Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt Even with a New Coil?

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, offering a more customizable and potentially less harmful experience.

However, one frustrating issue that many vapers face is a burnt taste, even after installing a brand-new coil. This issue can not only ruin the vaping experience but also make users question their device or e-liquid choices. If you’re encountering this problem, understanding the reasons behind it can save you both time and money. Below, we delve deep into the potential causes and how to address them.

What Causes a Burnt Taste in Vaping?

A burnt taste in vaping occurs when the wick inside your coil is scorched. The wick, typically made of cotton, absorbs e-liquid and heats it to create vapor. If the wick is dry or unable to absorb enough liquid, it can burn when the coil heats up. This creates the unpleasant burnt taste that many vapers dread.

But why does this happen, especially with a brand-new coil? The reasons can range from improper priming to incompatible e-liquid or user error. Each factor plays a crucial role in determining whether your vaping experience is smooth or marred by that dreaded burnt flavor.

Did You Prime Your New Coil Properly?

One of the most common mistakes vapers make is failing to prime their new coil properly. Priming is the process of saturating the coil’s wick with e-liquid before using it. When you skip this step, the dry cotton inside the coil burns instantly upon firing, resulting in a burnt taste.

How to Prime Your Coil:

Drip E-Liquid Directly onto the Wick: Remove the coil from the tank and add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton. Ensure it’s fully saturated.
Fill the Tank and Wait: After reinstalling the coil, fill your tank with e-liquid and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the wick to absorb the liquid fully.
Take Dry Pulls: Without firing the device, take a few pulls to help draw e-liquid into the wick.
Start at Low Wattage: When you first use the new coil, begin vaping at a lower wattage than recommended and gradually increase it. This step prevents the wick from burning during the initial puffs.

Failing to prime the coil properly is a guaranteed way to experience a burnt taste, even with a brand-new setup. Taking the time to prime your coil can significantly enhance your vaping experience and extend the coil’s lifespan.

Is Your E-Liquid Too Thick for Your Coil?

The viscosity of your e-liquid plays a significant role in its compatibility with your coil. E-liquids come in various VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol) ratios. High-VG liquids are thicker, while high-PG liquids are thinner. If your coil is designed for high-PG liquids and you use a high-VG e-liquid, the wick may struggle to absorb the liquid quickly enough, leading to dry hits and a burnt taste.

How to Determine Compatibility:

Check your coil’s specifications. Manufacturers often indicate the ideal VG/PG ratio for their coils.
If you’re unsure, stick to a balanced 50/50 VG/PG ratio, as it’s compatible with most devices.
Avoid chain vaping with high-VG liquids if your coil isn’t designed for them, as this can exacerbate wicking issues.

Switching to an e-liquid with a suitable VG/PG ratio can make a world of difference in preventing a burnt taste and ensuring a smooth vaping experience.

Are You Vaping at the Correct Wattage?

Every coil comes with a recommended wattage range, which is crucial for optimal performance. Vaping outside this range, either too high or too low, can cause issues.

High Wattage: Using a wattage that exceeds the coil’s recommended range can cause the coil to overheat, burning the wick and e-liquid. This results in a harsh, burnt taste and can significantly reduce the coil’s lifespan.

Low Wattage: While vaping at a lower wattage might seem safer, it can also cause problems. Insufficient heat might not vaporize the e-liquid properly, causing the liquid to pool and burn on subsequent hits.

How to Adjust Wattage:

Check your coil’s wattage range, usually printed on the coil or packaging.
Start vaping at the lower end of the recommended range and gradually increase it until you find your sweet spot.
Avoid exceeding the maximum wattage to prevent overheating.

By staying within the recommended wattage range, you’ll not only avoid a burnt taste but also enhance the flavor and vapor production of your device.

Is Your Tank Running Low on E-Liquid?

Another common reason for a burnt taste is running your tank too low on e-liquid. When the liquid level drops below the wick’s intake holes, the wick can’t absorb enough liquid, leading to dry hits. This issue can happen even with a new coil if you’re not paying attention to your tank’s liquid level.

Tips to Avoid This Issue:

Regularly check your tank’s liquid level, especially during extended vaping sessions.
Refill your tank before it gets too low, ensuring the wick remains saturated.
Consider using a tank with a transparent or semi-transparent design for easy monitoring.

By keeping your tank adequately filled, you can prevent dry hits and prolong the life of your coil.

How Often Are You Taking Hits?

Chain vaping, or taking hits in quick succession, can also lead to a burnt taste. When you vape frequently without giving the wick enough time to reabsorb e-liquid, it can dry out and burn. Even with a well-primed coil, excessive vaping can overwhelm the wick’s absorption capabilities.

How to Avoid Chain Vaping Issues:

Pace your vaping sessions, allowing at least 20-30 seconds between hits.
If you’re a frequent vaper, consider using a device with a larger wick or higher liquid capacity to handle your vaping style.
Stay hydrated, as a dry mouth can sometimes encourage chain vaping.

By moderating your vaping habits, you can prevent a burnt taste and enjoy a more consistent experience.

Could It Be a Manufacturing Defect?

While rare, manufacturing defects can sometimes cause a burnt taste even with a new coil. Defects in the coil, such as improperly positioned wicks or inconsistent materials, can lead to uneven heating and dry hits. If you’ve ruled out all other factors and are still experiencing a burnt taste, the coil itself might be the culprit.

How to Identify a Defective Coil:

Inspect the coil for visible damage or irregularities before installation.
If possible, test the coil with a different device or e-liquid to confirm the issue.
Contact the manufacturer or retailer for a replacement if you suspect a defect.

Using high-quality, reputable brands for your coils can reduce the likelihood of encountering defects. However, even the best manufacturers can occasionally produce faulty products, so it’s always good to have a backup coil on hand.

FAQs

Can a burnt taste damage my vape device?

A burnt taste itself will not typically damage your vape device, but it can indicate that the coil is not working properly, which may affect the performance of the device. If left unchecked, consistently burning coils could cause more wear and tear on the device.

How long should I let a new coil sit before vaping?

After priming your new coil, you should let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton. This will ensure that the coil is properly primed and will help avoid a burnt taste.

Can I fix a burnt coil, or do I need a new one?

Once a coil has been burnt, it's typically no longer usable. A burnt coil cannot be repaired, and continuing to use it will result in a poor vaping experience. It’s best to replace the coil.

What type of e-liquid should I use to avoid a burnt taste?

To avoid a burnt taste, choose an e-liquid that is appropriate for the coil you’re using. If you're using a high VG coil, opt for e-liquids with a higher VG content. For high resistance coils, choose a thinner e-liquid with more PG content.

How do I know the correct wattage for my coil?

The recommended wattage range for your coil is usually indicated on the coil or by the manufacturer. Stick within this range, starting at the lower end, and adjust according to your preferences for vapor production and flavor.