One unfortunate event can quickly ruin the enjoyment – the dreaded dry hit. If you’ve ever encountered this disagreeable feeling, you understand it’s off-putting nature.

But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the common question, “Why does my vape taste burnt?”. By understanding the causes and implementing some simple solutions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable vaping experience every time.

What are Dry Hits?

Before we delve into the reasons behind dry hits, let’s first understand what they are. A dry hit occurs when you inhale from your vape device, and instead of the expected flavorful vapor, you’re met with a harsh, burnt taste that can be quite horrendous. This happens when the wick inside the vape coil becomes insufficiently saturated with e-liquid, heating up the coil without enough juice to vaporize. The result is an unpleasant and often irritating flavor that lingers in your mouth and throat.

Causes of Dry Hits:

Insufficient E-liquid: One of the primary reasons for dry hits is simply not having enough e-liquid in your tank or pod. If the wick isn’t thoroughly soaked, the coil will burn, resulting in that awful burnt taste.

Chain Vaping: Engaging in chain vaping, which involves rapidly taking consecutive puffs, may result in experiencing dry hits. This fast-paced vaping style doesn’t give the wick enough time to absorb more e-liquid, causing it to dry out quickly.

Aging Coils: Vape coils naturally degrade over time and become less effective at absorbing e-liquid. They may not wick efficiently as they wear out, making dry hits more likely.

Solutions to Prevent Dry Hits:

Prime Your Coils: When using a new coil or replacing an old one, it’s essential to prime it properly. Simply add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil and let it sit for a few minutes to ensure proper saturation.

Adjust Wattage Settings: Find the ideal wattage range for your coil and e-liquid combination. Avoid running your device at excessively high wattages, which can contribute to dry hits.

Replace Coils Regularly: Be mindful of your coil’s lifespan and replace them when needed. This will ensure optimal wicking performance and minimize the chances of experiencing dry hits.

What Causes a Burnt Taste When Vaping?

Experiencing a burnt taste, commonly known as a dry hit, while vaping can be highly unpleasant and concerning. Not only does it ruin the overall vaping experience, but it may also pose potential health risks. Understanding the various factors contributing to this undesirable taste is essential for vapers to ensure a safer and more enjoyable vaping journey.

Insufficient E-Liquid: One of the primary culprits behind dry hits is inadequate e-liquid in the wicking material. When the wick is not adequately saturated with e-liquid, the heating element (coil) may overheat, causing the e-liquid to burn rather than vaporize. This results in the unpleasant burnt taste that vapers often encounter.

Chain Vaping: Dry hits can occur when chain vaping, where you take rapid and continuous puffs without giving enough time for the wick to re-saturate between draws. The coil doesn’t get enough time to cool down between puffs, causing it to heat up excessively and potentially burn the e-liquid.

High Wattage: Operating a vaping device at high wattage settings can accelerate the process of e-liquid vaporization. If the wicking material cannot keep up with the fast evaporation rate, it may lead to the coil running dry and producing that burnt taste.

Incorrect Coil Installation: Improperly installing the coil in the vaping device can also contribute to dry hits. If the coil is not fitted securely or is misaligned, it may not draw e-liquid effectively from the tank or pod, resulting in dry hits.

Using Expired Coils: Vapers must be mindful of their coil’s lifespan. Over time, coils wear out and become less efficient at wicking e-liquid. 

Vaping High VG E-Liquids in Sub-Ohm Devices: Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a thicker base liquid commonly used in e-liquids. When vaping high VG e-liquids in sub-ohm devices, the thicker liquid may struggle to flow effectively through the coil’s tiny openings, leading to dry hits.

Temperature Control Issues: Some advanced vaping devices come with temperature control features that prevent the coil from overheating. However, if this feature malfunctions or is not set correctly, it can result in dry hits.

Preventing Burnt Taste:

To avoid the dreaded burnt taste while vaping, consider implementing these preventive measures:

Ensure Proper E-Liquid Levels: Always maintain sufficient e-liquid in your tank or pod, and avoid letting it run too low. This ensures the wick remains saturated, reducing the risk of dry hits.

Adjust Wattage Settings: Find the appropriate wattage range for your coil and e-liquid to prevent overheating and burning.

Check Coil Installation: Double-check that your coil is installed correctly to ensure proper wicking and e-liquid flow.

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