Burnt Taste – What Causes It & How to Fix It in Vaping

Definition

Burnt Taste is the acrid, charcoal-like flavour vapers experience when the wicking material inside a coil is overheated or the e-liquid supply runs dry. In Australian vaping circles it’s often called a “Hit“>dry hit.” Far from being a desired profile, it signals that the cotton or mesh wick has scorched, producing aldehydes and other unpleasant compounds. Recognising a burnt taste is critical because it warns the user to stop inhaling immediately, preventing coil damage and protecting the vaper from inhaling potentially harmful by-products.

Technical Details

A burnt taste occurs when coil temperature exceeds the saturation rate of the wick. In Bottom Coil clearomisers or Mod“>Box Mod atomisers with Vertical Coil)”>BVC (Bottom Vertical Coil) heads, the wick must remain saturated at 60-80 % of its absorbency. Resistance, wattage and airflow are the key variables: exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended wattage range (often printed on the coil) by as little as 10 % can raise wire surface temperature above 250 °C, instantly charring cotton. Variations include:

  • Partial dry hit: intermittent burnt notes at the end of a long draw.
  • Full dry hit: sustained scorching taste from first puff.
  • Cotton singe: permanent discolouration even after re-wicking.
  • Mesh burnout: hot spots on stainless-steel mesh strips in Deck“>Build Deck RDAs.

Usage & Tips

  • Prime new coils:drip 5-7 drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick, then fill the tank and wait 5-10 minutes before vaping.
  • Break-in wattage: start 10-15 W below the coil’s minimum rating and increase gradually.
  • Check Battery levels: a weak Battery may not deliver enough power for consistent saturation, leading to partial dry hits.
  • Chain-vape cautiously: allow 20-30 seconds between puffs for wick recovery.
  • Safety: persistent burnt taste can release formaldehyde; replace the coil immediately and rinse the tank to avoid residue transfer.

History & Context

Burnt taste became a widespread issue in 2013–2014 when high-wattage Box Mod devices hit the Australian market faster than coil technology could evolve. Early silica wicks tolerated heat poorly, prompting the shift to Japanese organic cotton and later BVC designs that deliver e-liquid more efficiently from the bottom of the coil.

Share the Post: