There’s nothing quite like the disappointment of a burnt hit. One moment, you’re enjoying your usual flavour; the next, you’re hit with something dry, scratchy, almost charred, and wondering, Why does my vape taste burnt? It’s the kind of experience that leaves a bad taste in more ways than one.
If you’ve landed here, chances are your vape tastes burnt, or worse, it is borderline unvapeable. Whether you're using a rechargeable kit or a pod system, this guide walks through every major reason your vape might taste burnt, what you can do about it right now, and how to avoid burnt vape coils in the future.
Let’s get into it.
Why Does Your Vape Taste Burnt?
The burnt taste comes from heat. More specifically, it’s the cotton or synthetic wicking material inside your coil getting scorched because there wasn’t enough e juice soaking it when you fired the device. It’s not always user error, though; plenty of factors can lead to burnt hits.
1. You’re Running Low on E-Liquid
This is the most common culprit. If the juice dips below the level of your wicking holes, the coil draws in dry air instead of liquid. Hit the fire button like that and you’re cooking dry cotton. You might not notice right away, but it damages the coil on a cellular level. That bitter note creeps in, and soon it’s all you can taste.
2. Your New Coil is Not Primed
A brand-new coil needs time to absorb e-liquid. If you fill and vape immediately, the wick hasn’t had time to saturate, and your vape can taste burnt even with a new coil. You’re essentially flash-frying dry cotton. The result is a burnt, chemical taste, even on the first puff.
3. You Are Using Too Much Power
If your e-cigarette vape tastes burnt, you might be using a wattage that’s too high for your coil. Not only does this reduce coil lifespan, but it also risks dry spots where the wick can’t keep up with the demand for juice. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about matching the coil’s resistance with the right settings.
4. Chain Vaping
Taking puff after puff without letting your coil recover is a fast track to make your vape taste burnt. The wick doesn’t get enough time to re-saturate between hits, especially with thick liquids or lower-resistance coils. This is a silent killer of coils and taste quality.
5. E-Liquid Too Thick or Sweet
High VG juices (70% or above) are thicker and take longer to soak through, which is fine if you’ve got the right coil. But if you’re using a pod system or anything designed for 50/50, it’s asking too much. Sweetened juices, on the other hand, leave residue that gunk up coils, increasing the chances of hotspots and uneven wicking.
6. Coil’s Past Its Best
Even if you’ve done everything right, coils don’t last forever. Over time, residue builds up, the wick starts to fray, and the performance drops off. If you’ve been using the same coil for over two weeks and it’s tasting worse by the day, it might just be time to replace it, since an average vape coil only lasts one to two weeks. Some modern kits, like the VOOPOO Argus G3, use upgraded cotton blends (VOOPOO calls theirs “golden cotton”) that help wick more efficiently and resist burning compared to older options.
How to Fix a Burnt Vape (Without Changing the Coil)
If you have caught the burnt taste early, you might be able to bring the coil back to life, or at least get a bit more mileage out of it. Here’s what to try:
Step 1: Stop Vaping
It sounds obvious, but some people keep puffing through the burnt flavour, hoping it’ll fade. It won’t. Stop immediately to avoid further damage.
Step 2: Check Your Juice Level
Refill the tank or pod if it is running low. Even if there’s some left, tilting the device while vaping can expose the wick, especially with side airflow systems.
Step 3: Let It Soak
If you’ve just refilled, give the coil a solid five to ten minutes to reabsorb liquid. You can also take a few dry pulls (puffs without firing the button) to draw juice into the wick.
Step 4: Lower the Wattage
Check your coil’s recommended range and go to the lower end. You might have been running it too hot without realising.
Step 5: Short Pulses
Instead of long draws, try short bursts of power with a couple of seconds between each. This helps ease the wick back into action without pushing it too hard.
Step 6: Rinse (If Applicable)
For pods and tanks with removable coils, not sealed pods, you can remove the coil, rinse it gently under warm water, then let it dry completely before reinstalling. It’s not a miracle cure, but it can wash away some of the burnt residue.
