The Best Ways to Properly Steep

The Best Ways to Properly Steep Freebased Pre-Made E-Liquids

 

Do you wish that your pre-made e-juice had a punchier nicotine hit or a deeper, more complex flavor? If so, you might want to look into the practice of steeping. When we steep an e-liquid, we allow oxidization to chemically alter the molecular composition of its formula. It's widely believed that this process results in a more satisfying vape overall. 

 

What is Steeping?

 

For those who don’t know, steeping is a process in which bottles of juice are given a chance to oxidize. When the right amount of oxygen enters the liquid, certain molecules evaporate while others bond with each other. Certain flavor molecules become more pronounced while others dissipate into the air. This process is much like that of aging a wine or a steak. Introducing a small amount of oxygen allows the flavor to blossom. 

Additionally, the oxidization process boosts the potency of the freebase nicotine in your e-liquid while diminishing the alcohol-like taste of propylene glycol (PG). 

 

Why is Steeping Important?

 

If you spend a good amount of your income on e-liquid, you deserve to enjoy the best flavor and nicotine hit possible. Steeping enhances the aspects of your juice that’re the most pleasurable. 

Do I Have to Steep My Pre-Made Vape Juices?

 

While steeping is an extremely popular practice, not every vape enthusiast believes that it's necessary. Ultimately, vaping is a hobby that's all about experimentation. If you're content with the taste of your juice as it is, you don't have to steep it. 

Keep in mind, however, that most vape juice manufacturers do not steep their e-liquids prior to distribution. Therefore, there's a good chance that the e-liquid that you purchase is supposed to be steeped prior to use. 

 

Steeping Techniques to Master


If you’re gonna steep, here what you need to know how to do:

 

Slow Steeping

One of the most popular methods is “slow steeping”. While it takes a bit more time than other popular methods, it requires the least amount of effort. Once you've stocked up on e-liquid, place the bottles in a dark place like a closet or a cabinet. Whether the caps are on or off of the bottles makes no difference. 

Each day give the bottles of juice a very gentle shake for a few seconds. This will encourage the oxygen molecules to interact with all of the molecules in your liquid. You can steep them using this method for between one and two weeks. You'll notice that the color becomes slightly darker as the steeping process goes on. 

 

Warm Bath Method

The warm bath method is also extremely popular. For this method, fill a basin or a bowl with warm water. Then, place your filled-up bottles in a resealable plastic bag. Place the bag into the bowl and leave it there overnight. By the morning, your e-liquids should be slightly darker in color. This means that they're ready to be vaped. 

 

Seed Steeping

This is an interesting method that involves placing a drop or two of steeped e-liquid into the bottle of an e-liquid that has not been steeped. The idea is that the trace amount of steeped liquid will activate the oxidization process. 

 

It’s Your Call

 

Whether or not you steep your pre-made e-liquids is ultimately your decision. However, this popular method with sub-techniques is widely known to enhance your juice’s flavor and nicotine potency, resulting in a more satisfying vaping experience.

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