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​5 Reasons Why Your Vape Tastes Burnt and How to Fix It for a Better Vaping Experience

31st May 2023

Woman Disapproves of Burnt Vape TasteVaping is one of the most popular methods to stop smoking for good, helping millions to quit. However, a successful transition depends on a variety of factors; including a decent throat hit, vapour production to match your preference and a consistently good taste from e-liquids. Nothing can be more unpleasant and off-putting than taking a puff only to find your vape tastes burnt.

But don't worry! In this article, we'll explore five common reasons why your vape tastes burnt and share tips on how to fix it for a better vaping experience. From monitoring your e-liquid levels to adjusting your wattage, we've got you covered.

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

There are several reasons why your vape might taste burnt. Here are five of the most common reasons:

1. Low E-Liquid Levels

The first one is really simple to manage but just as important. All you have to do is keep your refillable tank or pod up to a reasonable level. If you don't notice the level is low, you can end up inhaling and trying to pull e-liquid from the wicking material (often cotton) instead of the vape juice. This causes that nasty burnt taste!

In addition, make sure you pick a high-quality e-liquid and for the best results, a vape juice that is not high VG. Low-quality e-liquids can contain impurities that can burn when heated, resulting in a burnt taste. High PG e-liquids or 50/50 containing VG will be thinner and reduce the chances of caramelisation, which clog the wick and also cause a burnt taste.

2. Change Your Coil Regularly When Required!

Another reason why your vape might taste burnt is that you're using an old or worn-out coil. To maximise your chances of consistently good flavour, keep a stash of ready-made coil replacements as a priority. Coils wear out over time, and when they do, they can't vaporise the e-liquid as effectively. This can result in a burnt taste. If you're using a coil that's more than two weeks old, it's time to replace it.

3. Not Priming the Coil Properly

When you install a new coil, it's important to prime it properly before using it. Priming the coil means saturating the wick with e-liquid so that it can vaporize efficiently. To prime the coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid to the wick and let it sit for a few minutes before using it.

You must do this and leave for at least 5-10 minutes. Then, fill your tank or pod and leave for another ten minutes to ensure the best flavour. If you don't prime the coil properly, the wick can burn, resulting in a burnt taste.

4. Overheating the Coil

When the coil gets too hot, it can burn the wick, resulting in a burnt taste. This can happen if you take too many hits in a row or if you're using a high-wattage setting. It may even cause the coil to try out, which is often why you prime it before vaping (more on that below). A hot burnt coil will quickly lead to an intensely harsh flavour that will not feel good on the throat.

5. Using the Wrong Wattage or Temperature Setting

The wattage or temperature setting on your device can also affect the taste of your vape. If you're using a wattage or temperature setting that's too high, you can burn the e-liquid, resulting in a burnt taste. Instead, vape at the recommended wattage which is displayed on the side of the vape coil by the manufacturer.

On the other hand, if you're using a wattage or temperature setting that's too low, you might not be vaporising the e-liquid efficiently, which can also result in a burnt taste. It's important to find the right wattage or temperature setting for the e-liquid you're using.

Tips to Prevent Burnt Hits in the Future

Preventing burnt hits in the future is all about proper maintenance and usage. Combating any issues early on can make a world of difference:

    Vape Tank Being Filled With E-Liquid
  • Soak that coil and tank beforehand! Patience is the key – if you don’t allow enough time for the e-liquid to saturate correctly, you run the risk of burning your coils before you’ve even started.
  • Don’t chain vape. Give a bit of time between each hit to allow your device and coil to stay at the optimum temperature. It will improve performance and prevent premature burning while ensuring your vape kit lasts longer.
  • Prime your coil or suffer the consequences. This is just as important with a new coil as it is after changing following cleaning or swapping your e-liquids.
  • Stick to the recommended wattage setting
  • Clean your tank or pod regularly. Regularly cleaning your tank will prevent the buildup of impurities that can burn when heated.
  • Use high-quality e-liquid. Always select e-liquids from respected manufacturers that are made from pure ingredients.
  • Select the best ratio of VG or PG in your vape juice to match the experience you prefer. To maintain a longer life from your coils, we recommend a higher PG e-liquid. However, for a sweeter vape with more clouds, try high VG but keep checking for excess build-up or caramelisation of the coils.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Vape Kit

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt After Charging?

This can typically occur with disposable vape kits or pod systems when overcharged or while trying to use the device when in charging mode. Our advice is to wait for at least ten minutes before vaping after a full charge. Another tip is to take the pod out while charging as the power can feed into a pod and start to burn the coil while not in use. Better to be safe than sorry!

Can Burning Happen With a Brand New Coil?

Yes, it can if the appropriate care isn’t taken. A straightforward solution to this occurrence is to not vape straight away after installing a new coil. Instead, prime as we stated earlier. That will ensure all the little air pockets are plugged with vape juice, it’s soaked correctly and the vapour can flow smoothly once heated.

What Do I Do if the E-Liquid Still Tastes Bad After Priming and Filling the Tank?

If you have followed all the suggestions correctly, unfortunately, it might just be that you have bought a faulty coil, or have a sub-standard tank or pod. After using the trial-and-error method, if within warranty raise a complaint with the retailer where you have bought the product.

Final Thoughts

Vaping should be a relatively easy process but as is the case with any electrical equipment, little technical dilemmas can crop up from time to time.

By following the tips we've outlined in this article, mainly focusing on keeping your tank or pod topped up with vape juice regularly, you can fix a burnt taste in your vape and prevent it from happening in the future.

Remember to always use high-quality e-liquids, whether you prefer high PG or high VG, and replace your coils regularly to ensure a smooth and flavorful vaping experience from start to finish.