Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
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.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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.
