Why Vape Pods Taste Burnt: What You're Doing Wrong
There are many ways vape pods can cause a burnt taste upon use. As a beginner vaper, it's natural that you’ll be more likely to encounter this problem, as you'll be unaware of how to prevent it. In this blog, we will explore why vape pods can taste burnt and how to prevent this from becoming a frequent issue.
What Are Vape Coils and Why Do They Burn Out?
Vape coils are housed inside your vape pod or tank. They work as a heating agent – a metallic wire coil or mesh screen contained within a cotton wick that absorbs e-liquid inside. This is subsequently powered by your device’s battery, heating the coil and cotton, vaporising your e-liquid and allowing you to inhale your chosen vape juice.
As the coils and cotton are frequently being rapidly heated, they will gradually show signs of wear and ultimately fail over time. If your coil does burn out, it’s not always necessarily the fault of the user, but while coils will eventually burn out, there are ways to maintain coil health.
Things You Should Avoid Doing to Prevent Your Vape Pod Tasting Burnt
Although coils will eventually burn out, you can run through them quite fast if you’re not careful. We've highlighted some rules that we will explain more in depth further into the blog below:
Exceeding Recommended Wattage
Ensure that your device wattage settings aren't too high.
Using the Wrong E-Liquid
Make sure the e-liquid used is correct for your coil & device.
Dirty Coils/Pods
Check for any dirt or debris inside or on your device.
Inspect Your Device
Perform regular check-ups on your device.
How to Avoid Going Past the Recommended Device Wattage
Don’t exceed the recommended wattage range for your coil of choice, as doing so will evaporate e-liquid too quickly. This can dry out the coil wick, making it more prone to burning out faster. If your device has adjustable wattage, check this and ensure it's not set too high. The coil wire itself also has a maximum resistance, meaning that if you set the wattage too high, it will burn out, rendering it useless.
Choosing the Right E-Liquid
Don’t use the wrong type of e-liquid for your coil or device type. Thick high-VG e-liquid isn't designed for 50/50 vaping, meaning it will be unlikely to absorb into narrow wicking ports for other e-liquid types. Similarly, don’t use HVG e-liquid with coils designed for freebase or nic salt e-liquid, as the wicking ports will be too narrow to accommodate it, leading to the wick being scorched.
Check Your Pod For Dirt or Debris
Don’t use a dirty pod or coil. It’s inevitable, given that vapes are everyday devices, that they will come into contact with dirt or debris. Since your vape is usually held in your pocket, inside bags and placed on different surfaces day-to-day, it will inevitably make contact with dust. Vapers should make sure this isn’t the case before use, as the dust being burned inside will impact the taste awfully, and likely hinder the performance of your device.
Do note that this is one of the least frequent issues run into, but it is still something to check for.
Inspect and Check On Your Device Regularly
In general, trust your instincts and change your coil if there’s a change of flavour or burnt taste. Continuing to vape through the burnt taste will simply lead to it becoming more intense until your coil completely gives in. E-liquid changing colour is an onset indicator of your coil going bad, though this is more of an indication, and some e-liquid can change colour without any negative effects. Any strange gurgling sounds or increased inhale resistance, even with fully open airflow, will be strong signs that your coil is failing and should be replaced.
Conclusion: Keeping On Top of Vape Pod Maintenance is the Best Way to Avoid a Burnt Taste
While coils will inevitably burn out, maintenance is key in ensuring the longer health of your device and its components – and saving yourself from a harsh, burnt taste! By exercising proper maintenance, you’ll notice you’re getting more use and better quality from your device. It’s good to recognise the signs of wear and burning to your coil before you’re exposed to harsh and burnt tastes, so be sure to stay on top of maintenance and check on your device regularly.