Why does my vape taste burnt?Updated a month ago

A burnt taste when vaping often means your coil is worn out, or your tank is empty.

First - Check your coil and e-liquid levels.

A burnt taste from your vape usually means something is causing the wick (the cotton part inside your coil) to burn instead of just vaporizing the e-liquid.

Here are the Most likely reasons why your vape tastes burnt:

1. Your Coil Needs Replacing (Most Common Reason):

   • Worn-out Wick: Over time, the cotton wick inside your coil degrades and can get scorched. This is the most frequent culprit. Coils aren't meant to last forever.
   • Gunked-Up Coil: Residue from e-liquids, especially sweet ones, can build up on the coil and wick. This "gunk" can prevent the e-liquid from wicking properly and can burn, leading to a nasty taste.

2. Coil Not Primed Properly:

   • If you've just installed a new coil, it's crucial to "prime" it. This means saturating the cotton wick with e-liquid before you start vaping. If you fire a dry coil, the cotton will burn immediately, and that taste will linger.

3. Low E-Liquid Level:

   • If your tank or pod is running low on e-liquid, the wick can't absorb enough liquid to keep itself saturated when the coil heats up. This leads to a "dry hit," which is essentially the taste of burning cotton. Always try to keep your tank adequately filled.

4. Chain Vaping (Taking Puffs Too Quickly):

   • If you take many puffs in rapid succession, the wick might not have enough time to re-saturate with e-liquid between hits. This can lead to dry spots on the wick that then burn. Try to leave a few seconds between puffs.

5. Wattage/Power Setting Too High:

   • If your device has adjustable wattage or power, setting it too high for your specific coil can cause the coil to overheat and burn the wick or the e-liquid itself. Check the recommended wattage range for your coil (it's often printed on the coil or its packaging).

6. E-Liquid Type (PG/VG Ratio):

   • E-liquids with a very high VG (Vegetable Glycerin) content are thicker. Some coils, especially smaller ones or those designed for higher PG (Propylene Glycol) liquids, might struggle to wick thick, high-VG juice quickly enough. This can lead to dry hits. Ensure your e-liquid's PG/VG ratio is suitable for your coil and device.

7. Blocked Airflow (Less Common):

   • If the airflow vents on your device are blocked, it can cause the coil to overheat, potentially leading to a burnt taste. Make sure your airflow isn't obstructed.

What to Do Now:

• Change Your Coil: If it's been a while or you suspect it's burnt, this is usually the first and best solution.
• Check E-Liquid Level: Make sure your tank/pod isn't empty.
• Prime New Coils: Always prime new coils thoroughly.
• Adjust Wattage: If applicable, lower your wattage setting to within the coil's recommended range.
• Slow Down Your Vaping: Avoid chain vaping.

If you've tried these steps and the burnt taste persists, there might be an issue with the device itself, but that's much rarer. Usually, it's one of the coil-related issues above.