Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt and How to Fix It?
Experiencing a burnt taste while vaping is a common issue that many vapers encounter. This unpleasant sensation is not only irritating but can also ruin your entire vaping experience. Fortunately, understanding the causes behind the burnt taste can help you avoid it altogether. In this article, we will explore all possible reasons why does my vape taste burnt and provide you with actionable solutions.
The Most Common Reasons for a Burnt Vape Taste
Dry Burnt Hits Due to Lack of E-Liquid
A primary reason for a burnt taste is when the coil in your vape is not sufficiently soaked in e-liquid or vape juice. When the cotton inside the coil dries out, it burns when heated, creating that notorious “burnt” flavour. This issue is prevalent when you let your tank run low on e-liquid or fail to give the wick enough time to absorb the liquid.
Solution: Always ensure your vape tank has enough e-liquid and give the wick time to saturate before taking a puff, especially with new coils.
Chain Vaping
Taking frequent, consecutive puffs without allowing your vape time to cool can dry out the wick and result in a burnt taste. Chain vaping doesn’t give the wick enough time to reabsorb the e-liquid, causing the cotton to dry out.
Solution: Let your device rest for a few seconds between puffs to allow the wick to soak up the liquid fully. This helps maintain a consistent and smooth flavour.
Old or Burnt Coil
Coils degrade over time. The average lifespan of a vape coil is around 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your usage. Once the coil starts to wear out, it will struggle to absorb the e-liquid effectively, causing a burnt taste.
Solution: If your coil is old or visibly burnt (dark residue or scorched cotton), replace it with a new one to restore the original taste quality.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt with a Full Tank?
Even with a full tank of e-liquid, your vape may still taste burnt. This usually happens due to two main reasons:
Incorrect Coil Priming
New coils must be primed before they are used. If you do not properly prime the coil, the cotton inside will not be saturated, and the cotton will burn on your first few puffs, causing a lasting burnt taste.
Solution: Before vaping, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton on the coil. Let the coil sit for a few minutes to fully absorb the liquid before you start vaping.
High Wattage Settings
Vaping at a wattage higher than recommended can cause the coil to heat too quickly, vaporising the e-liquid faster than the wick can absorb it. This leads to the cotton drying out and burning, even if your tank is full of e-liquid.
Solution: Always vape within the wattage range recommended by the manufacturer for your specific coil. Lowering the wattage will reduce the likelihood of burning the wick.
What Type of E-Liquid Can Cause a Burnt Taste?
Different e-liquids have varying viscosities, and using the wrong one for your device can lead to a burnt taste in your mouth.
VG/PG Ratio and Device Compatibility
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) are the two main components in e-liquids. High VG liquids are thicker and may not wick as easily in some devices, particularly those with higher resistance coils.
Solution: Check your device’s compatibility with the VG/PG ratio. For example, pod systems typically work better with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids, whereas sub-ohm devices can handle high-VG e-liquids (70% or more).
How to Avoid Burnt Vape Taste: Detailed Guide with Facts
Experiencing a burnt vape taste can ruin your vaping experience, but this is often preventable with a few simple adjustments. Understanding the causes and implementing the right techniques can help you enjoy a smooth, flavorful vape consistently. Here’s a detailed look at how to avoid a burnt vape taste, supported by facts and figures.
Prime Your Coil Properly
Proper coil priming is crucial for avoiding a burnt taste. The coil contains a cotton wick that needs to be fully saturated with e-liquid before use. If not, the dry cotton will burn when heated, causing an unpleasant taste.
How to prime your coil:
According to vaping experts, failure to prime your coil properly is one of the leading causes of burnt hits, especially with new coils. If your coil is not sufficiently primed, it can burn in just a few puffs, which ruins the coil entirely. This can lead to frequent replacements, which cost an average of £3-£5 per coil in the UK.
Use the Right E-Liquid
The type of e-liquid you use can significantly impact the longevity of your coil and the taste of your vape. The ratio of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to Propylene Glycol (PG) in e-liquid affects its thickness and how it is vaporized by different coils.
Choosing the right e-liquid for your coil type prevents dry hits and extends the life of your coil. For instance, a 70VG/30PG blend is ideal for sub-ohm vaping, while a 50VG/50PG blend works better in pod systems and higher-resistance coils.
Avoid Chain Vaping
Chain vaping, or taking multiple puffs in quick succession, doesn’t allow the wick enough time to re-saturate with e-liquid. This can quickly dry out the cotton, leading to burnt hits.
In a survey by Ecigclick UK, vapers who experienced burnt tastes frequently reported chain vaping as one of the main culprits, particularly among those using high-powered sub-ohm devices.
Replace Your Coil Regularly
Vape coils have a finite lifespan, and using an old coil can result in diminished flavour and a burnt taste. Most coils last anywhere between 1-2 weeks, depending on how frequently you vape and the type of e-liquid you use. Coils degrade over time as residue builds up, making it harder for the wick to absorb e-liquid properly.
Lower Your Wattage
Vaping at too high a wattage can cause your coil to overheat, vaporizing the e-liquid too quickly and leaving the wick dry. When the wick can’t keep up with the heat, it burns, resulting in the familiar unpleasant burnt taste.
According to data from leading vaping manufacturers, coils that are consistently used at higher-than-recommended wattages tend to burn out 30-40% faster, leading to more frequent replacements and a decrease in performance.
Summary of Solutions to Prevent Burnt Vape Taste
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Dry Hits | Insufficient e-liquid on the wick | Prime the coil properly and ensure tank is filled |
| Chain Vaping | Not giving enough time for wick saturation | Allow breaks of 20-30 seconds between puffs |
| Old/Burnt Coil | Coil degradation over time | Replace coil every 1-2 weeks |
| Wrong E-Liquid | Using incompatible VG/PG ratio with the coil | Choose an e-liquid suitable for your device and coil type |
| High Wattage | Vaping at too high wattage, overheating the coil | Stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil |
FAQs: Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
Why does my vape taste burnt even though it’s new?
If you didn’t properly prime your new coil, the cotton may have burnt before absorbing e-liquid. Make sure to soak the coil in e-liquid before use.
Can I fix a burnt vape taste without replacing the coil?
If the burnt taste is minor, you can try cleaning the coil or reducing the wattage. However, if the coil is severely burnt, replacing it is the best option.
How long should I wait between vape puffs?
To avoid dry hits, wait at least 30 seconds between each puff. This gives the wick enough time to absorb more e-liquid.
Can e-liquid cause a burnt taste?
Yes, using the wrong VG/PG ratio or letting the e-liquid run too low in your tank can lead to a burnt taste.
How often should I replace my coil?
On average, replace your coil every 1-2 weeks, depending on how frequently you vape.
Does a disposable vape taste burnt?
Yes, a disposable vape can taste burnt if the coil overheats or runs out of e-liquid, causing the wick to dry out and burn. This often happens when the vape is used frequently or past its lifespan.
Final Words
A burnt vape taste can be frustrating, but it is preventable. By understanding the causes and solutions, you can enjoy a smooth, flavourful vaping experience every time. Whether it’s priming your coils, using the correct e-liquid, or simply giving your device a rest between puffs, following these tips will ensure your vape never tastes burnt again. Remember, regular coil maintenance is key to keeping your vape in top condition.