If none of that helps and the taste is still unpleasant, the coil is likely beyond saving. It is time now to swap it out.
Can a Burnt Vape Hit Harm You?
This is a fair question. and one that gets asked a lot.
One or two hits on a burnt vape won’t kill you, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should ignore. So here is what happens when you hit a burnt vape: when cotton burns, it releases by-products like acrolein and formaldehyde, especially at higher temperatures. Inhaling this repeatedly isn’t safe, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate symptoms.
Most people who’ve accidentally taken a dry hit will tell you it’s harsh, throat-burning, and generally miserable. If it happens once, don’t panic. But if your vape consistently tastes burnt and you keep using it, that’s a problem.
How to Avoid Burnt Hits in the First Place
Prevention is simpler and cheaper than repair. These are habits worth developing if you’re tired of replacing coils every few days.
Always Prime Your Coils
This is the most important step to avoid burnt vape coils. Drip e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton at the top and dab a drop onto each wick hole around the sides. You can also squeeze a drop or two gently down the chimney if accessible. After filling the tank, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then take a few dry pulls (without firing) to draw liquid into the coil. Start at a lower wattage for the first few puffs before returning to your usual setting.
Watch the Juice Level
Don’t let the e-liquid level fall below the wicking holes, or the coil will start drawing in air instead of juice. On most coils, the wick holes are small oval or round cut-outs on the metal casing. Take the coil out and have a look if you’re unsure. With transparent tanks or pods, keeping an eye on the juice level is easier. Just make sure the visible cotton is always submerged.
Go Easy on Sweet Juices
Dessert and candy flavours often contain more sweeteners, which caramelise on the coil and reduce its lifespan. You don’t have to avoid them entirely, just alternate with cleaner flavours now and then. Stay Within Wattage Recommendations This is printed on most coils, usually something like “12–25W.” If you’re vaping at 35W with a 25W max coil, you’re burning it out, and it will make your vape taste burnt.
Space Out Your Puffs
Chain vaping, taking multiple drags back-to-back, doesn’t give the wick enough time to soak up more e-liquid between hits. When the wick dries out, even slightly, it starts to overheat and scorch, which is where that burnt taste creeps in. Try to leave at least 10 to 15 seconds between puffs to avoid burnt vape coils, especially if you're using a high-powered device or thick e-liquid.
Choose the Right E-Liquid for Your Device
Pod systems do best with 50/50 or higher PG liquids. Sub-ohm tanks can handle thicker, high VG juices. Mismatching the two is a common mistake and leads to burnt coils. If you’re unsure about the difference, here’s a clear guide on What is PG and VG in vape juice.
Common Burnt Vape Questions
How Long Do Coils Last?
Typically, 5 to 14 days. Heavy use, sweetened juice, or poor priming will shorten that. Some high-quality coils can last three weeks or more with the right care.
What Happens if You Hit a Burnt Coil?
You’ll taste it immediately. It is bitter, acrid, and sometimes with a throat burn. It’s not pleasant, and it’s not good for your lungs in the long term. Stop using it.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt with a New Coil?
It wasn’t primed properly, or you started vaping too soon after filling. In some cases, the wattage might be too high right out of the gate.
Can You “Unburn” a Vape?
Not entirely. You can flush out some of the gunk if the damage to the coil is mild, but once that burnt layer has formed, there’s no going back to full flavour.
Final Thoughts
A burnt vape isn’t the end of the world, but it’s never fun, and it’s nearly always possible to fix a burnt vape. Whether you’re new to vaping or have been using the same setup for months, learning how to care for your coil properly makes a world of difference. Learning how to fix a burn vape can only result in less frustration, better flavour, and, in the long run, fewer replacements.
And if you’re still struggling with taste or coil life even after all this? It might be time to look at your setup, your liquids, or both.
Need help picking a better e-liquid or coil that suits your style? Drop by your local vape shop or check out our recommendations here.
