Vape Taste Issues: Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt and How to Avoid It?

Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to smoking, offering users a wide range of flavors and customizable experiences. However, despite its many advantages, vapers often face the frustrating issue of a burnt taste, which can severely diminish the overall vaping experience. If you’ve ever had a vape session interrupted by an unpleasant burnt flavor, you’re not alone. This issue is more common than you might think, and understanding its causes and solutions can make all the difference in ensuring a satisfying vape.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The burnt taste typically arises when the coil, which is responsible for heating the e-liquid and producing vapor, burns the wick material or dries out the e-liquid. This issue can occur for a variety of reasons, and it can be particularly frustrating when it interferes with an otherwise enjoyable vaping experience. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of a burnt taste in your vape, how to fix the issue, and most importantly, how to avoid it in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or a beginner, this guide will help you troubleshoot your vape taste problems and ensure a smooth, flavorful vape every time.

Common Causes of a Burnt Taste in Vaping

Dry Coils The most frequent cause of a burnt taste is a dry coil. When the wick inside the coil isn’t properly saturated with e-liquid, the coil burns the cotton or wick material, leading to that unpleasant burnt flavor. This can happen for several reasons, but it’s usually related to insufficient e-liquid in the tank or vape pod, or a coil that is not being properly primed.
Low E-Liquid Levels If your e-liquid level is too low, the wick in the coil won’t be able to absorb enough liquid. This leads to dry burning, which not only produces a burnt taste but also causes your coil to wear out faster. It’s essential to ensure that your tank or pod is sufficiently filled with e-liquid, especially before vaping at high wattages.
High Wattage Vaping at a higher wattage than recommended for your coil can cause the coil to heat up too quickly, which leads to the e-liquid being burned rather than vaporized. This can result in a dry, burnt taste. It’s important to check the recommended wattage range for your specific coil and adjust your device settings accordingly.
Old or Worn-Out Coils Over time, coils degrade from regular use. When a coil becomes old, it loses its ability to properly heat and vaporize e-liquid. The result is often a burnt taste due to inconsistent heating. Replacing your coil regularly is essential to avoid this issue, especially if you vape frequently or use your device at high wattages.
Too Thick E-Liquid E-liquids with a high VG (vegetable glycerin) content are often thicker than those with a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio. While VG liquids produce thicker clouds, they can sometimes be harder for the coil to wick properly, especially at high wattages. This can result in the coil burning the liquid, leading to a burnt taste. Using the right e-liquid for your device and coil can help avoid this issue.
Chain Vaping Chain vaping, or constantly vaping without allowing the wick enough time to reabsorb e-liquid, can also cause a burnt taste. The wick can become dry if it isn’t given enough time to soak in the liquid between puffs, causing the coil to burn the cotton. Taking long, continuous drags without giving the device time to refresh the wick can lead to this problem.
Wrong Coil for the Device Using a coil that isn’t suited for your specific vape device can also lead to a burnt taste. Coils come in different resistance levels, and each vape device is designed to work with coils that match its specific specifications. Using a coil with too low a resistance or one that isn’t compatible with your device may result in overheating and a burnt taste.
E-Liquid Contaminants Sometimes, the burnt taste may come from the e-liquid itself, particularly if it has been sitting around for too long. Old or improperly stored e-liquids can separate or degrade, affecting the flavor and causing a burnt-like taste when vaped. Always make sure your e-liquids are stored in a cool, dark place and used within their recommended shelf life.

How to Fix a Burnt Taste in Your Vape

Prime Your Coils Properly Priming your coil is one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth vaping experience. Before you start using a new coil, drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton or wick. Then, let the coil sit for a few minutes to allow the wick to fully saturate before vaping. This will help prevent dry hits and the dreaded burnt taste.
Keep Your E-Liquid Levels Sufficient Always check the e-liquid levels in your tank or pod. When the levels drop too low, the coil may not be able to wick enough liquid, leading to dry hits and burnt flavor. If you notice that the e-liquid is getting low, refill the tank before you continue vaping to avoid the burnt taste.
Adjust Your Wattage If you’re using a higher wattage than recommended for your coil, reduce the power to avoid overheating the coil. Most coils have a recommended wattage range printed on them, and staying within this range will help ensure that the coil heats up at an appropriate rate, preventing burnt hits.
Replace Worn-Out Coils If you’ve been using the same coil for a while, it might be time to replace it. Old coils lose their effectiveness and become prone to producing burnt tastes. Regularly replacing coils based on usage patterns and manufacturer recommendations will ensure that your vape produces consistent flavor.
Choose the Right E-Liquid Make sure you’re using an e-liquid that’s compatible with your coil and device. For sub-ohm vaping, higher VG (vegetable glycerin) liquids work best, while higher PG (propylene glycol) liquids are better suited for lower-wattage devices. If you’re experiencing burnt hits, try switching to a different e-liquid or adjusting the VG/PG ratio.
Take Breaks Between Puffs If you find that chain vaping is causing a burnt taste, take longer breaks between each puff. This will allow the wick to reabsorb the e-liquid and prevent it from becoming dry. Alternating between puffs gives your coil and wick time to recover and avoids the burnt flavor.
Clean Your Device Regularly Over time, residue can build up on your device, affecting its performance and leading to flavor issues. Regularly clean your tank, coil, and mouthpiece to ensure your device operates at its best. This will also help to maintain the quality of your vape’s taste.
Use a Compatible Coil Always check the coil resistance and specifications for your vape device. Using the wrong coil for your device can result in overheating, dry hits, and ultimately, a burnt taste. Ensure that your coils match the resistance levels recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my vape taste burnt even though the coil is new? If your coil is new but you’re still experiencing a burnt taste, it might not be primed properly or the e-liquid level in the tank could be too low. Make sure to prime the coil by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick and allow it to sit for a few minutes before use. Also, ensure your tank is sufficiently filled with e-liquid.

2. Can a burnt taste damage my vape? While the burnt taste itself may not damage your vape, continuously vaping with a dry coil can shorten the lifespan of your device. Overheating the coil can cause it to wear out more quickly, which may require more frequent replacements.

3. How do I know if my coil is bad? If your vape starts producing a burnt taste, weak vapor production, or an unpleasant flavor despite having enough e-liquid in the tank, it’s likely that the coil needs to be replaced. A burnt coil will produce a harsh, unpleasant taste that can’t be fixed by adjusting settings or refilling the tank.

4. Can I fix a burnt coil? Unfortunately, once a coil has burnt out, it cannot be repaired. The best solution is to replace the coil with a new one to restore your vape’s flavor. Regular coil maintenance, such as cleaning and proper priming, can help extend the life of your coils.

5. What’s the best way to avoid a burnt taste? To avoid a burnt taste, ensure that your coil is properly primed, use e-liquid with an appropriate VG/PG ratio for your device, avoid chain vaping, and replace your coils regularly. Following the recommended wattage range for your coil is also crucial for preventing overheating.

Conclusion

A burnt taste in your vape can be a frustrating issue, but with the right knowledge and care, it’s one that can easily be avoided. By understanding the common causes of a burnt taste, such as dry coils, low e-liquid levels, and improper wattage settings, you can take proactive steps to ensure a smooth, flavorful vape every time. Properly priming your coils, adjusting your wattage, choosing the right e-liquid, and maintaining your device are all essential practices that will help prevent a burnt taste and enhance your overall vaping experience. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy clean, rich flavor and avoid the frustration of a burnt hit.