Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Here’s How to Fix It

Vaping can sometimes be marred by a burnt taste. If you’ve ever encountered this unpleasant flavor while vaping, you may be wondering why my vape tastes burnt and how to resolve it. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind a burnt taste in vaping and provide practical solutions to fix it. By the end, you will have the knowledge to enjoy a smooth and flavorful vaping experience without the annoyance of a burnt taste.

Identifying Between Burnt Hits and Dry Hits in Vaping

In the world of vaping, it is essential to have a pleasant and satisfying experience. Inevitably, things will not go as planned occasionally, and you might encounter unpleasant occurrences like burnt hits or dry hits. People often get confused between burnt and dry hits, but they are very different from each other and have different solutions.

Burnt Hits

In a vaping device, burnt hits are caused by an overheated coil or wick. Various vaping devices can cause this issue, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and mods. Burnt hits can significantly diminish the vaping experience, causing discomfort and a displeasing taste.

Dry Hits

Insufficient e-liquid saturation on the wick of your vape device causes dry hits when the wick gets too hot without producing any vapor. These unpleasant occurrences happen when the wick in your vaping device fails to receive sufficient e-liquid, resulting in a harsh and burnt taste.

Exploring the Reasons Why Does Your Vape Tastes Burnt? 

Vapers occasionally encounter the unpleasant taste of a burnt hit. If you’ve experienced this frustrating sensation, you may be wondering why your vape tastes burnt and how to address the issue. Do not get stressed when you experience a burnt taste while vaping because it is a more common problem than you think and easy to fix.

Excessive Wattage in Vaping

Vaping devices deliver power to their coils using wattage. It directly affects the heat produced, which, in turn, influences the vaporization of e-liquid and the overall vaping experience. Higher wattage settings generally result in increased vapor production, making it a desirable choice for cloud chasers.

The wick will not be adequately saturated with e-liquid if the wattage is exceeded. This will produce a harsh, burnt taste. This occurs when the coil heats the dry wick instead of vaporizing the e-liquid. Excessive wattage can cause coils to burn out prematurely. When coils are subjected to high heat for extended periods, they can become damaged, leading to a burnt taste and reduced lifespan. Also, using too much wattage can overpower the flavor profile of e-liquids, resulting in a muted or distorted taste. 

Solutions

1. Referencing Device Specifications: Manufacturers often provide wattage recommendations for their devices. It is essential to consult the user manual or product specifications to determine the ideal wattage range for your specific vaping device.

2. Adjust wattage Gradually: When experimenting with wattage settings, make adjustments gradually. To balance vapor production, flavor, and throat hit, start at a low wattage and gradually increase it.

Vaping Too Much and Too Frequently

Vaping too frequently and without allowing sufficient time for the wick to re-saturate can result in a burnt taste. The wick needs time to absorb e-liquid and regain its moisture between puffs. Rapid vaping without adequate breaks can cause the wick to dry out, leading to burnt hits. 

Continuous vaping without giving the wick enough time to re-saturate can accelerate the degradation of the coil. 

Vaping too quickly can compromise the flavor quality of e-liquids. The lack of sufficient time for the wick to absorb the e-liquid properly can result in muted or distorted flavors.

Solutions

1. Take Regular Breaks: Make sure you allow sufficient time for the wick to re-saturate between puffs. This prevents the wick from drying out and reduces the likelihood of a burnt taste.

2. Observe Wick Saturation: Pay attention to the saturation level of the wick before taking another puff. Ensure the wick is adequately saturated with e-liquid to avoid dry hits and the associated burnt taste.

3. Moderate Vaping Speed: Practice a moderate and consistent vaping speed. Avoid rapid and continuous vaping sessions that may overwhelm the wick and lead to a burnt taste. Finding a balanced pace allows optimal wick saturation and a more enjoyable vaping experience.

Using Incompatible E-Liquid in Vaping

Using the wrong kind of e-liquid can contribute to wick dryness and, subsequently, a burnt taste. Incompatibility between the e-liquid and the device or coil can prevent proper wick saturation. Incompatible e-liquids may contain ingredients or additives that can cause coil clogging or residue buildup. This can hinder the proper flow of e-liquid to the coil, leading to insufficient wick saturation. An e-liquid’s primary components are vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). Their ratios can vary. Using an e-liquid with an incorrect VG/PG ratio for your device or coil can affect wick saturation and vaporization.

Solutions

1. Device and Coil Compatibility: Ensure that the e-liquid you choose is compatible with your specific device and coil to avoid any potential issues.

2. Optimal VG/PG Ratios: Understand the ideal VG/PG ratio for your device and coil. Different devices and coils may perform better with specific VG/PG ratios, and choosing the appropriate ratio can help maintain proper wick saturation.

3. Quality and Reputation: Quality and consistency are the hallmarks of reputable e-liquids. Ensuring the e-liquid is manufactured using high-quality ingredients.

Aged or Scorched Coils

Aged or scorched coils can negatively impact the flavor profile, resulting in a burnt taste due to incomplete vaporization or contamination. Over time coils can accumulate residue and become less efficient at evenly distributing heat. This uneven heat distribution can lead to localized overheating. As coils age or become scorched, their ability to effectively vaporize the e-liquid diminishes. Also, scorched coils can accumulate residue, including e-liquid remnants and impurities, which can affect the flavor of subsequent vaping sessions.

Solutions

1. Regular Coil Cleaning: To prevent residue and contaminants from building up on coils, they should be cleaned regularly. In order to extend the lifespan and maintain the performance of coils, dry burning or soaking can be used.

