For new vapers, one of the most unpleasant things you can experience is taking a hit from your vape and getting a horrible burnt taste. If you’ve ever experienced a burnt hit, you probably know exactly what we’re talking about. Instead of getting the flavor you were expecting, you get a harsh, burnt taste that can make you wonder what went wrong.
There are a few different reasons why your vape can taste burnt. The good news is that most of them are relatively easy to fix. Well, let’s get right into it and find out why your vape tastes burnt!
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
There isn’t always one simple answer to why your vape tastes burnt. Your coil may not be getting enough eliquid, you could be vaping at too high of a wattage, or your coil could simply be reaching the end of its life. The type of device you’re using, the coil you’re using, the eliquid in your tank, and how often you vape can all come into play. There are a few things you can check first.
Your Coil Is Dry
One of the most common reasons for a burnt taste is a dry coil. Inside your coil is a piece of wicking material, usually cotton, that absorbs the eliquid from your tank or pod. When you take a hit, the coil heats up and vaporizes the eliquid that has soaked into the wick. If there isn’t enough eliquid reaching the wick, the coil can heat up while the cotton is too dry. This can result in what is commonly known as a dry hit. Dry hits are usually very easy to recognize. Instead of tasting your normal eliquid flavor, you’ll get a harsh and burnt taste.
How To Fix A Dry Coil
First, check your eliquid level. If your tank or pod is almost empty, refill it and allow the eliquid some time to soak into the wick. You may also want to give your device a few minutes before taking another hit. This allows the cotton inside the coil to absorb more eliquid. If the coil has already been badly burnt, however, adding more eliquid isn’t necessarily going to fix the problem. In that case, you may need to replace the coil.
You’re Vaping At Too High Of A Wattage
If you’re using a variable wattage vape, your wattage setting could be another reason why your vape tastes burnt. Every coil has a recommended wattage range. This range is usually printed directly on the coil itself and the box it came in. If you set your device above the recommended wattage, the coil will heat up much faster. This can cause the eliquid to vaporize faster than the wick can replace it, eventually resulting in a dry or burnt hit.
Check the recommended wattage range on your coil and make sure your device is operating within that range. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s generally better to begin at the lower end of the recommended range and slowly work your way up. If the burnt taste disappears after lowering your wattage, you’ve likely found the problem.
You’re Chain Vaping
Chain vaping is another common reason why you might experience burnt hits. When you take several hits one after another without giving your coil enough time to absorb more eliquid, the wick can become too dry. This is especially common when using higher powered devices because they can use a lot more eliquid with every hit.
Give your coil a little bit of time between hits. Instead of immediately taking another puff, wait a few seconds and allow the wick to absorb more eliquid. You should also avoid taking extremely long hits repeatedly. The longer your hit, the more eliquid your coil will need to keep the wick saturated.
Your Coil Needs To Be Replaced
Sometimes the answer is as simple as replacing your coil. Coils don’t last forever. As you use them, the cotton inside the coil becomes darker and residue can build up around the heating element. Eventually, the flavor can become muted or burnt, and you’ll notice that your vape just doesn’t taste the way it used to. If you’ve been using the same coil for a long time and your vape suddenly starts tasting burnt, it may simply be time for a replacement. If you’re not sure how long your coils should last, make sure to check out our guide on how long vape coils last.
Your Coil Wasn’t Primed Properly
If you’ve just installed a brand new coil and it immediately tastes burnt, there’s a good chance that the coil wasn’t properly primed. When you install a new coil, the cotton inside of it is dry. It needs to absorb eliquid before you start vaping. If you fire the device while the cotton is still dry, you can scorch the wick. Always let your elquid sit inside your tank or pod for at least five minutes before using it.
How To Prime A New Coil
Before installing your new coil, add a small amount of eliquid to the exposed cotton if your coil design allows you to do so. Install the coil into your tank and fill the tank with eliquid. Once everything is assembled, give the coil several minutes to soak. When you’re ready to vape, start at a lower wattage and gradually work your way up to your normal setting. Taking a few shorter hits at first can also help break in the new coil.
Your Tank Is Too Empty
This one is simple, but it’s easy to overlook. Most tanks and pods have a minimum eliquid level that you need to maintain. If the eliquid drops too low, the cotton may no longer be able to properly absorb it. This can result in the dreaded dry hit. Always make sure there is enough eliquid in your tank or pod to properly saturate the coil. Some tanks also have wicking holes positioned around the coil, so make sure those areas aren’t sitting completely above the eliquid level.
Your E-Liquid May Be Too Thick
Not every e-liquid is designed for every type of vape. E-liquids with higher VG ratios are generally thicker than higher-PG e-liquids. Depending on your device and coil, a thicker e-liquid may not wick quickly enough. This can be especially noticeable in smaller pod systems that aren’t designed to handle thicker e-liquids. If you’re using an e-liquid with a VG ratio that isn’t suited to your device, you may experience dry hits and burnt coils.
Make sure you check what type of e-liquid your device is designed to use before filling your tank.
Sweet E-Liquids Can Burn Coils Faster
Sweet e-liquids are extremely popular, but the sweeteners used in some e-liquids can cause residue to build up on your coil. Over time, this buildup can affect the flavor and performance of your coil. If you’ve noticed that your coil seems to burn out faster when using a particularly sweet e-liquid, this could be one of the reasons. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop using sweet flavors. Just be aware that they may require you to replace your coils more frequently.
Can You Fix A Burnt Coil?
This depends on how badly the coil has been burnt. If the coil is simply a little dry, allowing it to soak in eliquid may be enough to get it working normally again. However, if the cotton inside the coil has actually been scorched, there’s not much you can do to completely remove the burnt taste. Some vapers attempt to clean their coils to get more use out of them, but this isn’t always effective, especially with modern pre-built coils. If your coil continues to taste burnt after giving it time to soak, replacing it is usually the easiest solution.
How To Prevent Your Vape From Tasting Burnt
Nobody wants to deal with a burnt hit, especially when you’ve just filled your tank with your favorite eliquid. There are a few simple things you can do to help prevent it from happening.
- Always keep enough eliquid in your tank or pod.
- Properly prime new coils before using them.
- Stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil.
- Avoid chain vaping when possible.
- Give your coil time to absorb eliquid between hits.
- Use an e-liquid that is suitable for your device.
- Replace your coils when they begin producing poor flavor or vapor.
- Taking a few extra seconds to check your device can save you from having to deal with that horrible burnt taste.
Final Thoughts
So, why does your vape taste burnt?
In most cases, it’s going to come down to your coil not getting enough eliquid, using too much wattage, chain vaping, or simply having an old coil. If you’ve checked your eliquid level and your wattage is within the recommended range, your coil may simply need to be replaced.
A burnt taste doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your entire vape. In many cases, it’s just a sign that your coil needs a little attention. Keep your coil properly saturated, use the correct wattage, and pay attention to when your coils need changing. Doing so should help you avoid the dreaded burnt hit and keep your vape tasting the way it should.
