Kicking back with your favorite vape, you take a deep draw, expecting to savor the rich flavor and satisfying clouds, only to be met with that unmistakable and unwelcome burnt taste. Every vaper has experienced the dreaded burnt taste at some point. It can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience that can make your vaping session less enjoyable. Here are some common reasons why your vape tastes burnt and practical tips on how to prevent it from happening.
Insufficient E-Liquid
One of the primary reasons your vape may taste burnt is because there is not enough e-liquid in your tank or pod. When your coil is not adequately saturated, it can become overheated and start to burn the cotton wicking material inside.
Solution: Keep a close eye on your e-liquid levels and ensure that your tank or pod is adequately filled. Always maintain a sufficient supply of e-liquid to prevent dry hits.
Neglecting Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for preventing a burnt taste. Neglecting regular cleaning and coil replacement can lead to residue buildup and decreased performance.
Solution: Clean your tank or pod regularly, and replace coils as needed. A clean device with a fresh coil will result in a better vaping experience.
Chain Vaping
Chain vaping, or taking multiple consecutive puffs in quick succession, can cause the coil to overheat. When the coil gets too hot, it can scorch the wicking material, resulting in that unpleasant burnt vape taste.
Solution: Allow a few seconds between each puff to give your coil and wick time to re-saturate. Moderation is key to prevent overheating and extend the life of your coils.
High Wattage Settings
Using excessively high wattage settings can lead to overheating and a burnt taste. When your coil is subjected to too much power, it can vaporize the e-liquid faster than it can be replenished.
Solution: Check your device’s recommended wattage range, and ensure you stay within those limits. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance between flavor and vapor production.
Using a Coiled Wick
Coiled wicks, where the cotton is tightly wrapped around the coil, can restrict e-liquid absorption, leading to a burnt taste. This issue is particularly common in older or poorly designed coils.
Solution: Opt for coils with adequate wicking material and ensure that the cotton is properly fluffed and positioned to promote efficient e-liquid flow.
Overused Coils
All good things come to an end, and coils are no exception. Over time, coils degrade due to continuous use and e-liquid residue buildup. When coils reach the end of their lifespan, they are more prone to producing that dreaded burnt taste.
Solution: Regularly replace your coils according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or when you notice a significant decrease in flavor and vapor production.
Using Dark or Sweetened E-Liquids
E-liquids with dark colors or high levels of sweeteners can gunk up coils faster than clear, unsweetened liquids. The residue left behind on the coils can lead to a burnt taste.
Solution: Consider using clear, unsweetened e-liquids, or be prepared to clean and change your coils more frequently when vaping with darker or sweeter flavors.
Dry Hits
Dry hits occur when you vape without enough e-liquid in the tank. In this case, you are effectively vaping the wick directly, leading to a harsh and burnt flavor.
Solution: Always keep your tank or pod filled with enough e-liquid to prevent dry hits. If you accidentally experience a dry hit, stop vaping immediately and allow the coil to re-saturate before continuing.
Chain Reaction from Previous Burns
If you’ve experienced a burnt hit and continued vaping without addressing the issue, it can lead to a chain reaction of burnt-tasting hits. The residue from the initial burnt hit can affect the taste of subsequent hits.
Solution: If you encounter a burnt hit, stop vaping immediately, inspect your device, and address the issue by replacing the coil or adjusting your settings.
Conclusion
A burnt taste while vaping can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind it and taking proactive measures to prevent it can lead to a more enjoyable and satisfying vaping experience. By maintaining your device, using the right e-liquids, and vaping with consideration for your coil and wattage settings, you can avoid the unpleasant taste of burnt hits and enjoy the full flavor and vapor of your favorite e-liquids. Remember, a well-maintained device and proper vaping habits will lead to a more enjoyable and satisfying experience.