAPE MAX just connect the handy USB-C charge cable.

Once it’s charged, grab your favourite flavour refill, screw it or slot it into the battery, and you’re good to go. When you use the device, the heating process turns the nicotine liquid and its chemical ingredients into a vapour that is then inhaled. No buttons, no confusing settings. It’s designed to be as intuitive as picking up a cigarette.

The Right Way to Take Your First Puff

This is the number one spot where new vapers stumble. If you’ve been searching for “how to smoke e cigarettes,” you’ve probably got years of muscle memory from smoking traditional cigarettes. Smokers usually take sharp, hard drags straight into their lungs. If you try that with a vape, you’ll likely end up in a coughing fit or feel like you got nothing at all.

The secret is a small tweak to how you inhale. For a device like the SMOKO E-Cigarette, the technique you want is called ‘Mouth-to-Lung’ (MTL). With MTL, you start by inhaling the vapour into your mouth, and then inhaling it into your lungs, finally exhaling through your mouth or nose. Nailing this is key to getting the best flavour, a proper throat hit, and that overall satisfaction that actually feels like smoking. Some users prefer a stronger throat or stronger throat hit, which can be achieved by adjusting your inhaling technique or increasing the nicotine strength.

Mastering the Mouth-to-Lung Technique

The Mouth-to-Lung technique is a simple two-step process that feels much more natural to smokers once they get the hang of it. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Take a slow, gentle draw: Instead of a short, sharp puff, take a slow and steady draw from the e-cigarette into your mouth. Think of it like sipping through a straw. A good 3-5 second draw is perfect.

• Inhale into your lungs: Once you have drawn the vapour into your mouth, you then inhale the vapour down into your lungs.

• Exhale: Finally, breathe out the vapour.

This method does two important things. It allows the vapour to cool a bit in your mouth, which makes for a much smoother hit. It also brings out the full, rich flavour of the e-liquid. On top of that, it delivers the nicotine more effectively, which is what you need to keep those cravings at bay without any harshness. A few gentle puffs this way are far better than one huge, aggressive drag.

Taking longer, slower puffs is the secret to a great vaping experience. This gentle approach gives the atomiser time to heat the e-liquid properly, producing a richer flavour and a more satisfying throat hit that closely resembles what you’re used to from a cigarette.

Learning to inhale properly is probably the most important part of making a successful switch. For a more detailed guide, see our page on how to inhale a vape properly. The MTL technique is what we always recommend for beginners using cigalike devices because it so closely mimics the feeling of smoking. This small adjustment will make a massive difference, ensuring your first time is pleasant and rewarding.

Many vapers enjoy experimenting with vape tricks, such as the French Inhale, which involve creative ways of exhaling vapour for visual effects - some of these can be achieved with low-power devices, but the 'vaping tricks' scene usually involves more powerful devices for vapers who favour more voluminous clouds of vapour - known as 'cloud chasers'.

Sorting Vaping Fact from Fiction

When you’re thinking about making a big change like swapping cigarettes for vaping, getting clear, honest information is everything. The trouble is, the conversation around e-cigarettes is often foggy with myths and scary headlines, which can make it hard to feel confident in your choice. Let’s cut through that noise and look at the facts.

One of the biggest myths—and the most damaging—is that vaping is just as bad for you as smoking. This isn’t just wrong; it’s a dangerous idea that stops smokers from switching to something far, far less harmful. E cigarette users may be exposed to some harmful chemicals present in e-liquid vapour, though at much lower levels than in cigarette smoke.

Taking on the Misinformation

The belief that vaping and smoking are equally risky is surprisingly widespread. As previously mentioned, research from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that a shocking four in ten smokers in Great Britain wrongly think vaping is as harmful, or even more harmful, than smoking. That’s a huge perception gap. It’s a major roadblock preventing countless people from trying a method that could genuinely help them ditch cigarettes for good.

So where does this confusion come from? Often, it’s from misleading headlines that don’t distinguish between the dangers of tobacco smoke and nicotine vapour. When you light a cigarette, you’re burning tobacco and creating thousands of chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. These are the real villains behind smoking-related diseases. Vaping, on the other hand, gets rid of combustion completely.

