Why Does My Rechargeable Vape Taste Burnt?

Why Does My Rechargeable Vape Taste Burnt?

A burnt taste from a rechargeable vape is one of the most common issues vapers face—and it can ruin the entire experience. Whether you're using a pod system, a refillable tank, or a more advanced mod, that sharp, acrid flavour usually means one thing: the coil is either dry or damaged. The cotton inside the coil may have been overheated, scorched, or not properly saturated with e-liquid, and once it's burnt, the flavour is often permanently affected.

Fixing the issue depends on how quickly you catch it. In some cases, you can recover the coil with a little care. In others, replacement is the only solution.

Dry Hits and Inadequate Wicking

The most common cause of a burnt taste is a dry hit. This happens when there isn’t enough e-liquid in the coil’s wick, and the cotton heats up instead of the liquid. It produces a harsh, bitter flavour that can linger even after you refill. Dry hits usually occur when you vape at high wattages, chain vape without letting the coil recover, or don’t allow enough time for a new coil to prime.

In rechargeable devices, it’s especially important to let the coil soak fully before you start vaping. If you fill your pod or tank and take a puff immediately, the wick may still be dry, which leads to instant burning.

Vaping with an Empty Tank or Pod

Running your tank or pod too low is another key reason your vape might taste burnt. Even if there’s a small amount of e-liquid left, it may not be reaching the wick effectively—especially if you're tilting the device or using it in a vertical position. As a result, the coil begins to heat up dry areas of cotton, gradually burning the material with each draw.

To prevent this, always refill before your e-liquid gets too low and keep an eye on how your device handles angles. Some pods have wicks placed higher up, meaning the bottom of the tank might still look wet while the coil is actually drying out.

Coil Burnout and Usage Lifespan

Every coil has a limited lifespan, and over time, the cotton inside begins to degrade. If you’ve been using the same coil for more than a week—especially with sweet, dark, or heavily flavoured e-liquids—it may start to taste burnt even if it’s properly primed and full of juice. This is because sugar and flavouring residue builds up, forming a crust on the coil that eventually burns.

If your rechargeable vape suddenly tastes burnt after several days of use, it may simply be time to replace the coil or pod. Some devices have integrated coils, meaning you'll need to swap out the entire pod, while others allow for individual coil replacement.

Incorrect Power Settings

If your vape has adjustable wattage, using the wrong setting for your coil can cause it to overheat and burn out faster. Most coils come with a recommended wattage range printed on them. Exceeding this range increases the risk of a burnt taste—especially if the e-liquid can’t keep up with the heating speed.

To avoid this, always check the coil's specifications and make sure your wattage is within the recommended range. If you're unsure, starting low and gradually increasing can help you find the best flavour without pushing the coil too far.

E-Liquid Thickness and VG/PG Ratio

One factor that’s often overlooked is the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid. High-VG liquids (like 70/30 blends) are thicker and take longer to soak into the wick. If you’re using a pod system or a small coil not designed for thick e-liquid, the cotton may not absorb juice fast enough, leading to dry hits and eventual burning.

Choosing the wrong e-liquid for your coil type is a fast way to shorten coil life. For smaller, lower-wattage rechargeable vapes, a 50/50 VG/PG blend is usually better. Thicker liquids are best reserved for larger, sub-ohm tanks that can handle the slower wicking.

Overly Sweet or Dark Flavours

Heavily sweetened or dark-coloured e-liquids may taste great, but they tend to gunk up coils faster. Sweeteners and flavouring agents leave behind residue as they’re heated. This residue caramelises over time and creates a coating on the coil, which eventually burns—producing that familiar charred flavour.

If you’re consistently experiencing burnt taste after just a few days, try switching to clearer, less sugary e-liquids. Not only will your vape taste cleaner, but your coils will also last longer.

Inhaling Too Hard or Chain Vaping

Another issue that contributes to a burnt taste is drawing too forcefully or too often. Chain vaping—taking multiple puffs in quick succession—doesn’t give the wick enough time to resaturate between hits. Even if your tank is full, the cotton can dry out momentarily under the coil’s heat.

Gentler draws and longer pauses between puffs give the wick a chance to keep up. Vaping should be smooth and paced, not rushed like a cigarette.

Residual Burnt Taste After Coil Replacement

Sometimes, even after replacing a coil, your vape might still taste slightly burnt. This could be due to leftover residue in the tank or pod, especially near the airflow system or chimney. If the burnt flavour lingers after switching hardware, disassemble the tank and wash all components thoroughly with warm water. Let them dry completely before refilling.

Neglecting to clean the device between coil changes allows old burnt residue to transfer into new coils, ruining your first few puffs and making it seem like the new coil is faulty.

Final Word

A burnt taste from your rechargeable vape is nearly always caused by dry wicking, coil damage, or power mismanagement. Whether it’s from not priming a new coil, running too low on e-liquid, or vaping too hard or too hot, the result is the same: a scorched coil that ruins the flavour. The best way to prevent burnt hits is to keep your device filled, let coils soak properly, and avoid overdriving your power settings. With proper care, you can extend coil life and keep every puff tasting the way it should.