Why Does My Rechargeable Vape Taste Burnt?

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There’s nothing worse than taking a puff from your vape and being hit with that harsh, dry, burnt taste. If you're using a rechargeable vape and it suddenly starts tasting off, it usually means the coil or pod inside the device is no longer working properly.

The good news is, it's usually an easy fix. Below, we’ll explain what causes a burnt flavour in rechargeable vapes, how to avoid it, and when it’s time to swap your pod or upgrade your setup.

What Causes the Burnt Taste?

That burnt or dry flavour is caused by a coil that isn’t fully saturated with e-liquid. When there’s not enough liquid reaching the coil, the wick (usually made of cotton) overheats and burns, which creates that unpleasant taste.

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Old or overused pod
Every pod or coil has a lifespan. If you've been using the same one for more than a week or two, especially if you're a regular vaper, it's probably burnt out.

2. Chain vaping
Taking puff after puff without giving the coil time to reabsorb liquid can dry it out. This causes the wick to burn from lack of saturation.

3. Not priming the coil
If you’re using a refillable pod or tank, it’s important to let it sit for a few minutes after filling. If you vape too soon, the coil can dry hit and burn almost instantly.

4. Low e-liquid level
Even if there’s a little liquid left in the pod, it may not be enough to fully soak the wick. Vaping with a nearly empty pod can cause dry hits and burnt flavour.

5. Using the wrong power level
In adjustable devices, using a power setting that’s too high for the coil can overheat it and burn the wick. Even in fixed-output devices, long deep puffs can create the same effect.

How to Fix It

If the coil is already burnt, there’s no reversing it. Once cotton is scorched, it will always taste burnt. But you can stop it from happening again with a few simple habits:

Replace the pod or coil
Most rechargeable vapes use replaceable pods. If yours tastes burnt, swap it for a fresh one. You’ll instantly notice the difference in flavour and vapour.

Let your pod settle before vaping
After inserting a new pod or filling a tank, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using. This gives the wick time to soak fully.

Top up regularly
Don’t wait until the pod is empty. Refill or replace the pod when it’s still around one-quarter full to keep the coil saturated.

Take shorter, smoother puffs
Avoid long, deep inhales one after another. Give the coil time to recover between puffs, especially during heavy use.

Keep your device charged
Low battery output can weaken vapour production and make it harder for the coil to work properly. Charge your vape regularly to keep performance consistent.

When to Consider Upgrading

If your rechargeable vape constantly tastes burnt or requires frequent maintenance, it might be time for a better-quality device. Some kits are more prone to coil burnout, especially cheaper models or older-style refillables.

Modern mesh-coil pod systems last longer, deliver more consistent flavour, and are designed to avoid dry hits even during regular use.

If you’re looking for something smooth, long-lasting and reliable, our 6000 Puff Vape collection offers a wide range of rechargeable pod kits that are built for performance. They include sealed prefilled pods, fast-charging batteries and mesh coils that stay saturated longer, helping to avoid that burnt taste altogether.

Final Thoughts

That burnt flavour is usually a warning sign from your vape that something needs changing. Whether it’s the pod, the coil or just your vaping style, small tweaks can make a big difference. If it keeps happening, the simplest fix might be switching to a better-quality, longer-lasting device.

To avoid burnt pods and dry hits in the future, explore our 6000 Puff Vape range and find a device designed to deliver smooth flavour from start to finish.

Battery life is another factor, see How Long Does a Vape Last