Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Causes & Fixes

There’s nothing worse than taking a puff from your vape and getting a harsh, burnt taste instead of the smooth flavor you expect. This unpleasant sensation can ruin your vaping experience and even make you want to quit altogether.
Burnt hits occur for a variety of reasons—ranging from overused coils, improper wattage settings, e-liquid issues, and airflow problems. The good news is that burnt hits are preventable and fixable once you understand the underlying causes.
This guide will explain why your vape tastes burnt, how to fix the problem, and what steps to take to prevent it from happening again.
The key to avoiding burnt hits is proper coil care, the right wattage, and high-quality e-liquids. A well-maintained vape delivers a smooth, flavorful experience every time.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
A burnt taste in your vape typically happens for one of two reasons:
- The coil is overheating due to lack of e-liquid absorption – This results in the wick burning instead of vaporizing e-liquid.
- Residue buildup on the coil – Over time, sweeteners and other additives in e-liquids can leave deposits on the coil, leading to a burnt, caramelized taste.
Here are the most common reasons why vapers experience burnt hits:
1. Chain Vaping (Puffing Too Frequently)
If you take multiple puffs in quick succession, your wick doesn’t have enough time to reabsorb e-liquid. This causes the cotton inside the coil to dry out, leading to burnt hits.
Fix: Take longer breaks between puffs—wait at least 10-15 seconds to allow the wick to re-saturate.
2. Not Priming a New Coil
A new coil needs to be properly primed before use. If you install a fresh coil and start vaping immediately, the dry cotton inside will burn.
Fix: Before using a new coil:
- Manually drip e-liquid onto the wick openings.
- Let the coil soak for 5-10 minutes after filling your tank before taking your first puff.
3. Using Too High a Wattage
Vaping at higher wattages than your coil is designed for can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, leaving the wick dry and prone to burning.
Fix:
- Check the recommended wattage range printed on the side of your coil.
- Start at the lower end of the range and gradually increase until you find the best flavor without burning the coil.
4. Running Low on E-Liquid
If your vape tank is nearly empty, the wick may not be able to absorb enough liquid, leading to dry hits.
Fix:
- Always keep your tank at least one-third full.
- Never let the e-liquid level drop below the wick holes on the coil.
5. Using the Wrong E-Liquid
Some e-liquids are too thick or contain excessive sweeteners that gunk up coils quickly.
Fix:
- If using an MTL (mouth-to-lung) device, choose 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG e-liquids for better absorption.
- Avoid heavily sweetened e-liquids, which leave residue on the coil and shorten its lifespan.
6. Overused or Expired Coils
Coils wear out over time and eventually become clogged with residue, leading to a burnt taste.
Fix:
- Replace coils every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage.
- If flavor becomes muted or burnt, swap out the coil immediately.
7. Incorrect Airflow Settings
If your airflow is too restricted, the coil can overheat, leading to burnt hits.
Fix:
- Open your airflow slightly to allow more cooling air to pass through.
- Experiment with different airflow settings to find the best balance between flavor and vapor production.
VAPE GUIDE
New to Vaping or Black Note?
Whether you're transitioning from smoking to vaping or seeking an upgrade to natural tobacco e-liquids, Black Note has you covered. Our quick, 15-second quiz and comprehensive guide are tailored to help both smokers and current vapers discover their ideal natural vaping alternatives.
How to Prevent a Burnt Coil and Improve Flavor
Preventing burnt hits is easy if you follow a few key precautions. By maintaining your vape properly, selecting the right e-liquid, and using the correct settings, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your coils and enjoy a smooth, flavorful vaping experience.
1. Keep Your Tank Full
A low e-liquid level is one of the fastest ways to burn your coil. When the e-liquid drops too low, the cotton wick inside the coil is no longer properly saturated, leading to dry hits and burnt cotton.
- Always keep your tank at least one-third full to prevent the wick from drying out.
- If your device has visible wick holes, ensure they are always covered with e-liquid.
- For pod systems, check the pod frequently and refill before reaching the minimum fill line.
Topping up your tank regularly ensures your coil remains properly saturated, reducing the risk of burnt hits.
2. Space Out Your Puffs
Taking frequent puffs in quick succession—also known as chain vaping—doesn’t allow the wick enough time to absorb more e-liquid. When the cotton dries out even for a second, it can burn, leading to a harsh taste.
- Wait at least 10-15 seconds between puffs to allow the wick to reabsorb liquid.
- If you need more frequent hits, consider using a device with higher nicotine strength so you don’t need to take as many puffs to feel satisfied.
- If chain vaping is unavoidable, consider increasing airflow to help cool the coil and prevent overheating.
Spacing out your puffs keeps your wick saturated and prevents premature coil burnout.
3. Use the Right Wattage
Every coil has a recommended wattage range designed to provide the best balance of vapor production, flavor, and longevity. Running your device at a wattage that is too high for your coil can burn the e-liquid too quickly, leading to dry hits and damaging the cotton wick.
- Always check the recommended wattage range printed on the coil and stay within that range.
