A burnt flavor while vaping is one of the most frequent problems that individuals encounter. It generally indicates that the coil within your vape tank or pod has dried out or become damaged. In most situations, it boils down to the wick — most often cotton — becoming too hot without sufficient e-liquid to keep it saturated. When it does, rather than vaporising the fluid, the coil begins to burn the dry cotton directly, producing a harsh, unpleasant taste.
It can occur for several reasons. One of the most prevalent is chain vaping — taking many draws without allowing the coil a chance to re-saturate between each one. Another is applying too high a watt setting for the coil one is using, which will burn out the e-liquid too rapidly or just simply scorch the wick outright.
Not priming a new coil properly prior to use is another trouble this can cause. When you put a new coil in and vape immediately without allowing the e-liquid to soak, the cotton within does not have enough time to soak up the juice adequately. This can burn the wick on the first occasion of use, destroying the coil completely.
How to Avoid It
Avoiding a burnt vape taste is largely a matter of operating your device properly and taking care of your coils. When installing a new coil, always leave it to soak for a couple of minutes after filling your tank or pod. A few drops of e-liquid dripped directly onto the cotton via the holes on the side of the coil also appeal to some users, as it accelerates the priming process.
Make sure you’re using the correct power level for the coil installed. Most coils come with a recommended wattage range printed on the side. Sticking within that range can make a big difference to both flavour and coil life. Running your device too high can easily lead to burnt hits, even if the tank looks full.
It’s also worth noting your e-liquid. Thicker liquids with high VG content can be more difficult for some coils to soak up, particularly on lower-powered or older devices. If you’re vaping a high VG juice in a vape that isn’t suited for it, the coil may not be able to cope, which results in dry hits and ultimately a burn taste.
If you find the flavour to be declining or the vape too harsh, it normally indicates that the coil is about to fail. Changing it early can prevent the burned flavour from becoming more prominent.
What to Do If It Happens
Once a coil has been burnt, there’s little you can do to repair it. Some attempt to clean or soak their coils in alcohol or hot water, but this seldom works after trying to clean the cotton once it has been burned. Mostly, the only true repair is replacing the coil.
If you notice a burnt flavor after you switch coils, it probably wasn’t primed sufficiently or wasn’t left to soak long enough. You’ll have to replace it again, even if it’s new, since burnt cotton cannot recover once it has been compromised.
In the future, be sure to wait for at least five to ten minutes after refilling the tank with a fresh coil prior to vaping. Taking some small puffs without engaging the fire button can also help draw liquid into the wick and minimize chances of burning it upon initial use.
A charred vape flavor can destroy a good e-liquid and ruin a coil, but it’s normally simple to prevent with the correct habits. Be patient when preparing your device, inspect your wattage setup, and pay attention to what the flavour is saying. The coil won’t last forever, but if you take care of it, it’ll do the job a whole lot better — and your vape will have the proper flavour.
