Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? 17 Common Causes and Fixes

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? 17 Common Causes and Fixes

Posted by Anastasia on Dec 21st 2023

If you're a vaper, you've probably experienced it at some point—the dreaded burnt taste when you take a puff from your vape device. It can ruin your vaping experience in addition to being unpleasant. You're not alone in this situation, so don't forget that. Some vapers ask, "Why does my vape taste burnt?" In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various reasons behind this issue and provide practical solutions to ensure your vape always tastes as smooth as it should.

Burnt Hits vs. Dry Hits

Before we dive into the reasons and solutions, let's differentiate between two common vaping problems: burnt hits and dry hits.

  • Burnt Hits: A burnt hit occurs when the vapor you inhale tastes burnt, almost like charred paper. A vaping setup with this problem is not working correctly.
  • Dry Hits: Dry hits, on the other hand, happen when you vape and inhale a puff of flavorless vapor. It feels harsh on your throat and can indicate an issue with your vape.

The differences between burnt and burnt tastes have now been clarified, so let's explore why the burnt taste occurs and how it can be fixed.

Why does my vape taste burnt?

1. Your e-liquid supply is insufficient

Your vape tank may be insufficient if you experience a burnt taste after using it. When the e-liquid level drops below the openings in your coil, the wick no longer gets adequately saturated, leading to a dry hit.

Fix: Simply refill your tank with e-liquid to ensure the wick remains saturated, preventing burnt hits.

2. You're puffing too frequently 

Taking puffs in rapid succession can result in your coil and wick overheating. When your coil gets too hot, it can't vaporize the e-liquid efficiently, resulting in a burnt taste.

Fix: Allow a few seconds between puffs to give your coil time to cool down and the e-liquid to re-saturate the wick.

3. Your coils have been primed incorrectly

Primarily for sub-ohm vapers, failing to prime your coil adequately before use can lead to a burnt hit. You should prime your coil with e-liquid before vaping to prevent it from burning.

Fix: To avoid the wick drying out when adding a new coil, place a few drops of e-liquid on the exposed cotton wick before adding the new coil. Make sure it is thoroughly saturated with water before soaking.

4. You're high power vaping

Vaping at excessively high wattages can cause your coil to heat rapidly, potentially scorching the cotton wick. Coils can be burned, and their lifespan is shortened as a result.

Fix: Maintain your coil's wattage range by adjusting your wattage settings. Overheating will be prevented, and coil life will be extended.

5. Your battery is in the wrong place

Incompatible batteries can also contribute to a burnt taste in your vape. If your battery output doesn't match the coil's resistance, it can overheat and burn the e-liquid.

Fix: Make sure to use a battery compatible with your vape device that matches the coil's recommended wattage range.

6. Your PG/VG ratio off

A liquid's viscosity and how well it wicks into the coil depend on its propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio. Using an e-liquid with a high VG content can result in slower wicking, leading to dry hits.

Fix: Adjust your e-liquid's PG/VG ratio to find the right balance that ensures proper wicking and prevents burnt hits.

7. You have a faulty new coil

Sometimes, even brand-new coils can be defective or poorly manufactured, leading to a burnt taste from the get-go.

Fix: If you suspect a new coil is faulty, replace it with another one from the same batch or brand to see if the issue persists.

8. Lack of adequate e-liquid

Running your tank too low on e-liquid can expose the wick to heat without enough moisture to vaporize, leading to a burnt taste.

Fix: Keep an eye on your e-liquid levels and refill your tank when it's running low to avoid dry hits.

9. Chain vaping

Continuously taking puff after puff without giving your coil time to re-saturate can cause the wick to burn.

Fix: Shorten your puff intervals between puffs to allow your coil to saturate.

10. E-liquids with high VG

E-liquids with a high VG content are thicker and may not wick as efficiently as those with a higher PG ratio, potentially causing dry hits.

Fix: Consider using e-liquids with a balanced PG/VG ratio that suits your vaping setup.

11. Using a pen with a scorched or old coil

In pen-style vapes, the coils can become old or scorched over time, affecting their ability to vaporize e-liquid effectively.

Fix: Replace the old or scorched coils with new ones to ensure a fresh and flavorful vaping experience.

12. Your coil needs changing

When coils are used past their recommended lifespan, they can produce an unpleasant burnt taste.

Fix: Make sure you replace your coils as often as recommended by your manufacturer in order to ensure the flavor of your device remains optimal.

13. You need to top off your tank

Allowing your tank to become too empty can lead to a burnt taste, as there may not be enough e-liquid to cover the wick adequately.

Fix: Refill your tank before it gets too low to ensure consistent wicking and flavor.

14. You haven't primed your coil

Failing to prime your coil properly before using it can lead to a burnt taste due to insufficient e-liquid saturation.

Fix: Before installing your coil, prime it with e-liquid by adding a few drops directly to the cotton wick.

15. The coil resistance you have installed is incorrect

Using a coil with a resistance that doesn't match your vaping preferences can result in too much heat or insufficient vaporization, leading to a burnt taste.

Fix: Select a coil with the right resistance for your desired vaping style.

16. Your e-liquid type is wrong

Certain e-liquids are better suited for specific devices. An incorrect type may result in burnt tastes because of poor wicking or overheating.

Fix: Check your device's compatibility and use e-liquids recommended for your vape setup.

17. E-Juice Hasn't Sit Long (Why the burnt taste?)

E-liquids with high nicotine content or complex flavor profiles may benefit from steeping, allowing the flavors to meld and the nicotine to oxidize slightly. Vaping these liquids without steeping can result in a harsh, burnt taste.

