Every vaper knows the satisfaction of a smooth, flavorful hit. But what happens when that sweet sensation turns into a burnt, unpleasant taste? It’s not only frustrating—it could also indicate something’s wrong with your device or technique. Here we’ll discuss why your vape tastes burnt and how to fix it.
Why Your Vape Tastes Burnt
There are a few reasons why your vape may be producing a burnt taste:
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Dry Wick: Your wick is responsible for delivering e-liquid to the coil. When it dries out, the cotton can burn, resulting in a burnt taste.
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Overheating: If you take too long of a draw or use your device at high wattages, the coil may overheat and cause the cotton to burn.
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Low E-Liquid Levels: When there isn't enough e-liquid in the tank, it doesn't reach the wick effectively,
If you've been asking yourself, "Why does my vape taste burnt?" you’re in the right place. This guide will help you identify the most common causes and show you how to fix them, so you can get back to enjoying your vape the way it’s meant to be.
1. Your Coil Needs Changing
Cause: Coils are essential to your vaping experience—they heat the e-liquid to create the vapor you inhale. Over time, repeated use can burn the wick inside the coil, leading to that harsh, burnt taste.
Solution: Coils need regular replacement to function properly. On average, coils last 1 to 2 weeks with normal use. If you're a lighter vaper, they could last up to a month. However, pushing your coil too far or ignoring the burnt taste can damage your vape and reduce flavor quality.
Fix: To fix this, simply replace the coil with a new one. Most vape kits come with step-by-step instructions for changing coils. If you’re unsure, head to a local vape store or consult a trusted guide online.
2. Your Tank Needs Topping Up
Cause: A dry tank is one of the most common causes of a burnt taste. When the e-liquid in your tank runs too low, the coil draws in air instead of liquid, causing the wick to burn.
Solution: Prevent this by regularly checking and refilling your tank. Many vaping devices, especially pod system kits, have small tanks that run empty quicker than expected, so they require more frequent inspections.
Fix: Make it a habit to keep your tank topped up and never get too close to empty. This simple step will save you from countless burnt hits.
3. You Haven’t Primed Your Coil
Cause: Did you know that firing a dry coil can damage it instantly? If you start vaping without letting the e-liquid properly saturate your new coil, you’re essentially burning the wick right away.
Solution: Priming your coil ensures the wick is fully absorbed with e-liquid before you use it.
Fix: To prime your coil, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick openings before installing it. After placing the coil into the tank, fill the tank with e-liquid, and wait around 5-10 minutes to allow the coil to fully saturate. Following these steps will protect your coil and ensure your first puff is flavorful, not burnt.
4. Your Power Settings Are Too High
Cause: If your vape mod is set to a wattage higher than recommended for your coil, this can burn the wick and give you a burnt taste almost immediately.
Solution: Always match your wattage settings to your coil’s specifications.
Fix: Start with a lower wattage and gradually increase it until you find the sweet spot for your vape. Most coils include the recommended wattage range either on their packaging or printed on the coil itself, so use this as your guide.
5. You Have the Wrong Resistance of Coil Installed
Cause: Not all coils work well with every device or wattage setting. For example, using a sub-ohm coil meant for high-power devices at a lower wattage can cause sub-par performance or a burnt taste.
Solution: Ensure your coil’s resistance (measured in ohms) matches the wattage setting on your vape device.
Fix: Check your coil’s resistance and consult the manufacturer’s recommendations before choosing your wattage. Many devices will also alert you if the settings are incompatible, making it easier for you to adjust.
6. You’re Using the Wrong Type of E-Liquid
Cause: Not all e-liquids are created equal. Some, like high-VG e-liquids, are thicker and might not work effectively with smaller vape coils, leading to clogs or burnt hits.
Solution: Choose an e-liquid with the right VG/PG ratio for your device.
Fix
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High-VG E-Liquids (e.g., 70% VG or more): Ideal for sub-ohm coils and devices with higher wattage.
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50/50 E-Liquids or Nic Salts: Perfect for pen kits and pod kits.
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Refer to your vape’s user manual or online guides to ensure compatibility.
7. Your Disposable Vape Tastes Burnt
Cause: Even disposable vapes aren’t immune to burnt flavors, often caused by excessive puffing or running out of e-liquid.
Solution: Take smaller, slower puffs and allow time between hits to prevent overheating the coil. Shaking the device can help redistribute any remaining e-liquid.
Fix: If the burnt taste persists, it may be time to replace the disposable vape entirely. Consider switching to a pod kit for a more cost-effective and customizable vaping experience.
Bring Back the Flavor: Say Goodbye to Burnt Vapes
There’s nothing worse than expecting a smooth, flavorful puff—only to be hit with that dreaded burnt taste. The good news? Fixing it is easier than you think.
✅ Replace your coils before they wear out
✅ Keep your tank filled to avoid dry hits
✅ Always prime new coils
✅ Set the right wattage for your coil and juice
✅ Use e-liquids suited to your device
With these simple habits, you’ll keep your vape running smoothly and your flavor on point. So next time that burnt taste creeps in, you’ll know exactly how to handle it.
Got your own tip or question? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
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