Jessica Tyson
16/05/2025 • 5 min read
So, you've embraced the smoother experience of nicotine salts and have your pod kit at the ready. If your device boasts adjustable wattage, you're probably wondering how to dial it in for the best possible vaping experience. How do you ensure maximum flavour, a satisfying throat hit, and effective nicotine delivery?
Understanding the interplay between wattage and nic salts is key to a truly satisfying vape. Finding that sweet spot means achieving the ideal balance of these three crucial factors, free from any harshness or overwhelming intensity.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to pinpoint the ideal wattage for your nic salts and get the most out of your setup.
Nicotine salts (often just called nic salts) are a type of nicotine that’s smoother and more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than traditional freebase nicotine.
Originally used in low-power devices like pod systems, nic salts became popular for their ability to deliver a satisfying hit without the harsh throat feel sometimes associated with high-strength freebase nicotine e-liquids.
Here’s why vapers love them:
Typical nic salt e-liquids come in 10mg or 20mg strengths in the UK due to TPD regulations, but they pack a punch, making correct wattage settings all the more important.
The wattage you set on your vape device directly controls how much power is delivered to the coil, and this plays a crucial role in shaping your overall vaping experience. Higher wattage increases the coil’s temperature, which affects how quickly and efficiently the e-liquid is vaporised.
This not only influences the amount of vapour produced (typically resulting in thicker clouds) but also impacts the intensity of the throat hit, which can become noticeably harsher at elevated power levels. Wattage also determines how rapidly nicotine is delivered, with higher settings accelerating the absorption rate.
In short, wattage influences every part of your vaping experience, so getting it right is essential. Vaping nic salts at too high a wattage can lead to:
Vaping them at too low a wattage, on the other hand, can result in:
This is why it’s so important to find the sweet spot - not too much, not too little.
So, what’s the ideal wattage range?
Nic salts are best enjoyed at moderate wattages, typically between 10W and 30W.
This range delivers enough power to properly vaporise the liquid while maintaining a smooth draw, solid flavour, and satisfying nicotine hit, all without overwhelming your throat or senses.
This window pairs perfectly with MTL vape kits, which are designed to replicate the sensation of smoking. These kits typically use higher-resistance coils and lower power settings - ideal conditions for nic salts.
While it is technically possible to vape nic salts at wattages higher than 30W, it is generally discouraged as it can result in an overly harsh throat hit and deliver too much nicotine too quickly, especially when using higher-strength e-liquids.
To get the most out of nic salts, it’s important to pair them with a device that matches their needs. Look for a device that:
You’ll usually find these features in pod systems or pen-style vapes - ideal for beginners or anyone switching from pre-filled kits.
And don’t worry if your device is capable of more than 30W. As long as you’re using a compatible coil and keeping the power within the 10-30W range, the device's upper limit won’t be an issue.
To fine-tune your nic salt experience, it helps to understand how coil resistance and wattage work together. Generally:
For nic salts, higher-resistance coils (typically 1.0Ω+) are an excellent match. These coils perform optimally in the range of 10-15W, delivering the smooth, lower vapour output ideal for MTL vaping that many nic salt users prefer.
Mid-range coils (around 0.8Ω) can also be used with nic salts, comfortably handling wattages up to 20-25W. This can provide a slightly warmer vape and increased vapour production, but it's important to monitor for potential harshness.
Lower-resistance coils (below 0.8Ω) are generally not ideal for high-strength nic salts. While they can handle wattages of 25-30W or more, this higher power output can lead to an overwhelming nicotine hit and a less enjoyable experience with typical nic salt strengths. If you do use sub-ohm coils with nic salts, it's crucial to opt for significantly lower nicotine concentrations.
Crucially, always consult the manufacturer's recommended wattage range printed on your coil or its packaging. Staying within this range is vital for preventing coil burnout and ensuring optimal flavour.
If your vape device allows wattage adjustment, here’s how to get it right for nic salts:
A little trial and error is perfectly normal here, just be sure to keep adjustments gradual and stay within the coil’s safe zone.
Understanding the relationship between wattage and your nicotine salts is key to a truly enjoyable vaping experience.
By keeping your wattage within the generally recommended 10-30W range, prioritising MTL setups with higher-resistance coils, and carefully adjusting your settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of your nic salts.
Ready to find the perfect flavour and strength for your setup? Be sure to check out our full range of nic salts here.
