Do Electronic Cigarettes Have a Burnt Smell and How to Fix It

You may notice a burnt smell when using your electronic cigarettes. This happens to many users and does not mean your device is broken.

Tip: Most problems like this have easy fixes. You can solve this issue with a few simple steps and enjoy a better vaping experience.

Key Takeaways

• A burnt smell in your electronic cigarette often comes from a dry wick, old coil, or incorrect wattage settings. Identifying the cause helps you fix the issue quickly.
• Always prime your coil with e-liquid before first use. This prevents the cotton from burning and ensures a better vaping experience.
• Regularly check and refill your e-liquid to keep the wick wet. Low e-liquid levels can lead to dry hits and a burnt taste.
• Replace your coil every one to three weeks, depending on your vaping habits. This keeps your vape tasting fresh and enjoyable.
• Use the right e-liquid for your device. Matching e-liquids to your vape type helps prevent clogs and burnt flavors.

What Is Burnt Smell?

When you use an electronic cigarette, you might notice an unpleasant odor. This is what people call a burnt smell. It can make vaping less enjoyable and may even cause you to stop using your device. You need to understand what this smell is and why it happens. Learning about it helps you fix the problem quickly.

How to Identify Burnt Smell

You can spot a burnt smell by paying attention to your senses.

• The vapor tastes harsh or bitter.
• You notice a strong, smoky odor when you inhale.
• The flavor of your e-liquid disappears or changes.
• Your throat feels scratchy or irritated after vaping.

Tip: If you smell something like burning paper or metal, you should check your device right away.

Sometimes, you may see less vapor than usual. The taste and smell often appear together. You should not ignore these signs. They mean your device needs attention.

Why Does Burnt Smell Happens

Several things can cause a burnt smell in your electronic cigarette.

• The wick inside your coil dries out.
• The coil gets old and stops working well.
• You use a wattage setting that is too high for your coil.
• The e-liquid is not compatible with your device.
• You forgot to prime your coil before using it.
• The e-liquid level drops too low.

Each reason affects how your device heats the e-liquid. If the wick does not stay wet, it burns instead of vaporizing the liquid. Old coils also fail to heat evenly. Using the wrong settings or e-liquid can make the problem worse. You need to check these parts often to prevent issues.

Main Causes of Burnt Smell

You may wonder why your electronic cigarette sometimes gives off a burnt smell. Many users face this problem. You can solve it by understanding the main causes. The table below shows the most common reasons and a short explanation for each:

Dry Wick

A dry wick is one of the most common reasons for a burnt smell. The wick pulls e-liquid to the coil. If the wick dries out, the coil heats the cotton instead of the liquid. You will notice a taste like burnt cotton. This happens because the wick starts to break down. Even if you use different e-liquids, the burnt smell can still appear. The problem may come from the wick itself or from common ingredients such as propylene glycol or glycerol. You may even smell burning if you try to use your device without any e-liquid.

Tip: Always keep your wick wet to avoid this problem.

Worn-Out Coil

A coil does not last forever. Over time, it collects residue from e-liquids and starts to break down. When you use an old coil, you may taste burnt flavors even if your e-liquid is fresh. Dry-firing a coil can make things worse. Residue from machine oils or old juice can stick to the coil and wick. If you keep vaping with a worn-out coil, you may notice a mix of burnt and metallic tastes. This happens because the coil and wick get gunked up and start to oxidize.

• You should replace your coil regularly to keep your vape tasting good.

High Wattage

Setting your device to a high wattage can cause a burnt smell. High wattage makes the coil heat up very quickly. If the wick cannot keep up with the heat, it dries out and burns. You may get dry hits, which taste harsh and unpleasant. Chain vaping, or taking many puffs in a row, can make this worse. The wick does not have time to soak up more e-liquid, so it burns.

• Use the recommended wattage for your coil to prevent this issue.

Wrong E-Liquid

Not all e-liquids work with every device. Thick e-liquids, like those with high VG (Vegetable Glycerin), can cause problems. These liquids move slowly and may not reach the coil fast enough. Sweet or thick e-liquids can also leave residue on the coil. This buildup clogs the coil and leads to a burnt taste. If you use an e-liquid that is not compatible with your device, you may notice more burnt hits.

