Are you taking a puff and suddenly getting that harsh, burnt flavour? It’s frustrating, but don’t worry — it’s a common problem that’s usually easy to fix.
A burnt vape is unmistakable. You’ll notice a sharp, harsh taste — this is often called a “burnt hit.”
It’s different from a dry hit, which usually has less flavour and less vapour. A dry hit can be a warning sign that your coil is at risk of burning, so don’t ignore it!
So, why does it happen, and how can you fix it? Read on to find out.
1. Your Coil Is Burnt (Most Common Cause)
Why It Happens:
Your vape coil contains cotton that absorbs e-liquid. If the cotton dries out or overheats, it burns — and once burnt, the taste doesn’t go away.
How to Fix It:
Replace the coil with a new one.
Always prime a new coil before using (add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton).
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes after filling before vaping
If the burnt taste is strong and persistent, the coil must be replaced.
2. You’re Vaping on a Low Tank or Pod
Why It Happens:
When your e-liquid level is too low, the coil can’t absorb enough liquid, causing dry hits.
How to Fix It:
Refill your tank or pod before it gets too low.
Keep the e-liquid above the minimum fill line.
Prevention tip: Don’t wait until it’s completely empty.
3. Wattage Is Too High
Why It Happens:
Using a wattage higher than recommended can burn the cotton inside your coil almost instantly.
How to Fix It:
Check the recommended wattage printed on your coil.
Lower your wattage to the suggested range.
Start at the lower end and gradually increase if needed.
High wattage = faster coil burn.
4. Chain Vaping (Not Letting the Coil Re-Saturate)
Why It Happens:
Taking multiple puffs back-to-back doesn’t give the cotton enough time to absorb more e-liquid.
How to Fix It:
Wait 10–20 seconds between puffs.
Reduce wattage slightly.
This helps prevent dry hits and extends coil life.
5. Using the Wrong E-Liquid
Why It Happens:
High VG liquids are thicker and may not wick properly in smaller pod systems, leading to dry hits.
How to Fix It:
Use 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid for pod systems.
Use higher VG (70/30) for sub-ohm tanks designed for it.
Matching the right liquid to your device is key.
6. Your Coil Is Old
Coils don’t last forever. Most coils last between 1–2 weeks, depending on usage.
Signs Your Coil Needs Replacing:
Burnt taste
Reduced flavour
Dark e-liquid
Gurgling or leaking
If your coil is over two weeks old and tastes burnt — it’s time to change it.
How to Prevent Burnt Hits in the Future
- Always prime new coils
- Stay within recommended wattage
- Don’t chain vape excessively
- Keep your tank filled
- Use the correct e-liquid ratio
FAQs
Q: Can I clean a burnt coil instead of replacing it?
A: No. Once the cotton inside the coil is burnt, cleaning will not remove the burnt taste. Replacement is the only solution.
Q: Why does my new coil taste burnt immediately?
A: It likely wasn’t primed properly or the wattage is set too high.
Q: Is a burnt hit dangerous?
A: A single burnt puff isn’t usually harmful, but it’s unpleasant and signals your coil needs attention.