A burnt taste is one of the easiest problems to notice when using a vape. Instead of getting the flavour you expect, you may get a harsh, dry or unpleasant taste that can make the whole experience uncomfortable.
The good news is that a burnt taste doesn’t always mean your device is faulty. In many cases, it comes down to the coil not being properly saturated, using a coil beyond its useful life, or taking too many puffs in a short period.
Here’s a simple guide to the most common causes and what you can do about them.
What Causes a Burnt Taste?
There are several reasons why your vape might taste burnt. The most common include:
- The coil hasn’t been primed properly
- The coil hasn’t had enough time to soak
- The coil needs replacing
- Taking too many puffs in a short period
- The e-liquid level is too low
- Using the wrong settings for the coil
- Using an e-liquid that isn’t suitable for the device
- The device isn’t supplying enough e-liquid to the coil
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. The Coil Hasn't Been Primed Properly
One of the most common causes of a burnt taste is a new coil that hasn’t been properly primed.
When you install a fresh coil, the e-liquid needs time to soak into the coil material before you start using it. If you take a puff while the coil is still dry, it can produce a burnt taste.
How to prime a new coil
When replacing your coil:
- Install the new coil according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Fill your pod or tank with e-liquid.
- Allow the coil to soak for around 5 minutes.
- Take 3–5 light puffs before vaping normally.
This gives the e-liquid time to properly reach the coil.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular device, as priming methods can vary.
2. Your Coil May Need Replacing
Coils don’t last forever.
As you use your device, the coil gradually becomes less effective. You may notice several changes before it needs replacing, including:
- Burnt or unpleasant taste
- Weaker flavour
- Reduced vapour production
- Gurgling
- Poor overall performance
If the burnt taste appeared after you’ve been using the same coil for a while, replacing it may solve the problem.
Use only the correct replacement coil recommended for your device.
3. You're Taking Too Many Puffs
Taking repeated puffs without giving the coil enough time to absorb more e-liquid can cause it to become temporarily dry.
This is sometimes referred to as a dry hit.
If you’re taking several puffs close together and suddenly notice a burnt taste, try giving the device a little time between puffs.
This allows more e-liquid to reach the coil before your next puff.
4. Your E-Liquid Level Is Too Low
If your pod or tank is nearly empty, there may not be enough e-liquid reaching the coil.
Continuing to use the device when the e-liquid level is too low can cause the coil to dry out and produce a burnt taste.
Keep an eye on the e-liquid level and refill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your device uses a prefilled pod, replace the pod when it has reached the end of its usable life.
5. You're Using the Wrong Power Setting
For devices with adjustable power, using a setting that’s too high for the coil can cause problems.
Too much power can cause e-liquid to vaporise faster than the coil can keep up with, potentially resulting in a dry or burnt taste.
Always check the recommended wattage range printed on the coil or provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re unsure, start within the lower part of the recommended range and adjust according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
6. The E-Liquid May Not Be Suitable
Different devices are designed to work with different types of e-liquid.
Using an e-liquid that isn’t suitable for your particular device can affect flavour, vapour production and overall performance.
Before changing your e-liquid, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your device.
If the burnt taste started after switching to a different e-liquid, it’s worth checking whether the new liquid is appropriate for your setup.
7. The Coil Isn't Getting Enough E-Liquid
Sometimes the coil itself may not be receiving enough e-liquid.
This can happen if the e-liquid level is too low, the coil hasn’t been properly saturated or the device isn’t being used according to its intended design.
If you’ve recently installed a new coil, make sure you’ve allowed enough time for it to soak before taking your first proper puff.
Can a Burnt Coil Be Fixed?
It depends on what caused the problem.
If the coil is simply new and hasn’t been given enough time to soak, allowing it to become properly saturated may prevent further dry hits.
However, if the coil has already been badly burnt, the unpleasant taste may remain.
In that situation, replacing the coil is usually the better option.
For prefilled pod systems, you may need to replace the entire pod rather than a separate coil.
How to Stop Your Vape From Tasting Burnt
A few simple habits can help reduce the chances of getting a burnt taste.
Prime New Coils
Allow a new coil to soak for around 5 minutes, then take 3–5 light puffs before vaping normally.
Don’t Let the E-Liquid Run Too Low
Keep enough e-liquid in the pod or tank to properly saturate the coil.
Give the Coil Time Between Puffs
Avoid taking repeated puffs continuously. Giving the coil a short break can help it absorb more e-liquid.
Use the Recommended Settings
If your device has adjustable power, stay within the recommended range for your coil.
Replace Worn Coils
If the flavour has become weak or burnt, and the coil has been used for some time, it may simply be ready for replacement.
Use Compatible E-Liquid
Check your device manufacturer’s recommendations before choosing an e-liquid.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt With a New Coil?
If a new coil tastes burnt almost immediately, the most likely thing to check is whether it was properly primed.
Make sure the coil has been given enough time to soak before using it. For the troubleshooting guidance used by Nemo Homes, the recommended approach is to allow the new coil to soak for 5 minutes, followed by 3–5 light puffs.
If it still tastes burnt after being correctly primed, check that the coil is the correct type for your device and that you’re using the recommended settings and e-liquid.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt Even When It Has E-Liquid?
Having e-liquid in the pod or tank doesn’t necessarily mean the coil is properly saturated.
The coil may still be worn, the device may be used too frequently between puffs, or the power setting may be too high for the coil.
Start by checking the coil’s condition, recommended settings and whether you’re allowing enough time between puffs.
Does a Burnt Taste Mean I Need a New Coil?
Not always.
If you’ve just installed the coil, it may simply need more time to soak.
However, if you’ve been using the coil for a while and the burnt taste has appeared alongside weaker flavour or reduced performance, the coil may have reached the end of its useful life.
Replacing it with the correct compatible coil can often resolve the problem.
What If the Burnt Taste Doesn't Go Away?
If you’ve primed the coil correctly, checked the e-liquid level and confirmed that you’re using the recommended settings, but the burnt taste continues, stop using the device and check the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidance.
The issue could be related to the coil, pod or device itself.
Don’t continue using a visibly damaged device or component. Replace damaged or worn parts with compatible ones according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Bottom Line
A burnt taste can be frustrating, but it’s often caused by something relatively simple.
Before assuming your device is faulty, check the basics:
Prime the coil. Check the e-liquid level. Use the correct settings. Give the coil time between puffs. Replace worn coils.
If you’re using a new coil, remember to let it soak for around 5 minutes and take 3–5 light puffs before vaping normally.
And if the burnt taste continues, check the manufacturer’s instructions and consider replacing the relevant pod or coil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my vape taste burnt?
A burnt taste can be caused by an improperly primed coil, a worn coil, low e-liquid, taking repeated puffs, unsuitable settings or an e-liquid that isn’t recommended for the device.
How long should I leave a new coil before using it?
For the troubleshooting guidance provided by Nemo Homes, allow a new coil to soak for around 5 minutes, then take 3–5 light puffs before normal use.
Can you fix a burnt coil?
If a new coil hasn’t been properly saturated, allowing it to soak may help. If the coil has already become badly burnt or is worn out, replacing it is usually the better option.
Why does my vape taste burnt even though it has e-liquid?
The coil may not be properly saturated, may be worn out, or the device may be operating outside the recommended settings.
Should I keep using a vape that tastes burnt?
If the burnt taste continues after checking the coil, e-liquid and device settings, stop using it and follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions.