Adults only (18+)

Why Do Vapes Burn

Many adults who use vapes will at some point experience a burnt taste or a harsh inhale that feels unpleasant and difficult to ignore. This burnt sensation is one of the most common issues new and experienced vapers report, and it can happen with pod systems, refillable kits and larger devices. Understanding why vapes burn is essential for anyone who wants a smoother, safer and more consistent vaping experience. This guide explains clearly and in simple UK English why vapes burn, what causes burnt hits, how coils work, how e liquid behaves and what adults can do to avoid damaging their device or inhaling an unpleasant burnt taste.

The purpose of this article is to help adults understand the science behind burning coils and to offer practical explanations that do not rely on technical jargon. It is designed for adults switching from smoking, adults who have recently started using refillable kits and experienced vapers who want a deeper understanding of how their device works. By understanding the causes of burnt hits, adults can prevent wasted coils, improve flavour quality and enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

Understanding What a Burnt Hit Is

A burnt hit is the harsh, unpleasant sensation that occurs when the cotton inside a vape coil becomes overheated or singed. Vape coils contain a small metal heating element surrounded by a cotton wick. The cotton absorbs e liquid, which vapourises when the coil heats up. When everything works correctly, the vapour is smooth, flavourful and free from the harsh edge associated with burning.

A burnt hit happens when the coil heats up without enough liquid in the cotton. With no liquid to cool and protect the cotton, the heating element scorches it. This burnt cotton taste is distinctive and lingers, often ruining the coil entirely. Once the cotton is burnt, it rarely recovers, and the burnt taste usually gets stronger every puff.

Understanding that the cotton inside the coil is what burns is the first step in identifying why the problem occurs and how to prevent it.

Why Coils Rely on Saturated Cotton

Vaping depends on a simple process. The coil heats the e liquid soaked into the cotton. The liquid turns into vapour, and the cotton remains protected because the liquid keeps it cool. If the cotton dries out, even slightly, the coil can heat the cotton itself instead of the liquid. This creates the burnt taste known as a dry hit or burnt hit.

Cotton must remain fully saturated to work correctly. If the cotton dries out at any point, even for a second, the temperature inside the coil rises sharply. This burns the fibres and damages the taste permanently. This is why many burnt hit problems occur when adults vape too quickly or too frequently without allowing time for the cotton to re soak.

Vaping Too Quickly and Not Allowing the Cotton to Wick

One of the most common reasons vapes burn is rapid inhalation. Many adults take repeated puffs in quick succession, especially when trying to satisfy nicotine cravings or when they are used to the habitual behaviour of smoking. However, vape coils need time to absorb new liquid between inhales.

When an adult inhales too quickly, the coil vaporises liquid faster than the cotton can re soak it. The wick becomes dry at the centre, and the next inhale pulls from partially dry cotton. Even if the cotton appears wet on the outside, the core may already be dry. This is when burning begins. Once the centre of the wick is scorched, the burnt taste remains.

Giving the cotton time to re saturate prevents this issue. Most modern coils re wick quickly, but they still require short pauses between inhales. Adults switching from smoking often need to adjust their inhalation rhythm because vaping operates differently and relies on a constant supply of liquid to protect the coil.

Using Wattage That Is Too High

Another major cause of burning is using a wattage higher than the coil is designed to handle. Coils have recommended wattage ranges because the cotton and heating element can only withstand certain temperatures. When wattage is set too high, the coil becomes extremely hot, and the cotton dries out almost instantly. Even a well saturated wick cannot keep up with the heat if the wattage exceeds its design limits.

A high wattage also breaks down e liquid faster than intended, causing caramelisation on the coil. This sticky residue traps heat and leads to scorching. Adults who enjoy warm vapour or thick clouds may be tempted to increase wattage, but this can shorten coil life dramatically and cause burning.

Staying within the recommended wattage range ensures the coil heats evenly and allows the cotton to remain saturated. This creates better flavour, smoother vapour and a significantly lower risk of burning.

Not Priming a New Coil Properly

Priming refers to saturating a new coil with liquid before using it. New coils arrive dry, and the cotton inside them is tightly packed. If an adult installs a new coil and immediately begins vaping without priming, the top of the wick may absorb liquid but the inner cotton remains dry. When the coil heats up, the interior cotton burns instantly.

Priming ensures the entire wick is soaked before the first inhale. Even with modern pod systems where priming is automatic, the cotton still needs time to absorb liquid fully. Many adults begin vaping too soon after inserting a new pod or coil, causing an irreversible burnt taste.

Allowing a new coil to sit in the tank or pod for several minutes before first use and taking a few gentle puffs without firing the coil helps ensure the cotton is uniformly saturated.

