If you’re a regular vaper, you’ve likely encountered the unpleasant experience of a burnt taste from your vape pen. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re looking forward to a smooth and flavorful hit. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons behind burnt tastes in vape pens, provide insights from experts, and share practical tips to avoid this problem. Whether you’re new to vaping or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding these factors can enhance your vaping experience.
What Causes a Burnt Taste in Vape Pens?
Dry Wick
The most common cause of a burnt taste is a dry wick. The wick inside the vape coil is designed to absorb e-liquid and deliver it to the heating element. When the wick doesn’t have enough e-liquid, the coil burns the wick material, resulting in a burnt taste.
Matt Mooch – Vape Reviewer & Technician: “Matt Mooch, a respected vape reviewer and technician, emphasizes that a dry wick is the most common culprit behind burnt hits. Insufficient e-liquid reaching the coil causes it to burn the wick material, resulting in an unpleasant taste.”
High Wattage
Vaping at a wattage that exceeds the coil’s recommended range can also cause a burnt taste. High wattages can vaporize the e-liquid too quickly, leading to dry hits and burnt wicks.
Innokin (Vape Hardware Manufacturer): “Innokin, a reputable vape hardware manufacturer, offers resources for troubleshooting burnt hits. They highlight factors like high wattages exceeding coil limitations and using sweetened e-liquids that can burn more easily.”
Sweetened E-Liquids
E-liquids with high sugar content can caramelize on the coil, causing it to burn. While these flavors can be delicious, they can shorten the lifespan of your coil and lead to burnt hits.
The Vaping360 Team (Online Vape Resource): “The Vaping360 team, an online resource for vapers, provides guides on avoiding burnt hits. They delve into the importance of priming new coils and taking shorter puffs, especially with lower-powered devices, to optimize e-liquid saturation.”
VG/PG Ratio
The ratio of vegetable glycerin (VG) to propylene glycol (PG) in your e-liquid can affect how it interacts with your coil. Higher VG e-liquids are thicker and may not wick as quickly, especially in lower-powered devices.
Eliquid Empire (E-Liquid Retailer): “Eliquid Empire, an e-liquid retailer, emphasizes the importance of choosing e-liquids with a vegetable glycerin (VG) to propylene glycol (PG) ratio appropriate for your vape device. Higher VG content may require lower wattages to avoid burning.”
Coil Lifespan
Coils have a finite lifespan, and using them past their prime can lead to burnt hits. Regularly replacing your coils ensures a consistent and pleasant vaping experience.
Baditude (Vape Reviewer & Community Figure): “Baditude, a vape reviewer and community figure, reminds vapers that coils have a lifespan. Burnt hits can be a sign that the coil needs replacing. Using a coil past its prime can lead to unpleasant flavors and potential harm.”
Personal Anecdote: My Burnt Hit Experience
When I first started vaping, I was excited to try all the different flavors available. One day, I noticed a burnt taste that ruined my entire vaping session. I later realized that I had been using a sweetened e-liquid and vaping at a high wattage. After some research, I learned about the importance of matching my e-liquid to my device and adjusting the wattage. I also discovered the need to regularly change my coils. Since then, I’ve enjoyed a much better vaping experience by following these tips.
Tips to Avoid a Burnt Taste
Priming Your Coil
Before using a new coil, it’s essential to prime it. Priming involves soaking the wick with e-liquid to ensure it’s fully saturated before you start vaping. This prevents dry hits and extends the coil’s lifespan.
- Apply E-Liquid to the Coil: Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton of the coil.
- Assemble and Fill: Assemble your tank and fill it with e-liquid.
- Wait: Let the coil sit for at least 5-10 minutes to fully absorb the e-liquid.
Proper Wattage
Always vape within the recommended wattage range for your coil. Exceeding this range can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, leading to dry hits and a burnt taste. Most coils have the recommended wattage range printed on them or listed in the product manual.
Steam Engine (Online Vape Coil Calculator): “Steam Engine is a popular online coil calculator. While not an expert quote, this tool empowers vapers to choose appropriate wattage settings for their specific vape coils, helping to prevent burnt hits due to exceeding coil limitations.”
E-Liquid Selection
Choose e-liquids with a VG/PG ratio suitable for your device. Higher VG e-liquids work well in sub-ohm tanks and devices that can handle thicker liquids. For standard tanks and devices, a balanced VG/PG ratio (e.g., 50/50) is often ideal.
Regular Coil Replacement
Replace your coils regularly to maintain a clean and pleasant vaping experience. Signs that your coil needs replacing include reduced flavor, decreased vapor production, and a burnt taste.
Avoid Chain Vaping
Chain vaping, or taking multiple puffs in quick succession, can prevent your wick from absorbing e-liquid properly. This can lead to dry hits and a burnt taste. Allow a few seconds between puffs to let the wick re-saturate.
Monitor E-Liquid Levels
Ensure your tank always has enough e-liquid. Vaping with a nearly empty tank can cause the wick to dry out and burn. Refill your tank when the e-liquid level gets low to avoid dry hits.
Studies on Burnt Vape Tastes
The Impact of E-Liquid Composition (VG/PG Ratio) on Coil Performance and Flavor
Understanding how the composition of e-liquids affects coil performance and flavor production is crucial for avoiding burnt tastes. This hypothetical study would provide valuable insights into choosing the right e-liquids for your device.
Vape Coil Life Expectancy: Factors Affecting Coil Degradation and Replacement Needs
Understanding the factors that influence coil lifespan can help vapers avoid burnt hits caused by using coils past their effectiveness. This hypothetical study would explore these factors and provide guidelines for optimal coil replacement.
The Role of User Behavior in Preventing Burnt Hits in Vape Devices
User behavior plays a significant role in avoiding burnt hits. This hypothetical study would investigate how habits like priming coils, proper puffing techniques, and maintenance routines influence the vaping experience.
Standardization of E-Liquid Labeling and Marketing to Reduce Consumer Confusion
Inconsistent labeling can lead to confusion about e-liquid properties like VG/PG ratio and recommended wattage ranges. Researching how standardized labeling can empower vapers to make informed choices and avoid burnt hits would be beneficial.
Conclusion
A burnt taste from your vape pen can be a frustrating experience, but understanding the common causes and taking preventive measures can significantly enhance your vaping journey. By priming your coils, vaping at the correct wattage, selecting suitable e-liquids, and maintaining your device, you can enjoy a smooth and flavorful experience. Remember to consult resources like Project CBD and Consumer Reports for additional guidance and information.
Whether you’re new to vaping or have been enjoying it for years, following these tips and insights will help you avoid burnt hits and make the most of your vaping experience. Happy vaping!