• Choose the right e-liquid for your device to avoid clogging and burnt flavors.

Unprimed Coil

When you use a new coil, you must prime it first. Priming means soaking the coil in e-liquid before you start vaping. If you skip this step, the cotton inside the coil stays dry. When you heat a dry coil, the cotton burns right away. This creates a strong burnt smell and ruins the flavor. You may also damage the coil, so you will need to replace it sooner.

• Always prime your coil before using it for the first time.

Low E-Liquid

Running low on e-liquid can also cause a burnt smell. The wick needs to stay wet to work well. If the e-liquid level drops too low, the coil heats dry cotton. This creates a dry hit and a burnt taste. You should keep your tank filled to avoid burning the wick. Never try to vape with an empty tank, as this will ruin the coil and wick.

Note: Most wicks are made from cotton, which burns easily if not soaked in e-liquid.

Disposable Vape Issues

Disposable vapes can also produce a burnt smell, but the causes may differ. The table below lists some unique reasons for a burnt taste in disposable devices:

You should use gentle puffs and check if your disposable vape still has e-liquid. If you notice a burnt smell right away, the device may be faulty or fake.

Fixes for Burnt Smell

If you notice a burnt smell while vaping, you can fix it by following these simple steps. Each solution matches a common cause, so you can quickly get back to enjoying your device.

Rewetting the Wick

A dry wick often causes a burnt smell. You can rewet the wick and remove the burnt taste by trying these methods:

• Add more e-liquid to your tank or pod. Make sure the wick is fully soaked.
• If the burnt smell remains, remove the atomizer and blow out any old primer fluid.
• Soak the atomizer in a high-proof alcohol like Everclear for a few hours. Let it dry completely before using it again.
• Always check that the wick is wet before you vape.

Tip: Never vape with a dry wick. This keeps your device tasting fresh.

Replacing the Coil

Old or worn-out coils can create a burnt smell, even if you have enough e-liquid. You should replace your coil based on how often you vape. The table below shows how often you should change your coil:

If you still taste a burnt taste after replacing the coil, check whether you primed it properly or whether your e-liquid is compatible with your device.

Adjusting Wattage

Using the wrong wattage can burn your coil and wick. To avoid a burnt smell, follow these steps:

1. Check the coil or its packaging for the recommended wattage range.
2. Look at the coil resistance. Lower resistance (0.1-0.5 ohms) needs higher wattage (30-150W). Higher resistance (1.2-2.5 ohms) works best at lower wattage (10-30W).
3. Start at the lower end of the recommended wattage.
4. Increase the wattage slowly, in small steps (5-10W).
5. Take short puffs and pay attention to the flavor and vapor.
6. Stop increasing if you notice any burnt taste or smell.
7. Adjust until you find the best balance for your device and e-liquid.

Note: Never go above the maximum wattage for your coil.

Choosing Compatible E-Liquid

The right e-liquid helps prevent a burnt smell and keeps your coil working longer. Here are some tips for choosing the best e-liquid:

• Use e-liquids with a balanced VG/PG ratio, such as 50/50 or 60/40, for most devices.
• Pod systems and smaller vapes work best with higher PG content.
• Avoid thick, sweet, or high VG liquids if your device cannot handle them.
• Thinner e-liquids help the wick stay wet and reduce the risk of burning.

Tip: Always match your e-liquid to your device for the best results.

Priming the Coil

Priming your coil before first use stops the cotton from burning and prevents a burnt smell. Follow these steps to prime your coil:

• Attach the new cartridge or coil to your device.
• Add e-liquid and let it sit for a few minutes so the wick can absorb it.
• Take a few gentle puffs without pressing the button. This helps the e-liquid reach the coil.
• For pods, hold the pod upright, then turn it upside down to let air bubbles move through the coil.
• Cover the vape’s mouthpiece with your finger and take two gentle pulls, like you would with a straw.

Tip: Always prime new coils to avoid dry hits and burnt taste.

