Dry hits / burnt taste when I vape

Vaping should be simple and enjoyable—but hiccups happen. The good news is most issues are quick to fix. We’ve put together this handy troubleshooting guide covering the most common vape problems customers ask us about. Keep it bookmarked, and the next time your device plays up, you’ll be back to enjoying your vape in no time.
Dry hits are the worst. They happen when the coil’s cotton isn’t saturated, so it overheats and scorches. Here’s how to fix it fast and stop it coming back.
Quick fixes (do these now)
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Stop vaping for 5–10 minutes. Let the wick re-soak.
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Top up or replace the pod/coil. If liquid is below the coil ports (or tastes burnt after resting), swap it—scorched cotton won’t recover.
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Prime the coil/pod. After filling/installing, wait 5–10 minutes; take 2–3 gentle primer puffs.
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Lower power/boost. Stay within the wattage range printed on the coil; drop a few watts if adjustable.
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Open airflow slightly and take shorter, gentler puffs with 10–20s between pulls.
Common causes & targeted fixes
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Chain-vaping / long pulls
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Space puffs out; keep draws ~2–4 seconds.
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High power for the coil
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Match wattage to the coil rating; avoid “boost/turbo” modes for MTL pods.
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Thick e-liquid (high VG) in small pods
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Use 50/50 (or 60/40) juice for most pod coils so it wicks quickly.
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Low e-liquid level
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Keep juice above the wicking ports; tilt briefly to re-wet if needed.
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Sweet/dark flavours
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These gunk coils fast → dry spots. Expect more frequent coil/pod changes or choose cleaner flavours.
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Cold weather
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Thickens liquid. Warm the device to room temp and take gentler puffs.
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Blocked airflow / tight draw
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Don’t cover air holes; slightly open adjustable airflow.
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Device-specific tips
Prefilled pods
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If burnt from new or within a few puffs, it’s likely a dud. Replace and contact the retailer with batch details.
Refillable pods (built-in coil)
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After each refill, wait a few minutes. If flavour weakens or tastes dry, replace the pod (often 3–10 days depending on juice/sweetness).
Tanks with replaceable coils
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Drip a few drops of e-liquid on exposed cotton before installing (if applicable).
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After filling, close airflow, take a few primer puffs (don’t fire), then reopen airflow and start low wattage.
Disposables
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You can’t fix a scorched wick. If it tastes burnt early, it’s faulty—stop using and seek a replacement.
Prevention checklist
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Right juice ratio for your coil (pods like 50/50).
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Stay within rated wattage.
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Prime & rest after new coil/pod or refill.
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Short, spaced puffs (10–20s between).
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Replace coils/pods sooner with sweet/dark flavours.
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Keep device upright and out of extreme heat/cold.
Safety
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Persistent burnt/charred taste = stop using that coil/pod.
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Don’t keep firing a dry coil—you’ll damage the device and inhale scorched cotton.