If your vape tastes burnt, it can be a frustrating experience. A burnt taste often indicates a problem with your device or the way it’s being used. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why your vape might taste burnt, along with some troubleshooting tips to help you fix it.
1. Wicked Coil is Dry
What Happens:
When your coil doesn’t have enough e-liquid to saturate the wick, it overheats and burns the cotton or other material inside. This causes the “burnt” taste.
Why It Happens:
- Low e-liquid levels: If you’re vaping with too little e-liquid in the tank or pod, the wick can’t stay properly saturated.
- Chain Vaping: Vaping too quickly without giving the coil enough time to reabsorb e-liquid.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure the tank is filled with e-liquid.
- Avoid chain vaping—take short breaks between puffs.
- Wait a few minutes for the wick to fully soak up the e-liquid after filling your tank or pod.
2. Coil Is Old or Burnt Out
What Happens:
Coils have a limited lifespan, and over time, they wear out, lose their effectiveness, and can start producing a burnt flavor.
Why It Happens:
- Frequent use: Coils can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how often you vape and the type of e-liquid used.
- E-liquids with sweeteners: Some e-liquids with sweeteners can gunk up the coil, reducing its lifespan.
How to Fix It:
- Replace your coil with a fresh one.
- Regularly clean your coils to extend their life.
- Consider using e-liquids with fewer sweeteners to prevent coil buildup.
3. Too High Wattage or Temperature
What Happens:
If you’re using too high a wattage or temperature for your coil, the e-liquid can burn more quickly, leading to a burnt taste.
Why It Happens:
- Mismatch between coil and wattage: Every coil is rated for a specific wattage range. If you exceed that range, the coil heats up too fast and burns the e-liquid.
- Temperature control issues: If your device’s temperature control settings are off, it can overheat the coil.
How to Fix It:
- Adjust the wattage or temperature to match your coil’s specifications.
- If you have a variable wattage device, start at a lower setting and gradually increase it.
- For temperature control, make sure your device is set to the correct coil material (e.g., stainless steel, nickel, or titanium).
4. Airflow Is Restricted
What Happens:
Restricted airflow can cause your coil to overheat because it’s not getting enough cool air to regulate the temperature.
Why It Happens:
- Partially closed airflow: If the airflow holes are closed or partially blocked, it prevents proper cooling.
- Clogged airflow channels: Over time, debris or e-liquid residue can build up, restricting airflow.
How to Fix It:
- Ensure that the airflow is fully open before you vape.
- Regularly clean the airflow channels to keep them clear of debris and buildup.
5. Too Much VG in the E-Liquid
What Happens:
E-liquids with high VG (vegetable glycerin) content tend to produce thicker clouds, but they can also have difficulty wicking properly in certain coils, causing a burnt taste.
Why It Happens:
- Thick VG-based e-liquids: VG is thicker than PG (propylene glycol), and if the coil is not wicking it properly, the cotton can dry out.
How to Fix It:
- Use e-liquids with a higher PG ratio if your coil isn’t wicking VG properly.
- Switch to a coil designed for higher VG e-liquids if you prefer thicker clouds.
6. Not Priming the Coil
What Happens:
New coils need to be primed (soaked in e-liquid) before use to prevent them from burning out right away.
Why It Happens:
- Dry coil: If you don’t let the new coil soak in e-liquid for a few minutes before use, the wick will burn, resulting in a burnt taste.
How to Fix It:
- Before using a new coil, drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick, then fill the tank.
- Let the coil sit with e-liquid for a few minutes before vaping.
7. Device Settings Not Properly Adjusted
What Happens:
If you’ve recently adjusted your device settings and didn’t account for the type of coil or e-liquid you’re using, it can cause the coil to burn.
Why It Happens:
- Improper settings for your device: If you recently changed wattage, voltage, or temperature settings and didn’t adjust them according to the coil you’re using, it could lead to burning.
How to Fix It:
- Double-check your device settings and ensure they match the recommended range for your coil.
- If unsure, try reducing the wattage to see if that resolves the issue.
8. E-Liquid Quality
What Happens:
Some lower-quality e-liquids may contain impurities or high concentrations of sweeteners that can contribute to coil buildup, resulting in a burnt taste.
Why It Happens:
- Sweeteners and additives: E-liquids with heavy sweeteners or additives can burn onto the coil, leading to a burnt flavor.
How to Fix It:
- Opt for high-quality e-liquids with fewer additives and sweeteners.
- Regularly clean your tank and coil to reduce buildup.
Conclusion
A burnt taste in your vape can be caused by a variety of factors, from dry wicks to high wattage settings. By troubleshooting each potential issue and maintaining your device properly, you can avoid the unpleasant experience of a burnt vape. If the issue persists despite addressing these factors, it may be time to replace the coil or vape components altogether.
