- Support
- Ollie Pringle
- 3 mins read
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? (And How to Stop It Happening Again)
Few things are more frustrating than taking a puff — expecting smooth, flavourful vapour — and getting a harsh, burnt taste instead.
It’s a common problem, but one with clear causes and often easy fixes.
At Time2Vape, we help hundreds of vapers troubleshoot these issues every month. If your vape is tasting burnt, read on: we’ll explain why, how to fix it, and how to avoid it happening again.
What a “Burnt” Vape Taste Usually Means
A burnt flavour isn’t part of a normal vaping experience. It often means your coil’s wick (the material that soaks up e‑liquid) has dried out or scorched — which can happen for several reasons:
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The wick isn’t properly saturated (e.g. new coil not primed before use).
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E‑liquid has run too low — wick can no longer draw up enough juice.
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Excessive chain‑vaping — too many hits in quick succession doesn’t give the wick time to re‑saturate.
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Vaping at too high a wattage for your coil’s specification — coil overheats and burns.
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Coil or wick is worn out — over time residue builds up and the cotton can’t absorb liquid properly
How to Fix It — Quick Steps for Most Common Issues
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| New coil, unused before | Prime the coil — add a few drops of e‑liquid directly to the wick, let it soak 5–10 min, then fill tank/pod and take a few gentle inhales before firing. |
| E‑liquid too low | Refill promptly — don’t let juice level fall below the wick’s intake holes. Especially important in pods or small tanks. |
| Chain‑vaping | Pause between puffs to allow wick to re‑saturate. Consider using a device with a larger coil or better wicking if you vape frequently. |
| Wattage too high | Check coil’s recommended wattage and don’t exceed it. With variable wattage devices, use conservative settings. |
| Old/worn-out coil | Replace the coil or pod — once cotton is scorched or saturated with residue, flavour will never recover. |
Preventive Habits for Better Vaping
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Always prime new coils or pods before first use.
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Keep your e‑liquid levels topped up — avoid using until “just about empty”.
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Take steady puffs; avoid rapid chain‑vaping.
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Use the correct wattage settings for your coil.
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Change coils or pods regularly — even the best ones don’t last forever.
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Use high‑quality e‑liquid — sweeteners and heavy VG liquids can leave residue that speeds coil degradation.
How Time2Vape Makes It Easier
At Time2Vape we stock quality kits, coils, pods and a wide variety of e‑liquids — giving you the control to build a reliable vaping setup.
For starters, choosing a higher‑quality pre‑filled pod or using nic salts / bar salts in the right device can reduce the risk of burnt hits.
If you prefer refillable kits or custom coils, our range of pods and coils ensures you’re never stuck vaping with old, worn‑out pieces.
Final Thoughts
A burnt vape taste isn’t a life‑sentence — it’s usually a signal that something needs attention. With a bit of care and the right hardware, you can keep vaping smooth, flavourful, and consistent.
If you’re ready to upgrade your setup, explore Time2Vape’s range of replacement pods, high‑quality e‑liquids, and durable kits. Dive back in — this time, without the burnt taste.