A burnt vape hit is one of the quickest ways to ruin a good session. That harsh, scorched taste and throat irritation can catch even experienced vapers off guard, whether you're using a disposable vape or a powerful sub-ohm setup.
Burnt hits don’t just affect flavor; they can make vaping feel unpleasant and leave users frustrated. Fortunately, most causes of burnt hits are completely avoidable with a few key tips and adjustments.
This guide breaks down the most common reasons your vape might be burning and shows you how to prevent it from happening again.
How to Know if Your Vape Is Burnt
If your vape suddenly tastes harsh or produces a scorched, unpleasant flavor, it’s likely a sign that your coil is burnt. This usually happens when there isn’t enough e-liquid to keep the cotton wick saturated, causing the coil to overheat and burn the cotton directly.
You might also notice reduced vapor production, a lingering charred aftertaste, or a sharp throat hit that feels more irritating than usual. These are clear indicators that your coil is no longer functioning properly and needs to be replaced.
It’s important not to confuse this with a dry hit. A dry hit occurs when the wick is starting to dry out but hasn't burned yet. It tastes muted and unsatisfying but doesn't have the harsh, burnt edge. A dry hit is a warning sign; if ignored, it often leads to a full-on burnt hit.
How to Fix a Burnt Taste from a Disposable Vape
Dealing with a burnt taste from your vape can be frustrating, but there are 6 practical steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:
1. Inspect the Coil: If you are using a refillable or pod-based vape, the burnt flavor might be caused by a worn-out coil. Disassemble the device and examine the coil for dark spots or any signs of damage. If the cotton looks singed or the metal appears discolored, it is time to replace the coil.
2. Check the Battery: For rechargeable disposables or pod vapes, make sure the battery is fully charged. A low battery can cause inconsistent power output, which may result in uneven heating and a burnt taste.
3. Clean the Connections: Residue build-up between the battery and atomizer can interfere with performance. Use a clean cotton swab or a soft cloth to gently wipe down the contact points and remove any leftover e-liquid or debris.
4. Avoid Hitting When E-Liquid Is Low: Taking puffs when the vape is almost empty can lead to dry hits, which may burn the wick and leave behind an unpleasant taste. Always check your e-liquid level before vaping, especially with refillable models.
5. Adjust the Wattage Setting: If your device has adjustable wattage, make sure it is set within the recommended range for your coil. Running the device at too high of a wattage can overheat the coil and cause it to burn prematurely.
6. Prime the Coil Properly: Whenever you install a new coil, give it time to soak. After filling the tank, wait several minutes before taking your first puff. This allows the e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton and prevents dry or burnt hits.
How To Unburn A Vape?
Once a vape coil is truly burnt, the damage is usually permanent. That scorched cotton flavor tends to linger no matter what you do. However, if you catch it early enough, such as during a dry hit, there are ways to prevent further damage and avoid burnt hits altogether.
Avoiding burnt hits is easier when you know the most frequent triggers:
Keep Your Vape Tank Filled
The most common cause of wick burn is running the tank too low on vape juice. When there isn’t enough juice to saturate the wick, the coil can overheat and burn the cotton, creating that harsh, burnt flavor.
To prevent this, make it a habit to top off your tank before it gets close to empty. Keeping your wick consistently saturated is one of the easiest ways to avoid dry or burnt hits and extend the life of your coil.
Prime Your Coils Before Vaping
If your vape device allows for coil replacements, priming your coils is essential to prevent dry or burnt hits. Priming means manually soaking the wick with e-liquid before using the device. After filling the tank, let it sit for about 10 minutes so the cotton can fully absorb the liquid.
The exact steps may vary depending on your device, so it’s always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Proper priming helps ensure smooth flavor and extends the lifespan of your coil.
Avoid Overfilling with Wick Material
Using too much cotton or wick material can actually cause more harm than good. When the wick is packed too tightly, it becomes harder for e-liquid to saturate the coil evenly. As a result, parts of the wick may stay dry and get exposed to direct heat during vaping. This uneven saturation increases the risk of burning the cotton, which leads to that unpleasant burnt taste.
Replace Your Coils Regularly
If you're using an RBA or refillable tank, changing your coils before they burn out is one of the best ways to maintain clean flavor and avoid burnt hits. Think of it like replacing your tires before they go flat; proactive maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.
When a coil starts to wear down, you might notice muted flavor, reduced vapor, or a slightly burnt taste. Don’t wait until the hit becomes harsh. Replace coils as soon as they show signs of aging to keep your vaping experience consistent and enjoyable.
Use the Right E-Liquid for Your Device
Not all e-liquids are created equal, and using the wrong one can seriously affect your vape’s performance. Each device is designed to work with specific VG/PG ratios. Using a liquid that’s too thick can clog coils or cause dry hits, while one that’s too thin may lead to leaking or reduced flavor. To avoid burnt hits and other issues, always choose a vape juice that matches your device’s requirements.
Adjust Power Settings
Many vape devices allow you to control the power or wattage, which helps customize the intensity and temperature of your hits. Lower power settings produce a smoother, cooler vape, while higher settings create warmer, more intense clouds.
But pushing the wattage too high can burn the coil and lead to that harsh, burnt flavor. Overpowering the coil causes the wick to dry out faster than it can absorb e-liquid, especially during longer puffs.
To avoid damaging your coil, always follow the recommended wattage range for your device and coil type. If you notice a lingering burnt taste, even after adjusting the power, it’s likely time to replace the coil.
How Long Do Burnt Taste Buds Take to Heal?
If you’ve scorched your taste buds from a burnt vape hit, recovery time depends on how severe the burn is. Minor irritation usually heals within a few days, while more serious burns may take up to two weeks.
The body naturally regenerates taste bud cells, so with proper care, like staying hydrated, avoiding hot or spicy foods, and giving your vape a break, you should notice improvement fairly quickly.
