Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Reasons and Solutions Explained

It is commonly observed that people spend effort, money and take time to find the best vape kit. This is because they want the perfect flavour and to improve their vaping experience. However, instead of enjoying flavours, users may experience a burnt taste while vaping. It does not mean the vape kit has timed out and needs a new device, it simply means they have to fix the cause for a smooth vaping experience. Therefore, many vapers are searching for why their vape taste burnt. For this concern, we will explain some highlighted reasons for the burnt taste along with their solutions for you in this blog post.

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt

You might notice a burnt taste when vaping for several reasons. Here are some of the most common causes and tips on how to fix each one.

Your Wattage is Too High

The most common cause of a burnt taste is the high wattage of the vapes. Among the many available vape kits, some devices are designed with a fixed wattage, while many of them adjust the wattage automatically. Other than these kits, some vapes, such as box mods, allow you to adjust the wattage manually.

Picking the wattage according to your preference works well, as you can control it to find the sweet spot. But it can also cause a problem. If you set your device to high wattage, you can simply burn the e-liquid. Also, the installed coil can be affected, which leads to more frequent burnt hits.

Solution

It is a rule of thumb that if the coil resistance is above 1.0 ohms, you should set the device to 10W – 16W. Unlike this, the low-resistance coil should be between 18W and 50W. Other than this, you should also check the recommended wattage printed on the device pack to avoid a burnt taste from the vape.

Another solution is to start vaping by setting the vape on low wattage and then increasing it gradually to enjoy the flavour. If it tastes too hot or burnt, you should decrease the power wattage.

You Have Not Primed The Coil Properly

Another frequently asked question is why does my new vape taste burnt. When you shop for the new vape kit, you first need to prime the coil before start using it. Coil priming is an essential activity in which you should fill the tank with the desired e-liquid. For a pleasant vaping experience, give the vape juice enough time to fully saturate the cotton wick.

If you do not wait for a few minutes, it might increase the risk of burnt or poor flavour. The reason is that the vape battery will burn the coil wicking material, rather than heat the e-liquid.

Solution

If the issue of burnt taste is noticed right after filling the vape tank, it is due to the wrong coil priming process. To fix it, you should leave the e-liquid for at least 5-10 minutes to soak it before vaping again. The burnt taste problem will be solved.

If the problem is still the same, it might be due to the damaged coil. It means you need to replace the coil with the new one. If your vape kit offers coil replacement, you simply disassemble the tank, unscrew the destroyed coil and attach the new coil.

You Have Selected The Wrong Coil Resistance

Another well-known cause of a burnt taste is the selection of the wrong coil resistance. This is due to the fact that the power from the battery is not compatible with the atomiser and affects the burnt taste. Different brands in the UK, like Aspire, Geekvape, and Smok, have launched many high-quality coils to choose the best one wisely. However, when low-resistance coils are paired with MTL kits, or high-resistance coils with high-power mods, it might cause the vape tastes burnt.

Solution

To solve this problem, it is required to take a look at the resistance printed on the new device. Most of the time, that printed resistance is an accurate one to set the kit.

While unwrapping the box, you may find two coils of different resistances in the box. It allows you to pick the one according to your vaping requirements. However, the key fact is that different coil resistances require different power levels to perform the best.

You Need to Top Up The Tank

One common cause of a burnt or dry hit is the insufficient vape liquid level in the tank. In this situation, the coil will burn the cotton wick inside the atomiser, rather than heating the e-liquid. It might result in an unpleasant and harsh burnt hit while vaping. Therefore, topping up the tank with the desired flavour is a simple yet important task.

Solution

To manage this issue of vape burnt taste, it is suggested to fill the vape tank with the e-liquid at the perfect level. It might ensure that e-liquid doesn't get too low or run out while enjoying the vaping journey.

Also, this will increase the longevity of the coil. Vape tanks have been perfectly designed with a large and clear glass section to monitor the e-liquid level.

You are Using the Wrong E-liquid Type

In general, e-liquids come into the market with different Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) strengths. Different tanks are well-operated with different e-liquid ratios. For instance, sub-ohm tanks are compatible with 50VG/50PG vape juices; however, other cartridges might operate perfectly with 70VG/30PG e-liquids.

Other than this situation, you can damage your device if you start puffing high-VG e-liquids with incompatible tanks. It also causes the cotton wick to dry and burn when you take a draw.

An important concern to notice is the picking of the right e-liquid flavour. Choosing sugary flavours often can caramelise the coil and affect its accuracy. These flavours give you the perfect saccharine taste while vaping, but can damage the coil and give you a burnt hit.

Solution

To solve this trouble, it is good to choose the right e-liquid for your vape kit. If you are using advanced kits or sub-ohm kits, such as Geekvape B60 Aegis Boost 2, it is recommended to pick the high-VG E-liquids or shortfills.

Also, to prevent a burnt taste while vaping, it is recommended to choose different flavours rather than using sweet flavours continuously. However, if you are an inexperienced user and have limited vape juice knowledge, it is good to take expert advice or read the package guidelines carefully.

You are Puffing Frequently

For experienced vapers, one of the most common causes of a burnt taste is starting vaping without taking breaks. When you take a draw, the vape juice heats in the tank and converts into vape clouds. This procedure runs too fast, and the device needs some rest after a few trials. For this reason, if you take puffs continuously, the coil does not perform well, and the e-juice does not soak into the cotton wick.

Solution

To fix this matter, it is good to avoid frequent vaping. You should give the e-liquid a short time to absorb into the wick between each draw. This will offer a smooth and satisfactory vaping experience. Also, it will increase the longevity of the vape coil.

Poor Quality Vape Juice

Everyone's taste preferences vary, and some e-liquid flavours can naturally taste burnt to certain vapers. Flavours like tobacco, cinnamon, or high-nicotine e-liquids are often reported to have this effect. This doesn't mean the vape is faulty, it may simply not suit your palate. Trying different flavours can help identify what works best for you.

Solution

Experiment with new flavours, like fruity e-liquids, to see if the burnt taste disappears. If it does, those stronger or saltier flavours may simply not suit your palate.

Your Coil Needs Changing

If your vape tastes burnt, it might be time to replace the coil. Regularly changing your coil keeps your device performing well and maintains the best flavour and vapour. Coil replacement is simple, and the cost is relatively low compared to traditional cigarettes. Typically, coils last 1–2 weeks for regular vapers, though light users may get up to a month of use.

Solution

Swap out the old coil for a new one. If you're unsure how, check your device's manual, and make sure to prime the new coil before use to avoid a burnt taste.

Low E-Liquid Levels

All vape devices, whether prefilled or high-end refillable kits, have a coil and a wick. The wick soaks up the e-liquid, and the coil heats it to create vapour. When the e-liquid runs too low, the wick dries out, and the coil ends up burning the wick instead of vaporizing liquid. This is what causes the unpleasant burnt taste.

Solution

Replace the device or pod as soon as you notice the flavour weakening. For refillable pods or tanks, keep an eye on your e-liquid level, making sure it stays above the coil. Refill promptly whenever the level gets too low.

Final Verdict

To sum up the explanation, it is concluded that there are some minor but important reasons for a burnt or dry hit while vaping. We have briefly discussed their solutions as well in this article.

All you need is to prime the coil correctly and avoid continuous vaping sessions without taking a break. Also, it is suggested to only use the compatible e-liquid type and make sure the tank is topped up completely. Simply follow the guidelines and enjoy an uninterrupted vaping journey without experiencing a burnt hit.