A vape cartridge looks simple, but inside it has a small system that heats your e-liquid and turns it into vapor.
If you want a deeper explanation of how these devices work, check out How Electronic Cigarettes Work from HowStuffWorks, which covers the structure of cartridges, coils, and airflow in detail.
What Exactly Is a Vape Cartridge?
A vape cartridge (sometimes called a vape pen cartridge, cartridge pen, or just a cart) is a small tank that holds e-liquid or vape oil.
It connects to a vape battery, including 510 batteries or other cartridge batteries. When the battery sends power, the cartridge heats the liquid and makes vapor.
A vape cartridge has four basic parts:
- A small tank for e-liquid or oil
- A wick
- A coil (sometimes a mesh coil)
- An airflow path
These parts work together to control flavor, vapor, and smoothness. For technical insight on coil and wick performance, see Measurement of heating coil temperature for e-cigarettes – PMC.
How a Vape Cartridge Works (Step by Step)
The battery sends power
When you inhale or press the button, the battery wakes the cartridge. Power flows to the coil inside.
The coil heats up
The coil is a tiny metal heater. It warms up fast when power flows through it. Proper coil heating ensures good vapor production and flavor.
The wick pulls in e-liquid
The wick absorbs e-liquid or oil like a sponge. The liquid stays in contact with the coil.
Heat turns the liquid into vapor
The coil gets hot. The e-liquid on the wick hits that heat and turns into vapor.
You inhale the vapor
The vapor moves through the airflow path. You breathe it in through the mouthpiece.
For a detailed technical overview of cartridge airflow and coil interaction, refer to Understanding Vaping / ENDS – UL Chemical Insights.
Why the Wick and Coil Matter
These two parts decide the flavor, vapor, and smoothness.
- Wick: pulls liquid into the coil, keeps it wet, stops dry hits.
- Coil: heats the liquid, controls vapor temperature, and affects taste.
If the wick dries out, the coil burns it, giving you a burnt taste.
Mesh Coil vs. Regular Coil
- Maschenspule: heats fast, more flavor, smoother vapor, fewer burnt hits
- Regular coil: cheaper, slower heating, flavor not as rich
Most modern cartridges use Netzspulen for consistent performance.
How Airflow Affects a Cartridge
Airflow controls how warm, tight, or smooth your hits feel.
- Tight airflow → warmer vapor
- Loose airflow → cooler vapor
- Balanced airflow → smooth and easy to inhale
Good airflow helps prevent overheating and a burnt taste.
Why a Vape Cartridge Tastes Burnt
Burnt taste happens when the coil heats faster than the wick can supply liquid.
Common causes:
- Chain vaping
- Low liquid in the tank
- Thick e-liquid or oil
- Blocked airflow
- Overheated coil
If the wick dries, you feel a dry hit, which is harsh and unpleasant.
How to Stop a Cartridge From Tasting Burnt
Simple tips:
- Take slow, steady puffs
- Wait a few seconds between hits
- Keep the cartridge upright
- Avoid long sessions
- Store at normal temperature
- Don’t block airflow holes
These small habits make a big difference.
How to Know a Cartridge or Cart Is Almost Done
Watch for these signs:
- Flavor gets weak
- Vapor feels thin
- Coil heats fast
- Pulling harder than usual
- The liquid level looks low
- Hits feel hot after charging the battery
If you see two or three signs, it’s probably time to replace the cartridge.
Is It Safe to Use a Burnt Cartridge?
Not recommended. Burnt coils give harsh vapor and a bad smell. Replace the cartridge once the flavor fades.
How Long Does a Cartridge Last?
Depends on usage:
- Light user: 5–7 days
- Normal user: 3–5 days
- Heavy user: 1–3 days
Mesh coils usually last longer.
FAQ: Vape Cartridge & Vape Pen Questions
Q: Why does my vape cartridge taste burnt?
A: The wick is dry, so the coil heats cotton instead of liquid.
Q: Can I fix a burnt vape cartridge?
A: If the wick is badly burnt, no. But if it’s just a little dry, give it a rest so the wick re-saturates.
Q: Why does my cartridge taste burnt, but still has liquid?
A: Because the wick can’t absorb liquid fast enough. This often happens when chain vaping or using thick oil.
Q: Why does a brand-new cartridge taste burnt?
A: Sometimes the wick isn’t fully soaked yet. Try taking a few slow primer puffs before using normally.
Q: Is a dry hit dangerous?
A: It’s harsh and unpleasant, but not usually dangerous. Just stop, let the wick soak up more liquid, and try again.
Q: What is a 510 cartridge or 510 cart?
A: A 510 cartridge is a standard type of vape cartridge that fits 510-thread batteries.
Q: What are carts for vapes?
A: “Carts” is short for cartridges — the component that holds e-liquid or oil, wick, coil, etc.
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