Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt (or Just Weird)?

A burnt hit is a rite of passage. It’s also usually avoidable. Here are the usual causes — and what to do about a vape that tastes weird or harsh rather than burnt.

Why does my vape taste burnt?

1. The coil wasn’t primed

Dry cotton plus power equals scorch — often on the very first puff of a new pod. See how to prime a coil.

2. Power is too high

Check the recommended range printed on the coil and start at the low end. More in coil resistance explained.

3. Chain vaping

Rapid puffs don’t give the wick time to re-soak. Leave a few seconds between draws.

4. The liquid is too thick

High-VG liquid can’t wick fast enough in small coils. See the difference between PG and VG.

5. Low liquid

If the level drops below the wicking holes, the cotton dries out. Refill before it runs low.

6. The coil is simply done

Coils wear out; sweet liquids gunk them faster. If everything else checks out, replace it.

Device blinking or not firing at all? See why is my vape blinking?

Why does my vape taste weird?

• A new coil can taste slightly “off” for the first few puffs — prime it and give it a minute.
• Gunked coil — sweet liquids caramelise on the coil and dull or sour the flavour.
• Leftover flavour — switching liquids in the same pod mixes flavours; a fresh pod fixes it.
• Old or heat-exposed liquid can taste flat. Store bottles cool and out of the sun.
• Condensation or residue in the mouthpiece — see how to clean a vape.

Why does my vape feel harsh on the throat?

Harshness usually comes from the setup rather than the device being faulty:

• Nicotine strength too high for the device — high-strength liquids in high-power, airy setups feel very harsh. See nicotine strength explained.
• Too much power for the coil.
• High-PG liquid gives a stronger throat hit than high-VG.
• A dry or dying coil.

This is general product information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, stop and speak to a medical professional.