Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt with a New Coil?

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt with a New Coil?

If your vape tastes burnt even with a brand new coil, you’re likely experiencing a dry hit, caused by the coil not being properly saturated with e-liquid. This is one of the most common and frustrating issues for vapers, especially when you've just replaced the coil and expect better flavour. A new coil must be primed correctly—meaning the cotton wick inside needs time to soak up liquid before you start vaping. If you fire the device too soon, the cotton scorches before the liquid has fully absorbed, creating that harsh, burnt taste.

Fortunately, this issue is usually avoidable with the right steps and a bit of patience.

The Importance of Priming Your Coil

Priming a coil means letting the cotton inside the coil fully absorb the e-liquid before activating the device. Without this step, the coil heats up dry cotton, which singes it instantly. Once burnt, the flavour rarely recovers, and you’ll likely need to replace the coil again.

To prime properly, fill your tank and let it sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes before use. Some users also place a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil’s cotton holes before installation. Taking a few puffs without pressing the fire button (a technique called “pull-priming”) can also help draw liquid into the coil more quickly.

Vaping Too Soon or Too Aggressively

Another common cause of a burnt taste with a new coil is vaping too aggressively too soon. Even if you’ve waited a few minutes after filling, taking long, deep drags straight away can pull liquid through faster than the wick can absorb it—especially with high-powered devices or low-resistance coils.

Start with gentle, short puffs to ease the coil into use. If your vape has adjustable wattage, begin at the lower end of the coil’s recommended range and gradually work your way up as the coil beds in. This helps prevent overheating and gives the cotton more time to stay saturated.

Incorrect Wattage Settings

If your device allows wattage control, using the wrong setting can also burn a new coil quickly. Most coils have a suggested wattage range printed on them. Exceeding this range, especially during the first few uses, can scorch the cotton and ruin the coil—even if it was primed correctly.

Always check the coil label or packaging and stay within the recommended limits. If you’re unsure, start low—then increase the wattage in small steps until you reach your desired vape experience without any burning sensation.

E-Liquid Thickness and Wicking Speed

Your choice of e-liquid matters too. High-VG e-liquids are thicker and slower to absorb. If you're using a coil designed for thinner 50/50 liquids, thick juice can cause wicking delays, leading to dry spots inside the coil—even if the tank looks full.

Make sure your e-liquid is suitable for your coil type. Pod systems and higher-resistance coils generally work best with thinner liquids, while sub-ohm coils handle thicker VG blends better. Matching the right e-liquid to your device helps prevent early burning and maximises flavour.

Factory Defects and Pre-Burnt Cotton

Not all burnt-tasting coils are caused by user error. Occasionally, a factory defect or poor quality control can result in a pre-damaged coil. The cotton may be improperly installed, packed too tightly, or even partially burnt during initial testing at the manufacturing stage. If you've primed carefully, started at the correct wattage, and still get a burnt flavour immediately, the coil may have been faulty straight out of the box.

If this happens more than once from the same pack, consider switching to a more reputable coil brand or checking if there’s a known issue with that particular batch.

Chain Vaping Right After Installation

Even when primed properly, a coil needs a little time to settle under heat. Taking multiple long puffs in quick succession within the first few minutes of use—known as chain vaping—can cause the wick to dry out before it can re-saturate. This leads to partial scorching, where some of the cotton burns even though the tank still holds e-liquid.

To avoid this, space out your first few puffs and monitor the taste. If the flavour starts to dull or feel dry, pause for 30 seconds to let the liquid soak back in. Giving the coil time to recover is especially important with high-VG juices or larger clouds.

Using Sweet or Dark E-Liquids Too Early

Sweetened and dessert-style e-liquids are known to gunk up coils quickly. These juices leave behind sticky residue on the heating element and wick, which can start caramelising almost immediately—especially if you’re vaping at the upper wattage limit. If your new coil tastes burnt just hours after installing it, the e-liquid may be the problem.

To extend coil life, consider breaking in a new coil with less sweet or clearer e-liquids, then switching flavours once the cotton is properly bedded in. This gives the coil a cleaner start and reduces the chance of early build-up or burning.

Airflow Too Tight or Restricted

Restricted airflow can increase coil temperature, causing the cotton to dry out faster—even if you’re vaping at a reasonable wattage. If your tank or pod has adjustable airflow, ensure it’s open enough to allow good vapour production without overheating. Too tight a draw can cause hot spots on the coil and lead to a burnt flavour.

This is especially common in small pod systems or when using high-resistance coils. Adjusting the airflow slightly and taking slower, measured puffs can help prevent heat buildup and extend coil life.

Final Word

If your vape tastes burnt with a new coil, it’s almost always due to improper priming, overly aggressive use, or a mismatch between coil and e-liquid. A burnt coil is frustrating—especially when it’s brand new—but with the right technique, you can avoid the problem entirely. Let the coil sit, start slow, check your settings, and ensure your juice is suitable. Taking a few extra steps before you vape can save you time, money, and disappointment.