In addition to vaping, nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum, is another effective method for quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy remains a recommended option for those seeking to reduce their reliance on smoking while managing nicotine addiction, however it is worth noting that a meta-analysis from Cochrane Library found 'high-certainty' evidence that E-Cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional forms of nicotine replacement therapy. (4)

That said, nicotine gum can be a useful accompaniment to vaping devices as restrictions on where you can vape are more-or-less in line with smoking restrictions. This is why we have introduced SMOKO Sugar-free Nicotine Gum! It is the perfect way to tackle nicotine cravings when you can't vape, like when using public transport or flying to your favourite holiday destination!

What the Health Experts Actually Say

You don’t have to take our word for it. Major UK health organisations have been saying the same thing for years. The National Health Service (NHS), for example, actively promotes the use of electronic cigarettes as a proven tool to help people stop smoking. Their official guidance is crystal clear: electronic cigarettes are far less harmful than traditional tobacco products and carry just a tiny fraction of the risk.

This is the key takeaway. No one is saying vaping is 100% risk-free, but it’s a harm reduction tool. For a smoker, the choice isn’t between vaping and breathing pure mountain air; it’s between continuing to smoke tobacco products or switching to a much safer alternative like electronic cigarettes.

This expert agreement should give you a solid footing if you’re feeling a bit lost in all the conflicting information. By making the switch, you’re lining up your actions with the advice of top medical professionals who’ve spent years looking at the evidence.

The Real-World Health Improvements You Can Expect

The upside of quitting smoking with E-Cigarettes isn’t just some abstract concept; it’s something you can actually feel, and often quite quickly. Many people who’ve made the change report that their breathing gets easier, and their senses of taste and smell come back within just a few weeks. Quitting smoking cigarettes can be incredibly challenging, but switching to vaping can support smoking cessation, help manage nicotine cravings, and lead to significant health improvements.

Science backs this up too. A noteworthy study showed how switching from smoking to vaping improves respiratory health (5). People in the study coughed less, produced less phlegm, and had better lung function—all demonstrating the positive, real-world impact of leaving smoke behind.

Moving away from cigarettes is a massive step towards taking back your health. When you understand the facts, trust expert guidance from sources like the NHS, and know the real benefits, you can make the switch feeling completely confident.

Keeping Your E-Cigarette in Top Shape

Getting the most out of your device isn’t just about how you use it; a little bit of simple care goes a long way. Good maintenance habits ensure your SMOKO E-Cigarette works perfectly every time, delivering that consistent satisfaction you’re looking for. These quick and easy steps will not only extend the life of your device but also guarantee every puff is as fresh and flavourful as the first.

A clean e-cigarette is a happy e-cigarette. One of the most important habits you can get into is keeping the battery connectors—the part where the refill screws on—clean and dry. E-liquids often contain propylene glycol and other chemical ingredients, which can leave residue on your device if not cleaned regularly. Even a little bit of dust can interfere with the connection, leading to weak vapour or stopping it from working altogether.

Just take a moment to wipe the connector with a dry cloth or a cotton bud every so often. This simple action ensures a solid connection, allowing the battery to power the atomiser efficiently for a perfect hit every time.

Smart Storage and Battery Care

Believe it or not, how you store your gear really matters. To preserve the rich flavour and freshness of your refills, keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can wreck the quality of the e-liquid, so leaving them on a car dashboard or a sunny windowsill is a definite no-go.

Recognising when your battery is on its way out is also crucial. You'll notice some clear signs that it’s time for a replacement.

• Weaker Vapour: If your puffs feel less powerful than usual, even with a fresh refill, the battery is likely losing its ability to hold a full charge.

• Blinking Light: A continuously blinking light on the end of your e-cigarette is the most common signal that it's time to pop it on charge or get a new one.

These simple maintenance tips are key to a reliable vaping experience. For more detailed advice, you can also learn about how to clean vape tanks and coils, which provides useful principles for device care. Following these habits ensures you get the best value and performance from your investment, making your journey away from cigarettes a smooth and satisfying one.

Got Questions About Starting To Vape?