Using Thick E Liquid That Cannot Wick Fast Enough

E liquids vary in thickness depending on the ratio of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. Thicker liquids have higher vegetable glycerine content, which moves slowly through cotton. If a coil has small wicking holes or is designed for thin liquids, a thick e liquid may not absorb quickly enough.

When an adult uses a thick liquid in a coil designed for thinner blends, the cotton dries faster than it can re soak. This leads to dry hits and burning. Certain coils, especially those used in pod systems, are designed for balanced liquids rather than thick blends.

Using the correct liquid for the coil design is important. Thinner liquids soak into cotton rapidly, while thicker liquids require more heat and larger wicking ports. Matching coil design with liquid thickness reduces burning and improves flavour quality.

Running a Pod or Tank Too Low on E Liquid

When the level of e liquid in a tank or pod drops too low, the cotton may not remain fully saturated. Many tanks rely on gravity to draw liquid into the cotton. If the liquid falls below the wicking holes, the cotton begins to dry even if the tank is not empty.

Pod systems also experience this issue when adults vape until the pod appears nearly empty. Even a small gap between the cotton and the liquid can lead to dry hits. Burnt coils caused by low liquid levels are common because the device may still fire while the wick is partially exposed.

Keeping the tank or pod topped up ensures the cotton remains in contact with the liquid. This is especially important for smaller pod systems where the coil sits close to the liquid chamber.

Chain Vaping and Heat Build Up Inside the Coil

Vaping produces heat, and taking many puffs in quick succession can cause heat to build up faster than the coil can cool. Even when the wick remains wet, continuous heating stresses the cotton and accelerates wear. Overheated cotton begins to degrade, eventually leading to a burnt taste even without a full dry hit.

Heat build up also thickens e liquid inside the coil, making it harder for the wick to re saturate. Adults who vape heavily may notice a burnt flavour developing gradually over time. Allowing short breaks between puffs helps regulate temperature and reduces stress on the coil.

Taking Very Long or Very Hard Inhales

Inhaling too forcefully or taking extremely long inhales can increase the risk of burning. A strong inhale creates rapid vapour production which can dry the wick before it can draw in more liquid. Long pulls also heat the coil for extended periods, which increases the chance of scorching.

Gentler and more controlled inhales allow the coil to vapourise liquid evenly. This provides a smoother experience and prolongs coil life.

Using Old Coils That Have Reached the End of Their Life

Coils do not last forever. After days or weeks of use, residue builds up on the heating element. This residue affects how heat spreads through the coil and can cause uneven hot spots. Hot spots burn the cotton faster and lead to a burnt taste even when the wick still has liquid.

Older coils may still produce vapour but will show signs of wear. Flavour becomes dull, vapour production decreases and the cotton may begin to darken. When a coil is near the end of its life, burning is more likely because the heating element struggles to operate evenly.

Replacing coils regularly prevents burnt hits and ensures a cleaner and safer vaping experience.

Leaving a Device in Hot Conditions

Heat outside the device can also cause burning. When a vape is left in a hot environment, such as a car or a warm room, the liquid inside the coil can thin and evaporate slightly. This leaves less liquid in the cotton. When the device is used shortly after, the coil may burn because the wick is not fully saturated.

Heat can also cause small air bubbles to form in the tank or pod, blocking the wicking channels. If these bubbles remain trapped, the cotton cannot absorb enough liquid. This leads to dry hits that burn the coil. Gently flicking or tapping the pod can release trapped bubbles and prevent burning.

Inhaling Before the Coil Has Time to Heat Evenly

Some adults press the fire button before inhaling or inhale before the coil has heated evenly. This can scorch the cotton because the coil experiences a sudden surge of heat without adequate airflow to cool it. Waiting a moment after pressing the button or using devices with automatic draw activation helps ensure the coil heats smoothly.

Even a short delay can make a significant difference in protecting the wick from burning.

Faulty Coils or Manufacturing Issues

Although rare, some coils leave the factory with imperfections. A poorly wrapped coil, uneven cotton packing or minor machine defects can cause hotspots or dry patches inside the wick. When this happens, the coil may burn prematurely even if the adult uses the device correctly.

If a coil burns immediately after installation despite proper priming, it may be a faulty coil. Replacing it usually resolves the issue.

Final Thoughts

Vapes burn when the cotton inside the coil overheats or dries out. This can happen for many reasons, including vaping too quickly, using the wrong wattage, failing to prime a new coil, using liquid that is too thick, running a tank or pod too low, overheating the coil through chain vaping, using worn coils or inhaling in a way that stresses the wick. The key to avoiding burnt hits is understanding that coils depend on wet, protected cotton and controlled heating to function correctly.

By adjusting inhalation habits, choosing suitable liquids, staying within safe wattage ranges and allowing time for the wick to re saturate, adults can prevent burnt hits and enjoy a smoother, cleaner experience. Burnt coils are frustrating, but once the causes are understood, they become far easier to avoid.