Vaping should be a smooth, enjoyable experience, delivering flavorful hits with every puff. But if your vape tastes burnt, it can ruin the moment and even make vaping unpleasant. A burnt taste usually points to something wrong with your device, settings, or habits.
The good news? Most of these problems are easy to solve once you know what’s going on. Let’s break down the top seven reasons why your vape might taste burnt and how you can fix it.
Dry Coil or Wick
A burnt taste often occurs because the coil’s wick (usually made of cotton) has dried out. When the wick doesn’t have enough e-liquid to soak up, the heat from the coil scorches it, leading to that awful burnt flavor.
Before taking a puff, always check that your tank has enough e-liquid. If your wick is already burnt, you’ll need to replace the coil.
To avoid this in the future, regularly refill your tank and allow the wick to soak for a few minutes when you install a new coil.
Chain Vaping
Taking multiple rapid hits known as chain vaping can prevent your wick from absorbing e-liquid fast enough. If you vape too quickly, the wick dries out, and the next puff pulls burnt cotton instead of vaporized liquid.
Slow down and give your device a break between puffs. This will allow time for the e-liquid to saturate the wick properly. If you’re vaping frequently, consider a vape with a larger tank or a device designed for longer sessions.
High Wattage Settings
Using a wattage that’s too high for your coil can cause it to overheat. When the coil gets too hot, it burns the e-liquid faster than the wick can keep up, resulting in that burnt taste.
Simply check your coil’s recommended wattage range (usually printed on the coil itself). Adjust your vape settings to stay within that range. If you prefer warmer, thicker clouds, upgrade to a coil designed for higher wattage.
Old or Burnt Coil
Every coil has a limited lifespan, and over time, the wick and coil become less effective. Residue from e-liquid builds up, clogging the wick and causing uneven heating. This can lead to burnt flavors, even if your tank is full.
You want to replace your coil regularly. Depending on your usage, coils typically last 1–2 weeks. If you’re experiencing a burnt taste and can’t remember the last time you changed your coil, it’s probably time for a new one.
Not Priming Your Coil
When installing a new coil, it’s essential to prime it before use. Failing to do so can cause the wick to burn before it has a chance to soak up the e-liquid.
To prime your coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton before installing it. Once the coil is in place, fill the tank and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. This ensures the wick is fully saturated before you start vaping.
Using the Wrong E-Liquid
Not all e-liquids are created equal, and the wrong type of liquid can cause problems. High-VG (vegetable glycerin) liquids are thicker and may not wick properly in certain devices, especially smaller ones like pod systems. This can lead to dry hits and burnt flavors.
Check your device’s compatibility with e-liquid types. If you’re using a smaller vape, opt for liquids with a balanced VG/PG (propylene glycol) ratio, such as 50/50. Larger devices with sub-ohm coils can handle higher VG liquids without issue.
Low E-Liquid Levels
Even if there’s some e-liquid in your tank, if it’s too low, the wick might not be able to soak it up. This happens because the wick relies on being fully submerged in liquid to stay saturated.
Keep an eye on your e-liquid levels and refill your tank before it gets too low. Many vapes have a minimum fill line to guide you. Make it a habit to top up regularly, especially if you’re heading out for the day.
How to Avoid Burnt Hits in the Future
Burnt hits are unpleasant, but they’re also preventable with proper care and maintenance. Here are some bonus tips to ensure a smooth vaping experience:
- Clean Your Tank Regularly: Residue from old e-liquid can build up in your tank and affect the flavor. Empty and rinse your tank when you change coils to keep everything fresh.
- Use Quality E-Liquid: Cheap or poorly made e-liquids can clog your wick and shorten the life of your coil. Invest in reputable brands for a better vaping experience.
- Monitor Your Battery Settings: If you’re using a variable wattage device, experiment with lower wattage settings until you find a balance that works for you.
Taking the time to understand your device and how it functions will save you from the frustration of burnt hits. By following these steps and staying mindful of your vaping habits, you’ll enjoy a consistently pleasant experience.
Happy vaping!
