Avoiding Burnt Taste in Vaping: Tips, Causes, and Safety Considerations

Encountering a burnt taste while vaping is a common issue that can ruin your experience. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable vape. This guide delves into the causes of a burnt taste in different vape devices and offers practical solutions tailored to each type.

What Causes the Burnt Taste in Vaping?

A burnt taste typically arises when the coil inside the vape’s atomizer isn’t adequately saturated with e-liquid. When the coil heats up without enough liquid, the wick can burn, producing a burnt taste. This taste can range from slightly unpleasant to overwhelmingly harsh, depending on the severity of the issue.

Common Reasons for a Burnt Taste

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of a burnt taste in your vape:

1. Chain Vaping: Continuously taking puffs without allowing the wick to reabsorb e-liquid can result in dry hits and a burnt taste.
2. High Wattage or Voltage Settings: Using a power level that’s too high can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, drying out the wick and leading to a burnt taste.
3. Improper Priming: Priming the coil, or ensuring the wick is fully saturated before first use, is crucial. Without proper priming, the wick can burn when the coil is heated.
4. Low E-Liquid Levels: Vaping with too little e-liquid in the tank can cause the wick to dry out, resulting in a burnt taste.
5. Incorrect PG/VG Ratio: The ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerin (VG) affects e-liquid viscosity. An improper ratio, particularly if the VG content is too high, can prevent proper wicking and lead to burning.
6. Worn-Out Coils: Coils have a limited lifespan. A coil that is past its prime may burn the wick, even if there’s enough e-liquid.

Is It Safe to Inhale Burnt E-Cigarette Smoke?

Inhaling burnt vapor isn’t just unpleasant—it can be harmful. Here’s why:

1. Release of Harmful Chemicals: When an e-cigarette burns, harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can be released, posing health risks.
2. Respiratory Irritation: Burnt vapor can irritate the mouth, throat, and lungs, causing coughing and discomfort.
3. Device Malfunction: A burnt taste often signals a malfunction in the device, which can lead to overheating or leaks.
4. Degraded Materials: Overheating can cause vape components to degrade, releasing harmful substances that could impact your health.

How to Prevent a Burnt Taste in Vaping?

Here are some strategies to avoid that dreaded burnt taste:

1. Prime Your Coil: Before using a new coil, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick. Allow it to soak for a few minutes, then take a few dry puffs to ensure the wick is fully saturated.
2. Use Appropriate Wattage: Stick to the recommended wattage range for your coil. Exceeding this range can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, leading to dry hits.
3. Monitor E-Liquid Levels: Keep your tank topped up. Running low on e-liquid increases the risk of burning the wick.
4. Avoid Chain Vaping: Give your device a break between puffs to allow the wick to reabsorb e-liquid. This will help prevent the wick from drying out.
5. Choose the Right E-Liquid: Match the PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid to your device’s needs. For devices with smaller wicking ports, a higher PG ratio is better. Sub-ohm coils with larger ports work well with higher VG liquids.
6. Replace Coils Regularly: Worn-out coils can cause a burnt taste, so replace them as soon as you notice any changes in flavor or vapor production.

What to Do When Your Vape Tastes Burnt

Different devices require different approaches to fix a burnt taste:

1. Disposable Vapes:
   • Stop Using the Device: If a burnt taste occurs, it likely means the e-liquid is depleted, or the coil is damaged.
   • Check Vapor Production: If the device is no longer producing vapor, it’s time to dispose of it responsibly.
2. Pod Systems:
   • Inspect the Pod: Check if the e-liquid level is low and refill if necessary.
   • Prime New Pods: After filling a new pod, let it sit for a few minutes to ensure the wick is fully saturated.
   • Adjust Power Settings: Ensure your device’s wattage is appropriate for the pod being used.
   • Replace Pods or Coils: If the burnt taste persists, it may be time to replace the pod or coil.
3. Box Mods:
   • Prime the Coil: Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the wick before first use.
   • Check Wattage Settings: Make sure your wattage is within the recommended range for your coil.
   • Monitor E-Liquid Levels: Keep your tank filled above the minimum level to prevent dry hits.
   • Replace the Coil: If the burnt taste continues, it’s time for a new coil.
4. Vape Pens:
   • Refill the Tank: Make sure the e-liquid level is adequate.
   • Prime the Coil: Allow the vape pen to sit for a few minutes after filling to let the wick saturate.
   • Adjust Power Settings: Lower the power level if your vape pen allows it.
   • Replace the Coil or Cartridge: Persistent burnt tastes signal the need for a replacement.

Conclusion

A burnt taste in vaping can significantly affect your experience, but it’s preventable. By understanding the causes and implementing these preventive measures, you can enjoy a better, safer vaping experience with devices like SMOK, Geek Vape, or Orion. Regular maintenance, proper settings, and timely coil replacements are key to avoiding burnt hits and prolonging the life of your device.