If you’ve ever taken a puff on your vape and been met with a harsh, burnt taste that made you wince… you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints we hear in the shop — “Why does my vape taste burnt?” closely followed by “Have I broken it?”
Good news: it’s usually a quick fix, and in most cases, your vape isn’t ruined. A burnt taste just means something’s gone wrong with the coil or the way the e-liquid is being delivered. Let’s look at why it happens, how to fix it, and most importantly — how to stop it happening again.
What Causes a Burnt Vape Taste?
When you vape, the coil inside your device heats up the e-liquid soaked into the cotton (or wicking material). But if there’s not enough liquid reaching the coil — or if you’re pushing it too hard — you’ll end up burning the cotton instead.
🔥 Common causes of burnt hits:
- Vaping with an empty or low pod/tank
- Not priming a new coil properly
- Chain vaping too quickly
- Using the wrong wattage
- Thick e-liquid in a small coil
- Coil’s simply past its prime
I once had a customer come in convinced their juice had “gone off” — turns out they were running the same pod for three weeks straight!
How to Fix a Burnt-Tasting Vape
If it’s already happened, don’t panic — here’s what to do.
1. Stop vaping immediately
Continuing to puff on a burnt coil will only make it worse (and taste even nastier).
2. Check your e-liquid level
Refill your pod or tank — if it’s low, the coil may not have been properly saturated.
3. Change your coil or pod
If the burnt taste doesn’t go away, your coil is likely toast. Swap it for a fresh one. For disposable-style pods (like the Caliburn A3), just replace the whole pod.
4. Prime your coil properly
Drip a bit of juice directly onto the cotton holes of your new coil before installing. Then let it sit in a full tank/pod for 5–10 minutes before you vape.
Trust me — that wait is worth it. I’ve seen so many new vapers burn their first coil because they couldn’t resist taking a puff too soon.
How to Prevent Burnt Coils in the Future
This is where it gets easier. A few small habits can save your coils — and your wallet.
✅ 1. Always prime new coils
As mentioned above — soak, wait, and start at a lower wattage before ramping up.
✅ 2. Avoid chain vaping
Rapid, back-to-back puffs don’t give the cotton time to re-soak. Give it a few seconds between drags.
✅ 3. Use the right wattage
Check your coil’s recommended wattage range. Too high and you’ll scorch it. Most devices show this on screen — or you can Google your coil type.
✅ 4. Match your e-liquid to your device
- MTL/pod kits = 50/50 or nic salts
- Sub-ohm kits = 70/30 high-VG juice
Using thick juice in a small coil can cause dry hits because it doesn’t wick fast enough.
✅ 5. Top up your tank before it gets empty
Don’t wait until it’s bone dry — most coils need at least half a tank or pod to stay properly saturated.
Bonus: When Should You Replace a Coil?
Even if you’re doing everything right, coils don’t last forever. A burnt taste might just mean your coil’s time is up.
Signs it’s time to swap:
- Flavour’s gone dull or tastes burnt
- Vapour production has dropped
- Gurgling or leaking
- You’ve had it in for 7–14 days, depending on usage
I usually tell customers: if you’re using nic salts in a pod system, expect to change pods every 5–10 days depending on how much you vape.
A burnt hit can be rough — but it’s not the end of the world. With the right habits, a good understanding of your kit, and regular coil changes, you can enjoy smooth, flavourful vaping every time.
If you’re still struggling or unsure if you’re using the right liquid or coils for your setup, pop into the shop or drop me a message. We’ll help you get sorted, no judgement.
And hey — once you’ve experienced a properly primed, freshly wicked vape… you won’t want to go back.