Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Causes and How to Fix It

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Causes and How to Fix It

30 October 2025 | Sowmiya Rajagopalan

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Causes and How to Fix It

There are few things more disappointing for a vaper than taking a eager puff, only to be greeted by a harsh, bitter, and unmistakably burnt taste. It’s an experience almost everyone has at some point, and it can quickly ruin your vaping session. But what causes it, and more importantly, how can you fix it?

That acrid flavor isn't just unpleasant; it's a sign that something is wrong with your vape device. Understanding the root causes is the first step to restoring a smooth, flavorful experience. Let's walk through the most common reasons your vape may taste burnt and the straightforward solutions to get you back on track.

The #1 Culprit: A Worn-Out Coil

The most common cause of a burnt taste is the coil, also known as the atomizer head. This is the component that heats up to vaporize your e-liquid. Inside the coil is a wicking material, typically cotton, which soaks up the liquid.

The Cause: Over time, with repeated heating and cooling, the cotton wick degrades. E-liquid residue, known as "sweetener gunk," builds up on the coil wire itself. When the cotton can't absorb liquid efficiently or the coil is coated in gunk, it starts to burn the cotton instead of vaporizing the e-liquid. This produces that dreaded burnt taste.

The Fix:

  • Replace the Coil: Coils are consumable parts and need regular replacement. If you’re getting a burnt taste, replacing the coil is your first and most effective step. The lifespan of a coil varies from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how frequently you vape and the sweetness of your e-liquid.
  • Prime Your New Coil: Always prime a new coil! This means saturating the cotton wick with e-liquid before you install it and take your first puff. Simply add a few drops of e-liquid directly into the cotton you see through the wicking holes and the top of the coil. After installing it, fill your tank and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cotton to become fully saturated, preventing an immediate dry burn.

Cause #2: Low E-Liquid Level

It sounds simple, but it’s an easy mistake to make, especially when you're distracted.

The Cause: The wicking ports of your coil need to be in constant contact with e-liquid to draw it up into the cotton. If your tank’s e-liquid level gets too low, these ports become exposed. The coil then heats dry or semi-dry cotton, resulting in a burnt hit.

The Fix:

  • Stay Topped Off: Make a habit of checking your e-liquid level regularly. Don't let it drop below the top of the wicking holes visible on the coil. Keeping your tank reasonably full ensures the wick stays saturated.

Cause #3: Chain Vaping

Chain vaping is the practice of taking multiple puffs in quick succession without giving your device a break.

The Cause: The wicking process takes a small amount of time. When you vape repeatedly without pause, the cotton doesn't have enough time to re-saturate with e-liquid from the tank. You’re essentially vaporizing the liquid faster than the wick can replenish it, leading to a dry hit.

The Fix:

  • Pace Yourself: Give your device a 15-30 second break between puffs. This allows the wick to draw in fresh e-liquid, ensuring it’s properly saturated for the next inhale.
  • Consider Your Airflow: A tighter airflow setting creates more suction, which can help pull more e-liquid into the wick. If you are a frequent vaper, slightly closing your airflow might aid in wicking.

Cause #4: High Wattage Setting

More power isn't always better. Running your device at a wattage that's too high for your specific coil is a direct ticket to Burnt Flavor Town.

The Cause: Every coil has a recommended wattage range printed on its side or included in its packaging. Exceeding this range forces the coil to heat too intensely and too quickly, vaporizing the e-liquid faster than the wick can supply it and scorching the cotton.

The Fix:

  • Respect the Range: Always check your coil's recommended wattage. If you’re experiencing a burnt taste, turn your wattage down. Start at the lower end of the range and gradually increase it to find your personal sweet spot for flavor and vapor production.

Cause #5: Using the Wrong E-Liquid

The type of e-liquid you use can significantly impact coil life and wicking efficiency.

The Fix:

  • High VG E-Liquids: Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is thicker and more viscous than Propylene Glycol (PG). While great for big vapor clouds, high VG liquids (e.g., 70% VG and above) wick more slowly, especially in smaller pod systems or tanks not designed for them. This can lead to dry hits if you vape too frequently.
  • Sweetened E-Liquids: E-liquids with a high sugar content (sweeteners) caramelize and gunk up your coil much faster, reducing its lifespan and leading to a burnt taste even before the cotton itself is fully degraded.
The Fix:

  • Match Your E-Liquid to Your Device: For smaller pod systems, consider using a 50% VG / 50% PG e-liquid or one specifically designed for pods, which wicks more efficiently.
  • Choose Less Sweet E-Liquids: If you find yourself replacing coils constantly, try a less sweetened e-liquid flavor. Tobacco and menthol flavors often have less sweetener than complex dessert or candy flavors.

A Quick Checklist for a Burnt-Free Vape

If you get that awful taste, run through this list:

The Cause:
  • Check & Refill: Is your tank low? Top it off.
  • Lower the Power: Turn down your wattage.
  • Let it Rest: Are you chain vaping? Set it down for a few minutes.
  • Replace & Prime: If the taste persists, replace the coil and be sure to prime it properly.
A burnt taste is almost always a preventable issue. By understanding the mechanics of your device and practicing a little routine maintenance, you can ensure every puff is as flavorful and satisfying as it was meant to be.