Refilling E-Liquid

Low e-liquid levels can cause a burnt smell. You should refill your tank or pod whenever the liquid gets low. This keeps the wick wet and prevents dry hits.

• Check your e-liquid level often.
• Refill before the tank or pod is empty.
• Make sure the wick is always covered with e-liquid.

Keeping your tank filled protects your coil and improves flavor.

Solving Disposable Vape Problems

Disposable vapes can also develop a burnt smell. You can fix most issues with these steps:

1. Put the device down for 30–60 seconds to let the wick re-saturate.
2. Take shorter puffs to avoid overheating the coil.
3. Stop using the device if the flavor drops or you notice a burnt taste.
4. Check the e-liquid level. If it is empty, the device is finished.
5. Clean the mouthpiece to remove any blockages.
6. Shake the device gently to help the e-liquid reach the coil.
7. If possible, take a few gentle puffs of primer to warm up the coil.

Note: If your disposable vape still tastes burnt after these steps, it may be faulty or at the end of its life.

By following these fixes, you can remove the burnt smell and enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

Preventing Burnt Smell

Regular Maintenance

You can keep your electronic cigarette working well by following a regular cleaning routine. Cleaning the atomizer prevents carbon buildup, which helps prevent a burnt smell. Maintenance also makes sure your device atomizes e-liquid properly.

Here are some easy steps for regular care:

• Wipe down the mouthpiece and tank with a clean cloth.
• Rinse the tank with warm water every week.
• Clean the coil area to remove old residue.
• Replace coils often to keep the flavor fresh.

Tip: Clean your device regularly to avoid poor performance and bad odors.

Monitoring E-Liquid

Checking your e-liquid level helps you avoid dry hits and burnt taste. Most devices have a transparent window so you can see the liquid inside. You should:

• Look at the e-liquid level before each use.
• Refill the tank when the liquid gets low.
• Replace your vape if the liquid is almost gone.
• Plan ahead and keep extra e-liquid nearby.

Using Correct Settings

Setting your device to the right wattage and airflow keeps your vape smooth. High wattage burns e-liquid faster and can cause a burnt smell.

Follow these tips:

• Start with the lowest recommended wattage for your coil.
• Adjust airflow to get a cooler, smoother hit.
• Change coils often to avoid a burnt taste.
• For disposable vapes, use settings between 5W and 20W.
• For advanced mods, do not go above 230W.

Note: Proper settings help control temperature and vapor density.

Storing Devices Properly

Storing your vape properly protects it from damage and keeps the flavor fresh.

You should:

• Store your device in a cool, dry place.
• Keep it away from sunlight and heat.
• Remove the tank and e-liquid if you will not use it for an extended period.
• Use a case to protect from dust and moisture.
• Separate parts to prevent leaks.

A stable temperature and safe storage keep your device working well.

You can avoid the burnt smell in your electronic cigarette by understanding the main causes and using easy fixes. Most problems stem from dry wicks, old coils, high wattage, or low e-liquid levels. Regular care helps you prevent these issues.

• Prime your coil with e-liquid before use.
• Replace coils every one to three weeks.
• Clean your tank and coil with warm water.
• Store e-liquid in a cool, dark place.
• Use the right e-liquid for your device.

Simple steps keep your vape tasting fresh and help you enjoy a better experience every day.

FAQ

What should you do if your vape tastes burnt right away?

You should stop using it. Check if you primed the coil. Add more e-liquid if needed. Replace the coil if the taste does not improve.

Can you clean a burnt coil to fix the taste?

You can rinse the coil with warm water, but this only helps a little. Most burnt coils need replacing. Cleaning does not remove all burnt residue.

How often should you change your vape coil?

You should change coils more often if you taste burnt flavors.

Why does your disposable vape taste burnt?

You may have finished the e-liquid. Puffing too hard or using a faulty device can also cause this. Try gentle puffs. If the taste stays burnt, replace the device. This article contains a detailed discussion: What Causes a Burnt Taste in Disposable Vapes? Reasons, Fixes, and Safety Tips.

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