Fix: Let your e-juice sit for a few days to a couple of weeks in a cool, dark place to allow it to steep and mellow out.

How to Prevent Burnt Vapes Due to Coil Gunk

Coil gunk is the buildup of residue from e-liquids and sweeteners on your coil, which can lead to a burnt taste. This can be prevented by:

  • Use e-liquids with less sweetener: E-liquids with excessive sweeteners tend to gunk up coils faster. Opt for cleaner, less sugary e-liquids.
  • Clean your coil regularly: Gently rinse it with warm water and let it dry to remove excess gunk. Before using it, prime it properly.
  • Lower your wattage: Vaping at lower wattages can reduce the rate at which gunk accumulates on your coil.

What to Do If Your Vape Tastes Burnt Because of a Burnt Wick

In addition to a burnt taste in your vape, a burned wick can also cause it. To prevent this:

  • Prime your coil: Always prime your coil correctly to ensure the wick is adequately saturated before vaping.
  • Avoid dry hits: Pay attention to your e-liquid levels and avoid vaping when your tank is nearly empty.
  • Monitor your wattage: Ensure you're vaping within the recommended wattage range for your coil to prevent overheating.

When I use a new coil, my vape tastes burned?

If your vape tastes burnt with a new coil, it's essential to troubleshoot the issue. Try the following:

  • Check for proper priming: Ensure you've primed the new coil correctly by saturating the wick with e-liquid before use.
  • Start at a lower wattage: Begin vaping with the new coil at a lower wattage setting to break it in gently. Gradually increase the wattage as needed.
  • Use thinner e-liquids: Thinner e-liquids tend to wick more efficiently with new coils, reducing the risk of a burnt taste.

Why Does My Disposable Vape Taste Burnt?

Despite their convenience, disposable vapes can emit a burnt taste. Here are some tips for preventing it:

Disposable vape pens should not have a burnt taste:

  • Don't overuse: Disposable vapes have a limited lifespan. Using them excessively can lead to a burnt taste. Follow the manufacturer's recommended usage guidelines.
  • Keeping the disposable cartridge full: Ensure the cartridge of your disposable vape pen is adequately filled to prevent the wick from drying out and burning.
  • Priming the coils: If your disposable vape pen comes with adjustable settings, make sure to prime the coils by starting at a lower wattage and gradually increasing it.

Here are some tips for preventing burning vaporizer hits

For a smooth vaping experience, it is essential to prevent burnt hits. Following these tips can help you avoid them:

1. Use a different vaping technique:

Experiment with different vaping techniques, such as adjusting your airflow, inhaling more slowly, or taking shorter puffs. Finding the right technique for your setup can make a significant difference in preventing burnt hits.

2. Avoid cold temperatures

Extreme cold can affect the viscosity of your e-liquid, making it thicker and less likely to wick properly. Keep your vape and e-liquids at a moderate temperature to prevent dry hits.

3. Make sure you have proper e-liquid levels before you vape

Always ensure your tank has enough e-liquid before you start vaping. Dry hits and burnt tastes can occur when e-liquid levels are low.

Having a burned hit on my vape, can I keep using it?

While it's not harmful to continue vaping after experiencing a burnt hit, it's not a pleasant experience. If you encounter a burnt taste, it's best to stop vaping temporarily and address the issue by following the fixes mentioned earlier. Continuing to vape with a burnt coil can lead to a more severe burnt taste and potential damage to your device.

FAQ's

1. Why does my brand-new pod taste burnt?

Brand-new pods can taste burnt if they are not properly primed or if the coil inside is faulty.

2. Why does my rechargeable vape taste burnt?

A rechargeable vape can taste burnt if the coil is old or damaged, if the wattage is too high, or if it hasn't been properly primed.

3. How do vapes get burnt?

Vapes can get burnt due to various reasons, including high wattage, chain vaping, low e-liquid levels, and using old or faulty coils.

4. Can you fix a burnt vape?

Yes, you can fix a burnt vape by addressing the specific issue causing the burnt taste, such as changing the coil, priming it correctly, or adjusting your vaping technique.

5. Why does my vape taste burnt after charging?

Charging itself should not cause a burnt taste. If your vape tastes burnt after charging, it's likely due to another issue, such as a faulty coil or improper priming.

6. Vape tastes burnt after charging?

If your vape tastes burnt after charging, check the coil, ensure it's properly primed, and adjust your wattage settings.

7. Why does my brand-new pod taste burnt?

A brand-new pod can taste burnt if the coil inside is not adequately saturated with e-liquid. Proper priming can help prevent this.

8. How to fix a burnt disposable vape?

To fix a burnt disposable vape, try taking shorter puffs, ensuring the e-liquid level is sufficient, and allowing the coil to cool between puffs.

9. How to fix a burnt vape?

To fix a burnt vape, replace the coil, prime it correctly, and adjust your wattage settings as needed.

10. How to make a disposable vape not taste burnt?

Prevent a disposable vape from tasting burnt by avoiding overuse, keeping the cartridge full, and priming the coils properly.

Conclusion

Vapes with burnt tastes are frustrating, but there are several reasons for them and remedies for them. The best way to keep your vaping experience enjoyable and flavorful is to understand the reasons behind the unpleasant taste and follow the appropriate fixes. You can prevent burnt hits by maintaining your vape device, changing coils when necessary, and using high-quality e-liquid. Your vape won't taste burnt if you know and take care of it.


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