Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? (And How to Fix It)

Burnt Vape Taste? Here's Why It's Happening & How to Stop It for Good

There’s nothing worse than taking a puff from your vape and getting hit with a harsh, dry, burnt taste. It’s not only unpleasant—it can be downright off-putting, especially if you’re new to vaping.

At Washington Vapes, we often hear:

“Why does my vape taste burnt even though there’s liquid in it?”
“Is my device faulty?”
“Can I fix it, or is it time for a new pod?”

In this guide, we’ll break down the real reasons your vape might taste burnt, what it means for your device, and—most importantly—how to fix it before it ruins your experience.

🔍 What Does a Burnt Vape Taste Actually Mean?

When vapers describe a “burnt” taste, they’re usually referring to a dry, acrid, sometimes even metallic flavour that feels sharp on the throat. This is not how your vape is supposed to taste—something is going wrong inside the pod or coil system.

In most cases, it means your coil is burning dry cotton instead of properly vaporising e-liquid. This usually results from one or more of the following issues.

⚠️ ISSUE #1: Low or Empty E-Liquid

🔥 The Most Common Culprit Behind a Burnt Taste

Even if your device looks like it still has liquid, you might be running too low for the wick to stay saturated. Most pods use cotton wicking material inside the coil, which needs to stay fully soaked to prevent dry hits.

🔧 How to Fix It

• Always monitor your e-liquid levels carefully—especially in pod systems with small capacity.

• Don’t wait until it’s bone dry. Refill or replace the pod when you’re down to the last 10-20% of e-liquid.
  

Justification: Burnt cotton equals burnt taste. When e-liquid can't reach the coil fast enough, dry hits happen. Prevention is always better than replacement.

⚙️ ISSUE #2: Overheating Due to Chain Vaping or High Power Settings

⚡ Too Much Heat, Too Quickly

Coils are designed to operate within a certain temperature range. When you chain vape (take several hits back-to-back), or use a device at too high a wattage, your coil gets hotter than intended. This vaporises e-liquid too quickly, leaving the wick dry and scorched.

🔧 How to Fix It

• Take 10-15 second breaks between puffs.

• If your device has adjustable wattage, stay within the recommended range for your coil.
  

Justification: Heat management is critical. Coils don’t have time to reabsorb e-liquid if you hit them repeatedly without a break.

🧽 ISSUE #3: Coil Has Aged or Is Dirty

💨 Old Coils = Bad Flavour

Over time, residue from e-liquids builds up on the coil, especially if you love sweet or dessert-style juices. This affects heat transfer, causes uneven wicking, and can eventually lead to burning—even if the pod looks full.

🔧 How to Fix It

• If you use a rebuildable or refillable device, you can try cleaning the coil in warm water (or using a specialist cleaner).
  

• Signs your pod needs changing:

  • Flavour has faded

  • Vapour production drops

  • Burnt or charred notes even with full liquid

Justification: Coils aren’t built to last forever. Regular replacement is part of good vape hygiene and prevents unpleasant surprises.

🚫 ISSUE #4: Incorrect E-Liquid for Your Device

❌ Thicker Isn’t Always Better

Using a high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquid in a device designed for nic salts or low-wattage coils can lead to clogging and poor wicking. That often leads to dry hits, coil overheating, and—you guessed it—a burnt taste.

🔧 How to Fix It

• Always match the e-liquid type to your device.

  • Use nic salts (20mg/2%) for pod systems.

  • Save high VG e-liquids (70% VG+) for sub-ohm tanks and mods.
    

Justification: A mismatch between juice and device creates resistance, poor wicking, and eventual coil failure.

🧠 Pro Tips to Keep Your Vape Fresh & Burn-Free

Here’s a quick checklist to extend coil life and keep your vape tasting great:

✅ Let new pods sit for a few minutes after inserting
✅ Don’t chain vape—pause between hits
✅ Store your device upright to help e-liquid soak the coil evenly
✅ Avoid vaping when it’s cold—thicker liquid can slow wicking

💬 Final Thoughts from Washington Vapes

If your vape tastes burnt, it’s not a sign your entire kit is broken—it’s usually something small that can be fixed with a little attention and maintenance. Most importantly, it’s preventable.