Vaping devices are designed to heat a liquid solution, known as e-liquid or vape juice, until it aerosolizes for inhalation. This process relies on controlled heating of the fluid components, not combustion or burning of the materials. If a user experiences a harsh, intensely acrid taste described as burnt, this is a malfunction, indicating the device is operating outside its intended parameters. Experiencing a burnt flavor is a clear sign that a physical component is overheating, and it should prompt the user to stop immediately. This article will diagnose the specific reasons behind this unpleasant sensation, explain how to prevent it, and address the potential health implications of inhaling the resulting burnt aerosol.
Understanding the Difference Between Vaporizing and Burning
The sensation of a burnt flavor in vaping is commonly known as a “dry hit,” which occurs when the heating element becomes excessively hot. Vaping devices utilize a metal coil surrounded by a wicking material, typically cotton, which absorbs the e-liquid. The coil heats the absorbed liquid to a specific temperature range, usually between 100°C and 250°C, causing it to turn into an aerosol. Vaporization is a controlled phase transition, changing the state of the e-liquid from liquid to gas without ignition. A dry hit signals a failure in this mechanism, happening when the coil is activated but the cotton wick is not sufficiently saturated with e-liquid. Instead of heating the liquid, the coil directly begins to burn the dry or partially dry cotton material. This uncontrolled burning, or combustion, of the wick produces the characteristic harsh, unpleasant taste and odor, meaning the user is tasting charred cotton and thermally degraded e-liquid components.
Identifying the Core Causes of a Dry Hit
Insufficient e-liquid in the tank is one of the most straightforward causes of a dry hit, preventing the wick from drawing in enough fluid to stay saturated. The dry cotton at the center of the coil rapidly scorches when the device is activated, resulting in the burnt taste. A closely related issue is the use of high-viscosity e-liquids, which are often rich in vegetable glycerin (VG) and struggle to saturate the wick quickly enough.
Another frequent cause relates to power settings, specifically setting the wattage too high for the coil’s design. Coils are manufactured to operate within a specific power range; exceeding this limit causes the coil to heat up too quickly, vaporizing the liquid faster than the wick can resupply it. This rapid overheating causes the cotton to burn even if the tank appears full, as the wicking action cannot keep pace with the vaporization rate.
“Chain vaping,” or taking frequent, rapid puffs without adequate pause, is also a common mechanism for dry hits. The wick requires several seconds between inhalations to fully re-saturate with e-liquid via capillary action. Continuous use does not allow this process to complete, causing the central cotton fibers to dry out and burn on the subsequent puff.
Finally, the degradation of the coil itself contributes to dry hits over time. As e-liquid is heated, residual sweeteners and flavorings caramelize and build up on the coil wire and wick, a process termed “coil gunk.” This gunk eventually blocks the flow of e-liquid into the cotton, mimicking the effect of a dry wick and leading to a burnt taste even when the tank is full.
Troubleshooting and Preventing Burnt Coils
Preventing a dry hit begins with the proper preparation of a new coil, a process known as priming. Before installing a new coil, several drops of e-liquid must be applied directly to all exposed cotton wick ports until the material is visibly saturated. After installation, the tank should be filled and allowed to sit for five to ten minutes to ensure complete absorption before the first use.
Users must verify that their device’s wattage setting aligns with the coil’s specifications, which are usually printed directly on the coil’s metal housing. Operating within the manufacturer’s recommended range ensures the coil heats the liquid efficiently without overheating the wick. If a burnt taste is detected, immediately lowering the wattage setting is a simple way to slow the heating process and potentially save the wick from further damage.
Adopting better usage habits involves taking shorter puffs and allowing a pause of several seconds between each inhalation to give the wick time to re-saturate. Regular coil replacement is necessary, as coils typically last between one to three weeks depending on usage and the type of e-liquid used. The composition of the e-liquid affects coil longevity, with highly sweetened or dark-colored liquids causing faster buildup of residue. Switching to a clear, less-sweetened e-liquid can significantly extend the lifespan of the coil by reducing the rate of caramelization and gunk formation.
Potential Health Risks of Inhaling Burnt Vapor
While the immediate concern of a dry hit is the unpleasant taste, inhaling the resulting aerosol also poses specific health considerations. A dry hit means the user is inhaling microscopic, charred particles from the burnt cotton wick material. Studies have shown that dry hit conditions can lead to a significant increase in cytotoxicity when compared to normal vaping conditions.
More concerning is the thermal degradation of the e-liquid components themselves when subjected to excessive heat. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the primary carriers in e-liquid, begin to break down when heated significantly past their intended vaporization temperature. This uncontrolled overheating, which can occur during a dry hit, leads to the production of harmful carbonyl compounds.
Research indicates that substances like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can be generated when PG and VG are overheated. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and acetaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen. These byproducts are created because the liquid is not present to absorb the coil’s heat, allowing the temperature to spike rapidly and degrade the remaining components. Experiencing a dry hit is a clear indication that the device is operating in a manner that produces potentially toxic compounds.