Dec 20, 2024
Why Your Vape Tastes Burnt & How To Fix It
If you’ve ever experienced a burnt taste while vaping, you know how off-putting it can be. That unpleasant flavor can completely ruin your experience, but don’t worry—it’s a common problem with several simple fixes. Whether it's a dry wick, a worn-out coil, or your device settings being too high, understanding why your vape tastes burnt is the first step in fixing it.
Why Does Your Vape Taste Burnt
This unpleasant sensation typically arises when the heating element, or coil, overheats or when the wick—a material that absorbs the e-liquid—becomes scorched.
Common Causes of a Burnt Taste in Vaping:
1. Insufficient E-Liquid Supply.
2. Chain Vaping.
3. Improper Coil Priming.
4. High Wattage or Voltage Settings.
5. Incorrect E-Liquid PG/VG Ratio.
6. Worn-Out or Faulty Coils.
Here, you can find several solutions to a burnt vape:
Replace the Coil (If It's Damaged or Worn Out)
If the coil is old or has become clogged with residue, it might be beyond cleaning and needs replacing. Coils degrade over time, and when they burn out, no amount of cleaning will restore their flavor quality. Replacing the coil will resolve the issue.
Prime New Coils Properly (If New Coil Causes Burnt Hits)
New coils require proper priming to avoid burning the wick. Priming ensures that the cotton or other wicking material absorbs enough e-liquid to prevent dry hits and burning.
Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly to the coil's wicking material and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before use.
Adjust Device Settings (If Wattage Is Too High)
Using a wattage setting that's too high can cause the coil to overheat and burn the wick.
Lower the wattage to the recommended level for your specific coil. If you’re unsure, start low and gradually increase until the optimal flavor and vapor production are achieved.
Use Compatible E-Liquids (If E-Liquid Is Too Thick or Thin)
E-liquids with an inappropriate VG/PG ratio can cause wicking issues. High VG liquids are thicker and may not wick well in certain devices, leading to dry hits. Conversely, high PG liquids may not produce enough vapor.
Ensure you’re using e-liquids with the right VG/PG ratio for your coil and device. For sub-ohm coils, a 70/30 VG/PG mix is usually ideal.
Avoid Chain Vaping (If Rapid Puffs Are Drying Out the Wick)
Taking back-to-back puffs without sufficient time for the wick to re-saturate can dry out the cotton and cause the coil to burn.
Take short breaks between puffs to allow the wick to soak up more e-liquid and prevent overheating.
Maintain Adequate E-Liquid Levels (If Tank Is Too Low)
A tank that’s too low on e-liquid can expose the wick to air, leading to a dry hit and burnt taste.
Refill your tank regularly and ensure that the e-liquid level is always above the wick’s saturation point.
Final Words
Dealing with a burnt taste doesn’t have to be a headache. By keeping an eye on your coil’s condition, adjusting your settings, and making sure your e-liquid levels are just right, you can prevent this issue and enjoy smoother, more flavorful hits. So, next time your vape starts tasting off, remember these quick fixes and get back to vaping the way it’s meant to be.
FAQs
Can I clean a burnt coil instead of replacing it?
Yes, cleaning a burnt coil can be a temporary solution. To clean it:
1. Remove the coil and soak it in warm water or a mixture of water and ethanol for a few hours.
2. Gently scrub off any residue using a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reusing. However, cleaning won’t
3. restore the coil to its original performance, and replacing it is recommended for the best vaping experience.
Does airflow affect the likelihood of a burnt vape?
Yes, restricted airflow can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of burning the wick. When airflow is too tight, the coil doesn’t get enough cooling, which can cause it to burn the e-liquid. Adjusting the airflow to a more open setting helps cool the coil, reducing the chance of a burnt taste.
What role does puff duration play in preventing burnt hits?
Taking long and continuous puffs can strain the wick because it may not have enough time to resaturate with e-liquid. This can cause the coil to burn. To prevent this, keep puffs shorter and take breaks between them. This allows the wick to absorb more e-liquid, reducing the risk of burning.
Do certain coil materials burn faster than others?
Yes, some coil materials, such as cotton wicks, are more prone to burning if not properly saturated. Mesh coils, for example, distribute heat more evenly and are less likely to burn, making them a better option for preventing burnt hits.
What happens if I vape with low battery power?
Vaping with a low battery can cause inconsistent power delivery to the coil, leading to uneven heating. This can result in hotspots that burn the e-liquid, causing a burnt taste. Always ensure your battery is adequately charged to maintain stable performance and prevent potential issues.
Can environmental factors contribute to a burnt vape?
Yes, extreme temperatures can impact vaping:
1. Cold environments can cause e-liquid to thicken, making it harder for the wick to absorb and leading to a dry hit.
2. High temperatures can overheat the coil, increasing the risk of burning. To avoid these issues, keep your device at room temperature, especially when not in use.
How does device maintenance affect burnt hits?
Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing burnt hits.
1. Cleaning the tank and coil housing ensures proper e-liquid flow and prevents residue buildup.
2. Cleaning airflow vents ensures that the air reaches the coil efficiently, which helps in proper wicking. Routine cleaning helps avoid clogs and keeps the device running smoothly, reducing the chance of burning the wick or coil.
