How to Deal with Vape Burnt Taste
Few things are more frustrating for vapers than inhaling and getting hit with a nasty burnt flavor. That burnt taste can turn your vaping experience from enjoyable to unbearable. Whether you’re new to vaping or a seasoned user, knowing how to fix this issue is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of the burnt taste and show you the best methods for a burnt taste vape fix that actually works.
Understanding the Burnt Taste in Vapes
When your vape starts producing a harsh, scorched flavor, it usually means something’s gone wrong with the coil or wick. This is often a sign that your cotton wick is dry or overheated, causing it to burn rather than vaporize the e-liquid. That unpleasant taste is literally burnt cotton — and it can linger.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
Let’s break down the most common reasons you might experience a burnt taste from your vape:
Chain Vaping Without Breaks
If you take several puffs back-to-back, the wick doesn’t get enough time to soak up more e-liquid. This leads to dry hits, which can quickly burn the cotton.
Vaping at Too High Wattage
Using power settings higher than what your coil can handle causes the liquid to evaporate too quickly, drying out the wick. Once that happens, you’re at risk of burning it.
Not Priming the Coil
A fresh coil needs to be soaked in vape juice before use. If you skip this step and start vaping right away, the dry cotton will burn, ruining the coil immediately.
Low E-Liquid Level
When the e-liquid drops below the coil’s holes, not enough juice reaches the wick. The result? A charred taste, even if the tank isn’t completely empty.
Old or Dirty Coils
Coils degrade over time. Burnt Taste Vape Fix A burnt taste could simply mean your coil has reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacing.
Burnt Taste Vape Fix: How to Get Rid of It
Now that you understand the causes, let’s get into how to fix the burnt taste in your vape effectively.
Stop Vaping Immediately
If you taste something burnt, stop using your vape right away. Continuing to vape will only worsen the issue and might damage your coil beyond saving.
Check Your E-Liquid Level
Ensure there’s enough e-liquid in your tank. Refill it if necessary and wait a few minutes to allow the wick to re-saturate.
Prime Your Coil
If you’re using a new coil, always prime it first. Drip a few drops of vape juice directly onto the exposed cotton and let the tank sit for 10–15 minutes before vaping. This step prevents dry hits.
Lower the Wattage
If you’re using a variable wattage device, reduce the power. Try staying within the recommended range printed on your coil to avoid overheating the wick.
Take Shorter Puffs
Avoid long, deep inhales. This gives the wick a better chance to absorb e-liquid between draws, especially if you’re chain vaping.
Clean or Replace the Coil
If you’ve already burnt the cotton, cleaning may not be enough. Replace the coil entirely to restore flavor. For rebuildable coils, you can re-wick and dry burn the coil to clean off gunk.
Use the Right E-Liquid
High-VG juices are thicker and may not wick properly in some coils. Use the appropriate e-liquid for your device to ensure consistent saturation.
Let the Coil Rest Between Hits
Give your coil time to reabsorb e-liquid by waiting a few seconds between puffs. This is especially important for sub-ohm tanks or mesh coils that vaporize juice quickly.
How to Prevent the Burnt Taste in the Future
While fixing the issue is helpful, preventing it is even better. Follow these tips to avoid ever dealing with the burnt flavor again.
Maintain Proper Coil Care
Don’t push coils past their limit. Replace them every 1–2 weeks or sooner if flavor drops or you notice dark residue.
Use Smart Vaping Techniques
Inhale slowly and avoid dry hits. Stay within safe wattage limits and don’t chain vape for long periods.
Choose Compatible E-Juice
Match your juice’s VG/PG ratio to your device’s coil type. Thinner (higher PG) liquids wick faster and are ideal for smaller coils.
Store Your Device Correctly
Always store your vape upright to keep the coil saturated. Avoid leaving it in hot environments, which can thin your juice and increase leakage.
Stay Hydrated
Believe it or not, dehydration can amplify throat irritation, making a minor burnt taste feel more severe.
When to Replace the Coil
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, coils just give out. If your vape still tastes burnt after trying the above fixes, your coil might be permanently damaged. Replace it if:
- The taste doesn’t improve after cleaning
- The cotton looks dark or charred
- The coil has been used for over two weeks
New coils mean better flavor and a smoother experience — don’t hesitate to switch when needed.
Say Goodbye to the Burnt Vape Taste
A burnt taste doesn’t have to ruin your vaping experience. With a bit of care and attention, you can resolve the issue quickly and enjoy clean, flavorful clouds. The key to a long-lasting fix is understanding what caused the burnt taste in the first place. From properly priming your coil to staying within the recommended wattage, these techniques can help you avoid future issues.
FAQs
Why does my vape still taste burnt after changing the coil?
Even after replacing the coil, your vape can taste burnt if you didn’t prime it properly. Let the coil soak for at least 10–15 minutes before using it.
Can you fix a burnt coil by soaking it?
In some cases, soaking and rinsing the coil in warm water or alcohol can remove some buildup. However, if the cotton is burnt, the taste usually doesn’t go away.
How long should I wait after filling my vape?
Wait at least 10–15 minutes before taking the first puff if you’ve installed a new coil. This ensures the wick is fully saturated and avoids burning.
Does vaping at low wattage prevent burning?
Yes, vaping at lower wattage reduces heat, giving the wick more time to absorb juice. Always follow the coil’s suggested wattage range.
Can thick vape juice cause a burnt taste?
Yes. High-VG liquids are slower to wick, especially in small coils, leading to dry hits and burnt flavors if not used properly.
