Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Causes and Solutions
Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, with many individuals switching to e-cigarettes for a smoother, less harmful experience. However, one common issue that many vapers e liquid nz face is the dreaded “burnt taste.” This unpleasant flavor can ruin the enjoyment of your vape and leave you wondering what went wrong. In this article, we will explore the main causes behind that burnt taste and provide solutions to help you avoid it in the future.
1. Insufficient E-Liquid in the Tank or Pod
One of the most common reasons why your vape might taste burnt is due to a lack of e-liquid. When there isn’t enough liquid in the tank or pod, the wick inside the coil can’t properly absorb the liquid. As a result, the coil heats up too much, causing it to burn the wick, which results in a harsh, burnt taste.
Solution: Always ensure that your tank or pod has enough e-liquid before you start vaping. It’s essential to refill it when the e-liquid level is getting low, as this prevents the coil from running dry. Additionally, if you’re using a pod system, make sure you’re not vaping it to the point where the liquid is completely used up.
2. Overheating the Coil
Coils in vapes are designed to heat the e-liquid to a vaporized state, but if the coil is overheated, it can cause the wick to burn. This is more likely to happen if you are vaping at higher wattages than recommended or taking long, continuous puffs without allowing the coil to cool down in between.
Solution: Check your device settings and make sure you’re not exceeding the recommended wattage for your coil. If you’re unsure, consult the packaging of your coil or the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, try to avoid chain vaping (taking multiple puffs in a row) as this can overheat the coil. Give it time to cool down between puffs to avoid damaging the wick.
3. Worn-Out Coils
Coils don’t last forever, and over time, they degrade with regular use. As the coil wears down, it becomes less efficient at heating the e-liquid, and it can also lead to uneven heating. This can cause the wick to burn, leaving a burnt taste behind. Older coils are often the main culprit of a burnt flavor.
Solution: Replace your coils regularly. Depending on how often you vape, most coils need to be replaced every 1-4 weeks. If you’re noticing a burnt taste, it’s a strong indicator that your coil has reached the end of its life and needs to be swapped out for a fresh one.
4. Using the Wrong E-Liquid VG/PG Ratio
The ratio of vegetable glycerin (VG) to propylene glycol (PG) in your e-liquid can also affect the performance of your vape. E-liquids with higher VG content are thicker and require more power to vaporize. If you use a high-VG e-liquid with a coil designed for higher PG ratios, it may not be able to wick the liquid properly, resulting in a burnt taste.
Solution: Make sure that you are using the right e-liquid for your device. If you have a sub-ohm tank or a device with a high-power setting, opt for e-liquids with a higher VG ratio (70% VG or more). If you’re using a mouth-to-lung device, a higher PG e-liquid (50/50 or higher) will work better.
5. Priming the Coil Incorrectly
When you install a new coil in your device, it’s crucial to “prime” the coil before using it. Priming involves saturating the coil’s wick with e-liquid to ensure it’s fully soaked. If you don’t properly prime the coil, the wick can burn out when the coil is heated, leading to that familiar burnt flavor.
Solution: Always prime a new coil by dripping a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick and letting it soak for a few minutes. After priming, fill the tank and allow the coil to sit for a while before taking your first puff. This ensures that the coil is fully saturated and prevents it from burning.
6. High Wattage for Your Coil Type
Different coils are designed to work at specific wattages. If you use too high a wattage for your coil, it will heat up too quickly and burn the wick, creating that unpleasant burnt taste. This is especially common for newer vapers who might be unaware of the best wattage settings for their coil type.
Solution: Always use the recommended wattage range for your coil. This information is often printed on the coil or available in the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re unsure, start at the lower end of the recommended range and gradually increase it until you find the best balance between flavor and vapor production.
7. Dry Hits
Taking a “dry hit” occurs when the wick doesn’t have enough e-liquid to vaporize, causing the coil to burn the cotton. This usually happens when the e-liquid level in the tank is too low or when the device has been used for a prolonged period without refilling.
Solution: Avoid dry hits by regularly checking the e-liquid level and refilling your tank when necessary. When switching to a new coil, it’s also important to fill the tank with e-liquid and let the coil soak for a few minutes before using it.
Conclusion
Experiencing a burnt taste while vaping is frustrating, but it’s usually caused by one of a few common issues that are easy to address. Whether it’s an insufficient e-liquid level, overheating the coil, or using the wrong e-liquid, the solutions outlined above can help you enjoy a smoother vaping experience.
By following the tips for priming your coils, replacing them regularly, and ensuring that your device is set to the proper wattage, you can avoid the burnt taste and keep your vaping experience enjoyable. Remember, regular maintenance and using the right e-liquids for your setup are key to a satisfying vape.
If you continue to experience burnt tastes after trying these solutions, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional or visit a vape shop to ensure your device and coil are in proper working order.