Are you a vaper who’s noticed a burnt taste? It can be frustrating, and the reasons are not always obvious. Sometimes it’s the device, sometimes the liquid, and sometimes the way you vape. In the following guide we explain the most common causes and show you how to get back to a smooth flavour. 

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

A burnt taste usually comes from the wick inside the coil. When it doesn’t absorb enough e-liquid, the cotton begins to scorch instead of producing vapour. This often happens if the tank is running dry, if you puff too often without a pause, if the power setting is too high, or when the coil has reached the end of its lifespan.  

1. Your Vape Needs a New Coil

The coil is one of the essential components of a vape device, responsible for converting e-liquid into vapour. Its lifespan is limited, so you will need to replace it periodically. The replacement intervals vary depending on the type of e-liquid you use and how often you vape. If you don’t replace the coil, you may experience a strong burnt flavour that can ruin your vaping experience. 

Solution is obvious. If you notice a burnt taste, think about when you last replaced the coil. Has it been weeks? If so, do not delay. Get a new one. Replacing a coil is simple. The exact steps depend on your device. In most cases you open the device, unscrew the old coil, and fit a fresh one.

Note that charging or swapping the battery will not remove a burnt taste. The fix is a fresh coil or, for pod systems, a fresh pod.

2. You’re Out of E-Liquid

This is another common issue with an easy fix. Users often forget to refill the tank and continue vaping even when it’s empty. This leads to a harsh burnt taste and can eventually damage the device. 

Always keep an eye on your e-liquid levels. When you notice the liquid is running low, refill it promptly to avoid unpleasant burnt flavour and potential health risks associated with inhaling burnt vapour.  

3. You Didn’t Let the E-Liquid Sit Long Enough

After filling your vape with e-liquid, you should allow it some time to sit so the wick in the atomizer can absorb it properly. The wick is responsible for transferring the e-liquid to the coil, allowing you to experience nicotine and various flavours while vaping. 

However, if you don’t give the wick enough time to saturate and start vaping immediately, you risk burning the wick material (usually cotton), which results in a sharp, burnt taste.  

How to avoid this? After filling the vape, wait at least 15 minutes before using it. If you still notice the burnt taste, it is possible the coil has been damaged, and you will need to replace it.  

4. You’re Not Using the Right E-Liquid

There are various types of e-liquids available on the market, and you should choose one based on the type of device you own. Otherwise, you may find that your vape doesn’t work as expected.  

In general, you can choose from the following products:

  • VG E-Liquids – These are among the most common e-liquids on the market. The base consists of vegetable glycerine, which is combined with a smaller amount of PG and nicotine. VG e-liquids are thicker and produce more vapour when vaped.  
  • PG E-Liquids – These are the opposite of VG. They are not as thick, so they produce less vapour, but they have a much stronger and more pronounced flavour.  
  • 50/50 – As the name suggests, these e-liquids contain equal amounts of VG and PG. They are versatile option that can be used with almost any vape device.  

5. You’re Using High Power on Your Vape

Vapes with manually adjustable power are best suited for experienced users. They know what settings to choose to get the best vaping experience. 

Did you get one of these devices, but you are still learning how to use it? Keep in mind that if you experience a burnt taste, it’s likely because you selected too high of a power level. Be sure to lower it as soon as possible.  

6. You’re Using Too Sweet E-Liquids

Do you love sweet flavours and can’t resist them even while vaping? You should pay attention. Many sweet e-liquids contain sweeteners that accumulate in the coil and, over time, caramelize due to the heat. The caramel may smell nice at first, but it burns quickly, leading to a harsh, burnt taste. 

To avoid this issue, steer clear of overly sweet flavours and opt for cooler menthol notes instead. Menthol or less sweet profiles help reduce build-up and keep the taste clean. Alternatively, you can stick with sweet flavours but expect to replace your coil more frequently. 

7. You Haven’t Cleaned the E-Liquid Tank in a While

You should clean the tank from time to time to prevent leftover e-liquid from affecting the flavour of the new liquid. You don’t need any special equipment for cleaning; warm water and a dry cloth will do.  

How to Avoid the Burnt Taste?

Now that you know the causes, here’s how to prevent that burnt taste from happening in the first place. Here are a few practical solutions:  

Regularly Refill Your Vape

The most common cause of a burnt taste is a lack of e-liquid, so regularly check the amount of e-liquid in the tank. Whenever you notice it running low, top it up. The frequency of refills depends on how often you vape and the size of your tank, which typically holds between 2 and 8 ml.  

Prime the Coil Before Use

Before you replace the coil and start vaping, drop a little e-liquid onto the coil. Apply the liquid first to the hole at the top and then to the areas where the wick is located.  

Check Vape Settings

A too high or too low power setting can lead to a poor vaping experience, and it can cause a burnt taste. So, check your vape settings from time to time, especially when changing the coil or making other significant adjustments, to ensure everything is in order.  

Burnt Taste in Disposable Vapes

You can also experience a burnt taste with disposable vapes. However, the solutions mentioned above won’t help with disposable vapes since they function differently. They don’t get refilled or have replaceable coils. Once a disposable is empty, the only solution is to replace it. On Snuskingdom you’ll find a wide range of Aroma King disposables, making it easy to pick a fresh device with a flavour you enjoy.  

So, what should you do if you notice a burnt taste while vaping? First, check the amount of e-liquid. It is possible that it has run out, and you will need a new vape.

If there is enough e-liquid, give the device a slight shake and slow down. Although disposable vapes work differently than refillable ones, they still need time for the wick to soak between puffs.

Be Aware of the Burnt Taste

A burnt taste indicates several potential issues, which can lead not only to the damage of your vape but also to health risks. If the wick is burnt, you may inhale harmful chemicals that irritate the respiratory system and lungs. A worn-out coil full of residue can also release carcinogenic substances into your body.

If you experience an unpleasant sharp taste while vaping, address the problem immediately. Replace the coil, refill the e-liquid, or check the settings to avoid unnecessary risks.

If you experience an unpleasant sharp taste while vaping, it’s best to address the problem immediately. Replace the coil, refill the e-liquid, or check your device settings to get back to a great flavor.

So, when the moment comes to refresh your setup, Snuskingdom is the place to go. From Aroma King disposables to Smart pods and batteries, you’ll find reliable options that keep each draw clean and satisfying. With a broad range of flavors and dependable hardware, it’s easy to match your vaping style and ensure you're always ready for a smooth, flavorful experience.