Why does my vape taste burnt? 6 main causes and solutions

Vaping is one of the most popular alternatives to smoking cigarettes, offering a cleaner and smoother vaping experience.

One of the best things about vaping is the delicious selection of e-liquid flavors, whether you prefer menthol-flavored e-liquids or fruity e-liquids.

However, users sometimes experience an unpleasant burnt taste or a dry taste when vaping.

This can ruin the entire vaping experience and cause the user to become frustrated with their puffs.

What causes it and how to prevent it?

Don't worry if your e-cigarettes start to taste burnt. There's probably a simple explanation and solution, so let's get started!

How do vapes work?

Vapes or e-cigarettes consist of a mouthpiece, a battery, a cartridge containing a liquid or dry material, and a heating element – ​​an atomizer.

The e-liquid typically consists of a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavors and nicotine (although some may be nicotine-free).

Each atomizer features coils that typically consist of a resistance wire (e.g. Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome) wrapped around a wick. It is also made of a moisture-wicking material, usually cotton, that absorbs the liquid.

Pulling the mouthpiece or pressing the button activates the battery to power the coil wrapped around a cotton wick.

The coil can heat the e-liquid saturated by the wick to produce vapor.

Why does my vape taste burnt? 6 possible causes and solutions

The burnt taste occurs because the cotton or wick material has burned. Once the wick material is burned, the taste never gets better.

Here are six of the most common problems that can lead to an unwanted burnt taste and how to fix each of these problems:

1. Chain vaping

Steaming too hard and frequently can cause the coil to taste burnt.

When chain vaping, there isn't enough time for more e-liquid to go back into the wick and replace what you've already vaped.

Repeated chain vaping can dry out the wick, resulting in a dry hit and a burnt taste in your vapor.

Solution:

To avoid this, try using slower, gentler puffs and giving your vaporizer a break between puffs to allow the coil to cool down.

If you notice a slightly burnt taste when inhaling, try letting the vapor sit for a few minutes to allow the e-liquid to saturate the coil, then vape again.

If it still tastes burnt, you need to buy a new one.

2. The e-cigarette juice is almost ready

When the tank is almost empty, the wick can no longer hold enough e-liquid, resulting in a dry hit and leaving a burnt taste in your mouth.

In addition to being uncomfortable, dry hits can damage your coil and wick, resulting in a shorter lifespan for these components.

The signs you may notice are that the steam produces less vapor and starts to lose its flavor.

Solution:

Always have enough e-liquid for vaping in your tank.

Before you take a hit, check the amount of e-liquid in your device if possible.

With disposable vaporizers, this generally means it's time to say goodbye and replace it with a new one.

3. High viscosity e-juice

Not all e-liquids are created equal. VG has a higher viscosity than PG and therefore atomizes differently quickly.

Different vape tanks work best with certain e-liquid thicknesses. Thin liquids require low wattage, while thicker juices require higher wattage to create larger clouds.

The smaller your vaping device, the smaller the wick openings on your atomizer coil.

Vaping high VG e-liquids with an incompatible tank can cause your vaporizer to struggle to pull the thicker liquid up through the wick channels. This will cause your wick to dry out and burn if you take a hit.

Solution:

Choose the right e-liquid for your device.

Check what type of e-cigarette you have and what VG-PG ratio is best for your e-cigarette.

For example, sub-ohm tanks are suitable for thinner e-liquids with a 50:50 VG and PG ratio, while other tanks work best with a 70:30 VG and PG ratio.

4. Failure to prepare your coils

The new coil must be filled with e-liquid and fully saturated before vaping to ensure it does not burn when heated.

An unprepared coil can result in a burnt taste when you take a hit from your vape. Because the electricity burns the cotton wick in the coil instead of vaporizing the e-liquid.

Solution:

After adding your e-liquid, wait a few minutes before you start vaping to make sure your coils or wicks are soaked.

If you use a tank with replaceable coils, you can prepare your coil before screwing it into your vaporizer.

These effortless and straightforward tricks should keep the burnt taste at bay!

5. Vaping at high wattages

Each coil is designed for use in a specific wattage and temperature range. This ensures that you get the best vaping experience.

If you do end up exceeding the recommended wattage of your coils, the vape juice in the wick will evaporate faster than it can re-saturate, resulting in a burnt cotton smell!

Solution:

Always check your wattage before vaping and make sure it is within the recommended range for your vape coils.

6. Using an old or damaged spool

Coils are not made to last forever. They are designed to withstand a certain level of heat and, moreover, quickly damage the coil.

An old or broken coil will heat e-liquid less effectively, resulting in dry hits and burnt-tasting vapor.

Solution:

Regularly replacing the coils in your tank will help ensure optimal flavor and prevent burnt taste.

Signs that a coil needs to be replaced include a noticeable loss of flavor, reduced vapor production, or a persistent unpleasant taste.

Is it safe to vape a burnt vape?

In general, it is not advisable to light a burnt vaporizer as it can have negative effects. If the vaporizer tastes burnt, it usually means that the coil or wick inside is not vaporizing the e-liquid as efficiently.

Unpleasant taste: The taste left after vaping a burned e-cigarette can be harsh and unpleasant. It can be unpleasant and potentially unpleasant to inhale this burnt taste.

Potentially Hazardous Compounds: When a burned vaporizer is used repeatedly, some potentially hazardous chemicals may be released.

If e-liquid is overheated, its components can break down and produce unwanted byproducts.

Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause irritation to the throat and lungs, potentially causing more serious health problems.

Why does my vape taste burnt despite a new coil?

Your new coil should be fully saturated with e-liquid for 10 to 15 minutes before heating.

If you do not prepare the coil adequately, you may end up with a burnt taste.

Do not turn the device on before the first puff, but blow into the mouthpiece a few times, then turn it on and blow again a few times.

Then start with a small stroke until everything is saturated. If the coil still tastes burnt, it is a bad product.

How do I replace a burned vape coil?

All vape devices vary a little, so it's best to read the instructions that come with your tank or device.

However, here is a quick guide on how to change the coil depending on what type of connection your coil has.

If your kit/tank has plug-in coils:

Many vape kits and tanks now feature push-fit coils that can be replaced from the bottom of the tank or pod.

These are often preferable because they avoid having to touch the dirty, liquid-soaked part of the coil.

Remove the tank from the battery or mod and then unscrew the bottom part of the tank (if applicable).

Grasp the bottom of the coil and pull it out of the base. You can then discard this coil and insert a new one.

If your kit/tank has screw-in coils:

Most devices with screw-in coils require you to remove the top portion of the tank, remove the tank glass, then grab the coil and unscrew it from the base.

You may want to use a tissue to avoid getting e-liquid on your fingers. You can then screw in a new coil and replace the tank glass and top.

Diploma

It's common in the e-cigarette community to experience an unexpected burnt taste from your vaporizer.

We are confident that we have covered all the reasons that are likely to cause you such problems.

Fortunately, they are often easy to fix. By taking the above fixes and precautions, you can enjoy a consistently flavorful vaping experience.

Additionally, investing in quality e-cigarettes and atomizers will pay off in the long run as they offer a better flavor profile and reduce the likelihood of a dry hit.