Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Common Causes and How to Fix It
There’s nothing more frustrating than taking a puff from your vape, only to be hit with a harsh, burnt taste. A burnt flavor in your vape can ruin your entire experience and is a common issue that many vapers encounter. Fortunately, understanding the causes of this unpleasant taste can help you quickly identify and resolve the problem.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Several factors can contribute to a burnt taste, such as low e-liquid levels, coil issues, or improper wattage settings. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for a burnt vape taste and offer practical solutions to help you get back to enjoying smooth, flavorful clouds.
1. Low E-Liquid Levels
One of the most frequent causes of a burnt taste is running low on e-liquid. When the e-liquid level in your tank or pod becomes too low, the cotton wick inside the coil struggles to stay saturated. This can lead to dry hits where the coil overheats and burns the cotton wick, resulting in a burnt taste.
Solution: Always make sure your tank or pod is filled with enough e-liquid to cover the wick. Refill your tank before it gets too low to prevent dry hits. This will ensure that the cotton wick remains saturated, allowing for a smooth vaping experience.
2. Coil Burnout
Coils, like any other part of your vape, have a limited lifespan. Over time, coils degrade due to constant heating and cooling. When a coil starts to wear out, it can no longer provide the same level of vaporization, and this often leads to a burnt taste. A worn-out coil can also result in the wicking material not absorbing the e-liquid properly, further contributing to the burnt flavor.
Solution: Regularly check and replace your coils to ensure you’re always using a fresh one. If your vape tastes burnt, it’s likely time to swap out the coil. Most coils last anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on how often you use your vape.
3. Incorrect Wattage or Temperature Settings
Modern mods and vape devices come with adjustable wattage and temperature control settings. However, setting these too high for your coil can cause it to burn the wick and produce a harsh, burnt taste. Higher wattages or temperatures can overheat the coil, damaging it and leading to a burnt flavor.
Solution: Check your coil’s recommended wattage range, which is usually printed on the coil itself or provided by the manufacturer. Be sure to stay within the optimal range to avoid overheating the coil. If you have a temperature-controlled device, ensure you’re using the appropriate settings for your coil.
4. Failing to Prime the Coil
Priming your coil is an essential step when installing a new one. Without priming, the cotton wick inside the coil may not be properly saturated with e-liquid, leading to dry hits. Dry cotton can quickly burn when the coil heats up, producing a burnt flavor.
Solution: Before using a new coil, drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick to saturate it. Then, allow the coil to sit for a few minutes to ensure the e-liquid is absorbed. This simple step will prevent dry hits and the burnt taste that follows.
5. Chain Vaping
Chain vaping is when you take several puffs in quick succession without giving the coil time to reabsorb e-liquid. This can cause the wick to dry out, resulting in a burnt taste. The coil needs time between puffs to re-wick properly, and chain vaping can disrupt this process.
Solution: Give your vape a moment to cool down between puffs. Allow the cotton wick to soak up e-liquid before taking another hit. Taking slow, deliberate puffs can also help avoid over-heating the coil.
6. E-Liquid Viscosity
The thickness of your e-liquid can also affect how well it is absorbed by the cotton wick. E-liquids with a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) content tend to be thicker and can sometimes have difficulty soaking into the coil properly. This can result in dry hits and a burnt taste, especially if you’re using a coil with small wicking holes.
Solution: If you’re using a thicker e-liquid, try switching to one with a higher PG (propylene glycol) content, which is thinner and easier for the coil to wick. Alternatively, use a coil with larger wicking holes designed to handle thicker e-liquids.
7. Dirty Tank or Coil
Over time, residue from e-liquids, especially those with sweeteners or high VG content, can build up inside your tank or on the coil. This buildup can block the flow of e-liquid to the wick, causing the coil to overheat and burn the cotton. A dirty tank or coil is a common culprit of a burnt taste.
Solution: Clean your tank and coil regularly to prevent residue buildup. If the coil is too dirty to be cleaned effectively, replace it with a new one. Also, regularly clean the mouthpiece and other components of your vape to maintain good airflow and prevent the buildup of gunk.
8. Wicking Issues
In some cases, the issue may lie with the coil’s wicking material itself. If the wick is not properly aligned or if it’s damaged, it won’t be able to absorb e-liquid effectively. A poorly wicked coil will quickly burn when used, leading to a burnt taste.
Solution: Ensure that the coil is properly installed and that the wick is in good condition. If you’re using rebuildable atomizers (RTAs or RDAs), check that the wick is positioned correctly and is saturated with enough e-liquid before using it.
How to Prevent a Burnt Vape Taste in the Future
Now that you know the common causes of a burnt vape taste, here are a few tips to help you avoid it in the future:
- Replace coils regularly: Coils can only last for so long, so keep an eye on their condition and replace them as needed.
- Refill your tank before it runs dry: Always ensure that there’s enough e-liquid in your tank to prevent dry hits.
- Adjust wattage to match the coil: Follow the recommended wattage for your coil to avoid overheating.
- Prime new coils: Always prime your coils before use to prevent dry hits and burnt cotton.
- Avoid chain vaping: Give your coil time to reabsorb e-liquid between puffs.
- Use the right e-liquid: Ensure the e-liquid is compatible with your coil and device for smooth, consistent vapor.
By following these steps, you can avoid the burnt taste and enjoy your vape experience to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my vape taste burnt even after changing the coil?
If you’re still getting a burnt taste after replacing the coil, it could be due to improper priming, incorrect wattage settings, or an issue with the e-liquid. Ensure that the coil is properly primed, the wattage is set to the recommended range, and that there’s enough e-liquid in your tank.
2. Can using high VG e-liquid cause a burnt taste?
Yes, high VG e-liquids can sometimes be too thick for certain coils, leading to wicking issues and burnt hits. Try using a coil designed for high VG e-liquids or consider using a higher PG e-liquid for smoother wicking.
3. How often should I replace my vape coil?
Coils should be replaced every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage. If your vape starts to taste burnt or you notice a drop in flavor, it’s likely time for a new coil.
4. How can I prevent dry hits?
To prevent dry hits, make sure your coil is always adequately primed, and don’t let your e-liquid level get too low. Also, avoid chain vaping and give your coil time to reabsorb e-liquid between puffs.
5. Does a burnt taste mean my coil is permanently damaged?
A burnt taste usually means that the coil’s cotton wick has been overheated and damaged. In most cases, replacing the coil will solve the problem. However, if you continue to experience burnt hits, check for other potential issues like incorrect wattage or dirty components.
Conclusion
A burnt taste in your vape is a common issue, but with the right knowledge, it’s easy to avoid. Whether it’s due to low e-liquid levels, coil burnout, or incorrect settings, understanding the causes and how to fix them will help you enjoy a smooth vaping experience. By keeping your coils fresh, properly priming them, and managing your settings, you can prevent that unpleasant burnt taste and get back to enjoying your vape.
