Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? 6 Common Causes and How to Fix Them

A burnt vape taste is the quickest way to ruin your day — harsh, dry, and nasty. If you’ve taken a puff and got a mouthful of char instead of flavour, here’s what’s going on and how to fix it.

🛑 18+ Only. Vape products contain nicotine and are intended for adults.

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🔥 1. You Didn’t Prime Your Coil

Priming means letting e-liquid soak into the coil’s cotton before using it.

If you don’t wait at least 5–10 minutes after filling a new pod or tank, the cotton may burn — and once it’s burnt, the taste is ruined.

✅ Fix:

• Fill the pod/tank and let it sit for 10 minutes

• Take a few pulls without firing to help it saturate

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🔥 2. Your E-Liquid Is Too Thick

High-VG juices (like 70VG/30PG) are thicker and may struggle to wick properly in MTL coils.

This can cause dry hits, where the coil heats up but there’s no liquid in the cotton.

✅ Fix:

• Use 50/50 e-liquid or nic salts for MTL pods

• Save high-VG liquids for sub-ohm coils (DL devices)

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🔥 3. You’re Vaping at the Wrong Wattage

Each coil has a recommended wattage range. If you go too high, you burn the coil. Too low, and it won’t vaporize properly.

Check the side of your coil — it usually says something like “Best: 15–20W”.

✅ Fix:

• Use a device with variable wattage control

• Set it within the coil’s recommended range

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🔥 4. You’ve Been Chain Vaping

Taking puff after puff without pause doesn’t give the cotton enough time to re-saturate, especially on smaller coils.

This leads to temporary dry hits, which can burn your coil if repeated.

✅ Fix:

• Wait 15–30 seconds between puffs

• Take longer pulls with a steady draw

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🔥 5. The Coil Is Old or Burnt Out

Most coils only last 5–10 days, depending on use, liquid, and wattage.

If you start tasting bitterness, muted flavour, or a slight burnt edge — it’s time to change.

✅ Fix:

• Replace the pod or coil immediately

• Keep a spare on hand for emergencies

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🔥 6. You Let the Juice Run Too Low

Cotton can only wick what it touches. If your e-liquid runs too low, the cotton may dry out and burn.

Pods especially tend to hide how low the liquid really is.

✅ Fix:

• Refill before it hits the minimum fill line

• Tilt the device to make sure the cotton is always saturated

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🔄 Quick Fix Checklist

✅ Always prime new coils
✅ Use correct e-liquid for your coil
✅ Stay in the proper wattage range
✅ Replace coils every 7–10 days
✅ Don’t chain vape
✅ Keep juice topped up

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🧠 Bonus Tip from The Vape Order

If you’re switching from disposables, pods like the Vaporesso XROS, Upends, or Elf Bar EW9000 offer flavour, coil life, and smoother performance — without the burnt risk if used correctly.

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📍 Need help with coils, wattage, or replacements? Visit us in-store at Montana or Port Elizabeth, or shop online at www.thevapeorder.co.za.
🔞 18+ only. Nicotine is addictive.