The experience known as a “burnt hit” or “dry hit” is one of the most common occurrences for users of vaporizers. This harsh, acrid taste happens when the heating element, or coil, heats dry or partially saturated cotton wick material instead of vaporizing e-liquid. The coil’s heat scorches the dry organic material, signaling a malfunction in the wicking process. A burnt hit is usually a clear symptom of a fixable issue related to device maintenance or user habits, and understanding the mechanical failure is the first step toward resolution and prevention.
Identifying the Root Cause of the Burnt Taste
The primary reason for a burnt taste is the insufficient saturation of the cotton wick, often categorized into three main areas of failure. The most frequent cause is a dry wick, which occurs when the wicking material cannot resupply e-liquid quickly enough to the heating coil. This happens when the tank’s liquid level drops below the wicking ports or when a user engages in “chain vaping,” taking rapid, successive puffs that do not allow the wick enough time to absorb more liquid.
Another common factor is the misuse of power settings, where the wattage or temperature is set too high for the coil’s physical specifications. Every coil is designed to operate within a specific power range. Exceeding this limit vaporizes the e-liquid faster than the wick can draw it in, causing the cotton to burn even if the tank is full. This excessive heat physically scorches the cotton, leaving a permanent burnt residue.
The third cause involves coil degradation, which is a natural limit on the component’s lifespan. Over time, residue from sweeteners and flavorings, often called “coil gunk,” builds up on the wire and the wick. This buildup physically clogs the wick’s pores, impeding its ability to absorb liquid and leading to localized dry spots that burn when heated. Even with proper use, a coil will eventually reach the end of its functional life, requiring replacement to restore flavor and vapor production.
Immediate Troubleshooting and Recovery
When a burnt taste occurs, stop firing the device and reduce the power setting if the device allows for wattage control. Continuing to vape on a dry wick will only worsen the damage. Inspect the e-liquid level in the tank or pod and refill it immediately, ensuring the liquid fully covers the wick’s intake ports.
If the wick may be only partially dry, manual priming can sometimes help force liquid back into the cotton. This involves closing the airflow control and taking a few strong, unpowered draws, known as “primer puffs.” This creates a vacuum that pulls e-liquid through the wicking channels. After priming, allow the device to sit undisturbed for five to ten minutes to permit full re-saturation of the cotton.
If the burnt taste persists after these steps, the cotton material has likely been permanently scorched, and the coil must be replaced. Once cotton is burned, the charred flavor remains, and the wick’s structure is compromised, preventing it from functioning correctly. Installing a new coil is the quickest path back to an enjoyable experience.
Long-Term Strategies for Prevention
Preventing future burnt hits starts with the proper preparation of a new coil. The process of “priming” involves directly saturating the exposed cotton on a new coil with several drops of e-liquid before installation. After the coil is installed and the tank is filled, the entire assembly should sit for five to ten minutes. This allows the wick ample time to fully absorb the liquid before any power is applied.
Another preventative measure involves regulating the frequency of puffs and avoiding “chain vaping.” Allowing a brief pause, generally ten to fifteen seconds, between draws provides the wick with the necessary time to fully replenish the liquid that was just vaporized. This pause ensures that the cotton remains saturated and prevents the creation of dry spots during extended use.
Establishing a routine replacement schedule is also important, as most coils have a lifespan of one to two weeks depending on usage and the type of e-liquid used. The composition of the e-liquid also affects wicking. Liquids with a high Vegetable Glycerin (VG) content are thicker and wick slower than those with a higher Propylene Glycol (PG) content. High-VG liquids may require lower power settings and longer saturation times to prevent burning.
Safe Disposal of Vaping Components
When a coil or device has reached the end of its life, proper disposal is necessary. Vaping components often contain lithium-ion batteries, which should never be thrown into household trash because they pose a risk of fire and contain materials harmful to the environment. These batteries and any devices containing them should be taken to a specialized battery recycling center or an e-waste collection facility.
Used coils and pods should be separated from general waste, as they contain metal, plastic, and residual nicotine. It is helpful to place these components in a sealed container and check local regulations, as some areas require them to be treated as e-waste.
Nicotine in e-liquids is classified as an acute hazardous waste. Leftover liquid should not be poured down the sink or flushed, as this can contaminate water sources.
Small amounts of residual e-liquid can be absorbed into an inert material like kitty litter or paper towels and then sealed in a bag before disposal with household trash. For larger quantities of liquid or any device that is permanently damaged or leaking, contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for guidance.