Deciding to look up “how to smoke e cigarettes” is a great first move, but it’s totally normal to have a few questions before you dive in. Feeling good about your choice comes from getting straight, honest answers to the usual worries. Let’s get into some of the most common questions we hear from people making the switch.

Are e cigarettes safe? While e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, especially because they do not produce secondhand smoke like burning tobacco does, they are not completely risk-free. This is especially important for young people, as health experts warn that vaping nicotine can still pose risks to developing brains and should be avoided by youth and pregnant women. Compared to the proven dangers of secondhand smoke from regular cigarettes, e-cigarette vapour is thought to carry lower risks, but caution is still advised.

This expert consensus is what really matters. When you switch, you’re massively cutting your exposure to the thousands of nasty chemicals that come from burning tobacco.

What Health Improvements Can I Expect?

The benefits aren't just on paper; you can actually feel them. So many former smokers tell us they notice improvements in their breathing and that their senses of taste and smell come roaring back within just a few weeks of switching. This isn't just anecdotal, either—it's backed by science.

Is It Normal to Cough at First?

Yes, absolutely. A bit of coughing right at the start is very common and usually disappears pretty quickly. The sensation of vapour is different from smoke, and your body might just need a day or two to get used to it. It’s often because new vapers inhale too hard, just like they would with a cigarette.

The fix is simple: try taking slower, more gentle puffs. Think of it more like sipping a drink than taking a deep drag. Getting the technique right is key to a smooth experience.

How To Smoke E Cigarettes - Your First Vaping Guide - Conclusion

Ready to make a change you can feel confident about? At SMOKO, we specialise in simple, effective vaping starter kits designed to make your switch from smoking as easy as it can be. Take a look at our range today and take that first step towards a smoke-free life. Find your perfect kit at https://smoko.com!

FAQ: First-Time Vaping

Q: Do you inhale the same way as a cigarette?
A: Not exactly. With vaping, it’s best to take slower, gentler puffs rather than sharp drags. This helps you enjoy the flavour and prevents coughing.

Q: How long should I inhale?
A: A 3–5 second puff is usually enough. Unlike cigarettes, you don’t need to “chain puff” to get nicotine satisfaction.

Q: What nicotine strength should I start with?
A: If you smoke heavily (20+ cigarettes a day), 18–20mg nicotine salts may suit you. Moderate smokers might try 10–12mg, while light smokers often prefer 6mg or lower.

Q: Can I vape too much?
A: Yes — just like with cigarettes, too much nicotine can make you feel dizzy or nauseous. Take breaks and listen to your body.

Q: Do e-cigarettes make big clouds?
A: Starter kits and pod systems are designed for a discreet, cigarette-like experience. If you want large vapour clouds, you’d need a more advanced device.

Q: Are e-cigarettes designed to look like cigars or other traditional smoking products?
A: Yes, some e-cigarettes are made to resemble cigars, cigarettes, or pipes. This design can appeal to users who want a familiar look or feel when switching from traditional smoking.

Q: Is it safe to buy vaping products from informal sources?
A: No, obtaining vaping products from informal sources like family, or friends can be risky. Unregulated liquids may contain harmful substances and have been linked to severe lung injuries.

Q: What is vitamin E acetate and why is it dangerous?
A: Vitamin E acetate is a thickening agent sometimes found in illicit THC vaping products. It has been associated with EVALI (vaping-related lung injuries) and identified by health authorities as a chemical of concern. UK-made e-liquids, like those at SMOKO, are prohibited from containing vitamin E acetate and other chemicals known to be harmful when inhaled, like diacetyl.

Q: How addictive is nicotine compared to other substances like cocaine?
A: Nicotine, found in e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, is highly addictive—some studies compare its addictive potential to that of cocaine. E-cigarettes can deliver high levels of nicotine, so should only be used by smokers looking to quit and current vapers.

References

(1) Nearly 3 million people in Britain have quit smoking with a vape in the last 5 years

(2) NHS: Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking

(3) ASH: Four in ten smokers wrongly believe that vaping is as or more harmful as smoking

(4) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

(5) Switching from smoking to vaping improves respiratory health

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage 

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.

Last updated 03/10/2025