A longfill is the smart way to get big bottles of your favourite flavour for less money. Instead of buying ready-made e-liquid, you buy a concentrated flavour and top it up with base yourself. As a result, you unlock a huge range of tastes at a lower cost per millilitre. However, the format confuses a lot of people at first. Therefore this guide explains exactly what a longfill is, how it differs from a shortfill, and how to mix one step by step.
What is a longfill?
A longfill is essentially a flavour concentrate designed to be diluted. Specifically, the bottle holds pure flavouring at a strength far too intense to vape on its own. You then add base to bring it down to a vapeable level, which is where the name comes from, since you literally do a long fill with base. Consequently, one small concentrate can make a much larger bottle of finished e-liquid. Most concentrates on the aromas page work this way.
Longfill vs shortfill: what is the difference?
People often mix these two up, yet they are not the same. Basically, a shortfill arrives as ready-mixed e-liquid with a gap for a nic shot, so it needs almost no work. A longfill, by contrast, is only the flavour, so you add both the base and any nicotine yourself. In short, a shortfill trades a little value for convenience, while a longfill trades a little effort for the best price and the widest flavour choice. The table below sums it up.
| Longfill | Shortfill | |
|---|---|---|
| In the bottle | Flavour concentrate only | Ready 0mg e-liquid |
| You add | VG/PG base + optional nic shot | Nic shot only |
| Effort | Measure and mix | Minimal |
| Value | Best | Good |
How to mix a longfill step by step
Mixing one is easier than it looks, and you only need three things: the concentrate, a base and an empty bottle. Follow these steps and you will have fresh e-liquid in minutes.
1. Add the concentrate
Pour the concentrate into a larger empty bottle. Usually the ratio is around 10 to 20 percent flavour, and the bottle often has a fill line to guide you.
2. Top up with base
Next, fill the rest with a VG/PG base. Moreover, if you want nicotine, swap some base for a nic shot at this stage.
3. Shake and steep
Finally, shake well and let it steep for a few days. Consequently, the flavour deepens and tastes far smoother.
If you are unsure about the base ratio, our PG/VG mixing guide covers it in detail, and the nicotine calculator helps you get the strength right.
Why choose longfills?
Longfills win on three fronts. Firstly, they are the cheapest way to vape premium flavour, because base costs very little. Secondly, the flavour choice is enormous, since mixing brands release concentrates constantly. Thirdly, you control everything, from the VG/PG ratio to the nicotine strength. Naturally, that control appeals to anyone who wants their liquid tailored to their device and taste.
The best longfill concentrates at VSHUB24
In addition, VSHUB24 stocks concentrates from the top French and UK mixing houses, plus the bases and nic shots you need to finish them. Tap any product below to check the price and buy.
Heisenberg 30ml Vampire Vape
Caraibes Pirates 10ml Full Moon
Bloody Summer 10ml Fruizee
Blue Rainbow 10ml Jungle Wave
0.0% Base for Longfill Mixing
Classic Nicotine Shot 20mg 50PG/50VG 10ml
Do longfills contain nicotine?
By default, a longfill is nicotine-free, because it is only flavour and you supply the rest. Therefore you decide whether to keep it at zero or add a nic shot during mixing. For a pod-friendly result, many mixers add a 20mg shot, then confirm the final strength with a calculator. In effect, this means one concentrate can serve nicotine and nicotine-free vapers alike.
The verdict
Ultimately, a longfill is the format to learn if you want maximum flavour for minimum money. Yes, it takes a little more effort than a shortfill, yet the payoff is a huge flavour library and real control over your mix. Above all, once you have tried it a few times, mixing becomes second nature. Ready to start? Pick your flavours on the aromas page and grab your base on the bases page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a longfill in vaping?
A longfill is a bottle of concentrated flavour that you dilute with a VG/PG base to make e-liquid. The concentrate sits in a larger bottle, and you top it up with base and optional nicotine.
What is the difference between a longfill and a shortfill?
A shortfill is ready-mixed 0mg e-liquid that just needs a nic shot. A longfill is only the flavour concentrate, so you add both the base and any nicotine yourself, which makes it cheaper and more customisable.
How do you mix a longfill?
Add the concentrate to a larger empty bottle, usually around 10 to 20 percent, then top up with a VG/PG base. Optionally add a nic shot, shake well, and steep for a few days before vaping.
Are longfills cheaper than pre-made e-liquid?
Yes. Because you only buy the flavour concentrate plus inexpensive base, a longfill works out far cheaper per millilitre than buying ready-made bottles.
How long should you steep a longfill?
A few days is usually enough, though fruit flavours can be ready sooner and dessert flavours benefit from longer. Shake the bottle daily to help the flavour develop.
Do longfills have nicotine?
No, they are nicotine-free by default. You add nicotine yourself with a nic shot during mixing, so you control the final strength or keep it at zero.
Related guides
For adult vapers (18+) only. Nicotine, where added, is addictive. Keep concentrates, bases and nic shots away from children and pets.
