Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt? Common Causes & How to Fix It

If you’ve ever taken a hit off your vape and been met with a nasty, burnt taste, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most common issues vapers face, especially for beginners. At K Town Vapor, we hear this question all the time: “Why does my vape taste burnt, and how can I fix it?” The good news? It’s usually an easy fix once you understand what’s causing it.

The most common culprit is a burnt coil. Coils are the heating elements inside your vape device that turn e-liquid into vapor. Over time, or if used improperly, the coil’s cotton wick can burn—especially if it’s dry or overused. If you’re using a refillable vape and didn’t prime your coil before using it (that means letting the e-liquid soak into the cotton for a few minutes before firing), you probably scorched it, causing that burnt flavor to take over.

Another reason your vape might taste burnt is vaping at too high a wattage. Each coil is designed to operate within a certain power range. If you’re cranking your device above what your coil can handle, it can burn the cotton faster than the e-liquid can keep up. At K Town Vapor, we always help our customers match their coil type with the right wattage setting to prevent this kind of issue.

Using thick or overly sweet e-liquids can also shorten coil life. Sugary vape juices leave behind residue that “gunks up” the coil, making it harder for it to heat evenly and increasing the risk of a burnt hit. We recommend rotating your flavors, cleaning your tank regularly, and sticking to high-quality e-liquids—all of which we carry in-store.

Finally, if you’ve been using the same coil for a while, it might simply be time to replace it. Most coils last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks depending on how often you vape, your wattage settings, and the type of juice you use. If you're not sure which coil fits your device or how often to change it, stop by K Town Vapor and we’ll walk you through it.

Bottom line: a burnt vape isn’t a broken vape. With the right habits and product choices, you can avoid that harsh taste and get back to smooth, flavorful hits. Whether you need replacement coils, better juice, or help adjusting your settings, we’ve got everything you need right here in Kennesaw.