Your vape usually tastes burnt because the coil is worn out, flooded, or dry, and the fix is to replace the pod or let the coil soak before you vape. A burnt or muted flavour means your pod needs replacement if your e-liquid starts to taste off or burnt. This guide covers the causes, the fix for each one, and when to replace the pod instead.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
Your vape tastes burnt most often because the coil is worn out, flooded, or dry, and a burnt coil will not recover.
Burnt or muted flavour means your pod needs replacement if your e-liquid starts to taste off or burnt. A coil wears out with use, and once the flavour turns burnt it stays burnt. Reduced vapour is another sign, because you see less vapour even with a full battery when the coil is worn. Leaking is a third sign, because the pod might be wearing out. Our guide to what vape pods are explains how a pod works: a built-in coil that heats the e-liquid, and a wick that draws the liquid to the heating element.
Can a Worn Coil Cause a Burnt Taste?
Yes, a worn coil is the most common cause of a burnt taste, and the fix is to replace the pod or the coil.
A coil wears out with use, and the signs are burnt or muted flavour, less vapour, and leaking. When the coil is worn, cleaning will not bring the flavour back, and a new pod is the fix. Pods with built-in coils need basic cleaning around the mouthpiece and connection points, but the coil itself is replaced, not cleaned. Our Juul2 maintenance tips cover how to look after your device so it lasts.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt With a Full Pod?
A burnt taste from a full pod usually means you have a flooded coil, and the fix is to blow gently through the coil with tissue.
A burnt taste from a full pod usually means you have a flooded coil. Fix this by gently blowing through the coil while covering it with tissue to remove extra liquid. After clearing the extra liquid, let the pod sit for a few minutes so the coil soaks evenly again. If the burnt taste stays after clearing the coil, the coil is worn and the pod needs replacing.
Can a Dry Coil Cause a Burnt Taste?
Yes, a coil that is not soaked before use burns straight away, so let the e-liquid soak into the coil first.
Let the e-liquid soak into the coil before your first draw, because a dry coil burns the moment it is heated. After filling a pod, close the filling port tightly and wait so the liquid soaks into the coil and the wick. Take slow, gentle draws at first, and give the coil time to soak again between draws. A coil that is fired dry is finished before it starts, and no amount of cleaning will save it. Keep the pod topped up, because a pod that runs low leaves the coil dry. Our beginners guide to vaping covers the first steps for new vapers.
Can the Wrong E-Liquid Make Your Vape Taste Burnt?
Yes, an e-liquid that is too thick for a small pod coil can cause a burnt taste, because it cannot flow through the coil fast enough.
Thinner liquids flow better through smaller coil systems, so pods suit thinner e-liquids. A thick liquid moves slowly through a small coil, the wick dries out, and the coil burns. Use the e-liquid type your pod is made for, and check the flavour range before you buy, as covered in our guide to the best vape juice flavours. Store your e-liquid properly, because heat and sunlight change how it tastes, as explained in our guide on how to store vape juice.
How Do You Fix a Burnt Taste Step by Step?
Take the pod out, check it for leaks and cracks, clear a flooded coil with tissue, let the coil soak, then test it with slow draws.
First, take the pod out of the device and check it for leaks and cracks, because a pod that is wearing out will keep tasting burnt whatever else you fix. Second, if the pod is full and the taste is burnt, blow gently through the coil while covering it with tissue to remove extra liquid. Third, clean around the mouthpiece and connection points, because pods with built-in coils need basic cleaning there. Fourth, let the e-liquid soak into the coil before you vape again. Fifth, take slow, gentle draws to test it. If the burnt taste is still there, the coil is worn and the pod needs replacing, not another clean.
When Should You Replace the Pod Instead of Fixing It?
Replace the pod when the burnt taste stays after clearing and soaking, when flavour stays muted, or when the pod leaks.
A burnt taste that stays after you clear a flooded coil and let it soak means the coil is worn, and no fix will bring it back. The same applies when the flavour stays muted or the vapour stays low even with a full battery. A pod that keeps leaking is wearing out and needs replacing. When you buy a replacement, pick the pod that matches your device, and check the product page for the right fit, as covered in our guide to Juul2 pods. Choosing the right device matters too, as explained in our guide on how to choose the right vape in Dubai.
Where Can You Buy Replacement Pods in Dubai?
You can buy replacement pods from Dubai Vapor Point, with free shipping on orders above 300 AED and same-day delivery in Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah.
Order the pod that matches your device, and check the product page for the right fit before you buy. Same-day delivery in Dubai, Ajman and Sharjah costs 20 AED when you order before 9pm, and express delivery within 1 hour costs 50 AED, as explained on our delivery charges and timings page. If you are choosing a new device as well, our guide on why choosing the right vape device matters explains what to look for.
What Are the Common Questions About Burnt Vape Taste?
Can a burnt coil be fixed?
No. A burnt coil cannot be fixed, because the coil is worn out. Clear a flooded coil with tissue, but if the burnt taste stays, replace the pod.
How do you stop a new coil tasting burnt?
Let the e-liquid soak into the coil before your first draw, close the filling port tightly, and take slow, gentle draws at first. A coil fired dry is finished before it starts.
Why does my vape taste burnt after refilling?
Usually because the coil did not soak after refilling, or because the coil is flooded. Wait so the liquid soaks into the coil, and if the pod is full and the taste is burnt, blow gently through the coil with tissue to remove extra liquid.
Does burnt taste mean replace the pod?
Yes, when the burnt taste stays after clearing and soaking. Burnt or muted flavour means your pod needs replacement if your e-liquid starts to taste off or burnt.
Why do I get less vapour and a burnt taste?
Usually a worn coil. You see less vapour even with a full battery when the coil is worn. Replace the pod if the taste stays burnt.
This guide is for adults aged 18 and over only. Vape products contain nicotine, which is addictive, and devices and e-liquids should be kept away from children.