Have you ever experienced that dreaded burnt taste when using your vape? It's not only unpleasant but can also ruin the whole vaping experience. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide solutions to prevent it from happening again.
Understanding How Vapes Work
Vape Pen Components
To understand why your vape might taste burnt, it's essential to know how it works. A typical vape pen consists of three main components: the battery, the tank (containing the coil and wick), and the vape juice.
For other types of vapes, such as rechargeable disposable vapes it is slightly different as they will consist of a battey and a pod or refill (containing the vape juice and coil).
How A Vape Works
When you inhale, the battery heats the coil, which in turn heats the vape juice absorbed by the wick. This process creates vapour that you inhale. A burnt taste usually indicates that something is not functioning correctly, so let's try and troubleshoot.
If you're more into disposable vapes rather than pens and want to know more about how they work, check out our handy guide, "How Do Disposable Vapes Work"
Common Causes of Burnt Taste
Burnt / Old Coil
The coil is responsible for heating the vape juice. If it's burnt or old, the taste will be affected. Coils can burn due to high wattage, poor wicking, or long periods of use without replacement.
Dry Wick
When the wick isn't properly saturated with vape juice, it can't provide enough vapour. This results in the coil overheating and burning the wick, causing a burnt taste.
Priming Issue
Priming refers to the process of saturating the wick with e-liquid before using the vape. If the wick isn't properly primed, it can't provide enough vapour, leading to a burnt taste.
High Wattage
Vaping at a high wattage can cause the coil to heat up too much, which may burn the wick and produce a burnt taste.
How to Prevent Burnt Taste
Proper Priming
Ensure that you prime your coil correctly before using it. To do this, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick and coil, then fill the tank and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the e-liquid to saturate the wick fully.
Replace Coils Regularly
Coils don't last forever, and their lifespan depends on usage and the type of vape juice you use. Replace your coil every 1-2 weeks or when you notice a decline in vapour production or a burnt taste.
Keep Vape Juice Topped Up
Regularly check your e-liquid levels to ensure the wick remains saturated. Refill the tank before it gets too low to avoid a dry wick and the resulting burnt taste.
Reduce Wattage
Experiment with different wattage settings to find the optimal range for your vape. Lower wattages reduce the risk of burning the wick and producing a burnt taste.
Troubleshooting Burnt Taste Issues
Coil Inspection and Replacement
If you're experiencing a burnt taste, the first thing to check is the coil. Inspect it for any signs of burning or damage, and replace it if necessary.
Vape Juice
Make sure you have enough vape juice in the tank to saturate the wick. If it's running low, refill it to avoid a dry wick and a burnt taste.
Wattage Adjustment
Try lowering the wattage setting on your vape if you can, as this is usually only available on Box Mods. See if it resolves the burnt taste issue. If it doesn't, there may be another underlying problem, such as a faulty coil or device.
FAQs
Can I fix a burnt coil?
Unfortunately, once a coil is burnt, it cannot be fixed. The best course of action is to replace the coil with a new one and ensure that you prime it and allow it to soak in the vape juice before firing it up.
Our Mesh S-Coils are designed to last twice as long as other non-mesh varients. They also provide a richer, intense flavour and a dense vapour compared to other coils on the market.
How often should I replace my coil?
The frequency of coil replacement depends on your vaping habits and the type of vape juice you use. Generally, it's recommended to replace the coil every 1-2 weeks or when you notice a decline in vapour production or a burnt taste.
Is it dangerous to vape with a burnt coil?
While it's not immediately dangerous, vaping with a burnt taste can be harsh on your throat and lungs. It's best to resolve the issue before continuing to vape.
Plus, it doesn't exactly taste very nice.
Can I vape at high wattages without getting a burnt taste?
Vaping at high wattages increases the risk of burning the wick and producing a burnt taste. However it is possible to vape at high wattages without burning your wick.
We recommend experimenting with different wattage settings to find the optimal range for your device and vape juice.
What are some signs that my coil needs to be replaced?
There are a few signs to look out for when thinking if you need to replace your coil.
If you notice a decline in vapour production, a burnt taste, or your vape juice has a different or unpleasant taste to normal, then it is probably time to replace your coil.
How To Vape
If you're new to vaping, then it may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with some of the basics, so you can avoid burning through your coils and vape juice, and burnt tasting vapes. Check out our handy guide below that goes through the basics of vaping and how to vape.
Read More - How To Vape