2. Coil Replacement Schedule: Eventually, coils must be replaced due to their limited lifespan. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations or observing signs of deterioration, such as a significant decline in flavor or vapor production.

3. Proper Storage: Storing coils in a clean and dry environment helps maintain their integrity. To extend their lifespan and ensure consistent performance, avoid extreme temperatures, humidity, and contaminants.

Exploring the Best Way to Prevent Burnt Hits

By following the below practices, you can enjoy a consistent and flavorful vaping experience while avoiding the unpleasant taste of burnt hits.

Keeping Your Vape Tank Filled

Keeping your vape tank filled ensures that the wick remains adequately saturated with e-liquid. An ample e-liquid level in the tank helps maintain the consistency and intensity of the flavor profile throughout your vaping session. By keeping your vape tank filled, you can significantly reduce the risk of dry hits and the associated unpleasant taste. When the e-liquid level is consistently maintained, the wick remains saturated, reducing the strain on the coil. This helps prolong the lifespan of your coil, saving you money.

Priming Your Vaping Coil

Before priming your coils, gather the necessary materials, including your vaping device, e-liquid, and replacement coils. You should ensure that your working area is clean and stable. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed when installing the new coil. Put the coil in the correct place and ensure that it is securely fastened. Using a dropper, apply e-liquid to the coils’ cotton-exposed areas. Take care not to over-saturate the cotton, as excessive e-liquid can cause flooding and leakage. Take a few minutes to let the e-liquid soak into the cotton. During this time, you can gently rotate the coil or gently blow into it to encourage absorption. Repeat the process of adding e-liquid and waiting as needed until the cotton appears fully saturated. After priming the coil, reassemble your vaping device and perform a few test puffs without activating the fire button. 

Proper Wick Material Installation in Vaping

Using too much wick material can lead to various issues. Using too much wick material can obstruct the airflow within the coil, leading to restricted airflow and decreased vapor production. Excessive wick material can prevent proper e-liquid saturation and hinder flavor intensity. 

Matching the Perfect Vape Battery to Your Vape Tank

Mismatched batteries and tanks can pose safety risks such as overheating, venting, or even explosions. Using the correct battery for your specific vape tank is vital to ensure safe operation. Be familiar with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and lithium-polymer (LiPo). Each type has its own characteristics and compatibility requirements. Consider the battery capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), which determines how long the battery will last between charges. Choose a capacity that suits your vaping habits and usage frequency. CDR measures how much continuous current a battery can supply without overheating. Ensure that the CDR of the battery is suitable for the power demands of your vape tank. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, and ensure that the voltage and wattage ranges of your battery align with the requirements of your vape tank.

Regular Vape Coil Replacement

Vape coils gradually degrade with use due to factors like heat, e-liquid composition, and frequency of vaping. Over time, the coil’s ability to heat efficiently and provide optimal flavor diminishes. The lifespan of vape coils varies depending on various factors such as coil material, wattage used, vaping frequency, and e-liquid characteristics. Generally, coils may last anywhere from one to four weeks before they require replacement. One of the most noticeable signs that your coil needs replacing is a decrease in flavor quality. If you notice muted or off-tasting flavors, it’s likely time to change your coil. When a coil becomes overly used or clogged with residue, it may not properly wick the e-liquid, leading to dry hits or a burnt taste. Over time, e-liquid residue, known as coil gunk, accumulates on the coil’s surface, affecting its performance.

Soaking the coil in warm water or using specialized coil cleaning solutions can help extend its lifespan. When replacing coils, it’s crucial to prime them properly before use. The purpose of priming is to ensure good wicking and prevent dry hits by saturating the coil with e-liquid. Vaporizer coils should be soaked for a few minutes before use.

What are the Other Ways to Prevent Burnt Hits?

When it comes to avoiding burnt hits during vaping, there are additional measures you can take apart from the usual precautions. Depending on your type of vaping device, below are other effective ways to avoid burnt hits during vaping.

Find the Perfect Vape Juice

Using the right vape juice is a key factor in preventing the dreaded burnt taste during vaping. Dense vapor is produced by higher VG ratios, while throat hits are stronger by higher PG ratios. Opting for e-liquids with balanced and well-formulated flavors is essential. Overly intense flavors can sometimes lead to a burnt taste due to excessive flavorings and sweeteners. Some vape juices contain excessive sweeteners that can caramelize and contribute to a burnt taste when subjected to high temperatures.

Properly shaking the vape juice before each refill helps distribute the flavorings and ensures a consistent vaping experience, reducing the risk of uneven heating and burnt hits. Using expired vape juice increases the likelihood of a burnt taste. Always check the expiration dates and replace any expired e-liquids.

Go for Disposable Vapes

Every puff from a disposable vape delivers a consistent vaping experience. Their integrated coil and e-liquid system ensures proper wicking and prevents dry hits or burnt taste. Draws that are too long or frequent can cause the coil to overheat and cause a burnt taste. Taking gentle and shorter puffs allows the e-liquid to flow properly and maintain optimal flavor.

Go for Dry Herb Vaping

Dry herb vaping involves heating ground botanical material, such as dried herbs or flowers, to release their aromatic compounds without combustion. Choosing high-quality herbs and correctly grinding them to an appropriate consistency is essential for avoiding burnt hits. It is easier to vaporize herbs that have been finely ground since they have more surface area. Adjusting the temperature to the optimal range for your specific herbs helps ensure even heating without reaching the point of combustion.

Conclusion

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have explored the various reasons why your vape may taste burnt and provided practical solutions to address each of these factors. It is possible to achieve a satisfying vaping experience by implementing the above tips and techniques.