Why Does My Vape Juice Taste Burnt and How to Fix It

December 03, 2024

why does my vape juice taste burnt

Vaping should be pleasurable and delicious. So when your e-liquid tastes burnt, it can throw off the entire experience and leave you wondering what went wrong. Fortunately, the answer to Why does my vape juice taste burnt? is simple. With a few adjustments, you can prevent charred flavors for good. 

In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons why your vape juice tastes burnt and offer practical solutions so you can get back to enjoying your vape.

6 Common Reasons for Burnt Vape Juice Taste

The answer to Why does my vape juice taste burnt? often leads back to your coil. Other reasons for ashy flavors include low tank levels, improper power settings, and mismatched juices and devices. Let’s explore

  • Your Coil Needs Changing

Coils wear out over time, leading to a burnt taste. The coil's wick, usually made of cotton, becomes saturated with e-liquid and burns off vapor when heated. Over time, the wick can become overly charred, causing that unpleasant burnt flavor.

  • You Haven’t Primed Your Coil

Priming a new coil is essential for a smooth vaping experience. Priming means saturating the coil’s wick with e-liquid before the first use. If you fail to prime your coil before using it, the wick can burn, producing a charred taste.

  • You Have the Wrong Resistance Coil Installed

Different coils have different resistance levels, requiring a specific wattage to work effectively. If you use a coil with a higher resistance and run it at a higher wattage, you could be putting too much power through it, which will lead to a burnt taste.

  • Your Tank Needs Topping Up

Running low on e-liquid can lead to a burnt taste because the wick inside the coil starts burning instead of soaking up the liquid. Vaping low-liquid devices can also damage the coil. 

  • Your Power Settings Are Too High

Many vapes allow you to adjust the wattage settings. However, if you set your power too high, the coil can overheat, burning the e-liquid too quickly and creating that unpleasant burnt flavor. High energy can also damage the wick, leading to more frequent burnt hits.

  • You're Using the Wrong E-Liquid

Using the wrong type of e-liquid for your device can also contribute to a burnt taste. E-liquids come in various viscosities, with VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) being the primary ingredients. If your device isn’t compatible with high-VG e-liquids, you might get a burnt hit.

How to Fix the Burnt Taste in Vape Juice

You can quickly fix the burnt taste in your vape juice by addressing the potential causes. Revitalizing your vape juice might require a new coil, device, power setting, or e-liquid, 

  1. Replace the Coil

The quickest way to fix a burnt taste is to replace your coil. Even with regular use, coils can burn out over time. Swapping the coil for a fresh one is easy and simple. Most vape devices come with clear instructions, or you can watch tutorial videos to ensure you're doing it right.

  1. Top Up Your Tank Regularly

If you notice the burnt taste after a few puffs, check your e-liquid level to ensure the tank isn’t running low. Keep your tank topped up regularly to avoid this problem. It’s especially important to watch smaller pod-style tanks, where the liquid levels can drop quickly.

  1. Get a New Disposable

If you're using a disposable vape and it tastes burnt, it might be time to replace it. Disposable vapes are designed for a limited number of puffs, and once the e-liquid runs low or the coil has been used extensively, the taste can deteriorate. Unlike refillable devices, disposable vapes can't be recharged or refilled, so when you notice a burnt taste, it’s usually a sign that the vape has run its course. Simply swap it out for a new one to get back to enjoying a smooth vaping experience.

  1. Prime Your Coil Before Use

Before you start vaping with a new coil, make sure to prime it. Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil, ensuring the wick gets fully saturated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soak in the juice properly before firing your device. This step helps avoid the burning of the wick.

  1. Adjust Your Power Settings

If your vape device allows you to adjust the wattage or power settings, use the appropriate level for your coil’s resistance. Generally, a lower wattage is better for coils with higher resistance (above 1.0 ohms), while a higher wattage is suited for coils with lower resistance. Stick to the recommended wattage ranges printed on your coil to avoid overheating.

  1. Use the Right E-Liquid

Choosing the correct e-liquid for your device can prevent burnt tastes. If you're using a sub-ohm device that works best with high VG liquids, avoid using liquids that are too thin or have a high PG content, as they can dry out the wick. Make sure your e-liquid matches the specifications of your vape device for the best results.

  1. Change the Coil Resistance for Optimal Wattage

If you switch to a coil with a different resistance, adjust your wattage accordingly. A coil with a higher resistance requires less power to heat up, while a coil with a lower resistance will need more. Always check the recommended wattage for your coil to ensure you're using it correctly.

Preventive Tips for Avoiding Burnt Taste

Minimize the chances of vaping burnt e-liquids by maintaining your device, vaping moderately, and refilling your tank regularly.

  • Don’t Chain Vape

Chain vaping can overheat your device, stressing out the coil and leading to burnt hits. It’s essential to take short breaks between puffs to allow the wick to absorb the e-liquid again and prevent it from burning. This also helps prolong the life of your coil.

  • Prime Your Coils Before Use

Priming is an essential step when installing a new coil. By making sure the wick is fully saturated with e-liquid before you fire your vape, you’ll avoid burning the wick and getting that burnt taste.

  • Refill Regularly

Even if you’re not hitting your vape constantly, it’s a good idea to check your e-liquid levels frequently. When the tank gets too low, the wick can dry out, and you’ll start getting a burnt taste. Always top up your tank before it’s completely empty to avoid this issue.

  • Check Your E-Liquid Compatibility

Ensure that you are using the correct e-liquid for your device. High VG liquids work well in sub-ohm tanks, while high PG liquids are best for pod kits and higher-resistance coils. Using the wrong type of e-liquid can cause your coil to burn out prematurely and produce a burnt taste.

Conclusion

Burnt vape juices are unideal, to say the least. But with the right knowledge and a few simple fixes, you can skillfully resolve the issue. Taking care of your vape and using the right e-liquid will minimize the chances of a burnt taste and maximize the rich flavors you seek.

Browse Velvet Cloud’s wide selection of e-juices to find the perfect match for your device.