Vape Chronicle

There is nothing worse than taking a puff from your vape and being greeted by a harsh, burnt taste. It can ruin your experience instantly and sometimes even make you wonder if your device is broken. The good news is that most burnt hits have clear causes and even clearer solutions. According to Public Health England, understanding your device and how it works is the first step toward solving common vaping issues like burnt taste.

Identifying Common Causes

A burnt taste can happen for several reasons, but most of them boil down to issues with the coil or the way the device is being used. Pinpointing the cause makes it easier to apply the right fix.

Chain Vaping Without a Break

If you take multiple puffs in rapid succession, your coil might not have enough time to absorb more e-liquid. This results in the cotton drying out and burning when you inhale again.

How to recognize it:

• Burnt taste starts after several quick puffs.
• It may go away if you pause for a few minutes.

Dry Hits From Low E-Liquid Levels

When your tank or pod is running low, the wick cannot absorb enough liquid to keep up with your draw. This can easily cause a burnt taste, especially on high-wattage devices.

How to recognize it:

• Burnt taste happens suddenly.
• Tank or pod is nearly empty.

Incorrect Wattage Settings

Running your vape at too high a wattage for your coil type can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly. This burns the wick and damages the coil.

How to recognize it:

• The burnt taste is immediate after increasing wattage.
• Coil life is shorter than usual.

Old or Overused Coils

Every coil has a lifespan. Over time, residue from e-liquid builds up on the coil, making it harder for it to heat evenly.

How to recognize it:

• Flavor gradually fades before turning burnt.
• Coil is older than one to two weeks depending on usage.

Quick Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions

Understanding the difference between quick fixes and permanent solutions will help you decide how to deal with a burnt taste.

Quick Fixes

• Pause Between Puffs: Give your wick time to re-saturate by taking breaks between inhales.
• Refill Your Tank: Make sure there is always enough e-liquid to cover the wicking holes.
• Lower Your Wattage: If you accidentally set your device too high, bring it down to match your coil’s recommended range.

These solutions are great for immediate relief but may not address the root cause if your coil is already damaged.

Long-Term Solutions

• Prime New Coils: Always soak the coil’s cotton in e-liquid before first use, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping.
• Use the Right Coil for Your Device: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for wattage and resistance.
• Maintain a Cleaning Routine: Clean your tank regularly to prevent buildup that can lead to burnt hits.

Taking these steps will help prevent repeated burnt tastes and extend the life of your coils.

Choosing the Right E-Liquid for Your Coil

Not all e-liquids are created equal, and some can cause coils to burn out faster than others.

PG/VG Ratio Matters

• High VG liquids are thicker and can be harder for small coils to wick, leading to dry hits if your device is not designed for them.
• High PG liquids are thinner and wick more easily, but may feel harsher at high wattages.

Matching your e-liquid ratio to your coil type helps ensure even saturation.

Sweeteners and Coil Life

E-liquids with high levels of sweeteners can caramelize on the coil quickly. This buildup can cause a burnt taste faster than unsweetened liquids.

Nicotine Strength and Heat

Higher nicotine strengths often require lower wattages. If you use a high-strength e-liquid in a high-wattage coil, you risk overheating and burning the wick.

In my own experience, I noticed this most during a weekend getaway. I packed a few travel essentials like snacks, sunscreen, and even my favorite Delta 9 Vape for the evenings. The thinner consistency of some oils reminded me how important it is to match the liquid to the device—especially when trying to avoid a burnt hit.

Preventing Burnt Hits in the Future

Once you understand the causes, prevention becomes much easier. Here are the best practices to keep your vape tasting fresh.

Always Monitor E-Liquid Levels

Never let your tank or pod drop below the wicking holes. If you see the cotton exposed, refill immediately.

Follow Recommended Wattage

Your coil’s packaging should list the best wattage range. Staying within this range ensures the coil heats the liquid properly without burning it.

Prime and Break In New Coils

When installing a new coil:

1. Add a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton.
2. Fill your tank and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
3. Start at the lower end of the wattage range and gradually increase.

Keep a Backup Device or Coil

Having a spare coil on hand prevents you from continuing to vape on a burnt one, which can worsen the taste and possibly harm your throat.

Avoid Chain Vaping

If you tend to take many puffs in a row, try alternating sides during conversation or spacing out inhales. This gives your coil time to recover.

Conclusion

A burnt taste in your vape is frustrating, but it is almost always preventable. By identifying the cause, applying the right fix, and adopting good habits, you can keep your vaping experience smooth and flavorful. If you need a deeper dive into device maintenance, Vaping360 offers excellent guides that cover everything from coil types to wattage charts. The key is to be proactive—keep your coils primed, your wattage in check, and your e-liquid levels topped up. With a little care, burnt hits can be a thing of the past.