A metallic taste while using a cartridge is a common and unpleasant experience that signals a fundamental problem with your device or its operation. This off-putting flavor, often described as tasting like old pennies or burnt metal, indicates that something other than the intended vaporized material is reaching your palate. Identifying the source of this metallic note is the first step toward resolving the issue and ensuring a clean, enjoyable experience. The problem can stem from consumable components, the device’s hardware, or user operation.
Coil and Wicking Degradation
The most frequent cause of a metallic taste is a fault within the atomizer head, which houses the coil and the wicking material. This happens when the cotton wick does not fully saturate, leading to a phenomenon known as a “dry hit.” A dry hit occurs because the coil, typically made of metal alloys like Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome, heats the dry or partially dry wick directly.
The resulting unpleasant flavor is scorched cotton and the metallic components of the coil being superheated. This premature burning occurs if a new coil is not properly “primed” by manually saturating the wick with liquid before use. Coils have a finite lifespan, usually lasting one to two weeks, before residue buildup and wick degradation impart a harsh, metal-like taste.
If the coil is running too hot, it can also lead to a “hot spot.” This happens when a section of the coil wire is not sufficiently soaked in liquid, causing it to glow red and instantly vaporize the metal. This vaporization delivers the sharp metallic flavor.
Cartridge Material and Hardware Issues
Beyond the consumable coil, the structural components of the cartridge itself can contribute to a metallic taste. Low-quality or improperly manufactured cartridges sometimes use cheaper metal alloys for parts like the central rod or casing. These materials may contain trace elements of metals, such as nickel, chromium, or lead, that can leach into the liquid over time.
The acidity of certain e-liquids or cannabis extracts can accelerate this leaching process by corroding the metal components, especially when the liquid is stored for an extended period. Poor electrical connections between the cartridge and the battery can also cause small, unintended electrical arcs or localized burning near the contact points. This burning vaporizes minute amounts of the connection material, releasing a metallic-tasting aerosol.
Troubleshooting and Operational Adjustments
One common operational error is setting the device’s wattage or voltage too high for the coil’s rating. When the power output exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended range, the coil heats up too quickly for the wicking material to draw in liquid effectively. This excessive heat instantly burns the wick and causes the characteristic metallic flavor, even if the coil is new. Users should begin at the lower end of the coil’s suggested wattage range and gradually increase the power until they find a satisfactory setting.
Another frequent problem is “chain vaping,” or taking multiple puffs in rapid succession without a pause. This practice does not give the wick sufficient time to re-saturate with liquid between draws, leading to a quick succession of dry hits. Allowing a few seconds between inhalations ensures the cotton is fully saturated and prevents scorching.
Proper maintenance also plays a role in flavor quality. Connection pins should be kept clean to ensure a stable electrical flow, preventing the micro-arcing that can introduce an off-taste. Finally, old or expired e-liquid can degrade and sometimes develop a slightly sour or metallic note.
Safety Implications of Metallic Taste
While a metallic taste is often caused by a burnt cotton wick, a persistent, strong metallic flavor, especially after replacing the coil, warrants attention to potential safety concerns. This taste can indicate heavy metal leaching from the device’s hardware. Studies have detected metals like nickel, chromium, and copper in the vapor produced by certain devices, particularly those with lower manufacturing quality.
Inhaling these trace metals over time can pose health risks, including potential respiratory issues and nerve damage. If the metallic taste continues despite troubleshooting steps like lowering the wattage, ensuring proper wicking, and replacing the coil, it suggests the hardware itself is degrading. In such cases, the device or cartridge should be immediately discarded to avoid further exposure to harmful contaminants.