- If your vape has variable wattage settings, start at the lower end of the range and gradually increase until you find the best balance of vapor and flavor.
- If you experience a burnt taste, lower the wattage immediately and check if the coil is still usable.
Using the correct wattage prevents overheating and ensures your coil lasts longer.
4. Clean Your Coil (If Reusable)
While most vape coils need to be replaced regularly, some coils can be cleaned to remove buildup and extend their lifespan. Over time, e-liquid residue, sweeteners, and fine particles can clog the coil, reducing flavor and airflow.
To clean a reusable coil:
- Remove the coil from the tank and rinse it under warm water.
- Soak the coil in a bowl of warm water or rubbing alcohol for 1-2 hours to break down residue.
- Let the coil dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting it into your device.
Note that while cleaning can extend a coil’s life, it won’t fix a coil that has already been burnt or severely damaged. If a burnt taste persists after cleaning, replacing the coil is the best option.
5. Store Your Vape Properly
Extreme temperatures can affect e-liquid viscosity and coil performance, leading to potential burning or clogging issues.
- Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat (e.g., leaving your vape in a hot car), as heat can thin out e-liquid, causing flooding or leaks.
- Avoid extreme cold, as it can thicken e-liquid, making it harder for the wick to absorb properly, increasing the risk of burnt hits.
- Store your device upright when possible to prevent e-liquid from pooling incorrectly in the coil, which can lead to uneven saturation.
Proper storage ensures consistent e-liquid flow and prevents damage to both the coil and the device.
6. Choose High-Quality E-Liquids
Not all e-liquids are created equal. Low-quality vape juices often contain excessive sweeteners, artificial additives, and poor-quality ingredients that cause faster coil degradation and burnt hits.
- Artificially sweetened e-liquids leave residue on the coil, leading to caramelization and burnt flavors over time.
- High-quality e-liquids, such as Black Note’s NET e-liquids, are free from artificial sweeteners and chemicals, ensuring a cleaner vaping experience with longer-lasting coils.
- Choose the right PG/VG ratio for your device—higher PG e-liquids provide a stronger throat hit and better flavor, while high VG e-liquids are thicker and work better with sub-ohm tanks.
Investing in premium, naturally extracted e-liquids results in better flavor retention, a cleaner vaping experience, and fewer burnt coil issues.
Why Black Note E-Liquids Deliver a Better Vaping Experience
Many e-liquids contain artificial flavors and sweeteners that can quickly gunk up coils and cause burnt hits. Black Note’s naturally extracted tobacco (NET) e-liquids are designed to provide a cleaner, more authentic vaping experience with minimal coil buildup.
What Makes Black Note E-Liquids Different?
- Naturally Extracted from Real Tobacco – No synthetic flavors, ensuring a pure taste.
- No Artificial Sweeteners – Reduces coil gunk and extends coil lifespan.
- Perfect for MTL Devices – Works best with pod systems and low-wattage vape pens.
- Cold Maceration Process – Preserves the full depth of natural tobacco flavor.
If you’re looking for an e-liquid that maximizes flavor without burning out your coil too quickly, try Black Note’s premium NET e-liquids today.
PREMIUM TOBACCO E-LIQUIDS
Authentic Flavors, Unmatched Quality
Step into Black Note's world and explore a premium selection of natural tobacco e-liquids. Crafted for the discerning smoker and vaper.
Not sure which flavor suits you best? Take the Black Note Vape Quiz to find your perfect match.
FAQ’s
How do I fix a burnt coil?
If your coil tastes burnt, try lowering your wattage, letting your wick reabsorb e-liquid, and ensuring your tank is filled. If the burnt taste persists, replace the coil.
Why does my vape taste burnt with a new coil?
A new coil needs to be primed before use. Make sure you soak the wick with e-liquid and wait at least 5-10 minutes before vaping.
How often should I replace my coil?
Most coils last 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you vape. If your flavor is muted or tastes burnt, it’s time for a new coil.
Can I clean and reuse a burnt coil?
You can rinse the coil under warm water and let it dry overnight, but this only temporarily improves performance. A completely burnt coil should be replaced.
Does airflow affect burnt hits?
Yes. Too little airflow can cause overheating and burnt hits. Adjust your airflow to allow more air to cool the coil while vaping.
How can I tell if my coil is burnt?
Signs of a burnt coil include:
- A harsh, unpleasant burnt taste
- Reduced vapor production
- Dark or blackened cotton inside the coil
Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Burnt Hits
Burnt vape hits are frustrating, but they’re easy to fix and prevent with the right techniques. By priming new coils, using the correct wattage, maintaining airflow, and choosing high-quality e-liquids, you can enjoy a smooth, flavorful vaping experience without the harsh burnt taste.
For the cleanest and most authentic flavor, explore Black Note’s naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids—crafted for purity and long-lasting performance.
Looking for the best vape setup for your needs? Take the Black Note Vape Quiz today!
Stay connected with Black Note!
Subscribe to receive exclusive discounts, expert vaping tips, and updates on the latest devices directly to your inbox.