A burnt cartridge, often called a “burnt cart,” is characterized by an unpleasant, acrid taste that occurs when the heating element scorches the wicking material instead of vaporizing the oil. This charred flavor signals that the wick, typically made of cotton or porous ceramic, has been damaged by excessive heat. Once the wicking material is fully charred, the damage is permanent, and the cartridge cannot be completely restored. The focus shifts to immediate steps to prevent further damage and adopting preventative techniques.
Understanding the Source of the Burnt Flavor
The burnt taste originates from a “dry hit,” which occurs when the wick is not fully saturated with oil when the coil is activated. The cartridge heating system uses a coil and wicking material to draw oil toward the heat source. When the coil heats a dry or partially dry wick, the material scorches, releasing the foul, burnt flavor.
Two main factors typically lead to a dry hit. The first is low oil levels, where the liquid drops below the intake holes, leaving the wick exposed. The second, and more common, is that the oil is not wicking fast enough to keep up with the rate of vaporization. This often happens when the user takes excessively long or rapid puffs, known as chain vaping.
High voltage or wattage settings also accelerate this process by heating the coil too quickly and intensely. When the coil gets too hot, it vaporizes the oil faster than the thick oil can flow through the wick channels to replenish the supply. This imbalance between heat application and oil saturation quickly leads to the coil burning the exposed wick material.
Immediate Actions to Address a Burnt Cartridge
When the first hint of a burnt flavor appears, the immediate priority is to stop the coil from further scorching the wicking material. The most direct action is to immediately reduce the power setting on the battery. If the device has adjustable voltage, lowering it to the lowest setting, often between 2.0 and 2.5 volts, significantly reduces the heat output and slows the rate of vaporization.
Allowing the entire cartridge to cool down is essential, as residual heat can continue to damage the wick even after the power is off. Waiting at least five to ten minutes gives the oil time to fully re-saturate the wick and allows the coil temperature to drop. This cooling period allows the thick oil to flow into the wicking ports, especially if the cartridge was hit too quickly.
If the oil level is low, or if the cartridge has been lying on its side, tilt the cart to ensure the remaining oil covers the wick intake holes. To encourage oil flow, perform a gentle “primer puff” by lightly drawing on the mouthpiece without pressing the fire button. This action creates a slight vacuum that draws oil into the wicking channels, preparing the coil for a cooler, low-power test hit. If the strong, charred taste persists after these steps, the wick is permanently damaged and the cartridge should be discarded.
Preventative Measures for Cartridge Longevity
Preventing the wick from burning starts with properly preparing a new cartridge before the first use. This process, known as priming, ensures the wicking material is fully saturated before any heat is applied. Even with pre-filled cartridges, allow the oil to sit and fully absorb into the wick for at least 15 to 30 minutes after attaching it to the battery.
User technique is the most significant factor in cartridge longevity. Taking shorter, slower draws, typically no longer than three to four seconds, prevents the coil from overheating the wick. Allowing at least 15 to 30 seconds between puffs is necessary to give the viscous oil adequate time to flow through the wick channels and fully re-saturate the coil area.
Managing the device’s voltage or wattage is an important preventative step, as many oils, particularly those rich in delicate terpenes, perform best at lower temperatures. Always start at the lowest available voltage setting and only increase it in small increments if the vapor production is too weak. Avoiding extreme temperatures is also beneficial; cold conditions thicken the oil and impede wicking, while excessive heat can thin the oil too much or cause it to leak.